Scheffau is the quietest of the four Wilder Kaiser villages, on a sunny plateau below the 2,111 m (6,926 ft) Scheffauer, with the turquoise Hintersteiner See lake an easy hike away.
It’s smaller than Ellmau and calmer than Söll, and that’s exactly why people come back. The Brandstadl gondola carries you up to around 1,650 m (5,413 ft) and into the SkiWelt ski area in winter, and in summer it’s the start of hikes and family days out at KaiserWelt Scheffau.
The hotels in Scheffau below run from a 4-star superior hotel with chalets and a natural swimming pond to an adults-only boutique guesthouse, mountain inns by the lake and apartments you can ski home to. Each one comes with who it suits, whether it takes children or pets, and how close it is to the lift.
TL;DR
The best hotel in Scheffau is Hotel Leitenhof, a 4-star superior hotel with chalets, suites and a spa with a natural swimming pond. For couples, book the adults-only Boutique-Pension Jägerwirt, rated 9.7, and for families on a budget, Das Alpin in the village center.
Who Scheffau suits
Couples and families who want peace and quiet, hikers heading for the Hintersteiner See and the Kaiser, and skiers who’d rather skip the après-ski crowds.
Where in Scheffau
Stay in the village by the church for the bus and the restaurants, at Blaiken by the Brandstadl gondola for skiing, or up at Hinterstein near the lake for hiking.
Book early
Scheffau has fewer hotels than its neighbors, so rooms for Christmas, February and summer 2027 go early.
Short on time? The best hotels in Scheffau for each kind of trip
- Best luxury hotel in Scheffau: Hotel Leitenhof, with chalets, suites and a natural swimming pond
- Best adults-only hotel in Scheffau: Boutique-Pension Jägerwirt, a boutique guesthouse rated 9.7
- Best ski-in ski-out hotel in Scheffau: Kaiserlodge, with a rooftop pool and ski-to-door access
- Best hotel in Scheffau village: Das Alpin, opposite the church, with a free lake bus in summer
- Best hotel near the Hintersteiner See: Berggasthof Bärnstatt, 1 km (0.6 miles) from the lake
- Best chalet in Scheffau: Chalet Hinterstein, with a sauna, a hot tub and a fireplace
- Just browsing? Search all hotels in Scheffau, or next door in Ellmau and Söll
Is Scheffau a Good Place to Stay in the Wilder Kaiser?
TL;DR: Yes. Scheffau is the best place to stay in the Wilder Kaiser if you want a quiet village with the same skiing and hiking as its busier neighbors, plus the Hintersteiner See on the doorstep.
The Wilder Kaiser region is four villages along the valley below the Kaiser mountains: Söll, Scheffau, Ellmau and Going. Scheffau sits between Söll and Ellmau, on a sunny plateau at the western end of the Kaiser, where the Scheffauer forms the cornerstone of the range.
The Brandstadl gondola, an 8-seater in two sections, runs from Blaiken up to around 1,650 m (5,413 ft). In winter it’s your way into the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, one of the largest ski areas in Austria, and in summer it takes families up to KaiserWelt Scheffau and hikers to the trails.
The Hintersteiner See, a turquoise lake in the Wilder Kaiser Nature Reserve, is the village’s summer swimming spot. Our Wilder Kaiser summer guide and Wilder Kaiser ski guide cover all four villages.
Where to Stay in Scheffau: Village, Blaiken or Hinterstein
TL;DR: Stay in Scheffau village for the bus and the restaurants, at Blaiken by the Brandstadl gondola for skiing, or at Hinterstein near the lake for hiking and quiet.
Scheffau village, around the baroque church on the main street called Dorf, is where you’ll find Das Alpin, Gasthof Weberbauer, Hotel Kaiser in Tirol and the Kaiserlodge. It’s small, central and has the bus to the other villages.
Blaiken, down by the Brandstadl gondola, is the ski base. The Scheffauerhof and the Zum Schneider apartments are here, a few steps from the slopes.
Hinterstein, about 3 km (1.9 miles) from the center toward the lake, is the quietest of all. Berggasthof Bärnstatt and Chalet Hinterstein are up here, close to the Hintersteiner See and the hiking trails into the Kaiser.
Hotels in Scheffau Compared
TL;DR: Of the 13 places to stay in Scheffau here, eleven welcome pets in some form, one is adults only, and three have a swimming pool.
| Hotel | Best for | Guest rating | Children | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Leitenhof | Luxury, spa, chalet suites | 9.4 | Yes | Yes, charges may apply |
| Kaiserlodge | Ski-to-door, rooftop pool | 8.9 | Yes | Yes, charges may apply |
| Hotel Kaiser in Tirol | Skiing, half board | 8.6 | Yes | Yes, charges may apply |
| Das Alpin | The village center, value | 8.8 | Over 4 years | Yes, charges may apply |
| Boutique-Pension Jägerwirt | Couples | 9.7 | No, adults only | No |
| Berggasthof Bärnstatt | Near the lake, hiking | 8.9 | Yes, playground | No |
| Gasthof Weberbauer | A village inn | 8.7 | Yes | On request, charges may apply |
| Gasthof zum Wilden Kaiser | Families, live music | 8.8 | Yes, play area | On request, charges may apply |
| Pension Aloisia | Near the lifts, value | 8.5 | Yes | Yes, charges may apply |
| Scheffauerhof | Apartments by the slopes | 8.2 | Yes, playground | On request, charges may apply |
| Appartementhaus Zum Schneider | Ski-to-door apartments | 9.7 | Yes | On request, charges may apply |
| Haus Colorado am Gaisberg | Apartments with a garden | 9.0 | Yes | Yes, charges may apply |
| Chalet Hinterstein | A chalet with a hot tub | 10 | Yes | On request, charges may apply |
Luxury and Ski-In Ski-Out Hotels in Scheffau
Three hotels with pools and spas, two of them right on the slopes.
Hotel Leitenhof in Scheffau
A 4-star superior hotel of modern chalets and suites, each with a balcony or terrace, a wine cabinet, bathrobes and slippers. The spa has a natural swimming pond, and there’s an outdoor pool and a champagne lounge called the Salettl for the evening.
Breakfast is rated exceptional, and guests rate the hotel 9.4 out of 10 across nearly 300 reviews. Children of all ages are welcome, and pets are allowed, charges may apply. If you’re searching for a chalet at the Leitenhof in Scheffau, this is it, and it’s the hotel we’d book first.
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Kaiserlodge in Scheffau
Ski-to-door access, a rooftop pool, an indoor pool, a spa with a sauna, a fitness center and a garden. The rooms have kitchenettes and balconies with lake or mountain views.
The restaurant serves local dishes and cocktails, and breakfast comes with champagne. Rated 8.9 out of 10. Children of all ages are welcome, and pets are allowed, charges may apply. For a ski hotel in Scheffau with a pool on the roof, there’s nothing else like it.
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Hotel Kaiser in Tirol in Scheffau
At the foot of the Wilder Kaiser, with a slope right next to the hotel that runs down to the lift, and a floodlit cross-country ski trail alongside. The Kaiser Spa and the indoor pool are free for guests.
In winter, extended half board includes drinks with dinner and afternoon coffee, tea and snacks. It holds 8.6 out of 10. Children of all ages are welcome, and pets are allowed, charges may apply. For a hotel in Scheffau where skiing and dinner are both sorted, book this one.
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Hotels in Scheffau Village
Four places in or near the village center, from an adults-only boutique guesthouse to classic Tyrolean inns.
Das Alpin in Scheffau
A hotel garni in a quiet but central spot opposite the baroque church, away from the traffic. Guests ride the Kaiserjet bus to the neighboring villages for free, and in summer the lake bus to the Hintersteiner See is free too.
Every guest gets a free afternoon snack from 4 to 7 pm, breakfast is rated exceptional, and there’s bike rental and hiking gear on hand. Rated 8.8 out of 10 across nearly 600 reviews. Children over 4 are welcome, and pets are allowed, charges may apply. If you’ve been searching for the Alpin in Scheffau, this is the place, and it’s the best-value hotel in the village.
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Boutique-Pension Jägerwirt in Scheffau
An adults-only boutique guesthouse with balconies, garden or mountain views and air conditioning in every room, plus a sun terrace and a garden.
The restaurant does lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and cocktails, and breakfast is rated exceptional. It holds 9.7 out of 10 across nearly 350 reviews, the highest-rated hotel in Scheffau. Children and pets are not allowed. For a couple, it’s the most romantic hotel in Scheffau.
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Gasthof Weberbauer in Scheffau
A village inn a few steps from the church, with a sauna, a fitness center, a games room, a sun terrace and a garden. The family rooms have balconies with mountain views.
The restaurant serves Austrian food with local specialties. Rated 8.7 out of 10. Children of all ages are welcome, and pets are allowed on request, charges may apply. For a traditional Tyrolean inn in the middle of Scheffau, this is the one.
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Gasthof zum Wilden Kaiser in Scheffau
An inn under 1 km (0.6 miles) from the church, with family rooms, mountain views, a sun terrace, a garden and an outdoor play area for children.
The restaurant serves Austrian food with vegetarian options, and there’s live music and a cozy bar. Rated 8.8 out of 10. Children of all ages are welcome, and pets are allowed on request, charges may apply. For a family that likes a lively dinner, it’s a good fit in Scheffau.
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Pension Aloisia in Scheffau
A guesthouse 500 m (1,640 ft) from the cable cars, with a garden, a ski room and mountain views from the rooms. In summer there’s a free shuttle bus to the lakes.
Breakfast is rated wonderful, and it holds 8.5 out of 10 across more than 200 reviews. Children of all ages are welcome, and pets are allowed, charges may apply. For an easy, good-value base in Scheffau with your dog, book this one.
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Hotels Near the Hintersteiner See in Scheffau
Two places up at Hinterstein, for hikers and anyone who wants the lake to themselves in the morning.
Berggasthof Bärnstatt in Scheffau
A family-run mountain inn at Hinterstein, 3 km (1.9 miles) from the center of Scheffau and 1 km (0.6 miles) from the Hintersteiner See. The wellness area has a sauna, a steam bath, an infrared cabin and a relaxation room, and there’s a terrace and a children’s playground.
The restaurant serves Austrian food, and the free ski bus stops nearby in winter. Rated 8.9 out of 10. Children of all ages are welcome, pets are not. For a hotel in Scheffau near the lake and the Kaiser trails, this is the one.
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Chalet Hinterstein in Scheffau
A three-bedroom, two-bathroom chalet at Hinterstein with a fireplace in the living room, a full kitchen, a sauna, a hot tub, a sun terrace and a garden.
Guests rate it a perfect 10 out of 10. Children of all ages are welcome, and pets are allowed on request, charges may apply. For a chalet in Scheffau with a hot tub after a day in the Kaiser, book this one.
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Apartments in Scheffau
Three apartment stays for families and anyone who wants their own kitchen.
Appartementhaus Zum Schneider in Scheffau
Apartments at Blaiken with ski-to-door access, a full kitchen, a washing machine, a balcony and garden and mountain views. There’s a sun terrace, a games room and a charging point for electric cars.
Rated 9.7 out of 10. Children of all ages are welcome, and pets are allowed on request, charges may apply. For a ski-in ski-out apartment in Scheffau, it’s the highest-rated.
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Scheffauerhof in Scheffau
Alpine-style apartments at Blaiken, 100 m (328 ft) from the ski area, each with a kitchenette, a living area and a balcony. There’s a traditional Austrian restaurant on site and a children’s playground.
Breakfast is rated wonderful, and it holds 8.2 out of 10 across nearly 1,000 reviews. Children of all ages are welcome, and pets are allowed on request, charges may apply. For a family that wants to be close to the slopes in Scheffau, it’s the practical choice.
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Haus Colorado am Gaisberg in Scheffau
Apartments with a kitchenette, a dishwasher, a washing machine and a patio with garden and mountain views, plus a barbecue and ski storage.
Rated 9.0 out of 10 across more than 200 reviews. Children of all ages are welcome, and pets are allowed, charges may apply. For a self-catering family trip to Scheffau with a dog, this is the one.
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Browse all hotels in Scheffau on Booking.com →
How to Get to Scheffau
TL;DR: Scheffau is about 77 km (48 miles) from Salzburg Airport. The nearest main-line train stations are Kufstein and Wörgl, with regional buses on to the village.
Most visitors fly into Salzburg, Innsbruck or Munich and drive or take a transfer. By train, ride to Kufstein or Wörgl, then take the regional bus along the valley to Scheffau. Check the bus timetable for your dates before you travel, because services change with the season.
Once you’re here, the ski bus links the villages and the lifts in winter, and in summer a lake bus runs up to the Hintersteiner See.
What to Do From Your Hotel in Scheffau
TL;DR: From a hotel in Scheffau you can ski the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental from the Brandstadl gondola in winter, and in summer swim in the Hintersteiner See, hike into the Kaiser and take the children to KaiserWelt Scheffau.
In winter, the Brandstadl gondola takes you into the SkiWelt, and there are snowshoe hikes and cross-country trails around the village. Our Wilder Kaiser ski guide covers the ski area, and our guide to skiing in Austria compares the big resorts.
In summer, hike from Scheffau to the Hintersteiner See, about an hour on foot, and swim in its turquoise water. Ride the Brandstadl for KaiserWelt Scheffau and the high trails, and catch the village evening every Thursday. Our Wilder Kaiser summer guide has the hikes, and our guide to the best places in the Austrian Alps has more ideas.
The local tourism board’s guide to holidays in Scheffau lists what’s on, and Ellmau and Söll are each a few minutes away by bus if you want more choice of hotels.
When to Book a Hotel in Scheffau for 2027
TL;DR: Book a hotel in Scheffau for 2027 as early as you can, especially for Christmas, February and the July and August summer holidays, because the village has fewer hotels than its neighbors.
Winter is busiest over Christmas and New Year and in February, when school holidays in Austria, Germany and the Netherlands overlap. January and March are quieter, with long days on the slopes.
Summer runs from May into October, when the lake bus and the hiking trails are busiest in July and August. June and September are the sweet spots, with warm days, open trails and more rooms to choose from.
Hotels in Scheffau: Your Questions Answered
What is the best hotel in Scheffau?
The best hotel in Scheffau is Hotel Leitenhof, a 4-star superior hotel of chalets and suites with a spa, a natural swimming pond and an outdoor pool, rated 9.4 out of 10. For an adults-only stay, Boutique-Pension Jägerwirt is the highest-rated hotel in Scheffau at 9.7.
Is Scheffau a good place to stay?
Yes, Scheffau is a very good place to stay in the Wilder Kaiser if you want a quiet village. It sits between Söll and Ellmau, the Brandstadl gondola takes you into the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental ski area in winter and up to the hiking trails in summer, and the Hintersteiner See lake is about an hour’s hike away.
Is it better to stay in Scheffau or Söll?
It’s better to stay in Scheffau if you want peace and quiet and the Hintersteiner See close by, and in Söll if you want a livelier village with more après-ski and the Hexenwasser family trail. Both have lifts into the same SkiWelt ski area, and they’re neighbors, a few minutes apart by bus.
What is the most romantic hotel in Scheffau?
The most romantic hotel in Scheffau is Boutique-Pension Jägerwirt, an adults-only boutique guesthouse rated 9.7 out of 10, with balconies, a sun terrace and a restaurant serving afternoon tea and cocktails. Hotel Leitenhof is the choice for a chalet suite with a spa and a champagne lounge.
Which hotels in Scheffau are pet-friendly?
The pet-friendly hotels in Scheffau are Hotel Leitenhof, Kaiserlodge, Hotel Kaiser in Tirol, Das Alpin, Pension Aloisia and Haus Colorado am Gaisberg, where pets are allowed and charges may apply, and Gasthof Weberbauer, Gasthof zum Wilden Kaiser, Scheffauerhof, Appartementhaus Zum Schneider and Chalet Hinterstein, where pets are allowed on request and charges may apply. Boutique-Pension Jägerwirt and Berggasthof Bärnstatt do not allow pets.
What is the most family-friendly hotel in Scheffau?
The most family-friendly hotel in Scheffau is Gasthof zum Wilden Kaiser, with family rooms, an outdoor play area and live music in the restaurant. Berggasthof Bärnstatt has a children’s playground near the lake, the Scheffauerhof apartments have a playground 100 m (328 ft) from the slopes, and Hotel Leitenhof has an outdoor pool and a natural swimming pond. Boutique-Pension Jägerwirt is adults only.
What is the best spa hotel in Scheffau?
The best spa hotel in Scheffau is Hotel Leitenhof, with a spa, a natural swimming pond and an outdoor pool. Kaiserlodge has a rooftop pool, an indoor pool and a sauna, and Hotel Kaiser in Tirol offers its Kaiser Spa and indoor pool free to guests.
Which hotels in Scheffau are ski-in ski-out?
The ski-in ski-out places to stay in Scheffau are Kaiserlodge and Appartementhaus Zum Schneider, both with ski-to-door access, and Hotel Kaiser in Tirol, with a slope next to the hotel down to the lift. Scheffauerhof is 100 m (328 ft) from the ski area at Blaiken.
How far is the Hintersteiner See from Scheffau?
The Hintersteiner See is about an hour’s hike from Scheffau village, and a lake bus runs there in summer. Berggasthof Bärnstatt and Chalet Hinterstein at Hinterstein are the closest places to stay, with Bärnstatt 1 km (0.6 miles) from the lake.
How do you get to Scheffau?
To get to Scheffau, fly into Salzburg, about 77 km (48 miles) away, or Innsbruck or Munich, then drive or take a transfer. By train, the nearest main-line stations are Kufstein and Wörgl, with regional buses on to Scheffau. Check the bus timetable for your dates, because it changes with the season.
When should I book a hotel in Scheffau for 2027?
Book a hotel in Scheffau for 2027 as early as you can, especially for Christmas and New Year, February and July to August. Scheffau has fewer hotels than Ellmau and Söll, so the best rooms go first. June, September, January and March are quieter.
Search All Hotels in Scheffau on a Map
Zoom in to see every hotel in Scheffau, or drag along the valley to compare Söll, Ellmau and Going.
Pick Your Hotel in Scheffau and Head for the Lake
The Leitenhof for a chalet suite and a spa, the Jägerwirt for a couple, Kaiserlodge for skiing from the door, and Das Alpin for a friendly base in the village. Whichever you choose, the Kaiser will be right above you and the Hintersteiner See an hour away. Book early for 2027, and pack a swimsuit for the lake.