The Gruber Family has owned Hotel Almesberger since 1850. Franz Gruber, Grandfather of Walter Gruber, was innkeeper, brewer and farmer, and died at the age of just thirty one. His widow remarried - her second husband was called Heinrich Almesberger and gave the hotel its name, which has remained unchanged since. Originally the "Almesberger Brewery" could be found in the Aigen House No. 54 - the drinks trade has continued and has been expanded over the years, and today remains an important pillar of our company. Development in the hotel industry has been a constant see-saw, particularly during the two world wars, which were huge setbacks for the hotel.
The construction of the current company began at the end of the 60s: the events and dining halls were constructed in 1969, the indoor pool in 1971. The first tennis court arrived in 1977, and in 1979 the indoor tennis centre was built (the second in 1984 and a third in 1987). House No. 53 was demolished and rebuilt in 1986. Here the arrival hall and reception, the "s'Pfandl" and modern guestrooms were added. At the same time the seminar rooms were upgraded. Shortly afterwards the owners, Hertha and Walter Gruber, went into retirement. Their sons, Peter, Paul and Heinz Gruber took over the company.
Under the new ownership all guestrooms were newly designed with 110 beds, the seminar business was further developed, the "Wagenleitnerhaus" was bought and the "Stamperl" dance club built. In 1992 the large hall was reconstructed at a cost of 4 million Schillings. It was also clear at this time that the swimming pool required renovation - three years later reconstruction of the pool and a large sauna section began.
With the purchase of a neighbouring property in 1999 (Honzikhaus) we had the opportunity to further expand the business. At the start of the year 2000 architect Johann Thurner from Saalfelden was commissioned to create a design for the newly acquired land: twelve new suites and premises for a spa area were to be built here. Construction started in May, and the extension was ready on the 22nd December. This was financed by subsidies from the EU and an E.A.P. loan. A new reception and entrance hall followed in summer 2003, in September the new offices and in November the new "s'Pfandl" presented a very special "gastronomy adventure". This made our hotel complete!
In Spring 2005 a new accommodation area was created: the "Residenz" with 16 suites, plus a large fitness studio for our guests but also for sports enthusiasts who live in the region. The spa area was expanded with a volcano sauna, a tepidarium, an ice fountain, a winter garden, the "Fire & Wave Dream" relaxation room and a large outdoor swimming pool with a "wild water pool". In addition, a large aerobics room was created, in which today experienced coaches train pilates, Qi Gong, yoga, spinal exercises and indoor cycling. In March 2006 the medical resort area finally opened with a large celebration. The construction of the Residenz suites, fitness centre, sauna area, outdoor pool and medical resort cost around 5.3 million Euro.
In the Mühlviertel tourism region the renamed Hotel Almesberger - Medical & SPA with 170 beds and 94 employees is the leading operation ... and we will never stop expanding, because we know: "To stand still is to go backwards".
