The people behind Wanderniki

Affectionately nicknamed “Wanderniki” (which is German for “hiking Niki”), the owner and founder of the Alpenhotel Wanderniki is there for his guests around the clock. As a passionate musician, he never misses an opportunity to entertain guests in the evening with his flugelhorn or Styrian accordion. He is not only the hotel’s eponym; he is also responsible for the place’s upkeep. Craftsmanship and traditional furnishings are close to the trained carpenter’s heart. Taking guests on the hikes to the Obergailer Alm is also part of his job.

Originally from Vorarlberg, she has lived in Lesachtal for nearly 25 years. She’s the hotel’s kind-hearted soul and spoils guests with her natural cooking by preparing light and regional culinary delights. Her main focus is on traditional Austrian cuisine refined with new elements. When she’s not in the kitchen, she can be found decorating the hotel. She makes all the decorative details by hand.

Nikolaus Jr. has completed five years of tourism school and seasons in South Tyrol and Nassfeld. He is a certified mountain hiking guide, a passionate musician, and has toured several countries with his band “Olmfätt”. He takes care of the guests with charm and enthusiasm as a waiter and, as a sommelier, recommends the best wines from Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. Once a week, he takes hotel guests on a guided hike.

As you might have already noticed, the gourmet gene is firmly rooted in the family tree. Daughter Caroline is also an integral part of the kitchen. After five years of tourism school, she discovered her true passion: cakes and pastries. She is a true cake artist and, on top of that, a barista, coffee lover, and great clarinettist.

She’s the baby in the family and has the most important task at Wanderniki. She keeps everyone on their toes – even our guests when she inspires them with her childlike curiosity during the guided hotel hike to the mountain pasture.

“You can do anything you set your mind to!” Our dear Rosa is always ready for action – and has been for over 70 years. She particularly enjoys baking bread and tending to her vegetable garden. In the evenings, you can enjoy her stories from way back when.

Sofie takes care of your well-being at the reception and the restaurant. With a lot of love, the trained hotel management assistant prepares offers for your unforgettable holiday at Wanderniki. In the morning, she puts a smile on guests’ faces with her tasty cappuccinos.