Hallstatt Brauhaus gasthof

Brauhaus Gasthof is a creative piece of work which has combined three former houses and a one time beer tavern (licensed in 1504) into a rambling 3 or 4 story place filled with old furniture and knick knacks, old portrait paintings, stuffed birds and animals and an eclectic mix of furniture.

The breakfast room for guests only is tucked away on the first floor next to the small reception and office area. Within this room each zimmer has its own assigned seating and we are tucked away in one corner of the room on benches. Behind Yvonne on the window sill looking out to the street below and the lake is a wooden bird in a cage and a bit like the monty python dead parrot it has not moved in the four days we have been here. Next to Yvonne is a large, obviously heavy set of drawers and writing bureau which has to be at least 80-100 years old. On the wall above the drawers are three plates whilst in the next corner sits a medieval statue some 2 feet tall and on the window sill sits another caged wooden bird. Along the wall we see 6 portraits. Two, a middle aged woman and an old man were obviously completed by the same artist in the early 1900s. Next we see a huge and very old water based heater made of porcelain whilst above the entry door there are a small set of antlers.

As with most eating places in these parts there are hooks set along the wall for hanging cloaks and coats whilst next to this is a very large bureau which holds the breakfast dishes, glasses, jugs etc. The buffet breakfast is typical germanic fare.

Completing our gaze around the room are three small paintings of local hunting and sailing scenes and another large portrait painting. There are huge beams supporting the ceiling and floor surfaces are either wood or slate, all uneven through wear over the years.

The gasthof has a series of old creaking wooden stairs which snake their way through the building and which connect to halls, sitting areas and various rooms of unknown use. It seems that the owners and some of the workers live in various rooms on several floors so we are never quite sure just who are guests and who live here. Various cabinets filled with old dolls, crockery and old utensils complete the mix.