The village of Heiligenblut, St. Vincent parish church and, in the background, the mighty Grossglockner: a perfect postcard image that has become famous around the world. To us, this is simply our home – the place whose natural landscape, cultural traditions and history have become an inherent part of who we are.

The first settlers in Heiligenblut can be traced back to around 300 BC. For centuries, agriculture and animal husbandry were their primary sources of livehood, until new occupations such as freight carriers (‘Säumer’) and gold mining began to bring wealth to the region.

In 1273, the first pilgrims visited Heiligenblut, to see the small vial of ‘Heiligen Bluet’ (holy blood) said to have been brought here by Briccius, a Byzantine general travelling from Constantinople. In 1491, the newly refurbished parish church opened its doors – now spacious enough to accommodate the ever-increasing numbers of pilgrims. From 1642 onwards, our ancestors provided lodgings for pilgrims in need of rest after a long journey – setting the cornerstone for a long tradition of hospitality within our family.

The first ascent of the Grossglockner, followed by the development of alpinism and the construction of the Grossglockner High-Alpine Road, all marked the early advancement of tourism in Heiligenblut. Today, Heiligenblut is a modern-day example of Gentle Tourism that covers the full spectrum of holiday styles: relaxation and adrenaline, nature and cultural heritage.