On Tuesday, 3 November 2026, the Kirchenwirt in Leogang was the setting for an evening celebrating centuries of Austrian inn culture. Together with the Gröller family from the historic Hotel Post am See in Traunkirchen, a special milestone was celebrated, bringing together the long history and genuine hospitality of two establishments steeped in tradition.
The Kirchenwirt in Leogang can look back on a history dating back to 1326. This makes the historic establishment one of the oldest inns in SalzburgerLand and represents 700 years of hospitality.
Likewise, Hotel Post am See in Traunkirchen, Upper Austria, has been closely associated with Austria’s innkeeping tradition since its foundation in 1327. Together, the two establishments represent around 1,400 years of history and hospitality – an exceptional occasion that highlights the close ties between two regions across generations.
The highlight of the afternoon was the symbolic handover of the flag from the Unterrainer-Kottke family, hosts of the Kirchenwirt, to the Gröller family. It symbolised the passing on of a shared tradition, mutual appreciation and the commitment to keeping the cultural heritage of Austria’s traditional inns alive for generations to come.
“To be a companion for a time, to carry a responsibility without an expiry date, to have the sensitivity to adapt the soul of a house to each era and to create sustainable changes that add value across generations. These are some of the ingredients that enable us to take pride in guiding an inn with 700 years of history through the present and preparing it for the future,” say the host family, the Unterrainer-Kottkes.
A culinary tour of the historic Kirchenwirt in Leogang and the listed Samerstall building gave guests fascinating insights into the eventful history of the establishment. The different historical periods illustrated how closely the development of the inn is connected with the history of the Saalfelden Leogang region and its social life.
During the informal gathering that followed in the cosy traditional dining rooms, there was time for personal conversations and encounters. Once again, it became clear that an inn is much more than a place to eat and drink: it is a meeting place, a place that feels like home and somewhere tradition and hospitality are passed on from one generation to the next.
The handover of the flag not only paid tribute to the centuries-old history of two traditional establishments but also sent a message for the future. After all, Austria’s innkeeping tradition is kept alive by preserving history, bringing people together and passing on the joy of hospitality.
