Gasthof Widenschek, a family-friendly inn in Thalheim
Gasthof Widenschek is a traditional inn with private-bathroom rooms in Thalheim, in Steiermark, Austria. It has a garden, a terrace, a children's playground and free parking, so it suits families, motorcyclists and travellers who want a base for hiking, cycling or the Red Bull Ring. Google rates it 4.5 from 41 reviews.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Gasthof Widenschek.
Where Gasthof Widenschek is and how to get there
Gasthof Widenschek is at Thalheimer Straße 41 in Thalheim, in the Austrian region of Steiermark. It is a country inn rather than a city hotel, so expect a quiet setting and a base for exploring the region.
Guests mention good train connections, and one says the inn is right opposite the station. Another review calls the location unfavourable, so the picture is mixed. The nearest airport is Klagenfurt, about 95 km away, and the Judenburg planetarium is about 7.3 km from the inn.
What the rooms and the house are like
The rooms have a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with linen and towels. There is free Wi-Fi, free private parking and a no-smoking policy. Breakfast is served as a buffet or continental style.
Outside there is a garden, a terrace and a children's playground. Guests describe the rooms as clean and nicely furnished, and one notes the antiques in the dining room and tasteful decoration all over the house. It is not a modern design hotel. It feels like a proper Gasthof, and that is the appeal.
What guests praise most
Google rates it 4.5 out of 5 from 41 reviews, which is a small sample. The positive comments are consistent and mostly about the landlord and the kitchen.
- The hosts. Several guests mention a friendly landlord and landlady who serve in person, and some come back every year.
- The breakfast. Described as great, with nothing missing.
- The food. Guests praise the grill, with a mention of food from the charcoal grill and a grill evening that older reviews say happens regularly.
- The family side. One group came with many children and the kids loved the playground. Another review calls it friendly to families and motorcyclists.
What to know before you book
Most of the reviews I have are several years old, so check recent ones before deciding. The complaints are specific, and you should read them.
One guest booked a family room with a private bathroom and got a room with an old toilet in the hallway and a shower in the room without a separate cabin. They called that unacceptable for a family room and the place pricey for what it offers, though they liked the breakfast and the friendly service. Another review, older still, complained that the inn was closed on a public holiday despite its posted opening hours.
| What works | What to check |
|---|---|
| Friendly hosts and good breakfast | Confirm the exact room and its bathroom |
| Garden, terrace and playground | Opening days of the restaurant, especially on holidays |
| Free parking and Wi-Fi | Most reviews are a few years old |
Who Gasthof Widenschek suits
I would choose Gasthof Widenschek in Thalheim for families with children, motorcyclists and active travellers who want a simple, friendly base and a decent breakfast. The playground and the garden make it easier with kids.
I would not choose it if you want a design hotel or a lively evening scene. And if you need a particular room layout, write to the inn first.
What to do around Thalheim
The description speaks of hiking, skiing and cycling nearby. For sights, the Red Bull Ring is about 21 km away, the VW Beetle museum in Gaal about 31 km and the abbey of Seckau about 32 km.
A short trip to the planetarium in Judenburg, about 7.3 km away, is an easy rainy-day option. That is a lot of variety for one base, and it is why I see this inn as a practical place to sleep rather than a destination in itself.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
