The Hartl family

A traditional inn celebrates two anniversaries!

The Hartl family: Reinhard with his girlfriend Ingrid, his children Reinhard and Stefanie and his parents Albert and Margarethe Hartl, who still help out diligently at the inn.

(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

The Hartl restaurant family in Neuhaus is celebrating two anniversaries this Sunday: 250 years of the vulgar name "Zum Wirth" and 140 years of Gasthof Hartl. 

The private Liaunig Art Museum points the way to the village of Neuhaus with its 1000 inhabitants. An inn has shaped social life there for centuries. The inn, which was popularly known as "Wirth na Suhi", was first mentioned in a document 250 years ago. "Back then, the inn was run by the Scherzer family. The vulgar name of the house was Gasthof 'Zum Wirth', which is how it was spelled back then," explains innkeeper Reinhard Hartl (53).

The Liaunig Museum on the road points the way to Neuhaus, where 250 years of innkeeping tradition are written.

(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

His grandfather Albert Hartl once came to Lower Carinthia from the Gailtal valley and married Theresia Scherzer here. That was in 1884, and the name Hartl was added to the Vulgo name. His son Albert Hartl took over the inn in the second generation. The now 83-year-old was born in 1941 as a quadruplet. "It's a very sad story. When we siblings were six months old, we got measles. I was the only one to survive the disease," says the 83-year-old. In 1942, part of the inn burned down. Where the Hartl Lounge is today, there used to be a department store.

This part of the inn still stands today.

(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

Grandfather Albert Hartl (right) with confirmands in front of the former department store.

(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

"Work makes life sweet"
Albert Hartl married his wife Margarethe. Their sons Reinhard (53) and Christian (49) were born from this marriage. Albert Hartl: "I've always been a passionate landlord, and I still am. Welcoming and pampering our guests like royalty was and is a matter close to my heart." His Margarethe, who ran the kitchen for decades, has of course passed on her secret recipes - especially Hadngerichte. The 78-year-old: "Work makes life sweet. The kitchen is still my kingdom." The couple have run the farm together, built a guest house and extended the hall in the inn twice.

The stable work brings a little relaxation.

(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

The two chefs Reinhard senior and junior are in the kitchen and spoil their guests. Many secret recipes are handed down through the generations.

(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

In Reinhard junior's childhood, it was customary for musicians to play in the inn.

(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

His son Reinhard, who has managed the inn including the farm for 26 years, is the third generation to do so: "In the past, everyone used to meet at the inn. Back then, it was customary for musicians to play." But because it had slowly become too colorful, the Hartl-Stadl was expanded into a festival area. Today, the stars of the folk music and pop scene meet at events in the Stadl. Reinhard has also managed to firmly anchor his children Stefanie (28) and Reinhard junior (25) in the family business: "At festivals, a full inn, the whole family is involved," says the 53-year-old. Including his girlfriend Ingrid.

New challenges for the fourth generation
At his side in the kitchen, his son Reinhard wears the chef's hat: "I grew up in the inn. Even as a child, I accompanied the jolly Lavanttaler on the harmonica." Reinhard junior loves his job: "It's nice when our guests are happy." Although it's not always easy being an innkeeper: "Today, in the fourth generation, we have to deal with a shortage of skilled workers and official requirements that aren't always fun." Junior's favorite dish is undoubtedly the Hadnkranznudeln (see photo below): "They're made according to grandma's secret recipe, and of course we don't tell anyone."

The famous Hadnkranznudeln according to grandma's secret recipe!

(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

The two anniversaries of 250 years of the "Zum Wirth" inn and 140 years of Gasthof Hartl will be celebrated next Sunday. And guests can look forward not only to culinary delicacies, but also to lots of music.