I grew up with brückenWIRT – and now I get to take on responsibility myself. For me, tourism is truly a matter of the heart, because in the end, it's always about people. Whether guest or employee – mutual appreciation is what lasts. I'm grateful to have my family and our team by my side on this journey – and that together, we're building something that not only works, but truly touches people.
Our Philosophy
The brückenWIRT hotel has always carried a strong female signature – led by women whose heart, foresight, and dedication have shaped each generation. From the great-grandmother to the upcoming fifth generation, brückenWIRT stands for hospitality that connects – warm, personal, and genuine.
At brückenWIRT, people and togetherness are at the center of everything we do – whether guest, team member, or partner. We believe in genuine hospitality, authentic quality, and the power of meaningful encounters. Our roots lie in Austrian inn tradition, while our outlook is modern and forward-thinking.
We aim to be a place where everyone feels welcome – where enjoyment, warmth, and reliability are felt in every detail, every smile, and every interaction. We stay grounded, think ahead, and take responsibility – for our region, our people, and future generations.
Our Values
Hospitality & Warmth
We create a welcoming, heartfelt atmosphere for guests and team members alike. Openness, honest service, and true Austrian hospitality are at the heart of what we do.
Diversity & Team Spirit
With staff from 15 different nations, we embrace diversity and a strong sense of unity. Every individual is an essential part of our team, and mutual respect is what makes us strong.
Tradition & Future
Family-run since 1934 and now in its fourth generation – we honor our roots while shaping a forward-looking, modern hospitality experience.
Quality & Innovation
Whether in the kitchen, in service, or in the seminar area – we blend tradition with fresh ideas to give our guests the best possible experience. Ongoing development is our promise.
Sustainability & Social Responsibility
We rely on regional products, act with environmental awareness, and support social projects through the Dr. Sigrid Schwarzenbacher Foundation. Responsibility is more than just a word to us.
Our Vision
Honest cuisine made with love, heartfelt hospitality, and a place that leaves a lasting impression – that’s brückenWIRT. Whether you’re here for a holiday, a seminar, or a relaxed evening meal: we want everyone to feel at home – guests, locals, apprentices, and team members alike.
Our Mission
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Supporting seminars: We create ideal conditions for productive seminars – with professionalism and warmth.
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Delivering enjoyment: Our kitchen brings together Austrian tradition and Mediterranean lightness.
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Fostering talent: We support apprentices and staff on their path – with heart, dedication, and a sense of responsibility.
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Evolving tradition: We blend the tried and trusted with fresh ideas and contemporary experiences.
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Acting sustainably: We focus on regionality, honest service, and long-term responsibility.
The Dr. Sigrid Schwarzenbacher Foundation
For us, social responsibility doesn’t end at the hotel door. Together with Petra Nocker-Schwarzenbacher as a founding member, the Dr. Sigrid Schwarzenbacher Foundation supports disadvantaged individuals in Nepal. The foundation provides personalized help through medical care, educational support, and social integration – always in close collaboration with local partners.
A living example of this connection is our colleague Suman from Nepal. One of Asia’s top trail runners, he has found financial stability through his work at brückenWIRT and is now training to become a restaurant manager. He plans to share this knowledge back home – a powerful example of how true responsibility connects people and opens up new perspectives.
Our History
Then as now, when the locals went to the inn, they often came to the Brückenwirt – a place to play cards, enjoy a Sunday schnitzel, or simply chat. A meeting point full of stories, hearty food, and good company. The journey to today’s 4-star hotel in St. Johann im Pongau began over 150 years ago, when the Brückenwirt was established as a local tavern.
In 1933, the grandparents of today’s hostess Petra Nocker-Schwarzenbacher decided to purchase the Brückenwirt and move from Goldegg to St. Johann. Back then, the inn also included the small Tennerhof farm. Through hard work and genuine hospitality, the Brückenwirt soon became a beloved venue for weddings and dance events. The kitchen table became a regular gathering spot for the local community.
After difficult years during World War II, the 1950s brought economic recovery. At the time, rooms with running water and central heating were considered modern luxuries – today, our rooms offer stylish comfort, thoughtful details, and cozy charm.
In the late 1990s, “Nocker’s Fit & Fun” was launched. Our country-style apartments and holiday flats have since been beautifully renovated. Today, Hotel brückenWIRT represents a successful blend of tradition and modernity – a place where history lives on and the future begins. Currently led with heart and dedication by Petra Nocker-Schwarzenbacher in the fourth generation, the hotel is run personally, passionately, and with a clear vision for the future. From 2026, her daughter Alexandra Schwarzenbacher will take the lead – continuing the family tradition with fresh energy and new ideas. And while some things may change, one thing will always stay the same: our heartfelt commitment to the people who visit, work, or simply enjoy life at our hotel.
For me, being a host means taking responsibility – for people, for values, and for our region. I’m proud that my daughter Alexandra is continuing this journey with just as much heart as the generations before her.
