On the mountain pastures there are no ...

... unfriendly faces to be found, because with Mike Byell and his wife Maike, the Möslalm in Wörgl, Tyrol has found two new leaseholders who have put their hearts and souls into hospitality.

Kitzbüheler Alpen Lebenswege - Mike Möslalm

The view from the Möslalmkogel stretches far and wide. At 1,109 metres above sea level, it is actually just a small mountain compared to its proud neighbouring Tyrolean peaks. However, it is not the altitude that makes the ascent so appealing, but the expansive panoramic view that encourages you to linger and recharge your batteries. Just below the proud summit cross, there is a perfect place to enjoy the view. After all, the Möslalm - which has been run by Mike Schedlbauer and his wife Maike since 2023 - offers culinary delights with an extra dose of regionality. Both are actually ‘Zuagroaste' (blow-ins), as the locals would say with a wink. Mike is originally from Styria, his wife Maike comes from Germany. The two met and fell in love in a bar in Serfaus, where Mike used to work. ‘It was love at first sight.’ But in order to be closer to his sister, he and his newlywed wife moved to Wörgl to bring their family life closer together. Daughter Elea has been the perfect addition to this happiness now for the past eight years.

Thoroughbred restaurateurs with heart

Mike and Maike both come from the catering scene, which is why it soon became clear that they wanted to create something of their own in Wörgl. They quickly succeeded with the CityPub, but working day and night was not very family-friendly, so they both decided to try their hand at opening an Alpine inn. No sooner said than done. The family has now been at the Möslalm since 2023. There, they serve their guests only the best from the surrounding region. ‘The absolute bestseller is our buttermilk, which is milked and processed fresh from the grazing cows. Our daughter Lea is literally overjoyed when she is allowed to join the farmer in the barn with the animals and proudly returns a little later with milk she has milked herself.’

Proud of our authenticity & trustworthiness

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The family finally found what they were looking for at the Möslalm. Peace, nature and the economy to survive. However, it wasn't quite that easy at first. ‘Maike and I first completed a cookery course lasting several months with good friends in order to be able to prepare and offer the desired alpine hut cuisine. Today, I work in service and my wife has everything under control in the kitchen. With a mixture of classic dishes such as Tyrolean dumplings and specials such as brunch and barbecue evenings, we mix the traditional with a breath of fresh air. We do everything ourselves,’ says Mike, proud to be able to continue the tradition that has been practised here for decades. Because historically speaking, the Möslalm has a lot to tell.

A mountain pasture with history

At the beginning of its existence, the Möslalm was granted the so-called 'Schankgerechtigkeit' (Liquor Licence) by none other than Empress Maria Theresa. However, anyone who wanted to enjoy a worthwhile snack and a drink had to climb the steep, old mule tracks, and it was not until 1902 that the local beautification association decided to construct a hiking trail up to the alp. Today, the route is also adorned with a Way of the Cross with 14 stations, designed by local artists and extensively renovated in 2021. While the Möslalm often served as a refuge from the bombs in the valley during the Second World War, these days it is a place of strength that is popular with locals and guests alike. Mike and Maike are aware of the treasure they are allowed to look after: ‘We are very grateful to be here and to be able to continue writing and shaping the history of the Möslalm.’

#Kitzbüheler Alpen | #LebenswegeTirol