In an increasingly hectic world in which everything is always available, the need for peace and relaxation is becoming ever greater. Many people long for a break from everyday life and seek relaxation in silence - or, as the "Finest Hideaway" Hotel Seefischer on Lake Millstatt in Carinthia puts it: in "nothing". The 4-star superior hotel now offers its guests what has become a rarity in the modern world: absolute "nothing".
Elisabeth and Michael Berndl, the hosts of the Seefischer, have made it their mission to offer their guests a unique retreat where they can escape the hustle and bustle of the world and experience "nothingness" in the midst of Carinthia's breathtaking nature. "In a world where almost everything is available to so many people at any time, nothingness becomes a seductive luxury," explains the host couple. In their hotel, they not only offer first-class service, but also a philosophy that emphasizes the value of emptiness and reflection.
The “nothing” as a conscious experience
Guests of the Seefischer Hotel can experience "nothingness" in many different ways. At a time when constant accessibility and the urge for activities dominate everyday life, the hotel offers quiet retreats and unique experiences in nature to enable people to go within themselves and forget the world for a moment. These experiences are well thought out and tailored to different needs:
This includes an unplugged hike to a hidden stone house in the middle of the forest, where there are no distractions of the modern world. If you want, you can go on a lonely rowing boat trip through the mist of Lake Millstatt in the early morning hours and enjoy the peaceful silence of the awakening day. Others experience the power of nature and the calming effect of darkness on a moon hike to the mystical power spots of the Mirnock mountain.
The "nothingness" can also be found in the lake sauna, which is built on stilts and is located directly on the shore of the lake. Here, guests can breathe deeply while looking out over the deserted water and find the peace in the proverbial "nothingness" that they often lack in everyday life. Innovative approaches such as breath work and cold bath sessions in a natural spring are also among the offers that help to calm the body and mind.
Philosophical and artistic inspiration
In order to develop the concept of "nothingness", Elisabeth and Michael Berndl studied artists and philosophers intensively. One of the most important sources of inspiration was the French existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre, who in his work "Being and Nothingness" describes emptiness as a space of freedom and decision. This philosophical debate shapes the concept of the Seefischer Hotel: by experiencing silence, guests should be given the opportunity to reflect on themselves and develop new perspectives.
Artists who are regular guests at the Seefischer as part of the “Artist in Residence” program also repeatedly report on a special atmosphere of emptiness that surrounds this place. This creative emptiness enables the artists to develop new ideas and concentrate on their work. The connection between art and philosophy underlines the special role that “nothingness” plays in the Seefischer: It is not just an absence of things, but a state that creates space for new thoughts and experiences.
Year-round offer: The “nothing” in the changing seasons
The "nothing" experience at Seefischer is not a seasonal attraction, but is offered all year round. Especially in autumn, winter and spring, when the region around Lake Millstatt is enveloped in a mystical calm, the silence shows its most impressive side. The lake seems even quieter and more untouched at these times of the year, which makes the "nothing" an intense experience.
Even in the height of summer, when many tourist regions are full of hustle and bustle and crowds, the Seefischer remains an idyllic place. The hotel sees itself as a retreat that, despite its popularity, never loses its peace and seclusion. This special combination of luxury, closeness to nature and silence has made the Seefischer one of the most popular hideaways for people looking for a break from the world for years.
The luxury of retreat
With its offer of "nothing", the Seefischer Hotel hits the nerve of the times. In an era in which digitalization, noise and constant availability shape the lives of many people, silence is becoming a luxury. The conscious renunciation of activity, entertainment and constant distraction allows guests to slow down and find themselves again.
The Seefischer concept shows that real luxury does not always have to consist of material things. Rather, it is about creating moments of peace in which people can experience themselves anew. Staying in the "nothingness" of the Seefischer on Lake Millstatt is an invitation to leave the world behind for a moment and discover silence as a source of strength and inspiration.