Chef Michael Helfrich and his team at 5-star Forsthofgut Nature Hotel in Leogang, Austria, invite you to explore the new fine-dining menu at silva. Fresh, seasonal and authentic are the operating principles at the new restaurant, named after the Latin word for “forest.”

The restaurant uses a range of traditional food preservation and prep techniques to allow for environmentally conscious meal preparation, including fermenting and smoking.

© Forsthofgut Nature Hotel

The restaurant seats a maximum of 10 guests, with a nightly choice of two tasting menus, vegan Meadow menu and classic Forest Menu. Dishes include braised mountain ox, locally sourced brook trout, stew of pickled mushrooms and salsify with hazelnut crepes. At the Botanist Bar and Nature Apothecary, cocktail choices include the Gimlet, made with Gin Rickey Marmalade Style with lime marmalade; the Lillet Berry with Lillet, purple berry lemonade, sparkling water and fresh berries; and Bloomy Glass, with lavender-rose-cucumber gin, Creme de Violet and Champagne.

© Forsthofgut Nature Hotel

The hotel itself — once a farm and forestry estate — is more than 400 years old. Views of the Leogang Rock Mountains, woods and meadows greet guests, who can relax, ski or indulge in treatments at award-winning waldSPA with a facial, massage or reflexology therapy. A selection of treatments, including Forest and Meadow and waldHARMONIE, are offered in the center of a forest clearing.

Cozy guest spaces include 109 rooms and suites, all of which exude traditional Alpine charm. There’s also a forest-themed wine cellar, 54-acre Mauthof Farm, and additional dining at Mizumi. Activities include hiking, seasonal outdoor yoga and biking. There’s also ski-in, ski-out access to Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn ski area during snow months.