Insect Hotels at Hirschengrün Design Meets Biodiversity

Bzzzzzz …There’s a little more buzzing in the garden at Hirschengrün these days. Together with Salzburg-based product designer Barbara Gollackner, we created a series of insect hotels that combine design, material and function while contributing to biodiversity in the heart of the city.

Crafted from oak wood the insect hotels were produced with Tischlerei Gollackner in different sizes. Positioned between garden, architecture and nature, they create new habitats for bees and other insects while fitting seamlessly into the overall design concept of Hirschengrün.

Creating Design Objects for Insects with Barbara Gollackner

Barbara Gollackner, a multiple recipient of the Austrian Interior Design Award, works at the intersection of product, interior and conceptual design. Her projects combine design with research, functionality and thoughtful exploration. “It was a wonderful little project that required an astonishing amount of research. All the more rewarding to see how well it works and that the first residents have already moved in.” (Barbara Gollackner) The insect hotels are not only functional objects but also part of the curatorial vision of our hotel. As a design hotel with its own art collection, we see design as part of a larger whole a connection between atmosphere, values and conscious hospitality. As an environmentally certified hotel, Hotel zum Hirschen actively implements measures to promote biodiversity and ecological outdoor spaces. The insect hotels at Hirschengrün are another visible expression of this commitment

Hirschengrün Receives the “Natur im Garten” Plaque

The project was inspired by “Natur im Garten” (Nature in the Garden), an initiative of the Province of Salzburg. The plaque is awarded to naturally designed green spaces that avoid synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers and peat, while actively promoting biodiversity. The initiative aims to create more nature-friendly habitats in both private and public spaces. Our garden at Hirschengrün is intended not only as a place of relaxation for guests and residents, but also as a conscious contribution to biodiversity, ecological design and a more sustainable approach to urban green spaces.

“We wanted to rethink the garden as more than just a place for our guests and residents to spend time. We wanted it to be a living habitat in the heart of the city. The insect hotels are a small but visible example of how design, sustainability and hospitality can come together.” (Katharina Richter-Wallmann)

An Insect Hotel for Your Own Garden

Guests can also purchase the smallest version of the insect hotels directly at the hotel as part of a limited edition. A small design object with a big buzz factor. For your balcony, garden or favourite outdoor spot. Or, to put it another way: a little piece of Hirschengrün to take home.