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Welcome
Well-being - Enjoying - Experiencing: These are our three keys to bliss. In earlier times, only all 3 keys together could open the cooperative chest of the agricultural community at Förthof. This cooperation enabled its members to live in more prosperity and to have a brighter future. Today, the 3 keys of the Förthof open the gate to bliss for you.
Grape Harvest
When the sun sets earlier, fruits ripen and leaves slowly change their color, we know: The time for harvesting in our vineyards in Krems has begun. In one of the youngest vineries in the Wachau, everyone is happy to help.
Bliss
DER FÖRTHOF
Whether in our winery or as of 2024/2025 also in our hotel and restaurant, DER FÖRTHOF offers an unforgettable experience. Coming together and enjoying together is our top priority. Socializing with a good glass of wine in a relaxed atmosphere, far away from the worries of everyday life - that's what we call bliss. With its three keys, DER FÖRTHOF opens the way there for you.
Your host
HOTEL FÖRTHOF
"Good things take time" - to ensure that our gem of a hotel on the Danube is not only good, but excellent, we are now moving forward with construction after a long planning phase. The HOTEL FÖRTHOF with restaurant and wine bar is expected to open its gate to bliss in 2024/2025. We are already looking forward to welcoming you!
Wein & Genuss
Visit of the Lions Club Krems at Weingut Förthof
2nd c. A.D.
According to Roman findings, there was a heavily used Danube ferry between Favianis (Mautern) and the northern bank. However, first settlement findings date back to the Bronze and Iron Ages.
8th c. A.D
According to legend, Charlemagne (748-814) founded a court at the landing place of the ferry on the northern bank. This served as the residence of the ferryman and his servants.
1220
Rapotto de Urfahr was mentioned for the first time in the records. The civic recorder and coinage master built the Förthof residence. He and his father, Walchung von Stein, are mentioned as one of the first feudatories of the ferry.
1240
Originally, the ferry was owned by the German king, later by the Bishop of Passau, who lent it to the Duke of Austria in 1240 (Frederick II, the Quarrelsome, from the House of Babenberg, 1211-1246). He granted the rights of passage.
1291
The chapel adjacent to the residence was built by one of the younger Rapottos as a two-bay early Gothic hall. The filial church is dedicated to St. Matthias am Urfahr, however, it does not receive any parish rights.
1380
Enfeoffment of Simon of Ips with Förthof residence, which he sold ("Verthof gelgegen ob Stain") together with the Matthias Chapel in 1388 to "Friedrich den Chrafft, at that time toll collector in Stein".
1463
Construction of the Danube bridge. The Förthof loses its importance as seat of passage.
1530
Isack Aspan vom Haag appears as owner of the residence. He renovates the big building and introduces Protestant services to the chapel. They are held until 1613, although they were prohibited later.
1624
Ferdinand II (1578-1637) seizes the residence as princely fief and confers it to Dürnstein Abbey.
1788
After annulment of Dürnstein Abbey, ownership to Herzogenburg Monestery.
1802
Acquisition of the property by the Förthof agricultural community.
1850
Förthof village becomes the town of Stein. Until 1848, the medieval Förthof residence was part of the manorial system of Dürnstein.
1991
Helga Figl takes over the gourmet hotel "Am Förthof" from her parents. The building is located next to the historic Förthof residence. She runs the hotel and restaurant until her retirement.
2013
Helga Figl retires and sells the gourmet hotel to her regular guest Erich Erber. The first plans for renovation fall through due to the ageing building substance. The idea of a new hotel with the inclusion of the historic Förthof residence is born.