From the words “kaiser” and “schmarnn,” kaiserschmarrn literally means “the Emperor’s nonsense,” and it’s easy to see why this muddle of broken pancakes is underwhelming at first sight. Legend has it that Elisabeth of Bavaria, wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, ordered her chef to cook her a dietetic dessert. When presented with his concoction, a rich, sweet dough cooked in butter and dusted in sugar, she refused to eat it. Luckily, the emperor loved it, and the delicious dish survived to be a favourite with visitors to the Austrian alps today.
A family affair, this restaurant has been around since the early 1900’s.
Christa’s
is the only place where you will find kaiserschmarrn with rum raisins prepared the traditional way. The restaurant boasts an authentic Tyrolean atmosphere; alternately, take a seat on the terrace to take advantage of the outdoor grill. A little busy at lunchtime so this is a good option for off-peak hours.
How to get there:
Christa’s is located at the top of the Finkenberger Almbahn.
Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria
The
Schneekarhütte
prides itself on its commitment to serving organic, locally-sourced food, and the quality of its dishes is exceptional. Each serving of “caramelised” kaiserschmarrn here is prepared in its own individual pan and served with apple compote. The ambiance and view are also fantastic; the Schneekarhütte doubles as a hotel for those who just can’t tear themselves away from this mountaintop paradise.
How to get there:
Take the red run 10 and you will see the two characteristic glass pyramids.
Kaiserschmarren á la Schneekar by Instagramer @koelnsuelz
Located on top of the Ahorn Mountain,
Café Freiraum
is situated at one of the most breathtaking locations we’ve seen yet. Served with plum “stew” and apple compote, the kaiserschmarrn here is the cherry on top of a perfect cake.
How to get there:
Freiraum is located in the summit station of the Ahorn cable car.
(c) Mayrhofner Bergbahnen
Tucked away in the trees, this
rustic alpine lodge
is one of Mayrhofen’s best-kept secrets. Phenomenal views and quiet surroundings give you the impression that you are one with nature. The slightly heavier kaiserschmarrn here is complemented with apple compote and mountain cranberry sauce. Guests can expect a warm welcome from the hosts, Christa and Gerhard. Be sure to arrive before 3pm, as the kitchen stops serving hot food after that time.
How to get there:
The Gschösswandhaus is close to the top of the Penkenbahn Gondola; go towards the “Babylift” and follow the signs towards the restaurant.
Delicious looking kaiserschmarrn at the Gschösswandhaus
The
Unterbergalm
opened a few years ago and is quickly becoming a favourite among Mayrhofen connoisseurs looking for a less-crowded dining option and honest, fresh ingredients at reasonable prices.
How to get there:
the Unterbergalm restaurant is located off red piste 27.
Photo credits : Unterbergalm
With its firm, rich dough, the Kaiserschmarrn here is second perhaps only to that of the Schneekarhütte. From the back terrace you get a view of the paragliders, or sit at the front terrace for more of a party atmosphere. The convenient location at the top of the Penkenbahn gondola also makes staying the night a great option.
How to get there:
Easily recognizable by its red-and-white polka-dotted umbrella, you will spot the Pilzbar from the top of the Penkenbahn Gondola.
My mouth is watering already! Which kaiserschmarrn restaurant will you choose?
From the words “kaiser” and “schmarnn,” kaiserschmarrn literally means “the Emperor’s nonsense,” and it’s easy to see why this muddle of broken pancakes is underwhelming at first sight. Legend has it that Elisabeth of Bavaria, wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, ordered her chef to cook her a dietetic dessert. When presented with his concoction, a rich, sweet dough cooked in butter and dusted in sugar, she refused to eat it. Luckily, the emperor loved it, and the delicious dish survived to be a favourite with visitors to the Austrian alps today.
A family affair, this restaurant has been around since the early 1900’s.
Christa’s
is the only place where you will find kaiserschmarrn with rum raisins prepared the traditional way. The restaurant boasts an authentic Tyrolean atmosphere; alternately, take a seat on the terrace to take advantage of the outdoor grill. A little busy at lunchtime so this is a good option for off-peak hours.
How to get there:
Christa’s is located at the top of the Finkenberger Almbahn.
Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria
The
Schneekarhütte
prides itself on its commitment to serving organic, locally-sourced food, and the quality of its dishes is exceptional. Each serving of “caramelised” kaiserschmarrn here is prepared in its own individual pan and served with apple compote. The ambiance and view are also fantastic; the Schneekarhütte doubles as a hotel for those who just can’t tear themselves away from this mountaintop paradise.
How to get there:
Take the red run 10 and you will see the two characteristic glass pyramids.
Kaiserschmarren á la Schneekar by Instagramer @koelnsuelz
Located on top of the Ahorn Mountain,
Café Freiraum
is situated at one of the most breathtaking locations we’ve seen yet. Served with plum “stew” and apple compote, the kaiserschmarrn here is the cherry on top of a perfect cake.
How to get there:
Freiraum is located in the summit station of the Ahorn cable car.
(c) Mayrhofner Bergbahnen
Tucked away in the trees, this
rustic alpine lodge
is one of Mayrhofen’s best-kept secrets. Phenomenal views and quiet surroundings give you the impression that you are one with nature. The slightly heavier kaiserschmarrn here is complemented with apple compote and mountain cranberry sauce. Guests can expect a warm welcome from the hosts, Christa and Gerhard. Be sure to arrive before 3pm, as the kitchen stops serving hot food after that time.
How to get there:
The Gschösswandhaus is close to the top of the Penkenbahn Gondola; go towards the “Babylift” and follow the signs towards the restaurant.
Delicious looking kaiserschmarrn at the Gschösswandhaus
The
Unterbergalm
opened a few years ago and is quickly becoming a favourite among Mayrhofen connoisseurs looking for a less-crowded dining option and honest, fresh ingredients at reasonable prices.
How to get there:
the Unterbergalm restaurant is located off red piste 27.
Photo credits : Unterbergalm
With its firm, rich dough, the Kaiserschmarrn here is second perhaps only to that of the Schneekarhütte. From the back terrace you get a view of the paragliders, or sit at the front terrace for more of a party atmosphere. The convenient location at the top of the Penkenbahn gondola also makes staying the night a great option.
How to get there:
Easily recognizable by its red-and-white polka-dotted umbrella, you will spot the Pilzbar from the top of the Penkenbahn Gondola.
My mouth is watering already! Which kaiserschmarrn restaurant will you choose?
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
