HLF Krems

What HLF Krems does

HLF Krems (Höhere Lehranstalt für Tourismus Krems) is a public federal tourism and hospitality school located in Krems an der Donau, Lower Austria. Founded in 1975, it operates as a Bundeslehranstalt under the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education and serves roughly 600 students aged approximately 14–19 across two core programmes: a five-year Higher Federal Tourism School (HLT) leading to Matura and a bachelor pathway, and a three-year Hotel Specialist School (HF). The school functions as a teaching hotel, running an on-site Bundesschülerheim, a student practice company (Übungsfirma Kremser Spritzer), and supplementary certification courses (EBC*L, Jungbarkeeper, Barista, Sommelier).

The institution is integrated with a curated network of more than 20 industry partners — including IPP Hotels, Otto Raimitz, Weingut der Stadt Krems, Transgourmet, Seminargo, Monin, Weber, DO&CO, and Falkensteiner — that provide internships, apprenticeships, and curriculum inputs. Technology footprint is limited to standard administrative tools (Microsoft 365, WebUntis scheduling, Eaty Kitchen meal planning); no proprietary platform, AI, or data assets are disclosed.

Revenue is structurally non-commercial: the school is funded by the Austrian federal and state governments, with no tuition fees charged to students. Selectivity is institutionally low (any student meeting entry requirements is admitted), and the primary "customers" are students and their families, while the de facto revenue counterparty is the Austrian government. Strategic activity in the past decade has focused on internationalization (Bulgarian branch campus from 2017), partnership expansion, and credentialing (Entrepreneurship School certification 2021), culminating in a 50th anniversary milestone in 2025.

Name

HLF Krems

Legal name

Bundeslehranstalten für Tourismus Krems

Website

https://hlfkrems.ac.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

HLF Krems is a public federal tourism and hospitality school in Krems, Austria, offering five-year and three-year vocational programmes to roughly 600 students aged 14–19, funded by the Austrian government and partnered with 20+ hospitality industry employers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Tourism and Hospitality Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Hospitality, Tourism & Sports Management Schools (within Business Schools) (EDAHAHAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Student & Youth Hostels (Youth Organization/HI-style) (THAGAGAH), Under-18 / High School-to-University Foundation Pathways (EDAIAJAI)

Keywords

• Tourism vocational education
• Hospitality school
• Hotel management training
• Tourism Matura programme
• Vocational tourism school

Headquarters

HQ city

Krems

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Education: As a Bundeslehranstalt (federal educational institution) in Austria, HLF Krems operates as a publicly funded school. Revenue is derived from federal and state (Niederösterreich) government education budgets rather than direct tuition from students.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

HLF Krems is a publicly funded Austrian federal tourism and hospitality school that delivers two vocational programmes: a five-year Higher Federal Tourism School (HLT) combining tourism vocational training with Matura (university entrance qualification), and a three-year Hotel Specialist School (HF) focused on hospitality practice with the option of Berufsreifeprüfung. The school operates an on-campus Bundesschülerheim (teaching hotel) for residential and practical training, supplements the core programmes with industry certifications (EBC*L, Jungbarkeeper, Barista, Sommelier), and runs a student-managed Übungsfirma and Erasmus+ international placements.

Product overview

HLF Krems operates as a multi-programme vocational tourism school. Its core product portfolio consists of two main educational programmes — the five-year HLT (Höhere Bundeslehranstalt für Tourismus) providing full vocational training plus university entrance qualification, and the three-year HF (Hotelfachschule) delivering a more practically focused hotel trade qualification. These are complemented by the on-campus Bundesschülerheim teaching hotel for residential students. A suite of additional certifications (EBC*L, Jungbarkeeper, Barista, Sommelier, Barista, Coffee Specialist) adds differentiated value to the core programmes. The Übungsfirma Kremser Spritzer provides a student-run practice company for experiential entrepreneurship, while the Erasmus+ programme offers international placement. The school also operates Eaty Kitchen as a digital meal planning tool for its canteen.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HLT – Höhere Bundeslehranstalt für Tourismus (5 years) Five-year programme combining vocational tourism training with the Matura (university entrance qualification), enabling graduates to enter a Bachelor's degree in just three additional semesters. Designed for students aged ~14-19 seeking a dual vocational and academic qualification.
• HF – Hotelfachschule (3 years) Three-year practical vocational programme in hotel and hospitality arts emphasising Wirtshauskultur NÖ (Austrian tavern culture), with preparation for the Berufsreifeprüfung (vocational maturity examination). Targeted at students aged ~14-17 seeking faster, practice-oriented entry into the hospitality workforce.
• Bundesschülerheim (Lehrhotel / Teaching Hotel) On-campus residential boarding house that also functions as a teaching hotel, providing weekday accommodation and live hospitality training for students who do not commute daily. Used by boarding students from across Austria and international ERASMUS+ participants.
• Zusatzausbildung und Zertifikate (Additional Certifications) Supplementary qualifications and certifications offered alongside the core HLT and HF programmes, including EBC*L (European Business Competence Licence), Jungbarkeeper (in partnership with Monin), Barista, Kaffeekenner (Coffee Specialist), and Sommelier certifications. Designed to enhance graduate employability and provide industry-recognised credentials.
• Übungsfirma Kremser Spritzer (Student Practice Company) Student-run practice company (Übungsfirma) that plans, organises and executes real market events, providing experiential entrepreneurship learning. Integrated with the school's Entrepreneurship School certification framework.
• Erasmus+ Auslandspraktikum (International Work Placement) EU ERASMUS+ international work placement programme enabling HLF students to gain professional hospitality and tourism experience abroad, including exchanges with partner schools such as Rockwell College in Ireland.

Quantifiable outcome

• 63 students passed Matura exams in school year 2025-26
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers33 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Wirtschaftskammer Niederösterreich (Gründerservice)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023The Gründerservice (Business Startup Service) of the WKNÖ, represented by Mag. Holger Lang-Zmeck, conducted a Businessplan workshop for 3CHLT students building on the Expertenforum series. The session covered startup legal requirements, success factors, and practical business plan development for the elja® Gewichtstiere company case study.
• IPP HotelscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2022IPP Hotels, represented by HLF alumni Markus Hann and Katharina Prattes, signed a formal partnership agreement in June 2022. The company provides expertise and industry access to HLF Krems teachers and students, accompanying one full student cohort from 1st through 5th grade. Joint projects are planned as part of the collaboration.
• Otto Raimitz (Gastro Operations)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2022Otto Raimitz, represented by Otto Raimitz and Edith Widhalm, signed a partnership agreement in June 2022. As a Krems-based gastro expert, Raimitz provides F&B concept expertise and innovation knowledge to the HLF hotel management team. The partnership accompanies a cohort from 1st to 5th grade, with joint projects already in planning.
• eesi — Impulszentrum für Entrepreneurship-EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021eesi (Impulszentrum für Entrepreneurship-Education) certified HLF Krems as an 'Entrepreneurship School' in 2021 — one of 48 schools in Austria to achieve this status. The two-year certification process requires meeting 20 criteria annually. HLF Krems targets re-certification in 2024.
• TOP-Ausflugsziele NiederösterreichscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Since 2018, HLF Krems has maintained a strategic partnership with TOP-Ausflugsziele NÖ, a network of 53 quality-certified excursion destinations in Lower Austria. The cooperation provides approximately 25 internship placements per season for HLF students, distributed across member establishments collectively employing ~2,500 staff. The goal is for HLF graduates to be subsequently hired as permanent staff by member companies. HR Director Birgit Wagner oversees the partnership from the school side, while Mag. (FH) Eveline Gruber-Jansen serves as spokesperson for TOP-Ausflugsziele.
• Weber Stephan Österreich GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007Since 2007, Weber Stephan GmbH (grill specialist) has partnered with HLF Krems. The relationship was established by FOL Dipl.-Päd. Franz Krautsack when an HLF grill team participated in national competitions. Weber Stephan provides equipment support and technical expertise for the HLF grill team.
• Weingut der Stadt KremscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe City of Krems Wine Estate (Weingut der Stadt Krems) is a long-standing wine industry partner. General manager Fritz Miesbauer conducts educational tours for HLF classes covering all business areas: production, bottling, and retail sales. Students receive both business economics content and oenological fundamentals. Further joint activities are planned for autumn semesters.
• Transgourmet Österreich GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransgourmet, one of Austria's leading foodservice wholesalers, is a partner of the 3CHLT class. The partnership includes site visits to the Wien Nord location where students receive product presentations, logistics and warehouse tours, and tasting sessions in the 'Showküche' (demo kitchen). Transgourmet also participated in the 2022 network meeting hosted at HLF Krems. The company opened a Krems location in autumn 2023.
• Seminargo & Symposion HotelscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeminargo operates Europe's most innovative online booking system for conference hotels and venues. The company conducts expert workshops for HLF students on the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) sector, covering booking platforms, event planning, and distribution in business tourism. HR manager Sandra Weindorfer presents career opportunities for HLF graduates. Several HLF alumni work at Seminargo in roles including Meeting Planner, Hotel Sales, Invoicing, and Marketing.
• MonincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMonin, a global beverage syrup and flavour company, partners with the 3HF class through HLF alumnus Daniel Bouton. The partnership delivers the 'Jungbarkeeper' Masterclass covering non-alcoholic cocktails, garniture preparation, and bar techniques. Students are prepared for the 'JungbarkeeperIn' certification exam, providing them with a competitive advantage in the job market.
• Winzer KremscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWinzer Krems is a wine industry partner featured at school events and networking evenings including the Heringschmaus (herring feast) and the wachau GOURMETfestival. The partnership involves joint events, wine supply for school galas, and educational wine presentations.
• Lenz MoserminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWine partner supplying wines for school events and partner networking evenings at HLF Krems.
• Zwettler (Brauerei)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrewery partner supplying beverages for school events and partner networking evenings.
• KastnerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoodservice supplier partner of HLF Krems, mentioned among Wirtschaftspartner companies at the Heringschmaus 2020 networking event.
• Eva & Toni Mörwald (Gasthaus Zur Traube)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChef Toni Mörwald, a renowned Austrian chef, has been a long-term supporter of HLF Krems. He co-hosted the 1st Action Day of NÖ Tourism Schools at Restaurant 'Zur Traube' and participated in the wachau GOURMETfestival gala dinner alongside HLF students. The Mörwald family represents the 'Klasse Wirtshauskultur NÖ' programme, a key differentiator of the HF (Hotelfachschule) programme.
• Derksen Weine & MoninminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDaniel Bouton, an HLF alumnus and sales representative for Derksen Weine & Monin, conducts Schaumwein (sparkling wine) presentations for HLF students as part of the ongoing Wirtschaftspartner relationship.
• WINZER KREMS (Stephan Nessl)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWINZER KREMS presented a Jubiläumswein (jubilee wine) with support from the 5 CHLT class during the Weinherbst festival. The partnership integrates students into the winemaking culture of the Wachau region.
• Napoleon (Grillgeräte)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNapoleon financially supported the 5A class excursion to double grill world champion Adi Matzek. The sponsorship demonstrates Napoleon as a sponsor of practical educational experiences at HLF Krems.
• Adi Matzek (Grillweltmeister)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDouble grill world champion and master butcher Adi Matzek hosted a steak tasting for 5A class students with 15 steaks evaluated. The excursion was financed by Wirtschaftspartner Napoleon and provided detailed education on meat origin, cuts, preparation, and consumption.
• SonnentorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSonnentor, a renowned Austrian organic herb company founded by Johannes Gutmann, delivered a guest lecture to 5CHLT students presented by HLF alumnus Jürgen Mayrhofer (who also attended IMC FH Krems). The session covered the company's history, organic marketing, and its tourism offerings including the Restaurant Leibspeis and guided tours.
• Weinlodge Wachau (Familie Siedler)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHLF alumna Kerstin Siedler operates the Weinlodge Wachau in Mauternbach — a new innovative gastronomy concept combining guest rooms, a breakfast service, Sunday brunch, private and corporate event rentals, and planned cooking workshops. The 5CHLT graduation class visited for an excursion to learn about the integrated hospitality-wine-manufacturing business model.
• Ruefa (Österreichisches Verkehrsbüro)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRuefa, a subsidiary of the Austrian Verkehrsbüro Group, organized an excursion for 2C HLT to Vienna's Palais Event venues (Palais Daun-Kinsky, Palais Ferstl) and Café Central, providing insight into event management and Viennese hospitality venues.
• Gasthaus Zur Traube (Mörwald)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSee entry for Eva & Toni Mörwald above — Gasthaus Zur Traube is the flagship Mörwald restaurant hosting HLF student events and the 1st NÖ Tourism Schools Action Day.
• OS FEST Gesellschaft mbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOS FEST Gesellschaft operates six gastronomic brand concepts (Hofbräu Am Steinertor, Weinbar Leopold, Café Wohnzimmer, Hotel Alte Post, Sepp im Park, FESTival am Steinertor) under one corporate umbrella. HLF's hotel management team visited for a branding and customer journey workshop led by HLF alumnus Thomas Kalchhauser, exploring brand development, positioning, and guest experience strategy.
• Kremser BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Kremser Bank facilitated the ECO-Mania economic simulation game for 4th-year HLF students, who assumed roles of federal chancellor, company board members, and trade union representatives. The simulation made macroeconomic relationships tangible through impacts on prosperity, unemployment, and inflation.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves2 records

Direct peers

• Tourismusschule Villach: Carinthian tourism school with HLT and HF tracks under the same Austrian federal framework. Direct comparable offering similar dual-qualification outcomes and competing for the same shrinking Austrian youth cohort.
• Tourismusschule Modul Wien: Vienna-based tourism and hospitality vocational school offering 5-year HLT and 3-year HF programmes with Matura — a directly comparable Austrian peer with similar programme structure, Matura+vocational dual qualification, and central geographic catchment.
• Tourismusschule Klessheim (Salzburg): Salzburg-based tourism school offering 5-year HLT and 3-year HF programmes. Direct peer competing for the same Austrian cohort of 14–19-year-olds, with comparable Matura pathway and Bundeslehranstalt status.
• Tourismusschule Semmering: Lower-Austrian tourism vocational school with HLT/HF programme structure directly parallel to HLF Krems. Geographic and regulatory peer, competing for overlapping Lower Austria / eastern Austria student pool.
• Tourismusschule Bad Gleichenberg: Styrian tourism school offering parallel HLT and HF vocational pathways. Directly comparable as an Austrian Bundeslehranstalt with the same regulatory framework, programme lengths, and target student age range.

Broad incumbents

• IMC FH Krems (FH Krems): University of applied sciences located in the same city of Krems. While not a tourism-specialist secondary school, IMC offers tourism and hospitality Bachelor's and Master's programmes — overlapping downstream pipeline (HLF graduates who pursue the 3-semester Bachelor's route often attend IMC FH Krems, per the Sonnentor alumnus example in HLF data).
• SHMS Swiss Hotel Management School: Swiss hospitality management school offering Bachelor's and Master's programmes with strong industry placement. Comparable as a higher-tier European hospitality school — useful reference for how vocational tourism training can be packaged into higher-value international programmes.
• Hotelschool The Hague: Dutch hospitality business school competing in the European hospitality education market. Comparable on dual-qualification philosophy (vocational + academic) and serves as a benchmark for the international student-recruitment strategy HLF Krems could pursue.
• Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne: Switzerland's leading hospitality management university. Broader incumbent in the European hospitality-education space; useful benchmark for programme quality, international student mix, and employer-recognition levels that HLF Krems's dual-qualification model aspires toward.
• FH Salzburg – Tourism & Hospitality Management: Austrian FH offering Bachelor's and Master's programmes in tourism and hospitality management. Comparable as a higher-tier tourism-education provider in Austria; serves as an articulation pathway competitor for HLF graduates choosing university-level tourism.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@hlfkrems3591
• Facebookfacebook.com/hlfkrems
• Instagraminstagram.com/hlf_krems
• TikToktiktok.com/@hlf_krems
• Xx.com/hlf_krems
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hlf-krems-tourismusschulen

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HLF Krems