The history of Villa Egger

World celebrities at Villa Egger
Richard Burton, Liz Taylor, Clint Eastwood

During the time of the monarchy, this house was the seat of the K. and K. Gendarmerie (police force). The latter existed in Lofer from 1850, at that time with four men on foot, and two men on horseback.

In 1968, the premises were used when the international movie "Where Eagles Dare" was shot. For this action-thriller, international stars such as Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood set up their make-up and dressing rooms here; in the movie, the place was called"Gasthaus zum Wilden Hirschen", and Liz Taylor, wife of Richard Burton, was here for breakfast. The house on the church square in Lofer has enshrined this event with a "Clint Eastwood Room", which guests enjoy booking.

First mentioned in 1543, it bore names such as Starzer, Haidlhaus and Haydlschuster. In 1731, the house fell victim to fire during the great fire in Lofer. Throughout the centuries, the owners (such as Franz Schopper, mayor of Lofer 1850-1855) also acted as “Mesnerkrämer” operating the grocery shop at the building opposite (no. 18).

In 1908, Josef and Anna Egger converted the building into Villa Egger, with guest rooms and a summer apartment.

From 1938 to 1951, the municipal office and the registry office were housed here.