Hotel Frida am Wald

At first glance, you might think that this two-part building with its wraparound balconies, wooden elements, and mountains in the background is a traditional South Tyrolean inn. However, if you take a closer look, you’ll quickly realize that this hotel on the edge of the village of Rasen-Antholz can’t be pigeonholed; it has its own unique personality. This isn’t just a place you’re checking into, but a whole journey of discovery—one that will leave you marveling at how casually and effortlessly different styles are combined. Inspired by their travels, globetrotters Katja and Stefan set about redesigning the hotel, which has been family-run since 1968. Its new look is urban and creative, yet also a little quirky. Mid-century cocktail chairs, heavy velvet sofas and rustic furniture, contemporary art and the scent of Swiss pine—Frida am Wald unites all of these features to create a wonderfully cohesive whole. The interior marries traditional and modern elements, using muted tones in some places, and intense, bright colors in others—it’s simply full of surprises! The rooms are individually designed, but they all tell a story. And each one offers a great view of the Dolomites mountain landscape, rugged cliffs, the deep green of the forest or gentle meadow slopes (making you want to go on lots of nature adventures!). The hosts describe the place they’ve created here as ‘a grab bag that bursts in your hands and showers you with stars.’ Who wouldn’t want to experience this magic?

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The mix of down-to-earth and cosmopolitan flair. The hosts bring the world into their home—not only through guests from all over the world, but also in the form of impressions and ideas gathered on their travels and reflected in the design of the rooms.
• The nostalgic vibe (how cool is the retro keyboard at the reception desk!)
• Each room has its own unique character: One is inspired by a ship’s cabin, another has a touch of regional charm; one is Nordic and understated in white, while another one still is almost like a royal suite with brocade, mirrored walls, and old wood paneling.
• Old items have been repurposed and given a new look like the reception desk, which was made by two local carpenters from old windows and reused wood, and the headboards of the beds made from antique doors.
• The extremely photogenic pool with a checkerboard ceiling, pool surround, and benches in bright pink
• The attention to detail in the rooms: Carefully curated art, travel souvenirs, and flea market finds such as a pair of old skis that serve as wall decorations
• The varied breakfast offering homemade jams, fresh bread, muesli, fruit, bacon, mountain cheese, organic free-range eggs, and delicious cake (Stefan’s cheesecake is legendary!)
• The hotel bar serving great drinks, beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and herbs. Frida’s cellar also stocks fine Italian red and white wines.
• Relaxing in the lounge in the evening, either by the fireplace with a good book or (if you’re lucky) at a small live concert
• The garden with its fantastic view of the mountains. In summer, you can put your feet up under Hawaiian parasols.
• Here, surrounded by mountains, you can find peace and quiet and escape the chaos and stress of everyday life, true to the hosts’ motto: ‘The mountains are not just a place, but a state of mind’.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The hotel has three different room categories. The panorama suites can accommodate two to five people on two levels. The junior suites are suitable for a maximum of four people. Some of the double rooms can also accommodate one or two additional children.
• In the center of the village, only about 200 meters from the hotel, are the Frida Apartments for two to six people, featuring pastel interiors with modern comforts and a retro touch.
• In addition to the pool, the house also has a Finnish sauna, a bio-herbal sauna, an aromatic steam bath, and a Kneipp facility. The hotel’s wellness area is also available to vacation apartment guests free of charge.
• When the hosts pursue their second great passion—traveling—in spring and fall, Frida temporarily closes its doors for about six to eight weeks.
• Those looking to cool off on warm days can head to Lake Antholz with its turquoise blue water or the famous Lake Braies with boat rentals and a circular hiking trail.
• There are many beautiful hiking tours in the area, for example, to Lake Sorapis (a natural wonder and Instagram hotspot in one), to the castle ruins in Antholz, to the Lutterkopf, and to the Hochrautalm. You can spot marmots on the Plätzwiese high plateau.
• Leisurely cycling, serpentine roads, altitude gains or steep trails: Cycling enthusiasts will find their ideal route here. Mountain bikes can be rented at the hotel.
• In the mood for an excursion? Head to the earth pyramids in Platten near Oberwielenbach! The columnar formations are works of art created by nature.
• The hotel is located 80 meters from the ski bus stop, and Bruneck can be reached by car in 15 minutes. Guests at Frida am Wald can use buses and trains throughout South Tyrol free of charge.

CIN: IT021071A1GJAEOV8M