Der Bühelwirt

The South Tyroleans are very fortunate in their part of the world. The nature is incomparably beautiful, plus there’s the romance of the mountains with the cozy inns, lots of Swiss stone pine and warming plates of cheese spätzle with bacon. The exciting thing is that in addition to all the soothing old-fashioned coziness, the region is increasingly focusing on sophisticated architecture, modern design and contemporary (especially sustainable) lifestyles. A great example of how harmoniously the past and present can coexist and complement each other is found at the Hotel Bühelwirt in St. Jakob in the Ahrntal Valley. The Bühelwirt tells a family story that begins in 1910 with sisters Maria and Notburga Steger—at that time, they had to fight hard for the permission to run an inn. Now great-granddaughter Michaela and her husband Matthias have opened a new chapter in the family saga. The Haller family has realized their dream of a very special hotel—and they have been quite daring in doing so! The “Old Lady”, as the ancestral home is affectionately called, had become too small, so a new building was erected right next door. This new neighbor is quite something. Architect duo Armin and Alexander Pedevilla have created a spectacular design, which at first glance stands in stark contrast to the more traditional location. The façade is black and simple, the roof asymmetrical. A closer look, however, reveals how the façade design and roof shape echo the traditional building style, and how wonderfully the black wood harmonizes with the green of the meadows and the dark fir trees of the surroundings. No wonder then that the Bühelwirt has already won numerous architecture and design awards. Inside, the building is flooded with light and pared back to the essentials. Selected pieces of functional designer furniture adorn the rooms like works of art. Lots of light-colored wood makes for a cozy atmosphere. It is pure indulgence for the eye and mind which is then carried to the outside by large panoramic windows framing the mountains, meadows and fir trees. The Bühelwirt has recently become a 100% organic hotel, yet another reason to put this extraordinary place at the top of your list of favorites.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The extraordinary design from the architect duo Armin and Alexander Pedevilla
• The local materials and elements of traditional craftsmanship chosen for the purist new-build
• The carefully selected furniture and accessories, which are not only beautiful to look at, but also functional—all of which come from local designers and manufacturers.
• The panoramic window niches in the rooms and suites—box seats with fantastic views for relaxing and daydreaming
• The 4-meter-high ceiling in the loft offers plenty of space and freedom.
• Bathing with a view—in the suites, the free-standing bathtubs invite you to take a dip and gaze at nature.
• The beautiful “Up-Lift” designer chairs can be transformed into additional beds in no time at all. 
• The wellness area with panoramic sauna (12 square meters) and relaxation room with mountain view (65 square meters) 
• The great children’s area—a play area (80 square meters) with colorful seating cubes, toys, doll’s corner, bobby car and mini slide. Older children can meet in the teen zone with table tennis and table football.
• From May 2021, the Bühelwirt has been a 100% organic hotel, which means among other things sustainable materials, dishes from regional products and the exclusive use of green electricity.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Each morning you can look forward to the “good morning breakfast” with regional and homemade products (included in the price).
• Small hiking snack for excursions and mountain tours is also included.
• With half-board a 4-course evening menu is served using mainly local and seasonal dishes (all of 100% organic quality), including one vegetarian option for each course (vegan also available on request).
• Children are very welcome—children’s menu, baby beds and chairs are all available.
• Guests can choose from a fine selection of regional wines, beers and spirits (not included in the price)—host and qualified sommelier Matthias will be happy to help with advice.
• Forest bathing, relaxed hikes or challenging mountain tours, either on your own or guided—the hosts have plenty of tips.
• regelmäßige Yoga-Retreats, Atemwochen, Trail-Runing-Camps – aktive Gäste dürfen sich über ein umfangreiches Angebot freuen
• Massagen nach Wandertagen in den Bergen sind was Feines und lassen sich im Bühelwirt hinzubuchen
• Guests receive free admission to the swimming pool in Sand in Taufers, which is about 15 minutes away by car (indoor swimming pool and in summer natural swimming pond with large outdoor area).
• Guided mountain and snowshoe hikes with hiking guide Sofia (free of charge)
• E-bikes available (rental €25 per bike, per day)
• Guests can use all public transport in South Tyrol free of charge and enjoy numerous discounts—some mountain lifts are included in the months of May and June.
• Arrival by train is possible, after arriving at Bruneck train station you continue by bus or cab to the hotel.