Gästehaus berge

“Leave out everything that’s unnecessary”—that’s the philosophy of the berge guest house in Aschau im Chiemgau. It was originally developed by designer and furniture entrepreneur Nils Holger Moormann, who is known for his unconventional, intelligent, and high-quality furniture designs. In 2005, he discovered the around 350-year-old building and decided to transform it into exceptional lodgings. Since 2025, Nicole Martinsohn has been running the place with the same attention to detail. The accommodation in Upper Bavaria has 17 different offerings, for example Bergbude or Zaungast—ranging from tiny houses in the farm garden to mezzanine attic apartments. All have a unique look, but speak the same design language—and you’ll undoubtedly want to spend at least one night in every single one of them. The historic substance of the old farmhouse has been preserved, creating an exciting contrast to minimalist design. Creaky floorboards and exposed ceiling beams juxtaposition with steel, exposed stone walls with glass surfaces. Existing old structures are also on display: Unpainted clay plaster walls, floors made of untreated high-mountain spruce, and a vaulted ceiling in the entrance hall that only revealed itself during the course of renovating the house. The fixtures are mostly made of black veneered plywood and are functional and straightforward in their design. In addition to pieces from the Moormann collection, there are classics such as the Plastic Side Chair by Charles and Ray Eames and custom-made pieces such as the bed alcoves, where you feel like you’re sleeping in your own cozy nest. And because everything fits together so sensationally well, it’s already won numerous design awards. Talking of which, the view of the Kampenwand, Aschau’s local mountain, is certainly worthy of an award, too. It’s just as delightful when you wake up in the morning as it is in the evening when you can watch the sun disappear behind the mountains with a glass of wine in hand. This accommodation is the most beautiful testament to the fact that the greatest luxury lies in the simplicity of things.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The mix of authentic, original building elements and Moormann designs, a style mix of sophistication and simplicity
• You don’t just sleep in this guesthouse. You’ll also have the opportunity to gather inspiration for your own home—a kind of trial living experience in the middle of this laid-back design world.
• The touch of humor evident in many places, such as the construction helmets displayed at the entrance, or the request for quiet between 3 and 5 a.m.
• The fact that the joy of reading is celebrated here. Literary classics and favorite books can be found throughout the house, along with the perfect places to read them: Outdoors in the garden or on the balcony, on the sofa or in the Literatenkammerl (literary chamber) with the mobile Bookinist reading chair.
• The popular spot by the fireplace in the Great Room, where you feel drawn to relax, warm up on cold days, and chat with other guests
• The cottage garden with boules court, deck chairs, and sun deck—a great spot to watch hikers riding up the Kampenwand in cable cars. In fact, you can practically step right out of the front door and straight into one to take you up the mountain. The view of Lake Chiemsee from above is breathtakingly beautiful.
• The welcome package, consisting of locally produced pasta, canned Italian tomatoes, shallots, good quality olive oil, and cooking instructions. The herbs are from the garden outside the door, and you can get the organically produced red wine yourself from the wine cellar.
• Having breakfast delivered to your door: Butter, cheese, bacon, eggs, organic coffee—all products from the region and very, very tasty (vegetarian or vegan options are also available).
• The many details that make the guesthouse so extraordinary: Balls of wool and knitting needles for a little holiday project, for example, the cozy bathrobe in the closet, and a mini cosmetics set consisting of shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and soap
• The surrounding mountains, offering many opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life: From alpine hikes to high-altitude climbing tours. Whether on foot or by cable car, by bike or on skis, in Lake Chiemsee or the natural outdoor pool, there are plenty of adventures to be had around the guesthouse.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• There is no restaurant at the Gästehaus berge, but almost all of the accommodations (which are suitable for 2 to 6 people) have a small kitchen with an induction stove. Only the Bergebude and Vorderstübchen don’t have kitchens.
• Children are welcome and extra beds can be provided if required; dogs are allowed in some units.
• There are regional and organic markets or direct sales outlets at local farms, alpine dairies, and fishermen offering the finest products. Those who don’t feel like cooking can visit one of the inns and alpine huts in the area.
• There are no televisions here, but Wi-Fi is available in all vacation apartments and rooms.
• Special emphasis is placed on high-quality natural materials: The twisted half-linen bedding comes from a manufacturer in the Swabian Alb, and each accommodation has cozy blankets made of alpaca and merino wool.
• Workations are possible for short and long stays—including inspiring places to work, think, and be creative.
• The large living room can be rented by groups of up to 25 people for events, parties or workshops.
• A storage shed with space for bicycles and skis belongs to the house, and sleds are also available for hire.
• The house is heated with heat generated by a geothermal heat pump and it uses green electricity.
• Just a three minutes’ walk from the guest house, you can discover the designer furniture in the listed company building of Nils Holger Moormann’s furniture factory, many of which can also be seen in the Gästehaus berge.
• The nearest charging station for electric cars is just around the corner.
• The guest house is also easily accessible by train, taking just under an hour and a half from Munich. From the Aschau im Chiemgau train station, it’s a 20-minute walk or taxi ride to the accommodation.