South Tyrolean cuisine.

The noon chimes can be heard far and wide when the bells of the Zwölferturm in Sterzing, or Vipiteno if you prefer the Italian name, start ringing. For centuries they have reminded the inhabitants of Italy's northernmost town that it was lunchtime. The 46-meter-high Zwölferturm, made of granite blocks, was completed in 1472 and is still the tallest building in the town. It has an arched passageway, a prison cell, and a pretty tower clock, which guests of the boutique hotel Haus am Turm, opened in August 2021 by Veronika Stötter and Daniel Planer, see when they look out of the window. Or, depending on the location of the room, the colorful facades of the pedestrian zone, or the huge Enzenberg gardens. The building in which the Haus am Turm is located is even older than the Zwölferturm, by three generations. It stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the venerable tower on the large town square, in the middle of the colorful and lively old town of Sterzing. Twelve rooms tell of its eventful past and its lively inhabitants. The renowned Milanese design manufactory Plinio Il Giovane delivered consummate craftsmanship for the Haus am Turm, with a mid-century modern style down to the smallest detail and including fine wooden furniture, high-quality décor, and an appealing color concept. The rooms are divided into four groups: two Vinzenz rooms (named after the hosts’ grandfather); five Turmblick rooms, from whose balconies you have a beautiful view of the Zwölferturm; three large Loggia rooms with a fantastic, glassed-in interior loggia; and two Enzenberg rooms with a large terrace facing the huge garden. From the modern, wood-paneled roof terrace of the Haus am Turm you have a wonderful view of the Alps. Those who prefer to enjoy their coffee or tea indoors can do so around the clock under a charming canopy of light in the CourtesyBar on the top floor. Noon doesn’t necessarily mean lunchtime anymore, but the ringing of the bells might remind you to just enjoy a coffee in one of these beautiful places!

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• Staying in the middle of the old town
• The fine wooden furniture in mid-century modern style by Plinio Il Giovane: it is of oak hardwood, handmade without wood glue and all treated with linseed oil - and can even be purchased!
• The cheerful and friendly hosts
• The straightforward, high-quality design of the rooms with oak floors and no frills
• The minimalist, wood clad roof terrace
• The Vinzenz, a vinotheque and restaurant, the cozy soul of the house, with its small but very exquisite menu and fine wine selection. The hosts have run it with great passion and hospitality since 2010.
• The beautiful blue sauna where you can look up to the sky and see the stars in the evening.
• The CourtesyBar under a light canopy (thanks to the Jura espresso machine, you can always get good coffee).

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The Vinzenz offers a Slow Breakfast with selected ingredients from sustainable local production.
• Baby and extra beds are available for children.
• In the rooms you will find products from the hotel's own organic cosmetics line with herbs and ingredients from the meadows and fields of South Tyrol.
• A ski and sports depot can be used.
• ActivCard Light from May to October, including free use of all public transportation in South Tyrol, free admission to 90 museums and discounts on guided hikes and tours.
• The Haus am Turm is located in the pedestrian zone of Sterzing, on request a (metered) parking spot can be reserved. 
• Sterzing can be reached by train (if you arrive without a car, there is a small "green bonus" in the form of a welcome aperitif in the Vinzenz).
• The Rosskopf ski area is only a few minutes away from Sterzing, you don't need a car: the train goes directly from the end of the pedestrian zone (a 5 minute walk) to the mountain. So you can just take a relaxed walk to the station, have another espresso and get going – no parking, no kids and sticks and skis to load and unload. Via the valley run or toboggan run you can then also ski back directly into town. Ski depot is available at the mountain or valley station.