10 Hotels In South Tyrol To Bookmark For Summer In The Mountains
From 11th-century lodges with a private chef to gastronomic hotels and the region’s first eco-hotel, here are ten of our favorite stays in Italy's beautiful northeastern Alps.
Blessed with sunshine on more than 300 days a year, Italy’s South Tyrol is one of the most beautiful mountain destinations come summer. Its fertile hillsides are peppered with vineyards and dotted with castles — all set to the backdrop of the mighty Dolomites, churches, and elegant towns.
Located in northeastern Italy, the verdant region stretches to the Austrian border, with the two heritages and traditions colliding to create a distinct culture of its own — where you are just as likely to hear a danke as a grazie. Its capital Bolzano, like a mountainous version of Florence, has elegant piazzas, historic architecture, and a vibrant aperitivo culture. Just to the north is Merano, a culture-filled enclave with Art Nouveau villas sitting along the banks of the Passer and lush gardens at every turn. Both enjoy a mild, often Mediterranean-style climate that makes South Tyrol heaven to visit in the warmer months.
Located in the heart of the oldest town of South Tyrol, Brixen, the 15th-century building of the former "Goldener Adler" underwent a total transformation. Christoph Mayr, son of restaurant owner and hoteliers Maria and Hermann Mayr, and his partner Silvana Messner took over the historic house in the second generation. Nowadays, the Adler Historic Guesthouse is an architectural jewel with a minimalistic design, a magnificent rooftop terrace and superb cuisine.
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"This medieval building in the heart of the capital Bolzano is almost 700 years old, and the orange facade with its big garden in front is a magical little place. The mix of ancient trees, palm trees, sunbeds, and the terrace feels calming, and there is always a cute crowd — a healthy mix between locals and hotel guests", says Celia Solf, the creative director and tastemaker who moved to Bolzano last year. Just in time for the summer season, the Dissertori family extended their gardens with a new beautiful poolside, and it has now quickly become the talk of the town.
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Set in an 11th-century farmhouse in Villanders, this private lodge sits at 1,200m and has breathtaking views of the surrounding Dolomiti peaks. Felder’s Land Rover is on standby to ferry you to the nearby sights, including Seiser Alm, Europe’s largest mountain pasture, and the Gardena and Villnöss Valleys. Inside there are cozy bedrooms, a stube for intimate dinners cooked by the private chef, and a smoked oak Finnish sauce for sweating it all out after a day exploring the great outdoors.
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One of Europe’s few carbon-neutral hotels, the Leitlhof generates all of its power and heat, as well as has its herd of Angus cattle. Set in the village of San Candido close to the 3 Zinnen Dolomites, this hotel is a gastronomic delight from dawn until dusk: from breakfast served alfresco on the terrace, to marinade (a traditional South Tyrolean late afternoon snack) and a farm-to-fork dinner, paired with local wines.
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The first eco-hotel to open in the region. Saltus is nestled on the edge of a forest, perched high in the remote mountain village of San Genesio. Arrive by train and make the most of its Forest Spa, which sits deep in a spruce forest, and its outdoor Sky Pool with its panoramic views of the Dolomites. There are daily yoga and meditation sessions, as well as 800km of hiking trails in the Monzoccolo area. At the end of the day, refuel with mountain-to-plate South Tyrolean specialties in its Tschögglbergerhof restaurant.
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Located near Merano, this family-owned summer villa is not your classic hotel experience. Villa Verde’s clutch of apartment-style rooms are surrounded by beautiful gardens and have use of a spa, Viennese-style coffee house, and a natural lake pool for refreshing dips. Breakfast is a highlight, while days are spent mountain biking, walking Nordic trails, or wine-tasting at local vineyards. Or simply soaking up the sunshine from the terrace.
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Berghoferin Fine Hotel & Hide Away
Set within a stunning private estate, the Berghoferin sits at the foot of the Corno Bianco and Corno Nero peaks, surrounded by mountainous forests and meadows that come into their own in summer. It has just 13 suites and the feel of an intimate home — one that is peaceful, historical, and infused with art and culture. Leave city life behind and settle into the Lido Alpin Pool & Spa — we love the Palm Springs in the Sixties vibes of the solar-heated outdoor pool area.
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The Schgaguler Hotel sits in Castelrotto, a pretty village at the foot of the Alpi di Susi. Designed by local architect Peter Pilcher in a sleek, modern Nordic style, it has magnificent views of the Dolomites from each of its vast, peak-like windows. Owner Tobias is on hand to dish out the best tips for the area, while his sister, Sandra, is an expert sommelier who will recommend wine pairings for dinner — and the best small wineries to visit nearby.
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Once a small guest house for hikers, today one of the most renowned hotels in South Tyrol's beautiful Val Venosta. The Garberhof underwent significant renovation at the end of 2022 and is a popular destination among winter sports enthusiasts, lovers of holidays dedicated to well-being and every kind of connoisseur.
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A traditional South Tyrolean inn, the Hanswirt is run by three generations of the Laimer family who have owned it since the 16th century. Sitting prettily in Rabland with its recognizable red shutters, this is a dedicated summer hotel with beautiful gardens, a ‘wellness park’, and an award-winning restaurant powered by the family’s own farm and orchard. Artistic and charming Merano is close by, too.
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