Biohotel Bühelwirt Ahrntal

Buehelwirt is truly a special place. It is a source of Alpine energy. A place to unwind, recharge and connect with nature. A sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday  life. Architecture, nature and the South Tyrolean art of living.

Bühelwirt is full of stories. The main part of our historic hotel at the center of St. Jakob is over 100 years old and boasts a rich heritage. The modern extension has opened a new era with a totally different look. Our architecture resembles what our guest house stands for: a fusion of fresh spirit and “good old” genuine South Tyrolean hospitality.

Our philosophy is to establish harmony between the inside and the outside. A lot of different factors are involved here. The unique location, the coworkers with their commitment to the hotel philosophy and their unflagging efforts to ensure that our guests are enjoying themselves.

The architecture that redefines the Bühelwirt as a sanctuary for people seeking strength and inspiration. For us, true luxury consists in choosing wisely. We place more importance on securing the essentials than amassing a surfeit of features. It‘s this quality that makes up our unique character, and that we want to offer our guests.

THE HISTORY
In the village of San Giacomo in the northern part of Upper Adige – in the heart of the Aurina Valley, an old lady stands on a rise, and surveys a breath-taking and timeless natural scene.

The “old lady” is Michaela and Matthias Haller’s fond name for the historic original building of the Bühelwirt hotel. Its history reads like a family saga. The current chapter is being co-authored by its young owners as they venture into new stylistic territory.

For some months, a walkway has linked the traditional 107 year old building with the modern extension designed by architectural duo Armin and Alexander Pedevilla. Flooded with light, pared-down and minimalist inside, dark, serious and somewhat secretive from the outside.

The contrast with the original building is noticeable only for a brief moment. No sooner has the dark new build made its impact on the senses than the character that has pervaded this place for more than a century reveals itself: the identity of a family, the way of life in San Giacomo and the essence of nature, the Genius Loci – the spirit of place – reloaded.

“In 1910 the Bühelwirt was built by two women, which was very unusual at that time. Maria and Notburga Steger, two sisters from the “Roanerhof”, had to go before the Innsbruck Regional Court to obtain approval to build a guest house with a village shop. They finally achieved their aim and were able to realise their dream.

The younger sister, Maria (my great grandmother), after a few years, married Josef Niederkofler, the village schoolteacher. They were to have seven children together. The older sister and “Töüte” (godmother) Notburga continued to work in the business.

Maria’s youngest son, my grandfather Johann, took over the businesses in the 1950s and extended the guest house several times. Like his father before him, he was a village schoolteacher, and he married the neighbour’s daughter, Anna Niederkofler – she too was a teacher.

For a long time, the couple shaped the history of the guest house, as Bühelwirt and -wirtin (the landlord and the landlady). Then the Bühelwirt as a female-run business really took off. Anna gave birth to seven daughters, all of whom worked to some extent in the family business.

However, as it turned out, none of the seven daughters were ready at the right time to take over management of the guest house. For me, the daughter of the first-born, it was the ideal time. I had completed my studies, I was the mother of two little girls, wanted to make a start on my career and was looking for a challenge.

The hotel had always fascinated me and my grandparents needed support. A lot of trust was placed in me, and I was very soon given free rein. Then, after a few years, my husband Matthias joined in the adventure by my side.

We reached our limits quite quickly in the main building I inherited from my grandparents, as there had been virtually no investment in it in recent times, indeed, for some decades. What we needed initially was plenty of “plaster”. We made the most of our own resources, used new technologies and invested quite a bit.

It was apparent to us right from the start that we could only continue the business viably into the future by putting our money where our mouths were. We had been thinking about renovating the main building for a long time as we had no land to extend onto. A structural survey however put an end to this plan.

Our aim now was to acquire the neighbouring property which fortunately we succeeded in doing after lengthy negotiations. This fundamentally altered the situation. A new business plan was drawn up and we were finally able to start designing the building.

Matthias and I love linear architecture, plenty of timber, good quality materials, and simple yet welcoming design. That is what attracted us to the work of Pedevilla Architects. We had known Armin Pedevilla as a friend for a long time and had seen his wonderful house La Pedevilla which had just been built in Enneberg.

We felt we were on the same wavelength right from the start and we quickly realised that things were going in the right direction. We wanted the new build to represent our family history and take more than 100 years of tradition at Bühelwirt into the future.”

Pedevilla Architects’ building has six storeys and accommodates 20 panoramic rooms, a wellness spa and the restaurant extension. The entire project was based on one overarching idea: making the most of what was available. Local materials and elements of traditional craftsmanship dominate the purist new build and nature is omnipresent.

In this way, in the clear, pared-down lines of the new guest house the architects have in no way created a stylistic counterpoint to the “old lady”. Rather, they have respected its legacy and brought it sensitively yet insistently into the future.

We always try to ask ourselves whether components or customs have a function, or whether they have become surplus to requirements. These considerations have resulted in a pared-down project that is tailored precisely to the location, the users and the landscape.

Nothing superfluous and nothing lacking. Everything in just the right quantity. This approach has given rise to projects that have a familiar feel. Although the architectural idiom is new and contemporary, it is interwoven with the principles of our forebears.

The craftsmanship of the Aurina Valley lives on in Project Bühelwirt. Every smallest detail has been made to measure by craftspeople and tailored to this project. Materials from the surrounding area have been used.

Larch wood, for instance, and a supplement to the loam rendering which comes from the local copper mines. Even the copper light fittings have been designed especially for the hotel. Loden cloth from the local loden factory has been used.

The loam supplement from the copper mines gives the plasterwork a green shimmer which reflects the tones of the surrounding mountain landscape, turning the interiors into familiar places. The larchwood from the surrounding forests conveys a sense of security.

The green shimmer in the black façade picks up the colouration of the deep green to black forests of summer. Nature and topography meld with the project. The result is a new kind of architecture.

YOUR HOST: M+M HALLER
Their paths crossed in school. Michaela is studying Business, and soon has the opportunity to test her pedagogical abilities. Matthias is working as a bank clerk.

Michaela assumes ownership of the “Old Gal” – the Bühelwirt – from her grandparents, and is given total freedom to run it. A few band-aids are applied and minor problems dealt with. Matthias is enthused. He says “good-bye” to seven years in the banking business and joins the operation.

ARCHITECTURE
The reduction of things to their essentials… the characterization of traditionally necessary things… the demand for convincing clarity and simplicity in architecture… and the conscious need for architecture to express its purity – Those are all the basic parameters within which pedevilla architects work and create.

The existent building is situated on the Bühel and will be expanded to the east on the property below. The concept is that of a compact volume that is connected with the existent building by a narrow bridge.

The new building will be positioned in the north of the property so that the existent structure is not disadvantaged with respect to usage, views, and incident sunshine. The asymmetrically attached saddle roof assiduously avoids covering the day rooms in the existent building. At the same time, it is a wonderful response to the urbanistic surroundings.

The distorted floor plan reinforces the sustainable concept: On the south and east side, the façade and roof will be expanded to the maximum, while at the same time the surface area will be reduced in the north. The new structure will extend over six floors. Besides the construction of 20 new room units, a spa and the expansion of the restaurant are also planned.

ROOMS & SUITES
The Buehelwirt surroundings invite you to experience exceptionable moments in nature every day anew. After a day of leisurely exploring the outdoors, Buehelwirt will be your perfect retreat. Your base camp to relax and unwind. Stay with us for a weekend or more: You will love our cozy and stylishly furnished rooms at Buehelwirt.

GARDEN SUITE
Ca. 40 m², King Size double bed with a frame of Larch, high-quality pocket spring mattresses, oversized duvets, Panorama Niche for relaxing moments, private garden with seating accomodation, “Up-Lift” Designer armchairs (can be used as extra sleeping accommodation), “Cono” decorative lamps – special design by Harry Thaler, textiles made from original Moessmer Loden, Flat TV, Minibar upon request, room safe, continuous living area ventilation, fresh Ahrn / Aurina Valley springwater, free-standing bathtub, Zero Waste Natural Body Care by Team Dr. Joseph, hot-air blower, Spa handbag with sauna towels and bath robe, barrier-free access, dogs are not allowed.

DINING
The beauty of South Tyrol lies not only in the beholder’s eye. It also lies on your plate. Every day, our chef de cuisine Michi Moser and his team serve true South Tyrolean quality meals with a delightful variety and a creative touch. Enjoy!

Grown in the South Tyrolean sun and rooted in the soil of the Ahrntal Valley, our region offers many delicious ingredients. We source all our produce locally from organic farmers and producers. Our ingredients are freshly picked and fully ripened. We make sure they land on your plate full of flavor – without industrial processing or a lot of food miles.

0 kilometers, 100 % aroma. Our herb garden is a fragrant oasis with delicious classics as well as some unusual varieties. They infuse our Bühelwirt cuisine with flavor and character.

WELLNESS
At Buehelwirt, wellness means: Treating yourself. Recharging in the sauna. Daydreaming in our relaxation area. Feeling the healing power of the mountains in our massage treatments. Total bliss.

Explore the outdoors. Soak up Mother Nature’s energy. Tread on soft moss. Venture out to distant peaks. Let your mind wander and find your true self. Return to Buehelwirt and stretch out in our toasty sauna. Take in the serene view and feel the soothing heat.

SAUNA
First of all, you can enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the great outdoors. Mild exertion, fresh air, the sun and wind – the exhilarating, care-free feeling of freedom. You can regenerate and relax. A place of warmth, where you can renew your spirits and rest.

• 12 m² Panorama sauna
• Tea bar with dried and fresh fruits
• 65 m² relaxation zone with mountain view
• Sensational showers to cool off, with direct access to outdoor sunbathing lawn

ALPINE HERBAL POUCH MASSAGE 
This relaxing massage uses little pouches filled with hand-picked Alpine herbs which are warmed in oil and then placed on your body. The herbal stamps are moved over the body with motions of differing intensity, appropriate to the given body part. Your skin will be pampered due to the peeling effect. This calming treatment helps to relieve muscle tensions and cleanses your tissue.

KNEIPP
Sebastian Kneipp – Living a balanced life in harmony with nature: “Nature has given us an abundance of everything we need to stay healthy.”

You can experience the salubrious effects of Kneipp treatments along the Leonardi Trail. This trail – with sculptures along the way – starts directly in front of our hotel, and will take you through the forest above the village. It’s a wonderful way for you to familiarize yourself with the rustic lifestyle of our forefathers.

The wooden sculptures located at the individual stations were created by a local artist / sculptor whose fame extends far beyond St. Jakob / San Giacomo: Jakob Oberhollenzer. You’ll reach the Kneipp facility after a walk of about 15 minutes. After completing the circuit, you will return to your starting point after about an hour.

ECO-HOTEL
For us, “eco” is a way of life. We live every day with an ecological mindset and a nature-loving heart. Our decisions are in tune with our environment. Your Bühelwirt experience will be 100% organic, 100% rooted in nature and 100% true.

It is very important to us to keep our carbon footprint as low as possible. Nevertheless, there remains a residual amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by our company’s activities. We have had these recorded and offset them by purchasing climate protection certificates.

Zero Waste Cubes by Team Dr. Joseph in your hotel room. A small cube that cares for your skin and protects our planet. 0 % Plastic – 100 % Sustainable – 100 % Skin Health

We use 100% green electricity in our business. Our electrical energy is generated with the power of water in the Alperia hydroelectric power plants in South Tyrol in an environmentally conscious, renewable way and without CO2 emissions.

We have removed mineral and natural water bottles from the drinks order list and instead purchased a water filter system and reusable water bottles. The best mountain water is filtered, biologically purified and thus freed from all dry residues. This way we avoid long transport routes and unnecessary waste.

We are thankful for having found our home in one of the most beautiful regions in the country. A place that still has pristine landscapes and untouched nature. We are inspired by the serene beauty that surrounds us every single day. We want to share this feeling with our guests.

But not at any price. Because we believe that future generations should be entitled to the same privilege. That’s why, for us, less is often more. Less glitter and glamor. More outdoor adventures, cherished moments, and time for yourself and your loved ones. Discover your personal luxury at Hotel Bühelwirt.

HIKING & MOUNTAINEERING
Ahrntal offers something for every level: easy strolls, beautiful hikes, a breathtaking high-altitude trail, a challenging via ferrata as well as high-alpine mountaineering glacier tracks. We’ll help you plan your routes and hikes in line with your preferences. We’ll show you where to go and provide valuable advice. Many hikes start right at our hotel.

Into the Bärental valley on the Hochfeld (2,296 m)
From the valley road below St. Jakob (approx. 1,120 m), always follow trail marker 7, first up the road through meadows and past the farms Kerschbaumhöfe to the farm Matzelerhof (approx. 1,200 m). 200 m); now either entirely on the wide, winding forest road or partly on the steep footpath through the eastern forest slopes of the Bärental up to the hut Tischlalm (1,775 m; bar) and on to the hut Hochfeldalm (1,837 m; bar).

From the hut Hochfeldalm, keep to the right and always follow the 7A mark until you reach the summit with the summit cross. Total duration: approx. 5.5 h. Difficulty: medium. Metres in altitude: approx. 1,170 hm

Blauspitze peak (2,558 m) via Poinland valley
Soon after the village sign of St. Peter, a small road branches off to the right (over a bridge; direction “Pipperg”, see signs). Follow this road until you reach the last farms at approx. 1,400 m. This is where the tour begins: Start by following the wide forest road until you reach a fork.

Leave No. 18, turn left and always follow No. 2, past the Pipprigalm and up into a wide valley until you reach a yoke. From there, follow No. 18 for the last stretch to the beautiful summit cross with a unique view of the wild Ahrntal mountains.

Alternative descent: Starting from the summit, do not return to the Jöchl, but continue along trail no. 18 to the summit of the Lutterkopf (2,295 m) and from there back down to the car park. Total duration: 5.5 h. Difficulty: medium. Metres in altitude: approx. 1,100 hm

Biotope Wieser Werfer and lake Waldnersee
The lake Waldnersee, 2,338 m above sea level, is considered one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in our region. The deep blue lake is embedded in the rugged rocky terrain at the foot of the Rauchkofel.

Starting from the car park in Kasern, you reach the high alpine pastures on trail no. 15 after about 1 hour. Continue past the Wieser Werfer Moor (no. 15a) over the Archbichl past to the lake Waldnersee. Continue on trail no. 16b to the hut Waldneralm and back via 16a+17 to Kasern. Difficulty: medium. Total duration: approx. 5 h. Metres in altitude:approx. 825 metres

To the Lenkjöchlhütte mountain hut (2.603 m)
The hut stands on the Lenkjöchl between the Röttal valley and the Windtal valley in the rear Ahrntal, built around 1887. The ascent via the Röttal valley leads through one of the most beautiful high valleys in our region: From the parking lot in Kasern, you descend briefly to the east to the bed of the Ahr stream and cross it on a wooden bridge.

Continuing to climb eastwards, trail no. 11 leads upwards, past entrances to old mine tunnels. From the Rötalm hut, the terrain becomes gentler and a wide valley basin opens up. At the end of the valley, the terrain becomes steeper and stonier until we reach the Lenkjöchlhütte hut after about 2.5 – 3 hours.

The view of the Rötspitze (3,495 m) is magnificent. The descent path no. 12 leads us into the Windtal valley. Descending we pass the Labesau huts and to the Prastmann Alm hut at the bottom of the valley. Here we hike past the Hl. Geist church on trail 12-13 back to the starting point. Difficulty: medium. Total duration: 5 – 6h. Metres in altitude: approx. 1,000 metres

Mountain pass Krimmler Tauern (2,634 m) and Schüttalkopf (2,773 m)
From the car park in Kasern, follow the road or the parallel station path to Heilig Geist as far as Trinkstein (markers 12 + 13). Soon after Trinkstein, the trail with marker 14 – Krimmler Tauern Trail – leads left up to the Tauernalm (2,018 m) and on to the Krimmler Tauern mountain pass (2,634 m) in the Alps of Zillertal.

It connects Salzburg with the South Tyrolean Ahrntal valley via the Zillertal main ridge. A beautifully laid out and maintained hiking trail leads up the east ridge to the Schüttalkopf (2,773 m). A great summit cross and a magnificent panorama at the summit make the effort worthwhile.

Thousands of years ago, cattle herders, hunters, farmers, trail builders, smugglers and traders hiked along the Krimml Tauern Trail from South Tyrol to nearby Salzburg. Total duration: approx. 5:30 h. Route: 16.8 km. Metres in altitude: 1,130 hm

SNOWSHOE HIKING
The Ahrn / Aurina Valley is an insider tip for snowshoe hikers. All around the Bühelwirt, you’ll find numerous alpine peaks and inviting snow-covered meadows where you can undertake extensive tours.

With snowshoes, you can explore even distant spots and hike along less-travelled trails. If you’d rather stick to marked trails, you can stay on the cleared winter hiking paths that wind through the idyllic winter wonderland and take you to cozy huts where you can fortify yourself with tea and mulled wine before continuing your.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
This form of skiing allows you to enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors and breathe in the pristine alpine air while simultaneously fortifying your immune system.

There’s nothing to compare to the sense of peace and quiet that will come over you as you glide along the trails winding their way over snow-covered fields and through deep forests. And to top things off, you can stop in at one of the many rustic alpine huts along the way for refreshments.

Kasern / Casere
Perhaps the best known is the trail in Kasern / Casere at the head of the Ahrn / Aurina Valley – one of the most beautiful in the alpine region. It is approx. 10 km long and actually rather challenging. If you need any equipment, there’s a rental agency directly on site. There’s also a shooting range for the biathlon.

Rein in Taufers / Riva di Tures
There are four different trails with a length of 3 to 15 km having a variety of different levels of difficult at an altitude of 1,500 meters. Here, too, you can rent any cross-country skiing equipment you might need.

Weissenbach / Rio Bianco
The village of Weissenbach / Rio Bianco is situated at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea-level. There’s a circuit cross-country skiing trail with a length of approx. 14 km and with an altitude differential of 110 meters.

Mühlwald / Selva dei Molini
The cross-country skiing course in Mühlwald / Selva dei Molini is 16 km long, offers a skiing experience with lots of variety, and will take you through forests and snow-covered meadows.

SKIWORLD AHRNTAL
Together, the two ski areas of Klausberg and Speikboden with the village lifts of Weissenbach / Rio Bianco and Rein in Taufers / Riva di Tures form the Ahrn / Aurina Valley Ski World.

With just a single ski pass, you can explore its more than 73 km of slopes, while 23 aerial lifts will whisk you away to altitudes of between 950 and 2,510 meters above sea-level. The area is equipped with snow cannons covering its entire area. The Ahrn / Aurina Valley Ski World thus has a 100% snow guarantee. What more could you wish for?

The largest ski area of South Tyrol – the Kronplatz / Plan de Corones – is situated approx. 30 km away. It features 116 km of slopes and 32 aerial lifts, thus guaranteeing unlimited skiing fun.

One of the most-idyllic circular ski routes is the famed Sellaronda. Ideally, one should start in Corvara, about 60 km distant. In one day, you can circle the Sella Massif and enjoy an unforgettable ski experience.

SKITOURS
An area of inexhaustible touring options. Insiders know and treasure it. But still an insider tip! The immense vistas, the quiet, the pristine nature, and the incomparable feeling of solitude at the summit, with the world at your feet. You can be sure of an unforgettable experience!

TOBOGGANING
In South Tyrol, tobogganing is a widely popular sport, with a broad base. When you spend your winter holidays here, you simply must visit the natural tobogganing runs of the Ahrn / Aurina Valley. After a somewhat challenging ascent to the starting-point, you will be rewarded with a breath-taking sled ride to the bottom.

If you prefer a less-strenuous option, you might want to visit the tobogganing runs in the ski areas of Klausberg and Speikboden. By the taking the aerial lifts, you can spare yourself the arduous ascent on foot.

Now, all you have to do is take your place in the toboggan and glide down the run. By the way: At the Klausberg, there’s the Klausberg-Flitzer, Italy’s longest alpine roller coaster!

Even at night, the pistes aren’t deserted. Moonlight tobogganing on illuminated runs is a very special highlight that mustn’t be missed. You can rent sleds and toboggans at the rental agency or at the valley stations.

Nighttime tobogganing at the Klausberg
Nighttime tobogganing is a popular activity every Tuesday at the Klausberg ski area. From 7:30 p.m. till 10:00 p.m., the six-seat aerial tram will take you up to an altitude of 1,650 meters above sea-level – from where you can then speed down the five-km-long tobogganing run to the valley under a starry sky.

The Tristenbach tobogganing run in Weissenbach / Rio Bianco
The Tristenbach tobogganing run in Weissenbach / Rio Bianco is an amazing experience for big and small alike. The 3.5-km-long natural run (with guaranteed snow and excellent grooming) is a forest service trail that winds its way through snow-filled forests and up to three sun-drenched alpine meadows.

Website: www.buehelwirt.com

Rooms: 44

Price: from 249 EUR per night