Hotel Castel Fragsburg

Spoilt by countless hours of sunshine, Castel Fragsburg is the smallest 5-star hotel in South Tyrol nestled in the 50,000 m2 hotel garden beneath its very own castle. It is a hidaway surrounded by glorious, pristine nature.

A hotel that not only stands out for its own style but because it lives by its own philosophy – the art of fine living. With this philosophy, we encourage our guests to see the conventional with eyes wide open and to recognise new avenues here.

A place where we sensitively combine down-to-earth, Alpine comfort with Mediterranean sensuality. Sat atop a mountain ledge overlooking Merano, Castel Fragsburg treats its guests to fabulous views and the idyllic surroundings.

THE HISTORY
Built as a hunting lodge in 1624, the property holds the spirit of a bygone era and is bursting with historical charm and touching experiences. From the very beginning, stories were not just told but experienced here. In 1954, ownership of the Castel Fragsburg Maternum transferred to the Ortner family.

With great subtlety and a flair for the essential things in life, the family succeeded in transporting the vintage building into the present, bit by bit, while also honouring and reviving traditions and having an open-minded view about what was to come.

Alexander Ortner and his sons are the third and fourth generations of the family to run the establishment and are now tasked with leading Castel Fragsburg into the future, which they do successfully.

With the purchase of the Castel Fragsburg Paternum, the castle on the mighty clifftop from the 14th century, the Ortner family has reunited the two buildings that originally belonged together.

The most gripping stories are often inspired by real life. Take the story of Pluto, for instance, a majestic ibex who lived in the Fragsburg castle garden. He mated with a goat and fathered several tiny offspring who loved to sleep in the trees.

He died of natural causes a long time ago, but his figurehead can still be seen high up on the façade of the Fragsburg, where he keeps constant watch. He is the guardian of the Fragsburg. His story is inextricably linked to Castel Fragsburg and the Ortner family.

ROOMS & SUITES
Twenty suites that emphasise their stylish interiors and historic charm and accentuate their uniqueness. Stylish and unique, just like our guests. Our regulars will tell you that you need to have stayed in every suite in our hotel to actually get to know the building properly.

And we can only agree because to maintain the unique charm of our five-star hotel, we preserve its historical core and give the historical elements room to shine in the interior design, while our guests can also enjoy all the usual mod cons.

Far away from the mainstream, we guarantee individual luxury, perfectly complemented by top-quality service, sumptuous indulgence and sensational spa experiences. A stay at the Fragsburg will certainly leave a lasting impression.

RESTAURANT PREZIOSO
We offer Michelin-starred moments of happiness for genuine connoisseurs who appreciate loving, sensual indulgence and a place where the authenticity of the produce is savoured in healthy, revitalising dishes.

Many years of experience and inspiring work at internationally renowned restaurants led the chef Egon Heiss from the Sarentino valley back to his deeply anchored roots. And so, he chooses down-to-earth recipes passed down through the generations as a starting point for his healthy creations.

With passion and stylish sophistication, he turns fresh ingredients from the Fragsburg Soul Garden, produce delivered from organic farms and heirloom varieties from the South Tyrolean earth into award-winning, healthy and pure delicacies like no other.

With a focus on regionality, quality and health, diners delight in the carefully composed burst of colour, freshness and exquisite aroma of our tasting menu. Paired with the ambiance of the restaurant, this could be considered a veritable elixir of life for the senses.

At Prezioso, we compose a symphony of delicious delicacies and atmospheric flair in the glass loggia intertwined with roses and Virginia creepers and on the gourmet loge on the wooden terrace.

The exquisite, predominantly Italian and South Tyrolean wines from our wine cellar accentuate the five-course, 1 Michelin Star menu with their subtle nuances.

RESTAURANT ORANGERIE
The panoramic terrace of the Fragsburg’s Orangerie restaurant offers cinematic views across the sea of lights down in the valley and of the gigantic mountains of South Tyrol.

The first rays of sunshine bring nature to life and bathe the elegant Orangerie in their soft light. Your gaze will wander across the deep colours of the surrounding hills. A glorious backdrop for the award-winning Breakfast Royale, which will leave the taste buds to blossom.

What an atmospheric way to start a new day on holiday! Only the best ingredients from South Tyrol, food freshly prepared in the Fragsburg kitchen and hand-made variations await guests at the lovingly served gourmet buffet from 7.30 to 11 a.m.

Our chef will create a new indulgent concept for your five-course dinner every day in the romantic and exclusive ambiance of our Orangerie. Choose your culinary “pièce de résistance” of the day from the à la carte menu or enjoy five-course meals as part of the half-board package.

We believe delicious and creative cooking is not enough. We want to create dishes that indulge all the senses and appeal to guests’ physical, mental and spiritual well-being and as a matter of course includes also vegan and vegetarian dishes.

HEAD CHEF EGON HEISS
The Michelin-starred chef from South Tyrol working at Castel Fragsburg is a firm believer that “the highest form of art is to ignore the insignificant”.

Over the course of his long career as a Michelin starred chef, he’s cooked delicious food all over the world for politicians, Formula 1 stars, royalty and billionaires. Egon is convinced that “if you’ve seen and experienced everything there is to see and do, you return to the perfection of the simple things in life.”

In this vein, the “tinkerer and magician” from the Sarentino valley – a moniker given to him by cooking critics of the Gault Millau guide when praising his creations as “very astutely staged works of art” – has been in pursuit of the perfect Knödel dumplings for years and years.

And although his personal library is packed with cooking books, more than 3,000 to be precise, he’s focused his research on recipes handed down from one generation to the next by speaking to the elderly who still have the knowledge of those recipes.

The father of three, who never wanted to be anything other than a chef, tells us lovingly how “my grandparents explain to me how they grab a ‘pinch’ of this and a ‘dash’ of that. This is what intuitive cooking means.

They also know how draughts and the weather can play a key role when cooking dumplings.” His childhood dream of becoming a chef was never about collecting stars and toques but to cook and eat together.

For centuries, the Fragsburg has been strongly anchored in stone and rock and has always given the impression of swaying gently above the treetops; similarly, our cooking concept is deeply rooted in native soil and the South Tyrolean tradition yet enriched with Italian sensuality.

FRAGSBURG SOUL GARDEN
Grounded diversity. Exquisite varieties. Flavourful quality. “Why wander far and wide?” was our thought, so we are now dedicated to cultivating our Fragsburg Soul Garden.

The fertile South Tyrolean soil provides a whole field of aromas and ingredients for our gourmet cuisine and the sensational Alchemistic Healing Spa Castellum Natura. As an arena of life and growth, the Soul Garden imparts its knowledge of the fragile balance between people and nature upon us.

FROM FARM TO TABLE
Completely natural with no chemical agents, varieties of vegetables, fruits and herbs and genuine classics grow alongside a choice selection of specialties here. A whopping 26 varieties of tomatoes thrive alongside aromatic root vegetables, juicy berries and firm and fresh fruits and vegetables.

The fragrance and aroma of this produce are captured in the dishes created at our Gourmet Restaurant Prezioso and on the half-board menu every evening – from farm to table.

HEALING SPA CASTELLUM NATURA
The herbs and blossoms picked in the Merano sunshine, planted directly in the Soul Garden to meet only the highest standards, form the basis for many essences and mixtures used in our Castellum Natura spa.

Picked and processed by Renate De Mario Gamper, an expert in modern alchemy and herbal medicine, they have been known to have long-lasting effects.

THE 1st ALCHEMISTIC HEALING SPA
Relax in goat’s milk or mineral-rich spring water while you, surrounded by blooming wisteria, cast your gaze from the larch wood tub on our Healing Spa’s panoramic loge, across the breath-taking mountain backdrop.

Inspired by the ancient knowledge of herbal medicine and the almost-forgotten teachings of alchemy, we offer harmonising full-body treatments, massages and healing baths and create personal beauty treatments tailored to your needs at our Healing Spa Castellum Natura.

We summon the strength and gain inspiration from the fertile flora of South Tyrol that surrounds us with its beauty. We use it to create exquisite essences for our sensational alchemistic wellness concept: Our beauty products are freshly prepared by the Castellum team and contain hand-picked elements from nature.

This is why common expressions such as Alpine wellness, natural wellness and herbal wellness do not even come close to capturing or describing the philosophy of our Healing Spa.

Our Alchemistic Healing Spa uses the power and energies of nature to pamper and have an effect on the body, mind and soul in equal measure.

We make each of our beauty products using all-natural ingredients according to the ancient alchemistic recipes by our natural healing expert Renate De Mario Gamper. And it’s only natural that we have stopped using any packaged cosmetics ranges throughout our establishment.

THE FRAGSBURG SPA
Our sun-drenched relaxation room and sauna area boast unimpeded views of our Mediterranean garden alongside the rugged mountains and gentle rolling hills in the Texel Group Nature Park. A small library with selected books and magazines is there to relax and nourish your mind.

• 1 Finnish sauna, up to 100°C
• 1 herbal bio sauna, up to 65°C
• 1 Turkish steam room, approx. 40°C
• 1 infrared sauna

OUTDOOR POOL
Sunbathe by our heated 8 x 13 m outdoor pool surrounded by rose arches, wisteria vines and fruit trees in the heart of the hilly vineyards.

Give in to gentle relaxation in the water and feel its invigorating effect. From the whirlpool, you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards and the South Tyrolean mountains.

GARDEN AND GYM
Walk through the hotel’s fairytale garden, which is lined with fragrant rose bushes and represents a harmonious synergy of nature and people. And find your favourite spot in the 50,000 m2 space. Away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you are sure to absent-mindedly gaze across the picturesque scenery.

Nestled in the castle garden and equipped with everything to satisfy our urge to move, our sun-drenched garden gym lies in the green heart of Castel Fragsburg. You can take in the nature surrounding you from the treadmill, cross trainer, strength equipment or yoga mat.

TREATMENTS
The effective, natural essences are a harmonious addition to the carefully created treatments at the Healing Spa Castellum Natura spa.

Every touch, every elixir is tailored to your needs and wishes to accentuate and emphasise your beauty and leave you feeling good. Guests can book four treatment rooms drenched in natural daylight, where the natural essences can take effect.

WOODEN HOT TUB
Healing, fragrant, alkaline and inspiring in the panoramic loge. In our alkaline baths we use our own spring water and nothing but our own alkaline salts, which have been sun-dried in violet glass and contain minerals and mineral clay that act as a lighting system on the cells and have a cleansing, detoxifying and relaxing effect.

CUSTOM COSMETICS
Fragile blossoms, delicate leaves and fresh herbs form the basis for our Healing Spa Castellum Natura Alchemistic Beauty Care organic cosmetics range. In our Healing Spa, we spent three years devoting ourselves to the development and preparation of effective products made of hand-picked essences.

From this, we created our 100% organic cosmetics range, which will supply your body with valuable energy and support its natural regeneration and renewal processes.

The recipes with plant- and mineral-based ingredients act as healthy treats. The seven exquisite products are exclusively available here at the Fragsburg.

YOGA
During a yoga session in group or on your own you may experience the wondrous power of nature in the Fragsburg forest and park, the safe bubble of the Sanctuarium treehouse on the Fragsburg cliffs and the wise and mystical power of the Castel Fragsburg Paternum knight’s castle. Martina de Rosi accompanies you and combines the classical Hatha and Raja yoga.

The questions “Who am I?” and “Which potential do I have?” have been fascinating Martina De Rosi for a long time. “I am exploring these questions in the most varied ways, I love sharing my experiences with others and creating spaces in which new insights can be gained.”

ENJOY ACTIVE HOLIDAYS IN SOUTH TYROL
You only really get to know yourself when you’re away from the noise and the hustle and bustle. The nature surrounding the hotel Castel Fragsburg is a source of strength that works with beguiling calm to make us mindful so that we truly live in the moment and prioritise the important things in life.

Take the time to fill these moments with memories that make you happy and generally do you good. There are many one-of-a-kind experiences on offer at the Fragsburg as well as in Merano and the surrounding area.

BIOPHILIA
The term ‘biophilia’ comes from Ancient Greek: ‘Bios’ means life and ‘philia’ love. Our modern alchemist Renate De Mario Gamper will take you on a magical hike that will convey the love of life and of natural healing.

It has now been scientifically proven that plants and trees communicate with and boost our immune system. Renate comes from a long line of South Tyrolean clan of women attuned to nature.

She will show you how you can harness the power of nature, medicinal herbs, flowers and trees to boost your everyday health and well-being. She will reveal the secrets of age-old treatments and alternative medicines made from family recipes. A picnic with home made treats from Renate’s herbal kitchen is included.

INCENSE RITUAL
An incense ritual is a wonderful opportunity for transformation. Old information and negative energies are released using medicinal herbs.

The energetic smoke and the plant’s fragrance message establish a connection between Heaven and Earth, take us away from our daily lives to the innermost spiritual realms and result in a healing effect on the body, mind and soul.

Our incense expert and modern alchemist Renate can develop a personal ritual of gratitude or forgiveness or a ritual for new beginnings and vision quests tailored to your wishes and needs. Parties and family celebrations or other special moments are the perfect occasions for an incense ritual.

HEALING WINES
Making mystical wine elixirs based on recipes by the polymath, Benedictine abbess, poet and composer Hildegard von Bingen is a medieval art of healing.

Our herbal expert and modern alchemist Renate De Mario Gamper is here to let you in on the secrets of this health legacy. You will make a wine elixir together, so that you can take it home with you.

PICNIC
Experience peaceful, picturesque spots in the countryside, beside the highest waterfall in South Tyrol or in the heart of the courtyard of the Castel Fragsburg Paternum. Enliven the moment with sensual experiences and top them off with a culinary intermezzo.

Filled with love and seasonal delicacies from the Fragsburg kitchen, such as fresh fruit, a delicious salad, dry-cured ham sandwiches, pesto and grilled courgette and sweet treats, you can dine outside with the glorious backdrop of Merano and the surrounding area.

Mix a feast for the eyes with a taste sensation for a moment of pure indulgence. We can also add a bottle of wine to your picnic basket upon request.

SMOOTHIES
Natural healing expert, nutritionist and modern alchemist Renate De Mario Gamper will show you the way to improve your health and well-being and strengthen your physical and emotional sides.

During her workshop, you will go out into nature and learn about and pick various important herbs under her expert guidance.

You will then make green smoothies, which create genuine symphonies of flavour with distinctive aromas and health-enhancing effects. You will also receive a collection of recipes to take home with you so that you can make use of your newfound knowledge

HOLIDAYS IN THE DOLOMITES
The natural scenery of monumental proportions and epic beauty that you may have already admired on a car ride: welcome to the Dolomites. The Three Peaks landmark leaves just as lasting an impression as the magical interplay of colour seen in the Rosengarten massif during sunset.

The Dolomites are always worth the trip, whether you visit Marmolada at 3,343 m, give in to the glorious natural beauty of the Alpe di Suisi meadow – the highest plateau in the Alps – or set out on an indulgent hike to the many cabins and observation decks.

It takes around an hour and a half by car to reach the foot of arguably the most prominent and beautiful mountains in South Tyrol.

HELICOPTER TOUR
You can experience the mountains in a number of ways. Some of you are climbers and will make your painstaking yet rewarding way up the mountain on your own two feet. But some of you will want to soar higher.

So why not open up new perspectives on a 30-minute helicopter flight across the Ötztal and Stubai Alps. Enjoy the bird’s eye view of Val Venosta and the impressive Ortler peak. The helicopter will pick you up and safely drop you off at the hotel Castel Fragsburg.

HIKING
At the Fragsburg Waterfall, water impresses visitors as an element of life with its elementary power and beauty. Surrounded by wild and romantic nature, the water of the tallest waterfall in South Tyrol roars and tumbles 135 metres into the depths.

You can hike through apple orchards and vineyards and be in this secluded spot in 20 minutes. There are several kilometres of hiking routes along the Waalwege paths, which have been used as an irrigation system for Alpine valleys with low rainfall since the reign of Maria Theresa.

The walk along the slow-flowing water channels is a leisurely one, as there are no notable inclines. The Lagundo Waalweg is particularly worthwhile. Surrounded by majestic spruce and larch trees, the Hirzer mountain region is a genuine hiking paradise.

The paths wind scenically from meadow to meadow up to a summit 2,781 metres above sea level. Nature lovers will find their happy place here, where they can forget about the hustle and bustle of daily life. Fans of authentic experiences will love stopping off at rustic cabins such as the Gompm Alm.

CYCLING HOLIDAYS IN SOUTH TYROL
Mild temperatures from the pleasant Mediterranean climate promise to offer the best conditions for your cycling tour from spring to autumn.

The cycle paths and mountain bike trails in Merano and the surrounding area will take you past fruit trees, delicate grapevines and up to the Alpine cabins on the surrounding mountains. You can start your cycling tour from our five-star hotel, and you are welcome to hire your bikes from the Fragsburg.

The best rewards for the effort made along the journey are the fabulous views and the serenity of nature, where you can fully focus on your own rhythm and heartbeat.

PARAGLIDING
The pipe dream of flying has long been on many minds, even to this day. For daredevils, mountain air lovers and fans of the bird’s eye view, a tandem flight over Merano and the surrounding area offers spectacular views and the fascination of a new perspective.

You will never forget the sights you see up there – they may even tempt you to come back. Take off from the Monte San Vigilio or Hirzer mountain for panoramic vistas of mountain peaks lined up like pearls on a chain, where the greenery shimmers in every shade and you can truly feel free.

A FISHING HOLIDAY 
It is mainly trouts and chars that splash about in the streams, rivers and mountain lakes of South Tyrol. Jaro, the most senior staff member at the Fragsburg, has a passion for fishing. He knows the best spots in South Tyrol, will take you there himself and bring along the equipment, too.

He loves to take passionate anglers and those discovering the hobby for the first time to the deep blue waters of Lake Vernago at an elevation of 1,689 metres. Or to the River Passirio with its rippling and gurgling crystal-clear water – a paradise for people who enjoy fly or spin fishing.

How do you hold the rod? Which bait is best? Where’s a good spot? Jaro will let you in on his passion for fishing and tell you about his love of nature and respect for animals and their habitats.

GOLF HOLIDAYS IN MERANO
Golf has been practiced in South Tyrol for more than a hundred years. And yet the pleasure of the perfect swing has not grown old or gone out of fashion.

Surrounded by lush green forests, the rugged peaks of the Dolomites and with the bonus of a mild climate, golf enthusiasts can enjoy long courses, wide fairways, short holes and exciting obstacles during their round of golf.

For example Golf Club Passiria, with 18 holes, 30 minutes from the hotel Castel Fragsburg; Golf Club Lana, with 9 holes, 30 minutes away; Golf Club Monte San Pietro, with 18 holes, 1 hour away; or Golf Club San Viglio Siusi, with 18 holes, 1 ½ hours away.

YOUR CULTURAL HOLIDAY IN MERANO
A modern mix of culture, history, Mediterranean flair and Alpine charm gives the city in the heart of South Tyrol a levity typical within that region.

Guests and locals alike can sense the joie de vivre that’s all part of the flair and are transfixed by the traditional and cultural events and the various styles of music that can be heard here.

Exclusive boutiques and bars have become an integral part of the picturesque alleyways, which are also lined with magnificent historical buildings.

Go for a stroll along the promenades and alleyways that carve their way through this gem of a city or walk along the Tappeiner Promenade, past the Powder Tower, taking in the enticing aromas of the public herb garden and end up at the Mediterranean terraces.

THE GARDENS
If strolling through our castle garden has inspired you to discover more of the diversity that thrives in South Tyrol’s mild climate, Merano is the perfect place for you. The colourful variety of the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle can be explored just a 10-minute drive from the hotel Castel Fragsburg.

You will experience architectural masterpieces and exciting botanical gems in the tranquil forest gardens with miniatures of the greenery found in America and Asia, the Mediterranean Sun Gardens, the typical South Tyrolean landscapes and the water and terrace gardens.

The viewing platform by South Tyrolean architect and designer Matteo Thun boasts spectacular views in almost every direction, including far across the Adige valley and the valley basin of Merano.

BACKGROUND MUSIC FOR THE GOURMET RESTAURANT
Nartan Savona has reinterpreted the sound spectrum of the harp. As an exceptionally talented maestro and composer, he tops off magical moments with harmonious melodies you’ll remember forever.

He can provide the background music to your marriage proposal or anniversary celebration. Be carried away by the melody and inspired by the passion.

Website: www.fragsburg.com

Rooms: 20

Price: from 211 EUR per night