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The Ritten, the sunny plateau of South Tyrol, captivates with an extraordinary combination of landscapes: Vineyards on the lower slopes of high alpine mountain formations like the Ritter Horn at 2260 meters, expansive meadows where light grey cows graze, dense forests that now glow in all colours as autumn approaches, and clear mountain lakes. Like Lake Wolfsgruben, on the shores of which the Pichler family from the Hotel Weihrerhof welcomes their guests.

Home: Ritten

Since the 1960s, guests have enjoyed the feeling of a “home away from home”. However, the warm hospitality is not the only thing that sets the Weihrerhof apart. The deep connection to the Ritten and South Tyrol can be felt in many loving details. To preserve the region and nature for their children, the Pichler family is committed to sustainability wherever possible.

It is not about perfection but rather about getting started, trying things out and constantly questioning and changing one’s actions.

Good to know: Natural phenomena just beyond the hotel window

The names of the rooms in the Weihrerhof go back to old settlements and cultural sites that are located in the area around the hotel. But this is not the only connection. From many room windows and balconies, the phenomenon of the split sun can be observed at the equinox in spring and autumn, as well as from many well-known cult sites on the Ritten, such as the Roarer Windspiel or the Wallnereck.

The sun rises precisely between the Santner and Euringerspitze peaks in this natural spectacle. The impression of a split sun is created.

Sustainability and Green Initiatives at Weihrerhof

Outside and Inside: Traditional, Natural, Modern

The Pichler family’s sustainability initiatives include, for example, woodworking, according to an almost forgotten regional craft. The long search for someone who still knows this trade paid off: the split softwood boards make the walkway to the spa a real eye-catcher. Locally sourced wood was used. Shingles crafted using the same technique were also used on the newly built boathouse sauna, giving the sauna and the cosy reading room next to it a unique look and feel.

The architecture is traditionally South Tyrolean, incredibly recognisable in the roof’s unique shape. Guests can discover a particular highlight: The beds are framed by the Weihrerhof’s hay. For this purpose, it was set in glass panels by a glass manufacturer, which decorates the wall behind the bed. The manufacturing process is usually used for fabrics and was specially adapted for the Weihrerhof.

Full of (Renewable) Energy

At Weihrerhof, the use of natural energy resources is a top priority. And it is to be increasingly expanded. The heart of the energy supply is in the old cattle shed: the storage for the electricity from the photovoltaic system. Furthermore, a combined heat and power unit supplies the rooms is hidden in an unassuming shed next to the main building. A sign points out the CHP and calculates how many emissions are saved compared to conventional heating.

In addition to embracing their responsibilities, the Pichlers also rely on the personal responsibility of their guests. “Most of the guests in this room have used their towel several times” is written on signs in the bathrooms and the relaxation room. The friendly reminder is having an effect: many guests do not exchange their towels daily.

Enjoy Regionally

But what changes daily with complete dedication is the evening menu. However, a vegetarian dish is always offered, and the ingredients come from the region as much as possible. The wine, for example, is made primarily from Ritten grapes and can only be purchased there.

While guests dine à la carte in the evening, a sumptuous breakfast buffet with various local products is available in the morning. Small cards indicate where the product comes from. In summer, it is best enjoyed on the terrace or the small breakfast island in the middle of Wolfsgruben Lake.

Pure Relaxation Surrounded by Nature

The sizeable sunbathing lawn directly on the shore of the Wolfsgrubener See offers plenty of space to relax while still being active. With its variety of plants, the meadow provides a habitat for small creatures. A large part of the meadow is left to itself and is only mown by a local farmer from time to time.

Part of the food used in the hotel kitchen comes from their small garden. The rest is bought on the Ritten, in South Tyrol or, if there is no other way, then in Italy.

Regional Support

The Pichlers source almost all of their food and products in their hotel shop, as well as their cosmetics line from South Tyrol. BergSea is the name of the cosmetics range and is made with natural extracts, and Wolfsgrubener See water, especially for the Weihrerhof.

In addition to delicacies and specialities, there are always exciting new products from South Tyrolean start-ups to discover in the hotel shop. The hotelier family is also dedicated to making the Ritten more and more of a sustainable destination, for example, by supporting and promoting sustainable initiatives.

Active in and around the hotel

Numerous hiking trails start right outside the hotel doors. And those further away are easily accessible with the Ritten train. With the RittenCard, which guests receive at the Weihrerhof, they can use public transportation, including the cable car to Bolzano, free of charge and free admission to many museums.

But also in the hotel itself, things don’t get boring. A bestseller library offers guests access to the latest top books. These can be checked out on-site or taken away and returned afterwards. Blind Dates are a particular highlight: Selected works are packaged, accompanied by a short commentary from family or staff, and displayed as part of the bestseller library. As a guest, you can take one of the blind dates and be surprised by a book you might not have picked up.

Thinking and Acting with Foresight: Future Plans at the Weihrerhof

There are already more sustainable ideas, projects and green initiatives for the coming year. In addition to the planned expansion of the solar plant, 2023 will be marked above all by the Sea Spa. Guests can already experience signature treatments that were created especially for the Weihrerhof and adapted to individual needs.

In the coming year, the spa concept will be supplemented and expanded. What the whole thing will look like, however, remains a secret!

Growth is thought of differently here.

Klaus Pichler

This is how Klaus Pichler describes the philosophy of the Weihrerhof. He sees this not only as economic growth or spatial expansion of the hotel but, above all, growth in spirit. To keep trying new things and to become more sustainable, both on a small and a large scale.