Where are we?
In the Ahrntal (Valle Aurina), a wonderfully unspoiled valley in the far north of South Tyrol. From Bruneck (Brunico), home of the Kronplatz ski area, you drive half an hour northeast and find yourself facing seven peaks over 3,000 meters, with Austria just on the other side of the main Alpine ridge. Bühelwirt sits in the hamlet of St. Jakob (San Giacomo), on a rise called the Bühel, to be precise.
The New Building
Bühelwirt has long been a traditional inn in St. Jakob. Before the renovation, it looked like any other guesthouse in the area, the kind of place where locals stop for coffee after Mass. When granddaughter Michaela and her husband, Matthias, took over, they dreamed of an extension with generous rooms that would open up views of the pristine valley and soaring peaks. They bought the plot below the house and asked a relative, a renowned South Tyrolean architect, to draw up the first plans.
Armin Pedevilla and his brother Alex went on to create a spectacular extension with 20 rooms, a very open yet cozy restaurant and a small spa with a relaxation room and sauna on the ground floor. The new Bühelwirt opened in June 2017.
The Rooms
All the rooms are not only very bright but also very cozy, which is astonishing given that they are furnished with only the essentials and even the bathrooms are finished in simple modern resin plaster. It is a real achievement that such pared-back rooms radiate so much warmth. We also love the comfortable armchairs by Prostoria, which turn into a bed in about seven seconds.
The Kitchen
Bühelwirt’s restaurant honors tradition while understanding that you may want something lighter in the evening, a very appealing mix. Since the summer of 2021, it has been a certified organic hotel, sourcing most ingredients from the region, producing little waste and making sustainability part of the whole stay.
Ideal for
If there were such a thing as the typical Bühelwirt guest, it would be a young family with one or two children who don’t need any fuss, just a VERY relaxing vacation with great food at the foot of the South Tyrolean Alps.
Skiing
With two small, family-friendly ski areas around the corner, Bühelwirt is a cool alternative to the usual ski hotels. The Klausberg gondola is just 8 to 10 minutes away by car, and the slightly larger Speikboden about 15 minutes. Speikboden faces north, so the snow is reliable even in mild weather. Both are highly recommended, but of course, this is not the Arlberg. You can also set off on a ski tour straight from the hotel.
Yoga
Yoga has become an integral part of Bühelwirt, with its own yoga room, regular classes and retreats throughout the year; see the Yoga calendar.
Pets
Pets are generally not allowed at the Bühelwirt.
Prices
Doubles from 100 euros per person in the main house and from 146 euros per person in the panoramic rooms of the new building, with half board. You can find the full price list here.
Booking & Contact
Bühelwirt
The Haller Family
Am Bühel 30
39030 Ahrntal, South Tyrol
Italy
Phone: +39 0474 650309
Web: www.buehelwirt.com
Email: info@buehelwirt.com
