The location
We are in Brixen, a town that seems lifted straight from the pages of a history book: medieval arcades, centuries-old façades and narrow lanes once crossed by merchants hauling goods over the Brenner Pass by horse-drawn cart. In fact, Brixen is considered one of the oldest towns in all of South Tyrol.
The hotel
Right in the middle of this remarkably preserved old town sits the fink. At first glance, the property feels less like a hotel than an exceptionally stylish restaurant: Modern, minimalist and quietly elegant. One studies the menu and immediately begins plotting a leisurely afternoon spent tasting everything on it: vegetable tartare with house-baked dinkel bread; an organic salad of wild herbs, strawberries, asparagus and millet, dressed in a homemade dandelion-mustard vinaigrette. Later, we learn that many of the ingredients come from Brixen’s monastic gardens.
The owners
All of this has a deeper logic – and a long history behind it. Over the centuries, the building has served as a post office, a copper forge and, since 1896 under the stewardship of the Fink family, as a café, restaurant and butcher shop.
When the current owners, Florian and Petra Fink, took over the property, they envisioned something more contemporary: a sustainably built retreat with an exquisitely integrated spa and a restaurant devoted to the regional flavors of South Tyrol.
In 2023, the original structures of the town house were carefully revealed and restored. The suites and new wellness area now blend seamlessly into walls dating back to the 15th century.
The suites
What truly sets the fink apart is the beauty and restraint of its rooms and suites. There are only nine in total, each defined by a quiet, understated warmth. Much of the atmosphere comes from the carefully chosen natural materials: stone, reclaimed wood and matte eco-friendly paints in muted tones.
Here, less is decidedly more. The architects, Stefan Gamper and Stefan Sader, deserve particular praise for creating a space of such harmony and calm. Few hotels manage this level of pared-back luxury – a kind of understated five-star sensibility with an almost Aman-like simplicity.
The Spa
Another centerpiece of the hotel is its intimate spa on the first floor, designed in soft sandstone tones. Guests drift through light-filled corridors in plush bathrobes before settling into the sauna, steam bath or one of two Roman-inspired pools. One is warm, one is cold. There is also a beautifully conceived relaxation room that invites lingering for hours.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served each morning in the restaurant downstairs and is included in the room rate. In keeping with the restaurant’s culinary philosophy, everything is impeccably sourced, regional and sustainable.
The surroundings
Brixen is one of the ideal gateways to exploring South Tyrol. From here, roads lead into the Puster Valley, toward the famed Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lago di Braies. Those seeking something quieter can hike directly from the hotel to the Plose mountain (you can also ski here in winter), or take the gondola from nearby St. Andrä above the town. Petra and Florian also provide guests with a thoughtfully curated list of excursions in the surrounding area.
Kids
Children are welcome, though this is not a classic family hotel. The spa area, for example, is reserved exclusively for adults.
Pair it with
An ideal itinerary would combine a few nights at the fink in Brixen with a stay at the equally understated and sustainability-minded Bühelwirt in the Ahrntal Valley. Travelers continuing south might also consider the vegan retreat Agrivilla I Pini.
Rates
Suites from 250 euros per night including breakfast.
Booking & Contacts
fink 1896
Kleine Lauben 4
39042 Brixen
Italy
