Made it to the thermal baths in Merano, South Tyrol? That’s a start. Another 35-minute drive, through tiny villages and up a steep mountain road, brings you to your destination: Hütterhof, a wonderfully authentic hut whose history goes back to the 15th century. Add an incredible view of the surrounding Alps, and your downtime is off to the right start.
In 2015, the owners, who also run an organic farm in Algund, about 35 minutes away, decided to renovate Grandpa’s mountain hut and rent it out to guests. And what a job they did. Authenticity is king: the centuries-old wooden walls have been beautifully restored, and they even brought an old washtub back into use as a bathtub. There are modern touches, too – the roof is completely new, insulated with eco-friendly hemp fiber. You cannot not fall in love with this place. Eva Siller, who looks after the hut with her parents, Martina and Martin, puts it best: “Our main goal was to preserve the value and tradition of our hut by changing as little of the original as possible.”
The hut suits just about everyone: families, one or two couples, and groups. On the ground floor there is a kitchen-living room and a large dining room with a fireplace. On the first floor are two double bedrooms and a bathroom, and up in the attic is a beautifully renovated dormitory with individual beds for up to six. There is also a sofa bed on the landing between the first and second floors, in a nook where you can play games. Capacity: up to eleven people. Honorable mention: the two gardens, in front of and behind the hut – the perfect place to barbecue and eat in summer.
Worth knowing: speaking of barbecues, you need to buy your food down in the valley. Up on the mountain, there are “only” fresh eggs and milk from the farm.
Ideal For
Two families who know each other well, with two or three children each, or one large family. Groups of friends have stayed here, too, and loved getting a real break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Children
Despite its hillside location, the hut is well suited to children, who will love the dormitory upstairs. Down at Gasthof Magdfeld there are animals to see and pet, and a small playground.
Surroundings
The hut sits right on the Merano High Trail (Meraner Höhenweg), at an altitude of 1,150 meters, so wonderful hikes are possible year-round. The villages of St. Martin and St. Leonhard, as well as Merano and its surroundings, are easy to reach by car (or by bike, for the athletic). In summer, a leisurely 30-minute walk takes you to the perfect lunch spot: the Naserhof.
In winter, you can in theory set off on a ski tour right from the hut. Alternatively, two ski areas are 30 to 40 minutes away by car.
Special
The house also works well as a yoga retreat: the attic is perfect for small group classes.
Price
From 380 euros per night for the whole hut.
Booking & Contact
Hütterhof
Eva Siller / Martin Kiem
Magdfeld 2
I-39010 St. Martin in Passeier (BZ)
South Tyrol / Italy
E-Mail: info@huetter.it
Tel: +39 3384776570 (Eva) or +39 3356153615 (Martin)
