The Location
Ehrwald is not exactly on everyone’s radar, so here is a little help: find Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze, and look at it from the Austrian side, in northern Tyrol. Picture a beautiful valley ringed by gray rock peaks. In summer, it is a paradise for hiking and biking; in winter, for skiing, both downhill and cross-country, and snowboarding, with five ski areas nearby.
Set on a slope at exactly 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), with a picture-perfect view of the mountains, is Haus Ʌerli, a new, sustainably built house with three beautiful vacation apartments. At first glance, the rooms seem almost too sleek and cool, but once you have spent a night, a pleasant warmth unfolds.
The Apartments
We tested the largest, No. 1002, at 130 square meters (1,400 square feet): a loft with a huge living room that flows into the open kitchen and an enormous window facing the Zugspitze, plus two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, one with a freestanding tub.
We usually like things a little playful, but here there is no reclaimed wood, no cowhide and no antlers. Instead: larch, silver fir and natural stone, lots of space and little to disturb a relaxing vacation. So: 100 brownie points.
We also saw the other two apartments. Both are highly recommended; we especially liked their layouts and simplicity. The smallest, No. 1003, measures 58 square meters and is designed for two.
The third, No. 1000, has 120 square meters, an open kitchen, two bedrooms with private bathrooms and a long living-dining room. It sits below No. 1002 and also has a magnificent view.
Wellness
One of the great features of this pretty place is the pool in the garden. Nothing beats swimming a few laps with a view of rocky peaks nearly 3,000 meters high after a long hike (or enjoying your first drink on a lounger and taking a photo of it). It is a natural swimming pond, so you swim among water lilies: sustainable, yet perfectly clean.
Next to the pool is a large Finnish sauna, the perfect end to a cold day on the slopes.
Special
On the second floor is the only colorful room in the house, a modern workspace with a small library, for anyone who would rather spend the day at the computer than on the slopes, or has a Teams call to take.
The Hosts
Sisters Sarah and Emily Schwarz grew up in their parents’ hotel in Ehrwald. We are delighted that they have been Pretty Hotels fans for years, have stayed at many of our properties and drew inspiration from us for the house and its concept.
Ideal for
Anyone looking for a special retreat in a high-quality vacation apartment. With so much space, No. 1002 also works for two couples as well as a family of four. We would recommend a week of skiing: lunch at a mountain hut, then cooking your own curry in the evening.
Surroundings
The center of Ehrwald is just a 5- to 10-minute walk away. There are a few nice places to eat, but it is no culinary mecca. In summer, you can set off hiking (theoretically even up the Zugspitze) or mountain biking right from the door. In winter, five family-friendly ski areas are on your doorstep; the Ehrwalder Alm is fairly snow-sure, and the Grubigstein in Lermoos usually has enough snow, too.
Price
Apartments from 190 euros per night.
Booking & Contact
Haus Ʌerli
Erlifeld 8
6623 Ehrwald
Austria
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