Bergland Design- und Wellnesshotel Sölden, Tyrol, Austria: Larch and loden
Inspired by the mountain landscape around the Tyrolean village of Sölden, a couple working in tourism and carpentry created a retreat where the scenery can be experienced both indoors and out. The natural colours of the Bergland Design- and Wellnesshotel in the centre of Sölden blend into the mountain landscape of the Ötztal valley.
This is where Elisabeth Grüner and her husband Sigi have fulfilled their dream of running a first-class design hotel in the Alps. Their starting point was an outdated traditional building in thetown centre of Sölden in Tyrol. The idyllic town has a population of 3,200, and with an area of almost 470 square kilometres it is bigger than Vienna, while it also marks the start of the road leading to the World Cup glacier. Boasting glaciers, mountains, forests and pastures, the region is the ideal location for a luxury holiday.
Harmonious contrasts
Before Elisabeth and Sigi Grüner were able to offer their guests premium holiday experiences, there was still one bold step to take: the renovation. The building was to be transformed into something completely new, and an architectural competition was launched that was won by Salzburg firm Wimreiter & Partner, who have experience in the tourism sector. With a strong grasp of and much sensitivity to the natural surroundings, the architects devised an alpine design hotel – the first of its kind in the region.
What fits in perfectly from the outside captivates on the inside with a contrast of regional and modern elements: larch, loden cloth and wool meet stone, glass and ceramics, while traditional shapes harmonise with contemporary features.
Architectural highlights
A total of over 1,000 square metres of terraces gives the hotel a feeling of openness and freedom. The well-considered floor plan with spacious rooms and suites of up to 212 square metres emphasises this. The only thing that can make the ambience even better is the 2,200-square-metre Sky SPA boasting panoramic views – when you take to the treadmill here, you feel like you’re running through the mountains. Moments of wellness at the same level as the summits await afterwards in the jacuzzi. Premium features like these aren’t overdone in this special place, but rather correspond with what you’d expect from a five-star location.
Animal neighbours
The bells and the bleating of the sheep that graze behind the hotel aren’t that interesting at first glance. Yet they fit in perfectly with the mountain backdrop at almost 1,350 metres above sea level. What’s special is that they belong to hotel owner Sigi Grüner, who has received several awards for the way he breeds the approx. 25 ewes and 40 to 50 lambs. Their wool is used to create products that can be found throughout the hotel, while the meat is also proudly served in the gourmet restaurant. Top cuisine ranks as high as the peaks at this hotel.
And anyone who doesn’t think that’s quite high enough will be able to reach Sölden’s glacier ski resort in just 30 minutes. Winter wonderland guaranteed.
Bergland Design- und Wellnesshotel Sölden is a Member of Lifestylehotels
Text: Nina Prehofer
