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Nestled in the majestic Dolomites of Trentino-Alto Adige, Hotel Schgaguler’s facade alone makes one crave the peace and quiet simplicity of mountain life. In 1986, Gottfried and Elisabeth Schgaguler founded the hotel as a guest house for hikers and cyclists, and when Peter and Tobias Schgaguler decided to take over their parents’ hotel in 2016, they transformed the space into an alpine adventurer’s dream. The renovation was spearheaded by renowned architect Peter Pichler, and the forward-looking architecture of the boutique hotel embraces the soothing nature of mountain life, while bringing in the aesthetic serenity typical of Nordic styles. Everything–from the triangular “peaks” of the hotel’s architecture to the wood paneling in the rooms–calls attention to the surrounding mountains and illuminates the hotel’s natural legacy. 

The Schgaguler family takes immense pride in their region–the hotel is intended to be a means through which guests can connect with nature, the mountains, and South Tyrol. They source produce, dairy, wine, and grappa locally for their traditional alpine restaurant; the hotel’s design is inspired by the Dolomites (the three distinct, gabled roofs are reminiscent of the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo mountain range); and their chestnut furniture was commissioned from local carpenters. Every room features floor to ceiling windows—seamlessly merging the boundaries between interior and exterior, offering a reminder of what beckons beyond the comfort of your handmade mattress. 

What really makes staying at this hotel feel like you’re staying with family is that they are willing to let you in on off-the-beaten-path, guided hiking, cycling, and climbing excursions. Their experienced guides are all locals who know the Dolomites like the backs of their hands. If you’re lucky, you might even get a tour with Gottfried Schgaguler himself: join him for snow tobogganing at sunset, winter hikes through the Alpe di Siusi, and a cross-country skiing trip across the entire Dolomites to Veneto. (South Tyrol also boasts Italy’s best Christmas markets to visit in the winter.) In the summer, go hiking, swim in the crystalline mountains lakes, and join Gottfried for an early morning to watch the sunrise from a mountain summit. Every excursion features stops at the cozy, welcoming mountain huts dotting the Alps that notoriously boast the best views, food, and hospitality in South Tyrol. 

For those who are looking for a less active holiday, Hotel Schgaguler’s idyllic spa has two indoor pools–a large one for swimming lengths and a smaller, warmer one–as well as a Finnish “Kelo” Sauna, steam bath, herbs sauna, and ice room. The best part, however, is their wooden sundeck: open in both summer and winter, the deck offers guests stunning views of the famous Sciliar Massiv and other mountain ranges–no need to get up from the whirlpool and plush sunbeds. 

The hotel is a tranquil stay at any time of the year, but each season offers guests a different way to experience the mountains. For a perfect summer day at Schgaguler, rise with the sun peeking through your window and set off on a lesser-known hike around Catinaccio d’Atermoia. Afterwards, treat yourself to a hot bath, filled with herb bath salts, in your room. Finish the day next to the fireplace at Schgaguler’s hotel bar with a glass of Lagrein from Bergmannhof to watch the sun set behind the majestic mountains. 

A few segreti (secrets) from Tobias Schgaguler:

Pflegerhof – If you love the herbal teas and bath salts available at Schgaguler, you can visit the source, an organic and family-run herbs farm in San Oswaldo, only 3 km from the hotel. Since 1982, Marta Mulser and her husband have been cultivating organic herbs and producing award winning products. Stop by for a tour of the fields and to visit their farm shop. 

Prackfol Winery – In Fiè allo Sciliar, young couple Petra and Patrick Planer opened this five-hectare vineyard at a whopping 1,000 meters high in the foothills of Mount Sciliar and Mount Rosengarten. The contrast of the cool mountain breezes and hot valley air gives their wine special characteristics. Don’t miss the Pinot Bianco Prackfol. 

Tierser Alpl – The Schgagulers always recommend guests to take a hike on Sciliar Mountain, both for the views and for this iconic, red-roofed mountain hut embedded in the white dolomite rocks of the Sciliar Massiv. Make sure to try the kaiserschmarrn, a lightly sweetened pancake with homemade cranberry jam.