Kulturhof Stanggaß

Intro

A mountainside bolthole of smooth timbered architecture, hotel Kulturhof Stanggaß is wrapped by the snow-dusted pinnacles of the Watzmann and Hochkalter, in the pretty village of Bischofswiesen at the entrance to Berchtesgaden in Bavaria.

Built in 2020 upon a once-famous hotel left abandoned, Kulturhof which translates as ‘culture courtyard’ is a cool eco-contemporary transformation, made for the future and cradled by dramatic mountain views and lush forests. A project for architects Manfred Brennecke and Stefan Kohlmeier from Arc Architects based in Hirschbach, the hotel morphs into a new incarnation whilst keeping its roots in the regionality of its environ. The hotel's architecture explores the boundaries between nature and the culture of the landscapes, whilst at the same time drawing attention to itself. A modern, eco-friendly beacon, the hotel works in synergy with the traditions and nature of Berchtesgaden. Architecturally striking, the timber construction spreads out vertically in wooden segments from the two traditionally formed gabled buildings, a style well-known in the region. From the ashes of the previous hotel, rubble was used as part of the recycled foundations, from here on up, the building is constructed from locally sourced wood, with insulation made from recycled paper. 

A modern design hotel of easy eco-style and sustainable tradition, Kulturhof is threaded with a communal vibe, welcoming visitors and locals alike. A simple ‘inn with beer garden’ idea came first, which expanded to include a ballroom, glasshouse, yoga studio, co-working space, sauna and ‘townhouse’ living quarters. 

With an ethos to create a positive impact within the neighbourhood and its future, the hotel has curated a wide range of cultural meeting points. Taking up the mantle of community ‘caravanserai’, Kulturhof Stanggaß has facilitated an exchange that uses the currency of ideas and stories, whether that’s chatting communally over dinner, a masked ball in the ballroom or joining the magical storytelling in the ‘fairytale tent’ around the fireside.

With nature playing a part in the hotel’s design remit, the ever-present peaks present a majestic backdrop, while nearer to home a natural swimming pond completes the scene. A mountain escape full of heart and soul, Kulturhof Stanggaß is a force-for-good destination hotel that’s here to stay.

Rooms

Foodie

Wellness

One of Kulturhof’s alluring attributes is its high-quality on-site facilities namely its picturesque natural swimming pond and the high-ceilinged, purpose-built yoga studio led by Susanne Obermaier, who focuses on breathing and movement to help align body and soul. Both swimming pond and studio are angled to mountain views, to further help expand your mind and loosen your shoulders. The natural pool is also nicely edged with comfy sun loungers for those who like to chill poolside. 

Although relaxation is a standout feature of Kulturhof, the hotel is well aware of the rejuvenating benefits of spending time in the fresh mountain air of the Berchtesgaden National Park, and encourage excursions around its 250 kilometres of trails. 

Location

Owners

Along with the hotel’s sustainable commitments, the owners of the hotel very much look to the future, with the idea that the design is for the benefit of grandchildren, in other words, it’s a thoughtful and solid design, made to last.

But it’s also more than this, the family Wimmer including Bartl, Miriam and Florian want to create a hotel that keeps to its principles, and in doing so, helps to inspire others in the future, a progressive model of doing good that is as admirable as it is in this case seriously stylish.