Kulturhof Stanggass | Ski and Snow at the Boutique Hotel in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany | The Aficionados

Bavarian Fervour

Kulturhof Stanggass | Ski and Snow at the Boutique Hotel in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany | The Aficionados

Bavarian Fervour

Kulturhof Stanggass | Ski and Snow at the Boutique Hotel in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany | The Aficionados

Bavarian Fervour

Kulturhof Stanggass | Ski and Snow at the Boutique Hotel in Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany | The Aficionados
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

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

Kulturhof | Hotel Berchtesgaden Stanggaß Bavaria | The Aficionados

With 24 rooms and 10 townhouses, some of which sleep up to 10, there’s a range of choice for the solo traveller, family or large group at Kulturhof Stanggaß. What unifies the rooms is a respect for the stunning scenery around them, with mountain panoramas, flowering meadows and dramatic sunsets joyfully celebrated through large picture windows in every category of accommodation. 

Interiors are relaxation personified, cocooned in soothing moon wood and clay, keeping in continuity with the hotel’s dedication to local materials. Some come with mezzanine bedrooms, others with balconies and all have appealing touches such as bunches of wildflowers, glass bottles of water, loose-leaf herbal teas and sustainable bathroom products.

Foodie

Recently crowned with a Michelin star, Restaurant Solo Du maintains a casual, unpretentious air about it, focusing on taste, the ingredients and the source. Chef Zsolt Fodor draws on the wild meadows, lakes, farmlands and local produce sourced from rich bountiful Bavaria and the Alps. Creating tasting menus that inform, enrich and hawk back to a traditional flavour. The accompaniments are perfect, paired with wines selected by celebrated in-house sommelier Martin Bielik.  

Part of the Kulturhof's philosophy is about coming together, and whether you want a stein of Bavaria’s finest beer in the sunny beer garden, a crafted cocktail in the bar or a traditional inn feast, you’ll find this at Kulturhof, layered with the bounty of the Berchtesgaden region and the hotel’s own greenhouses.

Encouraging conviviality, the hotel’s inn restaurant has large, handcrafted wooden tables to facilitate get-togethers and the easy to-and-fro of conversation alongside traditional, regional dishes such as spinach Spinatknödel dumplings, winter cod with salsa verde, Wiener Schnitzel and ravioli.

 Zsolt Fodor - the Chef at the restaurant Solo Du | Kulturhof Hotel Berchtesgaden Stanggaß Bavaria | The Aficionados

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

Kulturhof | Hotel Berchtesgaden Stanggaß Bavaria | The Aficionados

Just over 1,5 hours from Munich, Kulturhof Stanggaß is found in the pretty municipality of Bischofswiesen at the entrance to Berchtesgaden, surrounded by the jagged mountain peaks of Watzmann and Hochkalter, a classic craggy landscape of lush valleys, dense forests, hiking and in winter – an abundance of ski runs in the Götschen ski area.

Nearby attractions include the beauty spot Lake Königssee, the city of Salzburg where Mozart hailed from and the salt mine of Berchtesgaden which offers tours around the 1500s mine 2,133 feet deep in the Bavarian Alps. 

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.

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