Wanderlust: architectural gems in South Tyrol

When I say South Tyrol, you say apfelstrudel! True, but did you know that South Tyrol also houses some architectural gems? Think mountain huts, but different. The coolest architecture in a breathtaking landscape. South Tyrol 2.0!

HELLO HEIDI!

First up: mountain huts. Years ago, Heidi already knew the beauty of South Tyrol, but recently architects and engineers also discovered the area. The result: a series of newly built and renovated mountain huts that are modern, innovative and sustainable. Building in alpine and high alpine areas provides an additional challenge, which has already resulted in a series of international prizes and awards. Architectural gems include Rifugio al Sasso Nero by Stifter + Bachmann and the Edelrauthütte by Matteo Scagnol.

Time for wine

In addition to mountain huts, you will also find some pretty good wines in South Tyrol as the South Tyrolian Wine Route is where tradition and innovation come together. The authentic character of the wine estates is retained, but gets a modern touch and functionality, durability and aesthetics go hand in hand. The Tramin wine estate is a good example of this, with a glass and steel façade depicting a vineyard and symbolizing the connection between the vineyards and the winery. Don’t forget to combine a tour of the beautiful building with a tasting!

MUSEUM WITH VIEW

Next up in the South Tyrolean mountains are some impressive modern museums. Like the Messner Mountain Museum for example, designed by famous British architect Zaha Hadid. The museum houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to traditional mountaineering and the magnificent view of the impressive Alps and Dolomites is included for free. At the top of the Kronplatz region you will also find Lumen, an 1800 square meter architectural gem which houses the mountain photography museum.

SLEEPING IN STYLE

Although mountain huts with red and white checkered tablecloths have their charm, South Tyrol also offers some unique and ‘aesthetically pleasing’ accommodations. Gloriette Guesthouse is the perfect place to stay if you want to combine the mountains with a visit to the city of Bolzano. It’s only ten minutes away by cable car! At Cirna you stay in luxurious lodges built out of solid wood, in line with the principles of bio-architecture. Ecohotel Saltus is located in the middle of the forest, at an altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level. The wellness hotel has a Forest Spa where you can literally go ‘forest bathing’ in natural mountain water.

Cirna Gentle Luxury Lodges © René Riller

More about South Tyrol? You’ll find it here.