Edition 2 / 2023
Ad astra – to the stars
Distant galaxies, culinary highlights, exquisite multi-star hotels – in this edition, we will take you on a journey across the romantic starry sky and allow it to work its magic.
Rhône Glacier | Switzerland
So far away yet to all intents and purposes close enough to touch – the spiral galaxy is the gateway to another world, though we can still observe it from Earth: with its approximately 100 billion brightly shining stars, the Milky Way is many trillions of miles away.
Each of its stars is a sun – some of which even have planets orbiting them. Viewed against the backdrop of the Rhône Glacier, the Milky Way looks all the more majestic. The valley glacier is located in the Uri Alps and is continuously melting, which has resulted in the formation of a small lake.
Just a few kilometres away lies the Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof in Flims – a Belle Époque-era hotel with a moving family history.
Astronomical Alps
Döbriach | Austria
Around 100 years ago, people revelled in artificial light – electricity had been invented. Today, it is a truly special experience when the starry sky manifests itself clearly in complete darkness – as it does when viewed from the terrace of the Romantik SPA Hotel Seefischer on the shores of Millstaetter See.
Situated at the foot of a lake and encircled by rounded mountaintops, the Romantik SPA Hotel Seefischer is a great base not just for stargazing but also for walking, cycling and golfing.
A gift from the sun
Northern Lights | Norway
Long, dark winter nights are par for the course at the Earth’s Poles. The special gift the sun bestows on us here is the green, red and purple discolouration of the sky – the polar lights. When the solar wind, the energy emitted by the sun, meets the Earth’s magnetic field, this phenomenon can be observed in all its variety. It is especially impressive when seen surrounded by Norway’s mountains.
The Romantik Hotel Angvik Gamle Handelssted lies in the Norwegian fjords and is a real insider’s tip for your tour of Norway.
The journey to the Michelin stars
Michelin-starred chef Markus Philippi | Romantik Hotel Residenz am See, Meersburg, Germany
We do not need to gaze into the cosmos to enjoy stars. Instead, all we need to do is visit Romantik Hotels. For chefs, Michelin stars are the highest recognition of their quality and creativity. We present four chefs and their journey to achieving a Michelin star.
Constantly reinventing oneself yet still treating ingredients with the respect they deserve – head chef Markus Philippi constantly aims to present his regular guests with new dishes while also remaining in harmony with nature. As head chef of the Casala Restaurant he divulges how difficult it is to retain a Michelin star for almost 15 out of a total of 20 years.
My personal culinary philosophy is also my philosophy for life: People who consider themselves to be somebody, stop becoming somebody.
Markus Philippi, Michelin-starred chef
Your way to your first Michelin star was paved by patron and grand chef Manfred Lang; however, you have been maintaining the standard for nearly 15 years. What does this take?
Retaining such an award takes a lot of discipline and teamwork. Over such a long period, it requires that you at least maintain the same quality standard, which you build on whilst also continuously striving to evolve.
What do you think makes for Michelin-starred cuisine?
Michelin-starred cuisine is all about getting the very best out of the ingredients available to you in terms of flavour, texture and visual appeal, and we use regional, unusual and luxury products to do so.
In addition to running the Casala Restaurant and the Residenz Restaurant, you also head up the cookery school and teach participants everyday tips and tricks. What do adults and children enjoy the most?
Our recipes are easy for all to follow, and we keep them simple. What’s really important to me is using readily accessible ingredients available from supermarkets. The point is for people to be able to reproduce the recipes at home and make treasured memories. Guaranteed results and flavour are the key to success – for children and adults alike.
Find an exclusive recipe from the haed chef here.
Michelin-starred chef Gerd Windhösel | Romantik Hotel | Restaurant Hirsch, Sonnenbühl-Erpfingen, Swabian Jura, Germany
Gerd Windhösel, top chef and patron of the Romantik Hotel | Restaurant Hirsch, also holds a much-coveted Michelin star and stands out thanks not only to his high-quality, typical regional ingredients but also his somewhat unusual take on Michelin-starred cuisine.
“Fine dining has nothing to do with show and glamour – it has to wow people with its quality and flavours.”
Gerd Windhösel, Michelin-starred chef
The Restaurant Hirsch has won a Michelin star without a break since 1994. What did it feel like at the time to receive your very first accolade from the “Guide Michelin”?
My wife Silke and I took over the Restaurant Hirsch in 1989 and have since painstakingly raised the restaurant’s quality. In 1993, we added a small hotel area and several new buildings – we received the Michelin star in the middle of the construction work. Until then, we had not even entertained the idea of creating a Michelin-starred restaurant and associated “Michelin” more with our car tyres than with culinary awards. We were of course proud suddenly to be listed amongst the great chefs we had always looked up to with awe. But at the same time, we could not and did not want to appear to be an elitist establishment: straightforward, honest cooking with the best local ingredients – that is how it was then, and that is what it still is today.
Michelin-starred chef Alexandra Müller | Romantik Hotel L’Etoile, Charmey, Switzerland
Join Romantik on a voyage for the senses, from the Michelin-starred Nova restaurant to night-time Gruyères in Switzerland.
Gentle relaxation, wide open countryside and outstanding, Michelin-starred cuisine: that is what head chef and patron Alexandra Müller promises guests at the charming Romantik Hotel L’Etoile. A special offer for foodies and amateur astrologists: after the exquisite six-course tasting menu in the Nova fine-dining restaurant, the head chef will take her guests on a journey of discovery through the cosmos with the aid of her very own telescope.
More informations on an evening with the stars.
The unique star package can be booked directly via the hotel.
Chasing stars
Michelin-starred chef Valentin Rottner | Romantik Hotel Gasthaus Rottner | Nuremberg, Germany
Valentin Rottner was only 31 years old when he was awarded a Michelin star for his in-house restaurant Waidwerk at the Romantik Hotel Gasthaus Rottner in 2019. In doing so, he was continuing a family tradition. His grandmother Irma Rottner and his father and head chef Stefan Rottner in their time also won a star.
Valentin was only two years old when his grandfather started taking him hunting. This not only laid the foundations for his restaurant but also shaped his values such as his love of nature and sustainability.
When he is hunting, he comes up with ideas for new recipes. At the same time, he can clear his head and enjoy the calm of the starry night sky. “Being in the woods, in nature – out on my own, hunting is my haven of peace, but also my inspiration,” Valentin says enthusiastically.
Galactic experience
Gondwana Collection Namibia | Africa
Namibia invites you to stargaze in the midst of an extraordinary landscape.
The nights here are pitch-black, the skies clear, thus offering perfect visibility of the stars, Milky Way and planets. The country’s sparse population and low air pollution make Namibia an ideal destination for stargazing.
Lutz von Dewitz is an amateur astronomer. He searches out local astronomical phenomena with the help of his Skywatcher telescope. Once the sun has set, familiar constellations, the Milky Way and, in total darkness, star clusters such as Omega Centauri and Herschel’s Jewel Box cluster can practically be seen with the naked eye. The visibility of planets such as Mars, Jupiter and Saturn is influenced by their position in relation to the Sun and the Earth. This changes from year to year.
“For me, observing stars not only means seeing already familiar things but also offers the excitement of discovering and learning something new. Sharing this experience with others and sparking their interest is wonderfully fulfilling.”
Lutz von Dewitz, hobby astronomer
Live an unforgettable Namibian adventure with Romantik partner Gondwana Collection Namibia. Spend the night in the midst of the fascinating landscape, discover the impressive animal kingdom and watch the nightly show of stars from the window of your lodge or even from your bed under the open sky. You can take a private tour with Lutz von Dewitz and observe the stars in the Kalahari Anib Lodge and Namib Dune Star Camp.
“The highlight is, of course, the Milky Way. It is visible almost the entire night between the months of April and October.”
Lutz von Dewitz, hobby astronomer
Additional images of the stars taken from the lodges
A real ‘Romantik’
Romantik Hotel Turm | Völs am Schlern, South Tyrol
Fine stud horses, real Picassos and a bird as the hotel’s patron saint – the historic Romantik Hotel Turm was one of the first Romantik Hotels in South Tyrol and has been a member of the Romantik family for almost 50 years.
Art in their DNA: Karl Pramstrahler, the son of the founding family, brought together the entire art scene in the historic tower hotel back in the 1960s. Among the visitors cavorting around the ancient buildings were Lucio Fontana, Vladislav Kavan and Karl Plattner. What is left from those times? A love of art and an unparalleled art gallery with works by Pablo Picasso, Otto Dix, Oskar Kokoschka, Salvador Dalí, Gustav Klimt and many more. Every now and then, an Arab thoroughbred from the adjoining stables will wander around – obviously, nobody wants to miss out on a real Picasso.
The family became owners of the building after World War II – Karl and Seraphine Pramstrahler found themselves with a ruin on their hands and restored the architectural core and the heart of the hotel – the historic towers from the 13th century. “In the old days, in winter, farmers and farm hands became snowed in with the keeper of the towers. For three days and nights, they played cards, drank, quarrelled, laughed and fought. When they needed a short break to sleep, players took it in turns to lie down right across the bench.” Since then, quite a lot has changed at the historic tower hotel in South Tyrol. What has stayed the same, however, is the warm welcome, inviting visitors to stay awhile and enjoy themselves.
The hotel is currently in the hands of the third generation of the family – Stephan Pramstrahler is a former head chef, a passionate winemaker, hobby designer and Italian hang-gliding champion. He runs the hotel together with his wife Kathi, sommelière and the heart and soul of the hotel, and turns a stay at the hotel into a truly memorable experience.
So how does a raven fit into this story? Birds are a form of heraldic emblem for the family and the hotel. There are the owl terrace, the owl suite, bird sculptures and statues dotted around the building and the names of the wines: Pica, Bubo, Tetrix, Corax. Birds are omnipresent here. They stand for intelligence and good communication as well as for respect and humility. “They are also a bit cheeky,” Stephan Pramstrahler adds in a laughing aside.
Guided tour of the Gasthof Gallaria
Impressivley sustainable
Romantik Hotel Stafler | Mauls, South Tyrol
What defines a luxury hotel these days? How it blends in with its surroundings, its sensitivity to the zeitgeist and sustainability in all areas of life.
Sustainability is part of the family tradition in many Romantik Hotels. This is particularly true of rural areas where the focus is on animal welfare while regional ingredients and a renewable energy supply are also a significant part of the Romantik philosophy. Most of the hotels are equipped with cutting-edge technology and are thus able to limit their environmental footprint by using heat recovery, LED lighting and electric hotel taxis.
The Stafler family has been running their own estate for 200 years. In addition to other livestock, they rear 110 cattle in a sustainable, modern compost barn. If an animal is slaughtered, the kitchens use everything from top to tail and avoid any unnecessary wastage. For 40 years, the hotel has also operated a wood chip heating system and its own electric power plant with free charging stations for electric cars. A real insider tip is the Einhorn gourmet restaurant. Here, two Michelin star chef Peter Girtler celebrates world-class regional products.
Das Mühlbach | Thermal Spa & Romantik Hotel | Bad Füssing, Germany
Whether it is jams, syrups or regional fruit, Das Mühlbach | Thermal Spa & Romantik Hotel shows that sustainability can also function on a small scale.
Every year, wonderful and occasionally rare products can be found at this family-owned farm: apples, different types of greengages, cherries, raspberries, blackberries, red and black currants and jostaberries, damsons, elderberries, quinces, pears and walnuts. They are used to make jams for breakfast or home-made schnaps like the walnut schnaps, which is matured for one year. And all without any chemical additives and in harmony with nature.
Discover the hotel
Interior design at star level
Romantik Hotel Le Val d’Amblève | Stavelot, Belgium
A special feature of many Romantik Hotels is their exceptional interior design. Just like in the restaurant of the Romantik Hotel Le Val d’Amblève, which has just been transformed by the designer Conni Kotte.
Together with her team, the designer creates unusual interior concepts that nonetheless respect the authenticity of the building. They not only focus on the external environment but also fix their gaze inwards, concentrating on the hearts and souls of their clients and design objects. This is also true of the revamp of the restaurant in the Romantik Hotel Le Val d’Amblève whose architectural core dates back to the 1930s. The new design concept preserves the hotel’s atmosphere but gives it a modern interpretation.
“Anything that does you good is allowed. That is true luxury and extravagance”
Conni Kotte
Start the new year reenergised.
Take stock of the year just gone by and start the new one in harmony with yourself. Stefanie Stahl, the chart-topping author and Germany’s best-known psychologist explains how we can re-establish our inner balance and learn to relax.
Recharge your batteries and marvel at the beauty of the mountains at the Romantik Hotel Alpenblick in the Tyrol.
Discover the hotel
It is the start of a new year. Many of us begin it with new hopes, expectations and resolutions but quickly fall back into old patterns of behaviour. We are stressed, do not take a break or look deep into ourselves. How can we maintain our inner compass all year round?
Having an inner compass means being in touch with your emotions. Many people conform too readily. They want to fulfil every expectation and run from one task to the next. In doing so, they lose touch with their own emotions and needs. Instead of focusing on your own supposed weaknesses, you should rather concentrate on your strengths and ask yourself what you are grateful for. A positive personal philosophy is also helpful. For instance, I am just as important as everyone else. Or: I am allowed to care for myself. Enjoying life is important. That does not necessarily require big changes. Even small steps can help, such as a bunch of fresh flowers on the desk, taking time to mindfully enjoy a cup of coffee, maintaining friendships or taking a small holiday. Those who find that difficult ought to bear in mind that if they feel better, others spending time in their company will also feel better. Stress makes people petty and irritable. If your batteries are fully charged, you will be able to be much kinder to yourself and others.
Stefanie Stahl and her book “The Child In You”
Personal magic moments
Most of us do not find it easy to slow down and get through the year in a relaxed fashion. These Romantik Hotels make it easy to achieve just that.
Romantik Hotel Jagdhaus Eiden am See | Bad Zwischenahn, Germany
The healing power of nature is balm to the soul and provides space for reflection at the Romantik Hotel Jagdhaus Eiden am See.
Located right on the shores of the Zwischenahner Meer lake, the four-star superior hotel not only offers an exceptional scenic backdrop but also a wealth of opportunities for unwinding. Take the exclusive use of the carriage sauna, for example, followed by a dip in the Zwischenahner Meer lake or a wander through the Zwischenahn moors.
Discover the hotel
Click to view the site map of the Romantik Hotel Jagdhaus Eiden am See
Romantik Hotel Oberwirt | Merano, South Tyrol
The power of nature is also the focal point of the AMADEA Spa in the Romantik Hotel Oberwirt. Nature is unique, powerful and follows its own rhythm and the laws of the universe.
The spa zone here leaves no desires unmet: a variety of pools, bio and infrared saunas, an ice fountain as well as extensive beauty services
provide the necessary space for the relaxation of the senses. At night,
take the opportunity to swim under the starry sky or make your home
in an exclusive room with a star ceiling.
For those for whom a wellness holiday does not offer sufficient physical activity, pain specialists Liebscher & Bracht have put together an exclusive holiday workout so guests can get moving in short exercise units in a relaxed atmosphere.
Schmerzfrei und beweglich bis ins hohe Alter
Liebscher and Bracht
See some Liebscher and Bracht exercises
Spot on: Exceptionally beautiful views
LARTOR Resort
New to Romantik: urban luxury in the Alps with a panoramic view of the Ammergau valley from the Lartor Resort
The boutique hotel in the middle of the Ammergau Alps Nature Park offers the best things in life: relaxation, art and fine dining. The floor-length windows offer a stunning view of the stars at night and the Ammergau valley during the day. The restaurant treats guests to handpicked regional products while the adjacent art gallery houses a permanent exhibition of paintings by Wolfgang Beltracchi and photographs by Mauro Fiorese. The LARTOR resort will in the near future expand its offering by 15 additional luxury chalets as well as medical and beauty facilities.
Adress: Weiherweg 34, Unterammergau, Germany
Discover the hotel
Dark Sky Park
Light after dusk.
To stay healthy, both we humans and other creatures need a sufficiently dark night. The first star park in the Alps offers the best conditions for just this purpose. The dark sky reserve not only benefits the ecosystem but is also an ideal location for stargazing. On a clear moonless night, it is possible to spot up to 6,000 stars with the naked eye.
Adress: Winklmoos-Alm, Reit im Winkl, Germany
Zugspitze region
High-altitude euphoria of the senses.
Having Germany’s highest mountain on the doorstep not only makes for an outstanding view but also ensures a wide range of activities are on offer, from hiking to trail running or sledging. The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena has toboggan runs of various lengths. You can even go night sledging in the evening. Then spend the night in the cosy Romantik Hotel Spielmann.
Address: Rodelhütte,
Garmisch-Partenkirchen,
Germany
Romantik Hotel Spielmann,
Wettersteinstraße 24,
Ehrwald,
Austria
Ad astra – to the stars
Distant galaxies, culinary highlights, exquisite multi-star hotels – in this edition, we will take you on a journey across the romantic starry sky and allow it to work its magic.
Rhône Glacier | Switzerland
So far away yet to all intents and purposes close enough to touch – the spiral galaxy is the gateway to another world, though we can still observe it from Earth: with its approximately 100 billion brightly shining stars, the Milky Way is many trillions of miles away.
Each of its stars is a sun – some of which even have planets orbiting them. Viewed against the backdrop of the Rhône Glacier, the Milky Way looks all the more majestic. The valley glacier is located in the Uri Alps and is continuously melting, which has resulted in the formation of a small lake.
Just a few kilometres away lies the Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof in Flims – a Belle Époque-era hotel with a moving family history.
Astronomical Alps
Döbriach | Austria
Around 100 years ago, people revelled in artificial light – electricity had been invented. Today, it is a truly special experience when the starry sky manifests itself clearly in complete darkness – as it does when viewed from the terrace of the Romantik SPA Hotel Seefischer on the shores of Millstaetter See.
Situated at the foot of a lake and encircled by rounded mountaintops, the Romantik SPA Hotel Seefischer is a great base not just for stargazing but also for walking, cycling and golfing.
A gift from the sun
Northern Lights | Norway
Long, dark winter nights are par for the course at the Earth’s Poles. The special gift the sun bestows on us here is the green, red and purple discolouration of the sky – the polar lights. When the solar wind, the energy emitted by the sun, meets the Earth’s magnetic field, this phenomenon can be observed in all its variety. It is especially impressive when seen surrounded by Norway’s mountains.
The Romantik Hotel Angvik Gamle Handelssted lies in the Norwegian fjords and is a real insider’s tip for your tour of Norway.
Discover the benefits of the RomantikCard
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The journey to the Michelin stars
Michelin-starred chef Markus Philippi | Romantik Hotel Residenz am See, Meersburg, Germany
We do not need to gaze into the cosmos to enjoy stars. Instead, all we need to do is visit Romantik Hotels. For chefs, Michelin stars are the highest recognition of their quality and creativity. We present four chefs and their journey to achieving a Michelin star.
Constantly reinventing oneself yet still treating ingredients with the respect they deserve – head chef Markus Philippi constantly aims to present his regular guests with new dishes while also remaining in harmony with nature. As head chef of the Casala Restaurant he divulges how difficult it is to retain a Michelin star for almost 15 out of a total of 20 years.
My personal culinary philosophy is also my philosophy for life: People who consider themselves to be somebody, stop becoming somebody.
Markus Philippi, Michelin-starred chef
Your way to your first Michelin star was paved by patron and grand chef Manfred Lang; however, you have been maintaining the standard for nearly 15 years. What does this take?
Retaining such an award takes a lot of discipline and teamwork. Over such a long period, it requires that you at least maintain the same quality standard, which you build on whilst also continuously striving to evolve.
What do you think makes for Michelin-starred cuisine?
Michelin-starred cuisine is all about getting the very best out of the ingredients available to you in terms of flavour, texture and visual appeal, and we use regional, unusual and luxury products to do so.
In addition to running the Casala Restaurant and the Residenz Restaurant, you also head up the cookery school and teach participants everyday tips and tricks. What do adults and children enjoy the most?
Our recipes are easy for all to follow, and we keep them simple. What’s really important to me is using readily accessible ingredients available from supermarkets. The point is for people to be able to reproduce the recipes at home and make treasured memories. Guaranteed results and flavour are the key to success – for children and adults alike.
Find an exclusive recipe from the haed chef here.
Michelin-starred chef Gerd Windhösel | Romantik Hotel | Restaurant Hirsch, Sonnenbühl-Erpfingen, Swabian Jura, Germany
Gerd Windhösel, top chef and patron of the Romantik Hotel | Restaurant Hirsch, also holds a much-coveted Michelin star and stands out thanks not only to his high-quality, typical regional ingredients but also his somewhat unusual take on Michelin-starred cuisine.
“Fine dining has nothing to do with show and glamour – it has to wow people with its quality and flavours.”
Gerd Windhösel, Michelin-starred chef
The Restaurant Hirsch has won a Michelin star without a break since 1994. What did it feel like at the time to receive your very first accolade from the “Guide Michelin”?
My wife Silke and I took over the Restaurant Hirsch in 1989 and have since painstakingly raised the restaurant’s quality. In 1993, we added a small hotel area and several new buildings – we received the Michelin star in the middle of the construction work. Until then, we had not even entertained the idea of creating a Michelin-starred restaurant and associated “Michelin” more with our car tyres than with culinary awards. We were of course proud suddenly to be listed amongst the great chefs we had always looked up to with awe. But at the same time, we could not and did not want to appear to be an elitist establishment: straightforward, honest cooking with the best local ingredients – that is how it was then, and that is what it still is today.
Michelin-starred chef Alexandra Müller | Romantik Hotel L’Etoile, Charmey, Switzerland
Join Romantik on a voyage for the senses, from the Michelin-starred Nova restaurant to night-time Gruyères in Switzerland.
Gentle relaxation, wide open countryside and outstanding, Michelin-starred cuisine: that is what head chef and patron Alexandra Müller promises guests at the charming Romantik Hotel L’Etoile. A special offer for foodies and amateur astrologists: after the exquisite six-course tasting menu in the Nova fine-dining restaurant, the head chef will take her guests on a journey of discovery through the cosmos with the aid of her very own telescope.
More informations on an evening with the stars.
The unique star package can be booked directly via the hotel.
Chasing stars
Michelin-starred chef Valentin Rottner | Romantik Hotel Gasthaus Rottner | Nuremberg, Germany
Valentin Rottner was only 31 years old when he was awarded a Michelin star for his in-house restaurant Waidwerk at the Romantik Hotel Gasthaus Rottner in 2019. In doing so, he was continuing a family tradition. His grandmother Irma Rottner and his father and head chef Stefan Rottner in their time also won a star.
Valentin was only two years old when his grandfather started taking him hunting. This not only laid the foundations for his restaurant but also shaped his values such as his love of nature and sustainability.
When he is hunting, he comes up with ideas for new recipes. At the same time, he can clear his head and enjoy the calm of the starry night sky. “Being in the woods, in nature – out on my own, hunting is my haven of peace, but also my inspiration,” Valentin says enthusiastically.
Galactic experience
Gondwana Collection Namibia | Africa
Namibia invites you to stargaze in the midst of an extraordinary landscape.
The nights here are pitch-black, the skies clear, thus offering perfect visibility of the stars, Milky Way and planets. The country’s sparse population and low air pollution make Namibia an ideal destination for stargazing.
Lutz von Dewitz is an amateur astronomer. He searches out local astronomical phenomena with the help of his Skywatcher telescope. Once the sun has set, familiar constellations, the Milky Way and, in total darkness, star clusters such as Omega Centauri and Herschel’s Jewel Box cluster can practically be seen with the naked eye. The visibility of planets such as Mars, Jupiter and Saturn is influenced by their position in relation to the Sun and the Earth. This changes from year to year.
“For me, observing stars not only means seeing already familiar things but also offers the excitement of discovering and learning something new. Sharing this experience with others and sparking their interest is wonderfully fulfilling.”
Lutz von Dewitz, hobby astronomer
Live an unforgettable Namibian adventure with Romantik partner Gondwana Collection Namibia. Spend the night in the midst of the fascinating landscape, discover the impressive animal kingdom and watch the nightly show of stars from the window of your lodge or even from your bed under the open sky. You can take a private tour with Lutz von Dewitz and observe the stars in the Kalahari Anib Lodge and Namib Dune Star Camp.
“The highlight is, of course, the Milky Way. It is visible almost the entire night between the months of April and October.”
Lutz von Dewitz, hobby astronomer
Additional images of the stars taken from the lodges
A real ‘Romantik’
Romantik Hotel Turm | Völs am Schlern, South Tyrol
Fine stud horses, real Picassos and a bird as the hotel’s patron saint – the historic Romantik Hotel Turm was one of the first Romantik Hotels in South Tyrol and has been a member of the Romantik family for almost 50 years.
Art in their DNA: Karl Pramstrahler, the son of the founding family, brought together the entire art scene in the historic tower hotel back in the 1960s. Among the visitors cavorting around the ancient buildings were Lucio Fontana, Vladislav Kavan and Karl Plattner. What is left from those times? A love of art and an unparalleled art gallery with works by Pablo Picasso, Otto Dix, Oskar Kokoschka, Salvador Dalí, Gustav Klimt and many more. Every now and then, an Arab thoroughbred from the adjoining stables will wander around – obviously, nobody wants to miss out on a real Picasso.
The family became owners of the building after World War II – Karl and Seraphine Pramstrahler found themselves with a ruin on their hands and restored the architectural core and the heart of the hotel – the historic towers from the 13th century. “In the old days, in winter, farmers and farm hands became snowed in with the keeper of the towers. For three days and nights, they played cards, drank, quarrelled, laughed and fought. When they needed a short break to sleep, players took it in turns to lie down right across the bench.” Since then, quite a lot has changed at the historic tower hotel in South Tyrol. What has stayed the same, however, is the warm welcome, inviting visitors to stay awhile and enjoy themselves.
The hotel is currently in the hands of the third generation of the family – Stephan Pramstrahler is a former head chef, a passionate winemaker, hobby designer and Italian hang-gliding champion. He runs the hotel together with his wife Kathi, sommelière and the heart and soul of the hotel, and turns a stay at the hotel into a truly memorable experience.
So how does a raven fit into this story? Birds are a form of heraldic emblem for the family and the hotel. There are the owl terrace, the owl suite, bird sculptures and statues dotted around the building and the names of the wines: Pica, Bubo, Tetrix, Corax. Birds are omnipresent here. They stand for intelligence and good communication as well as for respect and humility. “They are also a bit cheeky,” Stephan Pramstrahler adds in a laughing aside.
Guided tour of the Gasthof Gallaria
Impressivley sustainable
Romantik Hotel Stafler | Mauls, South Tyrol
What defines a luxury hotel these days? How it blends in with its surroundings, its sensitivity to the zeitgeist and sustainability in all areas of life.
Sustainability is part of the family tradition in many Romantik Hotels. This is particularly true of rural areas where the focus is on animal welfare while regional ingredients and a renewable energy supply are also a significant part of the Romantik philosophy. Most of the hotels are equipped with cutting-edge technology and are thus able to limit their environmental footprint by using heat recovery, LED lighting and electric hotel taxis.
The Stafler family has been running their own estate for 200 years. In addition to other livestock, they rear 110 cattle in a sustainable, modern compost barn. If an animal is slaughtered, the kitchens use everything from top to tail and avoid any unnecessary wastage. For 40 years, the hotel has also operated a wood chip heating system and its own electric power plant with free charging stations for electric cars. A real insider tip is the Einhorn gourmet restaurant. Here, two Michelin star chef Peter Girtler celebrates world-class regional products.
Das Mühlbach | Thermal Spa & Romantik Hotel | Bad Füssing, Germany
Whether it is jams, syrups or regional fruit, Das Mühlbach | Thermal Spa & Romantik Hotel shows that sustainability can also function on a small scale.
Every year, wonderful and occasionally rare products can be found at this family-owned farm: apples, different types of greengages, cherries, raspberries, blackberries, red and black currants and jostaberries, damsons, elderberries, quinces, pears and walnuts. They are used to make jams for breakfast or home-made schnaps like the walnut schnaps, which is matured for one year. And all without any chemical additives and in harmony with nature.
Discover the hotel
Interior design at star level
Romantik Hotel Le Val d’Amblève | Stavelot, Belgium
A special feature of many Romantik Hotels is their exceptional interior design. Just like in the restaurant of the Romantik Hotel Le Val d’Amblève, which has just been transformed by the designer Conni Kotte.
Together with her team, the designer creates unusual interior concepts that nonetheless respect the authenticity of the building. They not only focus on the external environment but also fix their gaze inwards, concentrating on the hearts and souls of their clients and design objects. This is also true of the revamp of the restaurant in the Romantik Hotel Le Val d’Amblève whose architectural core dates back to the 1930s. The new design concept preserves the hotel’s atmosphere but gives it a modern interpretation.
“Anything that does you good is allowed. That is true luxury and extravagance”
Conni Kotte
Start the new year reenergised.
Take stock of the year just gone by and start the new one in harmony with yourself. Stefanie Stahl, the chart-topping author and Germany’s best-known psychologist explains how we can re-establish our inner balance and learn to relax.
Recharge your batteries and marvel at the beauty of the mountains at the Romantik Hotel Alpenblick in the Tyrol.
Discover the hotel
It is the start of a new year. Many of us begin it with new hopes, expectations and resolutions but quickly fall back into old patterns of behaviour. We are stressed, do not take a break or look deep into ourselves. How can we maintain our inner compass all year round?
Having an inner compass means being in touch with your emotions. Many people conform too readily. They want to fulfil every expectation and run from one task to the next. In doing so, they lose touch with their own emotions and needs. Instead of focusing on your own supposed weaknesses, you should rather concentrate on your strengths and ask yourself what you are grateful for. A positive personal philosophy is also helpful. For instance, I am just as important as everyone else. Or: I am allowed to care for myself. Enjoying life is important. That does not necessarily require big changes. Even small steps can help, such as a bunch of fresh flowers on the desk, taking time to mindfully enjoy a cup of coffee, maintaining friendships or taking a small holiday. Those who find that difficult ought to bear in mind that if they feel better, others spending time in their company will also feel better. Stress makes people petty and irritable. If your batteries are fully charged, you will be able to be much kinder to yourself and others.
Stefanie Stahl and her book “The Child In You”
Personal magic moments
Most of us do not find it easy to slow down and get through the year in a relaxed fashion. These Romantik Hotels make it easy to achieve just that.
Romantik Hotel Jagdhaus Eiden am See | Bad Zwischenahn, Germany
The healing power of nature is balm to the soul and provides space for reflection at the Romantik Hotel Jagdhaus Eiden am See.
Located right on the shores of the Zwischenahner Meer lake, the four-star superior hotel not only offers an exceptional scenic backdrop but also a wealth of opportunities for unwinding. Take the exclusive use of the carriage sauna, for example, followed by a dip in the Zwischenahner Meer lake or a wander through the Zwischenahn moors.
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Click to view the site map of the Romantik Hotel Jagdhaus Eiden am See
Romantik Hotel Oberwirt | Merano, South Tyrol
The power of nature is also the focal point of the AMADEA Spa in the Romantik Hotel Oberwirt. Nature is unique, powerful and follows its own rhythm and the laws of the universe.
The spa zone here leaves no desires unmet: a variety of pools, bio and infrared saunas, an ice fountain as well as extensive beauty services
provide the necessary space for the relaxation of the senses. At night,
take the opportunity to swim under the starry sky or make your home
in an exclusive room with a star ceiling.
For those for whom a wellness holiday does not offer sufficient physical activity, pain specialists Liebscher & Bracht have put together an exclusive holiday workout so guests can get moving in short exercise units in a relaxed atmosphere.
Schmerzfrei und beweglich bis ins hohe Alter
Liebscher and Bracht
See some Liebscher and Bracht exercises
Spot on: Exceptionally beautiful views
LARTOR Resort
New to Romantik: urban luxury in the Alps with a panoramic view of the Ammergau valley from the Lartor Resort
The boutique hotel in the middle of the Ammergau Alps Nature Park offers the best things in life: relaxation, art and fine dining. The floor-length windows offer a stunning view of the stars at night and the Ammergau valley during the day. The restaurant treats guests to handpicked regional products while the adjacent art gallery houses a permanent exhibition of paintings by Wolfgang Beltracchi and photographs by Mauro Fiorese. The LARTOR resort will in the near future expand its offering by 15 additional luxury chalets as well as medical and beauty facilities.
Adress: Weiherweg 34, Unterammergau, Germany
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Dark Sky Park
Light after dusk.
To stay healthy, both we humans and other creatures need a sufficiently dark night. The first star park in the Alps offers the best conditions for just this purpose. The dark sky reserve not only benefits the ecosystem but is also an ideal location for stargazing. On a clear moonless night, it is possible to spot up to 6,000 stars with the naked eye.
Adress: Winklmoos-Alm, Reit im Winkl, Germany
Zugspitze region
High-altitude euphoria of the senses.
Having Germany’s highest mountain on the doorstep not only makes for an outstanding view but also ensures a wide range of activities are on offer, from hiking to trail running or sledging. The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena has toboggan runs of various lengths. You can even go night sledging in the evening. Then spend the night in the cosy Romantik Hotel Spielmann.
Address: Rodelhütte,
Garmisch-Partenkirchen,
Germany
Romantik Hotel Spielmann,
Wettersteinstraße 24,
Ehrwald,
Austria