Kulturhof Stanggaß lands in the Bavarian Alps
A mountainside bolthole of timbered architecture, Kulturhof Stanggaß – a new member of The Aficionados – is wrapped by the pinnacles of the Watzmann and Hochkalter at the entrance to Berchtesgaden in Bavaria.
Constructed in 2020 upon an abandoned hotel, Kulturhof – which translates as ‘culture courtyard’ – has been designed by Manfred Brennecke and Stefan Kohlmeier from Hirschbach-based Arc Architects, whose scheme explores the boundaries between nature and the culture of the landscapes, whilst at once drawing attention.
The eco-friendly site works in synergy with the traditions of Berchtesgaden too; its timber construction is spread out vertically in wooden segments from two 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, and from here up, the building was constructed using locally sourced wood with insulation made from recycled paper.
A modern design hotel of relaxed 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.
Living quarters are split into 24 rooms and 10 townhouses, some of which sleep up to 10 guests. The spaces are unified by a respect for the scenery around them, with mountain panoramas, flowering meadows and dramatic sunsets celebrated through large picture windows in every category of accommodation.
Interiors are 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 touches like bunches of wildflowers, glass bottles of water, loose-leaf herbal teas and sustainable bathroom products.
From Bavaria’s finest beer in the garden to crafted cocktails in the bar or a traditional inn feast, the F&B programme is layered with the bounty of the Berchtesgaden region and the hotel’s own greenhouses, created by chef Norman Beitz. 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.
Another of Kulturhof’s attributes is the on-site facilities, namely its natural swimming pond and high-ceilinged, purpose-built yoga studio led by Susanne Obermaier, who focuses on breathing and movement. Both swimming pond and studio are angled for mountain views, while the pool is also edged with loungers.
While guests can relax at Kulturhof, the hotel is well aware of the rejuvenating benefits of spending time in the fresh mountain air, and so encourages excursions of the Berchtesgaden National Park’s 250km of trails.
