Hotel TANN is the kind of mountain hideaway that quietly restores both body and soul. Tucked between open meadows and fragrant forests on the Ritten plateau, it’s a place made for those craving stillness, fresh mountain air and the simple luxury of slowing down.

Wellness here takes on a distinctly Tann character. Guests drift between forest bathing, the soothing warmth of the brine pool — and, quite remarkably, a bread bath. Yes, bread. In the unique Tann Brotbad, gentle dry heat infused with the scent of freshly baked sourdough creates a deeply relaxing ritual. The aroma lingers through the house, only to reappear later at the breakfast table, where the same bread is served fresh from the oven.

Wellness, Tann-style.

At the heart of the hotel is the forest kitchen of host and chef Barbara. Drawing inspiration directly from the surrounding woods, she brings wild herbs, blossoms, mushrooms and forest flavours to the plate. The dishes are vibrant, earthy and full of character — the kind of cuisine that feels both creative and deeply rooted in nature.

And while the sweeping Dolomite views are reason enough to linger, it’s the warmth of hosts Markus and Barbara that truly shapes the atmosphere of the house. With genuine hospitality and an easy, joyful spirit, they fill the rooms of Hotel TANN with a sense of comfort and calm — the kind that makes guests feel at home from the very first moment.

Perched at 1,500 metres on the Ritten plateau — the sun-kissed high seat above Bolzano — Hotel Tann feels wonderfully removed from the rush of everyday life. Surrounded by meadows and forests, the hotel sits in blissful solitude, where one side opens to sweeping views of the Dolomites while the other melts straight into woodland. The air carries the scent of pine and open mountain space — a quiet kind of freedom that instantly soothes the soul.

The south-facing rooms are bright and serene, shaped by warm woods and natural materials that create a cocoon of calm. A small fountain in the room delivers fresh spring water from the nearby Lodenmoor, bubbling up clear, lively and full of alpine energy.

And then there is the famous Tannorama. From the balcony — ideally from one of the comfortable Luis Trenker director’s chairs — nature takes centre stage, presenting a different alpine panorama every single day.

“Nature is the most fascinating thing the world has to offer.”

The same natural spectacle accompanies moments of relaxation throughout the hotel — on the Tannorama terrace, in the panoramic restaurant and in the tranquil spa lounge. In the intimate yet beautifully designed wellness area, the senses are indulged in unexpected ways: the traditional bread bath carries the warm scent of freshly baked bread, the Brechel bath releases the spicy aromas of spruce branches, and in the pine sauna the essential oils of the Alpine stone pine unfold in the gentle heat.

Perhaps the most magical space of all, however, is the Tann forest itself. Hidden among the trees are countless quiet corners to unwind. A whirlpool bubbles softly beneath the canopy, hammocks sway lazily between the trunks, and the saltwater Tannorama pool offers a refreshing swim with nothing but nature stretching out all around.

Breakfast at Hotel Tann is an experience in its own right. On the first morning, it’s wise to allow a little extra time to explore the abundance laid out on the table. From fragrant sourdough bread fresh from the oven to invigorating forest-inspired drinks, listing every delicacy would be nearly impossible. Fortunately, the lovingly prepared breakfast spread can be savoured until noon — leaving plenty of time to linger.

Around that same hour, hotel host and chef Barbara often returns from the forest, baskets filled with freshly gathered treasures. With remarkable knowledge and a deep passion for the natural world, she transforms the flavours of the surrounding woods into inventive culinary creations.

Roots, blossoms, shoots, cones, mushrooms and wild berries all find their way onto the plate, complemented by carefully sourced, sustainably produced ingredients from South Tyrol. The result is cuisine with depth and character — dishes that surprise, comfort and delight evening after evening.

Here, the forest isn’t just outside the door — it’s on the plate.

The Ritten plateau is a paradise for both relaxation seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. With more than 300 kilometres of hiking trails and countless cycling routes, it offers endless opportunities to explore the alpine landscape. In summer, Hotel Tann is the perfect starting point for peaceful forest walks and scenic bike rides. In winter, snowshoe hikes and ski tours begin right at the doorstep, leading into quiet, untouched winter landscapes.

Just a short walk from the hotel, the Ritten cable car carries visitors up to the expansive hiking area of the Rittner Horn — one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Alps. From the Schwarzseespitze mountain station, the summit is only about 200 metres higher and can be reached in roughly an hour on foot.

One of the most rewarding routes, however, is the circular trail around the Rittner Horn known as the South Tyrolean “Himmelstour”. This four-hour hike crosses all four points of the compass and continuously reveals new, breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain world. Along the way, hikers pass a charming mountain pine oil distillery where the fragrant oil is still produced in a traditional way — and can be purchased directly on site.

The Rittner Horn can also be reached from Hotel Tann by (e-)mountain bike. A particularly rewarding destination is the Feltuner Hut, famous not only for its views but also for its delicious herbal mountain pine dumplings.

In winter, the Rittner Horn is home to Italy’s first Winter Premium Trail. This panoramic winter hiking route offers spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks. At the same time, the Rittner Horn delights visitors as a small, relaxed and particularly family-friendly ski area with sunny slopes and a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere.

Beyond the mountain itself, the region is filled with remarkable natural wonders — most famously the striking Ritten earth pyramids, some of the most unusual geological formations in the Alps. Exploring the area is especially easy with the RittenCard, a complimentary guest pass offered by Hotel Tann. It includes free rides on cable cars between Bolzano and the Rittner Horn, unlimited access to public transport including the historic Ritten narrow-gauge railway, and entry to around 90 museums throughout South Tyrol.

One thing is certain: on the Ritten plateau, ideas for memorable days outdoors never run out — and nature always has something new to reveal.

CIN: IT021072A1WJOHIGOF | IT021072A1QPACJOXG

True to the Mountain Hideaways philosophy, every image in this story was captured during our personal stay.

All images © Marika Unterladstätter, 2022- 2024

Family portrait — courtesy of the host family.

Published: 2022 | Last Updated: 06.03.2026