The Garberhof tells a story that reaches back through generations – one of quiet longing, persistence, and a vision carried forward over time. For Josef Pobitzer, that vision remained out of reach, shaped by the demands of the family’s traditional tanning craft. Yet it endured – subtle, steady, and ultimately strong enough to be realised.

In 1981, it took form. Artur and Cilly Pobitzer opened their own hotel – considered, quietly bold, and ahead of its time. The name “Garber,” the Vinschgau dialect for tanner, remains a subtle nod to the family’s origins.

What once felt unexpected – a hotel with a swimming pool in this remote valley – now speaks to the house’s pioneering spirit. Over the years, it has evolved into a refined four-star retreat, where a sense of ease and understated warmth continues to define the experience.

Today, Klaus Pobitzer shapes the Garberhof with an intuitive sense of hospitality. His place is the 1981 Lounge Bar – where conversations unfold naturally, and the atmosphere shifts gently from day to evening.

One detail lingers: a quiet passion for gin. More than 60 varieties line the shelves, alongside a house creation. The “Felix Luis Gin,” named after his first-born son, blends selected botanicals with mountain water and a delicate note of apricot – the result of two years of refinement.

The 1981 Lounge Bar becomes a place of soft transitions: an aperitif, small plates, low music in the background. Firelight, a glass in hand, conversations without urgency. A balance of liveliness and calm that defines the Garberhof.

“True luxury lies in closeness to nature.” At the Garberhof, this idea is not simply stated – it is quietly lived. The setting alone speaks for it: framed by the wide openness of the Vinschgau, the view extends towards a mountain range whose peaks seem almost within reach. Rising beyond 3,000 metres, they form a striking backdrop to the 6,000 m² parkland below – a space defined by calm, openness, and a rare sense of perspective.

Together with architect Thomas Rampp, Klaus Pobitzer has created a structure that brings contrasts into balance. From the outside, a clear reference to traditional alpine barns; inside, a contemporary, loft-like openness. Spruce, larch, stone and clay shape the interiors, complemented by refined details such as terrazzo made from local river gravel. Materials that do more than define the space – they ground it, creating a sense of quiet that carries throughout the house.

This atmosphere reaches its most immersive expression in the Mii:amo Spa. Since 2007, the Garberhof has been home to Italy’s largest hotel hammam – a space of warmth, soft light and subtle scent, where the outside world gently recedes.

The rooms and suites follow this language, each interpreting it with a distinct character. Soft tones, light fabrics and timeless design pieces meet clean lines and more contemporary elements. Freestanding bathtubs and dark steel accents introduce a subtle urban edge, without disturbing the overall sense of calm. The Laguna rooms and suites open directly onto the natural swimming pond, connected by a private walkway, while the Bella Vista suites sit elevated above the valley, complete with terrace sauna and panoramic whirlpool.

And then there is the Hortus Chalet. A retreat that redefines privacy. With its panoramic terrace, private vineyard, sauna and whirlpool, the outdoors becomes an integral part of the experience. In the morning, the view opens through floor-to-ceiling glass onto an old ash tree, framed by the striking Tschengelser Hochwand beyond. Upstairs, a small stargazing studio awaits – designed for quiet evenings beneath an open sky.

“The essence of true enjoyment lies in passion.” At the Garberhof, this is more than a guiding principle – it shapes the entire culinary experience. The kitchen still carries the signature of Klaus Pobitzer, who defined its direction over many years and now leads it alongside head chef Christian Lechtaler. A collaboration built over decades, grounded in trust, experience and a shared understanding of quality.

The Restaurant Pobitzer brings together cuisine and art. Works by Glurns-born artist Paul Flora line the space – quiet witnesses to a long-standing connection with the house. Floor-to-ceiling windows open the room towards the Vinschgau landscape, creating a setting that feels both light and considered.

In the evening, the kitchen reveals its full expression. A seasonal, multi-course menu unfolds with precision and restraint, accompanied by attentive, unobtrusive service. Once a week, the atmosphere shifts: a candlelight dinner served over seven courses, composed with a sense of rhythm and detail. Dishes such as finely carved rib eye or beef tartare with mustard ice reflect a cuisine where tradition and creativity meet with ease.

Throughout the day, the approach remains consistent. A smaller, carefully curated menu offers space for simpler moments – a venison burger, lighter dishes, thoughtfully prepared.

Mornings are grounded and generous. The breakfast brings together regional specialities and carefully selected products: fresh farm butter, house-made preserves and the traditional Vinschger Paarl bread. Much comes from the surrounding region, some from long-standing partnerships, such as the fruit spreads by Alpe Pragas. And always present, in a quiet, understated way, is Cilly Pobitzer – a presence that reflects the house’s enduring sense of care.

For days spent outdoors, the Garberhof prepares simple provisions – thoughtfully assembled lunch packs, intended for time in the mountains, where the rhythm of the day is set elsewhere.

The Upper Vinschgau unfolds with a quiet sense of scale – expansive, composed and deeply rooted in its landscape. Around Mals, a network of walking trails and routes stretches across open terrain and along defined ridgelines, shaped by clarity and space.

Through its “Vinschgau Living” programme, the Garberhof offers a curated way into the region. At its centre are the guided walks with Kassian. The brother of senior host Cilly, he has known these mountains for decades. His approach is unforced, combining movement with an understanding of the land, its rhythms and its stories.

One destination that stands out is the Rojental. Removed from the more frequented paths, it reveals a landscape of wide valley floors, weathered hay barns and surrounding peaks. In winter, it lends itself to snowshoeing; in summer, to longer, unhurried walks through an environment that remains largely untouched.

The cultural layer of the region is equally present. Nearby Glurns, the smallest town in South Tyrol, is enclosed by a complete ring wall. Narrow streets, historic arcades and three gate towers define its structure, offering a setting where history remains tangible.

Further west, Lake Reschen introduces a different kind of presence. Rising from its waters, the bell tower of Alt-Graun marks the site of a former village, submerged during the creation of the reservoir. Today, it stands as one of the region’s most recognisable landmarks, adding a distinct visual identity to the surrounding landscape.

In the Upper Vinschgau, activity and culture exist in quiet balance – shaped by openness, history and a close connection to nature.

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

All images © Lena Sulzenbacher, 2023

Published: 2023 | Last Updated: 15.05.2026