As the first rays of sunlight slowly rise behind the mountain peaks, the meadows surrounding Schmiedhof begin to glow in shades of gold. Beyond our window, the distinctive silhouette of the Wendelstein stands crisp against the blue Bavarian sky, while the cool morning air drifts in through the open door. Wrapped in the unhurried calm of the early hours, we settle at the breakfast table in our Wiggerl apartment, savouring the simple luxury of enjoying that first cup of coffee in our pyjamas while the world outside gradually stirs to life.

With Schmiedhof, Brigitte and Michael Schmied have created a retreat that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly contemporary. The heart of the property is the lovingly preserved, listed farmhouse, seamlessly connected to a newly rebuilt agricultural wing that now houses eleven exclusive holiday apartments. Throughout the interiors, reclaimed timber salvaged from the original structure serves as a reminder of the house’s long and storied past. Yet alongside these historic touches, modern architecture and clean-lined design bring a sense of understated elegance, creating spaces that honour tradition while embracing the comforts of today.

In just 24 months, Brigitte and Michael Schmied – together with family, friends and local craftsmen – brought the historic Schmiedhof back to life. What once stood quietly abandoned is now an exclusive boutique apartment house, awakened from what Brigitte herself calls a “sleeping beauty” slumber.

It all began by chance. In 2018, the couple found themselves standing in front of the old farmhouse in a small hamlet near Bayrischzell – only to discover later that same evening that it was for sale. A moment that felt like more than coincidence. The idea of creating a private retreat in the mountains, while opening it up to guests, had been there for a long time. This was simply the sign to follow it.

The transformation was handled with great care and attention to detail. The listed residential part of the farmhouse was lovingly restored, while the former farm buildings were rebuilt from the ground up. Today, Der Schmiedhof is home to eleven exclusive apartments, designed for two to five guests.

Brigitte’s background and passion for interior design are evident throughout. These are not spaces that follow a typical hotel aesthetic – instead, they feel personal, layered and full of character. Boho-inspired lighting meets rustic furniture, while natural materials like linen, fur and stone create a warm, tactile atmosphere that feels both relaxed and refined.

Each apartment comes with either a private garden or a balcony, offering views of the Wendelstein or the Aiplspitz – making it hard to choose a favourite. And yet, two stand out: “Annamirl,” tucked beneath the roof of the historic building, with its loft-like living space, reclaimed wood and charming balcony; and “Ferdi,” featuring an open kitchen, a hammock, a cosy wood-burning stove and a spacious sunset loggia overlooking the valley. Even in winter, it’s hard to resist wrapping yourself in a blanket and simply taking in the view.

Beyond the apartments, Der Schmiedhof is also about connection – the easy, unforced kind. The lounge, with its hanging chairs and carefully curated selection of books, invites you to linger. And when Brigitte hosts an evening by the fire, guests gather in the garden with a glass of mulled wine, sharing stories of the day as the mountains quietly fade into the night.

As with most apartment stays, there’s no classic hotel restaurant where you simply take a seat and wait to be served. But that’s part of the charm at Der Schmiedhof. Instead, mornings begin at your own pace – often still in your pyjamas, coffee in hand, with breakfast exactly the way you like it.

If you’d rather not head out for fresh bread, the in-house bread delivery service takes care of that. Alternatively, guests can opt for the breakfast buffet at the nearby hotel – a relaxed and easy-going option to start the day.

The same goes for dinner. While the neighbouring hotel offers a more traditional setting, there’s something particularly special about staying in. With a fully equipped kitchen and shops just a short drive away, it’s easy to put together a simple, delicious meal of your own. Add a good bottle of wine – picked up in the lobby, perhaps following one of Brigitte’s recommendations – and the evening becomes effortlessly perfect.

There’s plenty to discover. Despite being just a short distance from Bayrischzell, the tiny hamlet of Geitau feels wonderfully peaceful while remaining exceptionally well connected. Hiking and cycling trails begin right on the doorstep, and both the ski and hiking bus stop directly outside Schmiedhof, making it easy to explore the region without ever needing to venture far.

During our stay, we spent a morning at nearby Lake Schliersee, soaking up the tranquillity on a leisurely walk along the shore. Later, we wandered through the charming centre of Bayrischzell before spontaneously setting off on a short hike to a waterfall and the Peterbauer Alm, where sweeping views open up across the Sudelfeld mountain area.

Equally enchanting is the gentle circular walk around Lake Spitzingsee, just a few minutes’ drive from Schmiedhof. We parked on the northern shore and followed the path that traces the water’s edge, passing postcard-worthy alpine scenery at every turn. One highlight we simply couldn’t resist was a stop at the rustic Albert-Link-Hütte. Here, traditional Bavarian dishes are served with refreshing authenticity, while a small farm shop tempts visitors with freshly baked bread, cured sausages, handmade dumplings and irresistible homemade cakes.

When winter arrives, the region transforms into a playground for snow lovers. The nearby Sudelfeld ski area offers a fantastic variety of slopes, while cross-country skiers can explore an extensive network of trails and, when conditions allow, even set off directly from Schmiedhof. And then there is, of course, the Wendelstein – a mountain that draws visitors in every season. Unfortunately, the weather prevented us from making the journey to the summit during our stay. Then again, perhaps that was a blessing in disguise. After all, it gives us the perfect excuse to return to Schmiedhof sooner rather than later.

Published: 2023 | Last Updated: 18.06.2026