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HALWINA

BREGENZERWALD - VORARLBERG

HALWINA Hideaway isn’t just a place to stay – it’s a heartfelt nod to the Bregenzerwald, to tradition, to craftsmanship, and to the people who come here to unwind. With plenty of love, a sharp eye for detail and a flair for style, Edith and Peter Seppele have created a retreat that makes you feel right at home the moment you step inside. The name? A gentle tribute to Hanna and Alwin, Edith’s grandparents, who once called this very spot their own.

PLAN YOUR STAY

Hotelstory, through the lens and words of

Marika Unterladstätter

HALWINA HIDEAWAY • A Love Letter to the Bregenzerwald | A Chalet Retreat in Vorarlberg, Austria • Member of Mountain Hideaways ©MarikaUnterladstätter

Why HALWINA HIDEAWAY stole our hearts:

Tradition meets modern living: A brand-new house with soul – shingle façades, barn-inspired charm and wide panorama windows where memories and modern life flow together.
Architecture & detail: Built sustainably from natural materials, powered by solar energy, and full of handcrafted touches that let the spirit of the Bregenzerwald shine through every corner.
Front-row seat in nature: On the edge of tiny Sibratsgfäll, surrounded by forests and peaks, HALWINA has a way of putting everyday life firmly on pause.

HALWINA HIDEAWAY is the place to be if you're:

Couples & big families: From cosy evenings by the fire for two to multi-generation get-togethers – choose one apartment or the whole house, there’s room for both escapes and celebrations.
Food lovers & gourmets: Cook with flair in the fully equipped kitchens – or let nearby restaurants spoil you, from hearty Kässpätzle to fine dining.
Active souls: Scenic bike trails and hiking paths start right outside the door, while in winter ski tours and snowshoe hikes turn the Bregenzerwald into your personal playground.

THE VIBE

“We had to take the old house down – it just couldn’t be saved,” Edith tells us. “But the memories, the visits, the stories… they’re all woven into the new house. You can feel them in the architecture, in the little details, in every corner.”

The result? A beautiful dialogue between tradition and modern living. Architect Jürgen Haller reimagined the façade with classic Bregenzerwald shingles and shutters, while the rear recalls the simplicity of a barn. Inside, vast panorama windows open the house wide to the landscape, letting the forest and mountains spill into the rooms.

Equipped with solar panels, the latest technology and built entirely from wood and natural materials, HALWINA is as sustainable and forward-thinking as it is atmospheric.

And then there’s the location: a front-row seat at the edge of Sibratsgfäll, a little village of just 400 souls, ringed by forests and peaks. Arrive here, and the world slips quietly into standby mode.

The two apartments, Hanna and Alwin, aren’t just places to stay – they welcome you like old friends. Warm, pared back, contemporary – yet with subtle touches that echo the timeless charm of the Bregenzerwald.

>>> HANNA

THE STAY

The house can be rented as a whole or split into two separate apartments – perfect for a romantic escape for two or a get-together with the entire clan.

ALWIN (110 sqm, for 2–4 guests):
Spread over two floors, Alwin is all about modern cosiness. A crackling fireplace sets the scene, the big dining table frames views of the Bregenzerwald, and a stylish kitchen island with statement lamps makes cooking a pleasure. There’s also a snug TV corner for lazy evenings. Upstairs, two bedrooms with their own bathrooms await. The showstopper? A wide horizontal window that turns the morning view into a living painting.

HANNA (250 sqm, for up to 9 guests):
Hanna plays in the premier league. Three floors, linked by a light-filled staircase of wood and black steel. At the heart lies a generous kitchen and living area with a tiled stove, plus a traditional Schopf veranda – perfect for breakfasts in the morning sun or shade on a hot afternoon.

One floor up, the cosiest window seat in the forest invites you to curl up with a book or simply watch the treetops sway. Three bedrooms, bathrooms with either a freestanding tub or picture-perfect views, and, at the very top, a dreamy loft with an oversized TV, fitness and yoga space, and a sauna. And because mountain air is best enjoyed outdoors: a lush garden with a terrace, set in greenery, with sweeping views of forests and peaks.

>>> ALWIN

THE FOOD

The kitchens at HALWINA come fully equipped – and yes, in true Bregenzerwald style, there’s even a special grater for making proper Kässpätzle.

For fresh breakfast rolls, head to the Dorner bakery in the village (insider tip: don’t leave without trying their famous Hildegard biscuits). Regional delicacies are easy to find at the local shop or in nearby Hittisau.

When it comes to dining out, you’re spoiled for choice. The Bregenzerwald is renowned for its innovative yet deeply rooted cuisine – and the area around HALWINA is a food lover’s dream. Edith and Peter happily share their personal favourites, but here’s the catch: the best spots book up quickly, so plan ahead and reserve a couple of weeks in advance. And if you need extra inspiration, the little guidebook Zita is a treasure map for gourmets, packed with insider tips.

A few culinary highlights nearby:

Hirschen, Sibratsgfäll (2 min.) – hearty, honest, traditional fare.
Gasthaus Adler, Sibratsgfäll (2 min.) – home of the region’s best Lumpensalat.
Ernele, Hittisau (10 min.) – a charming restaurant with a shop twist.
Gasthof Krone, Hittisau (10 min.) – seasonal gourmet cuisine at its finest.
Der Wälderhof, Lingenau (15 min.) – natural, heartfelt, refined.
Sonntagsgasthaus Adler, Großdorf (18 min.) – a new culinary journey every Sunday.
Restaurant Schulhus, Krumbach (18 min.) – refined, honest flavours without the fuss.

THE ADVENTURE

ON TWO WHEELS
Whether you’re into mountain biking, gravel riding or the speed of a road bike – the routes around HALWINA are a dream for cycling enthusiasts. Some of the Bregenzerwald’s most scenic tours start literally on your doorstep.

HIKING & WONDER
On foot, the magic of the region unfolds even more deeply. From themed trails to summit hikes, every path leads to fresh perspectives and stories. A must? The Georunde Rindberg, a trail that showcases the dramatic power of nature. And for something quirky: let Sabine guide you through Felber’s “crooked house”.

TASTES ALONG THE TRAIL
No hiker or biker goes hungry here. Rustic huts and alpine dairies dot the landscape, ready to serve up regional delicacies. A highlight are the culinary walks – step by step, course by course, tasting your way through the Bregenzerwald.

WINTER MAGIC
In winter, grab your skis or snowshoes and set off straight from the house. Cross-country fans love the challenging trail to Schönenbach – especially with Käsknöpfle waiting at the Jagdgasthaus Egender (well-earned after 6.6 km!). A small village lift is just around the corner, family-friendly Balderschwang only 15 minutes away, and the big-name ski resorts of the Bregenzerwald are close too.

CULTURE & CRAFT
For a rural region, the Bregenzerwald is impressively rich in culture. The Women’s Museum in Hittisau tells moving life stories, while the Werkraum in Andelsbuch celebrates local craftsmanship. And in Krumbach, even the bus stops are worth a visit: under the BUS:STOP project, international architects turned them into little roadside works of art.