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Little Gem No. 106 | Former Mountain Courthouse

Italy > Dolomites
users 4 bed 2 bath 1

In the heart of Sterzing, a charming alpine village in South Tyrol, Haus am Turm sits quietly beside the village’s medieval clock tower. This historic building, once a mountain courthouse, has been lovingly transformed by Veronika and Daniel, who for years ran the beloved Vinzenz wine bar below. In 2021, they reimagined the entire upper floors, blending the building’s centuries-old character with contemporary comfort. Oak floors, Italian designer furniture, and subtle minimalist touches sit alongside vaulted ceilings, alcoves, and stately wooden doors, creating a sense of ease and quiet elegance. The house feels both historic and alive, inviting guests to linger and make it their own.

 

The Space

Haus am Turm stretches over several floors, balancing intimate corners with communal spaces. The roof terrace offers a sun-drenched retreat, with views over Sterzing and the surrounding Alps, and a glass-roof sauna allows guests to relax under the stars. Throughout the property, thoughtful details abound: jacquard cotton linens, silver quartzite bathrooms, and a curated selection of local artworks. Small alcoves and seating areas hint at the building’s past, while modern design ensures comfort and lightness throughout.

 

The Rooms

There are twelve rooms in four categories, each designed for simplicity and calm. The Tower room has a bath and a view of the village’s historic streets, while the Enzenberg room opens onto a balcony overlooking the garden and surrounding mountains. Most rooms can accommodate an extra guest, making the hotel suitable for couples, families, or friends. Oak floors, Italian designer furniture by Plinio il Giovane, and carefully chosen linens create a harmonious atmosphere. Bathrooms are elegant, with locally sourced bath products, and some rooms feature connecting options for families traveling with children.

 

Outdoor Area

The roof terrace is a favourite, catching the sun through the day and offering wide vistas of the town and mountains. Guests can enjoy a morning coffee, an evening drink, or simply read and relax. Below, the wine bar Vinzenz provides both fine wines and seasonal culinary delights, and the small courtyard offers quiet space for a moment of solitude. From here, the village and surrounding hills beckon, with paths through forests and mountains that can be explored at any time of year.

 

Location

Sterzing, also known as Vipiteno, is one of South Tyrol’s most picturesque villages. Narrow streets and colorful houses wind toward the monumental clock tower, with boutiques, cafes, and small shops tucked into historic buildings. Beyond the village, the surrounding mountains offer hiking trails, lakes, and alpine huts serving local specialties. Winter transforms the area into a snow paradise with ski slopes, toboggan runs, and easy access back to the pedestrian streets of Sterzing. Summer brings gentle walks, mountain coasters, and opportunities to explore the region’s alpine charm. The village is also a gateway to wider South Tyrol and the Italian Alps, with scenic drives and day trips to neighboring towns and valleys.

 

Additional Services

Haus am Turm combines boutique hotel comfort with the culinary offerings of Vinzenz wine bar below. Guests can enjoy a slow, regional breakfast, a curated wine selection, and seasonal dinners. The property offers a sauna, lounge spaces, and small touches such as locally made toiletries inspired by South Tyrolean herbs. Children are welcome, with extra beds and family room options, and pets can be accommodated with advance notice.

 

Price Indication

Prices start from €85 depending on room type and season

 

Nearest Airport 

The nearest airports are Innsbruck (70 km) and Bolzano (90 km). 

 

Nearest Train Station

Sterzing’s train station provides convenient connections to surrounding valleys and towns, making the hotel an easy base for exploring South Tyrol.