Romantik Hotel Turm: Embrace the Art of Renewal in the Dolomites

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Kate + Vin

Romantik Hotel Turm South Tyrol
tyrolean alps icon 1

Tucked in an ancient alpine village at the foot of Schlern Mountain, Romantik Hotel Turm is a one-of-a-kind wellness resort for those seeking to enjoy Alpe di Siusi and beyond.

It’s natural to assume all mountainside resorts on the cusp of the Dolomites are rustic lodgings roughly hewn from the surrounding wilderness. But as we discovered this fall, Romantik Hotel Turm turns such Alpine clichés on their head. And it does so in such a way that you may pine for spying a Picasso as much as a cozy woodfire on your next mountain vacation.

Once a 13th-century tower in the medieval hamlet of Völs am Schlern (also known as Fiè allo Sciliar), Romantik Hotel Turm is a stylish oasis of adventure, culture and wellness under the shadow of South Tyrol’s most emblematic peak.

In this review, we uncover the special qualities that make Romantik Hotel Turm a 5-star jewel for anyone considering exploring the Dolomites of South Tyrol.

A Style All Its Own

romantik hotel turm mount schlern sculpture
Throughout the grounds of Romantik Hotel Turm are beautiful works of art complementing jaw-dropping mountain views.

At one time a defensive fortification, courthouse and even a prison, Romantik Hotel Turm retains much of its medieval architecture but is enriched dramatically by the personality of owner Stefan Pramstrahler. The retreat is like a living, breathing canvas for his many passions.

He has beautifully paired the rich history of the property with gardens, terraces and an onsite restaurant where he also happens to lend his culinary magic. As head of the kitchen, Mr. Pramstrahler leads a talented team in creating dishes showered by decades of accolades from famed international gourmet guides such as Gault Millau and the Aral Schlemmer Atlas.

He also brings to life Romantik Hotel Turm’s own line of premium wines. At the Grottnerhof wine estate located just 10 minutes from the hotel, Mr. Pramstrahler channels the winery’s 800-year-old beginnings into four distinct wines noted for their purity and strong character.

But guests need not feel restricted to these beauties. The hotel’s cellar also boasts finds from some of the most celebrated wineries in the world.

Bliss for the Eyes & Soul

romantik hotel turm suite balcony

Even more unique than Romantik Hotel Turm’s historic halls, fine cuisine and wines are the adornments of the hotel. It is a veritable museum. Where the charms of ages past converge with the charisma of the modern-day.

Meticulously unveiled throughout the rooms, vaulted corridors and lush grounds is a world-class art collection, including everything from a Picasso to Otto Dix to bewitching works of art from Hans Kompatscher, a South Tyrolean self-taught painter.

The 2,000+ pieces of art and religious relics gracing Romantik Hotel Turm did as much for our eyes and souls as the hotel’s sweeping view of Schlern.

romantik hotel turm works of art
Walking around Romantik Hotel Turm is like visiting a carefully curated art museum. Every nook and cranny of the resort is beautified with pieces to study and admire.

But as vast as the hotel’s art collection is, the passion for art may be rivaled by Mr. Pramstrahler’s adoration for the winged spirit. Walking through the hotel it becomes immediately apparent his love for birds goes far beyond the regaled Red Eagle of South Tyrol.

⇒ EXPLORE AVAILABILITY AT ROMANTIK HOTEL TURM HERE

From the hotel’s wine labels to the names of suites to caged decor and more, the artful embrace of the feathered elevated our Romantik Hotel Turm experience. We found their peaceful presence an inspiring reminder to blissfully flee from the demands of daily life during our stay.

Eclectic & Elegant

romantik hotel turm suite room

Romantik Hotel Turm gorgeously spreads its accommodations among five towers. Each of the 42 rooms within the towers bears its own distinct personality. Our suite, in the Falkenturm (Falcon Tower), echoed the artistic flair of the tower’s winding staircase and medieval-inflected hallways.

Impeccably designed, we were struck by the modern take on Alpine tradition, as well as the view of the prehistoric Peterbühl hill crowned by the 14th-century St. Peter Chapel from our suite’s balcony. The spacious room was complete with Alpine-chic furnishings and touches such as reclaimed oak flooring, plush forest green accents, antler-mounted lamps and snow-white armchairs cozied up next to a fireplace.

romantik hotel turm sunrise over schlern
Wake up with the mountain. The sunrises at Romantik Hotel Turm are unforgettable.

The bed looked as if it had sink-in comfort that invites deep sleep. But our favorite feature of the room was the double shower enclosed by stone and glass.

Each morning a floor-to-ceiling window in the shower gave us a view of the sun rising above the peaks of Schlern. Watching the mountain awaken under the hues of dawn is a sight to remember.

A Wellspring of Wonder

romantik hotel turm review pools

However, no surprise, that relaxation during our stay did not end with a morning shower. The ancient walls of Romantik Hotel Turm’s spa complex hold everything from seductive nooks inspiring calm to a midnight black outdoor pool that ripples into a candlelit cove with an indoor Jacuzzi.

Unwinding in the tranquil pool and Jacuzzi after hiking was a must for us. From the pool’s edge, we adored watching the sleeping giant of Schlern turn shades of a rose as the setting sun performed its theater of alpenglow.

romantik hotel turm hot tub

Afterward, we took turns sweating away toxins in the Mystic Fire Guard sauna, an aromatic steam sauna awash in romantic red hues. Ringed by torchlight and a bed of water, the sauna overlooks the Wolfsbrunnen wading pool where a gleaming white sculpture of wolves stands against the backdrop of Schlern.

romantik hotel turm sauna pool

We then would ease into a light sleep in a relaxation room dappled with the boughs of quaking aspens while listening to the enrapturing rhythm of water dripping. Wholly renewed each night after time in the spa, we would then ready ourselves for a gourmet evening.

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True Culinary Mastery

romantik hotel turm restaurant view
The view from the Romantik Hotel Turm restaurant is as good as the cuisine.

Romantik Hotel Turm’s Oswald von Wolkenstein Bar offers luxuriant lounging prior to dinner. You can sip your drink of choice by a roaring fire or amid a visual cocktail of art decorating the bar area. Among the most intriguing here is the Picasso mentioned earlier.

oswald von wolkenstein ride trophy
The coveted Oswald von Wolkenstein Ride trophy has a home at Romantik Hotel Turm.

However, our favorite work of art in this area of the hotel was a piece that is actually a trophy. Located in the wood-clad Zwirn Stube next to the bar is the coveted Oswald von Wolkenstein trophy. It comes from a thrilling annual medieval horse riding tournament of the same name.

The trophy, called “Standarte”, is a hand-carved portrait of Oswald von Wolkenstein (a legendary minnesinger from the 14th century) atop a wooden pole. The best horse riding team receives the trophy each year, but teams can only keep it if they win three years in a row. Not an easy feat. However, Mr. Pramstrahler knows how to master a horse as well as a kitchen.

We dined each night in the main dining room of Restaurant Turm. The setting was exquisite. A wall of windows facing Schlern allowed the spirit of the mountain to flood into the restaurant. Once the sun set, the splendid view did not fade into the night. A towering bonfire was lit on the terrace illuminating the iconic silhouette of Schlern.

Kate at Romantik Hotel Turm
Old-world ambiance follows you everywhere in Romantik Hotel Turm.

Upon walking in we were always warmly greeted by the staff who all spoke excellent English. The service we received during our stay was as if we were among friends. Staff continuously asked us questions beyond our appetites and offered insider tips for exploring the area.

⇒ EXPLORE AVAILABILITY AT ROMANTIK HOTEL TURM HERE

Our table setting radiated romance beneath the flicker of candles and fantastical light fixtures that evoked a starry night. Soft music filled the room with ambient melodies.

romantik hotel turm dining
Romantik Hotel Turm served works of art for every single delicious dish.

The menu options presented were superb. Each night you can choose from a 4-course “Romantik” menu, a special “1001 Calorie” menu or order à la carte.

After placing our order, we received expert guidance on selecting a fun wine pairing to complement our meal. As South Tyroleans at heart, we always chose a delicious local gem.

cappuccino romantik hotel turm

The delectable dishes landing on our table each night did not disappoint. From the oven-warm breads to the appetizers to the novel soups, entrees and desserts, it was clear Mr. Pramstrahler and his kitchen staff possess a passion for crafting dishes where every element counts, including presentation. He’s one of those rare chefs that could very well have traded their chef’s hat for an artist’s brush.

Our breakfast each morning was of equal splendor. There is no better way to begin your day than watching the rising sun ignite the crests of Schlern a fiery red over a cappuccino. A hotel daily newsletter in English was also at our table each morning. It shared endearing stories about the staff and locals, a weather report, as well as details on guided excursions and spa treatments available.

Romantic Wellness

Romance swirls throughout the arched halls and rooms of Romantik Hotel Turm. But the dreamy dwellings we encountered while touring the spa center elevate amorous to a new level.

The spa center offers a bevy of wellness and beauty treatments steeped in Alpine customs and beyond. From all-natural cosmetic remedies to stress-melting massages with volcanic stones to milk and honey baths fit for a royal, you will undoubtedly detoxify your mind, body and soul while at Romantik Hotel Turm.

romantik hotel turm spa treatments
After a day of hiking, enjoy a touch of Alpine wellness. Romantik Hotel Turm offers a variety of treatments including hay and mountain pine oil baths.

As neither of us has experienced a traditional Alpine bath, we opted to schedule a mountain pine oil bath and a hay bath infused with wildflowers after a day hike on the Alpe di Siusi. Prior to the treatment, we were graciously instructed to relax in comfy chairs and sip apfelsaft while the spa center attendant, Esme, prepared each wooden tub. She shared that we would be enjoying each bath side by side.

Both tubs were filled with steamy hot water. Mountain pine oil from South Tyrol’s Sarntal Valley swam with spruce branches from the nearby slopes in one tub. The other held a submerged cloth bag filled with hay and flower petals from the hotel’s own Alpine meadow.

We carefully sunk into our respective tubs. Esme then pulled a wooden lid over the top so our heads were the only exposed part of our body. This was to allow the aromatic trappings of each tub to fully perform their steamy magic on our tired limbs.

romantik hotel turm salt grotto
A peace-inducing salt grotto is hidden beneath the towers of Romantik Hotel Turm.

Each treatment lasted a blissful 25 minutes with Esme politely checking in on occasion to ensure our comfort. We toweled off and both enjoyed a fresh glass of water in a relaxation room walled by countless logs, Next, we ventured to the salt grotto for at least a half-hour of laying down as Esme advised.

Romantik Hotel Turm’s salt grotto is carved into the rockbed lying beneath the hotel’s towers. This cavern-like room radiates relaxing vibes. Beds float above pools of water as waves of candles cast a romantic glow over the stone walls. Above you, the ceiling twinkles with celestial lighting as if you are under a clear night sky.

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⇒ EXPLORE AVAILABILITY AT ROMANTIK HOTEL TURM HERE

Who Should Stay at Romantik Hotel Turm?

romantik hotel turm stay

If you are still not sure Romantik Hotel Turm is right for you allow us to describe who will find the hotel ideal. We recommend Romantik Hotel Turm to any traveler passionate about food, art, history and wellness. This type of guest would find Romantik Hotel Turm endlessly enthralling without ever adventuring into the Dolomites.

Couples seeking a romantic getaway will also be equally enamored by the offerings of Romantik Hotel Turm. Families traveling with children, on the other hand, will likely prefer other nearby accommodations better suited to entertaining all ages. During our stay, we did not see any children, which certainly elevates the hotel’s romantic vibe even more.

Romantik Hotel Turm offers several packages to suit your desires and needs. From half-board to guided tours to single rooms and suites, you will have no trouble embarking on an unforgettable holiday.

Prices vary from season to season and you can reach Romantik Hotel Turm within 30 minutes from Bolzano.

We would like to give special thanks to Mr. Pramstrhaler and his entire team for welcoming us to Romantik Hotel Turm! 


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Kate & Vin South Tyrol & Dolomites Travel Consultants

About KATE & vin

Kate and Vin are South Tyrol + Dolomites travel specialists and the founders of Throne & Vine. They're dedicated to helping travelers discover and visit the most beautiful region in the Italian Alps.

25 thoughts on “Romantik Hotel Turm: Embrace the Art of Renewal in the Dolomites”

  1. I live in Slovenia and visited Italy many times. I never considered South Tyrol as a possible destination until I found this blog. Now it is definitely on my list!

  2. Wow that view over the alps is incredible! Love that you are able to relax in the spa after a day of adventure. And love how multi-faceted it is in the food, art, history and wellness spaces. I am in search of a romantic getaway for me and my bf this year – and I love this unique option!

    • Thank you for commenting Shane! The views are striking all around the hotel. Guaranteed you and your boyfriend will love your time here.

  3. Staying in this hotel is like living like a royal of yesteryears. The brown antique surroundings of the room with its comfortable beds and seatings sure make me feel like a princess. Add to that the whole charm of outdoors and the gourmet food. And the most beautiful part – the whole landscape. So refreshing ! Romantik definitely creates a mood.

  4. Wow, there’s just so much beauty in every aspect of the Romantik Hotel Turm and its surroundings. The variety of artwork on display there is stunning, and all the cuisine looks so delectable. I would love to go back to Italy someday to explore beyond the biggest cities. This post has definitely put South Tyrol on my list!

  5. I am totally in awe of the Romantik Hotel. It holds so much history about the place, and no doubt it looks gorgeous. Romantik hotel is all about nature, history, romance, relaxation and all things good. The spa sounds and looks so inviting. Your photographs are just awesome. They fully justify the beauty of the place.

  6. Romantik Hotel Turm in Alpe di Siusi really looks worth staying with beautiful surroundings. I would love to splurge some great foods at Restaurant Turm. I would love to visit those nature farms, forest which are just at a walking distance from this place. Such a relaxed location.

  7. As someone who loves historic hotels, Romantik Hotel Turm looks like the typical type of hotel where I’d stay! As you say, apart from the stay and food and wines, just the feeling of staying in a place that feels like a living museum is just incomparable. More than 2000 works of art? Wow!!! View of the prehistoric Peterbühl hill? I’m sold. I need to stay here!

  8. As I’m reading this blog my eyes were amazed by the spa immediately and the nature itself looks fantastic. The place really is very romantic and relaxing. I bet I never want to go back home when I stay in this hotel particularly.

  9. I’m a sucker for rooms a view not to mention Hotel Turm’s beautiful art work and delicious food have definitely caught my attention. The Alpine bath sounds like an amazing experience too and so perfect after a day of hiking. I’ve actually been dying to visit the Dolomites and I’m for sure going to bookmark this so I can plan a stay here too!

  10. Romantik Hotel Turm looks indeed like an art gallery. It’s definitely the ideal place for a couple’s getaway. I wonder if ‘Romantik’ is not a chains of hotels, because we staye in one very similar in Zwrmatt. This is a region I’d love to visit at some point, so I’ll make a note of this hotel. I’dl love to try an aromatic bath!

    • Hi Anda – Thanks for the comment. Not sure if the Romantik name indicates its affiliated with other hotels, but they may be the case. Hope you get a chance to visit soon and enjoy a soothing bath!

  11. I would be interested to stay there, surrounded by stunning nature, great pieces of art and opportunity to let my hair down on wellness retreat. I so love slow travel and immersing in this kind of experiences for longer while. Thank you for sharing information about this wonderful place.

  12. I am putting this on my travel wish list! Would love to visit the Dolomites and stay in a beautiful place like the Romantik Hotel Turm. It sure looks like a remarkable place to pamper yourself.

  13. I love this sculpture you present. I have no idea about this place. I’m delighted with this art. So, I add it to my list! And I would love to stay in a hotel you recommend. Why? I love owls, and it’s a spa. Looks fabulous. Foods look delicious too. I think is a perfect place for an anniversary or a great date. This place is perfect.

  14. On the travel wish list! Would love to visit the Dolomites. And the romantic Hotel Turm looks like the perfect spot to stay. Love the views from the rooms. And fascinating that they have a world class art collection to enjoy. Even if you never went outside, you would never be bored. The spa facilities would keep me for many days. A great one to add to our travel wish list.

  15. This hotel really looks very romantic. I would like to stay there. Beautiful surroundings, views, interiors. I like it very much. I dreamed of visiting such a place for a long time, thanks for this blog post. I will go there!

  16. I have been wanting to go hiking in the Dolomites for years as this area looks stunning and this hotel looks like the perfect place to stay when visiting. It looks beautiful and i particularly want to see the window in the shower with those views and nothing better than after a few days hiking to spoil yourself and relax with a few spa treatments.

    • Thank you for the comment Clare! Hope we’ve inspired you to bump the Dolomites to the top of your travel plans. You will fall in love with the mountains and the hotel!

  17. I have to admit, I don’t know this part of the Alps that well and really need to go into it a bit more. I done a lot of hiking in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France and Slovenia alps but not the Italian Alps. I have driven through it and that does look fantastic but I think I need to go here for at least a months worth of hiking. Alpe di Siusi has a charm about the place and the hotel Turm is a place I would stay in. Waking up to those views would be amazing and worth the money. 🙂

  18. My goodness! Is there anything Mr Pramstrahler can’t do?? This resort sounds almost too good to be true, but that wouldn’t stop me from staying there if I ever visit the South Tyrol region 😀 Natural attractions, especially bird life and wildflowers, are an essential part of travel for me, but it’s also nice to know that if the weather turns bad there is plenty to do within the hotel!

    • Thanks Marion for the comment. He is indeed a true Renaissance man that has created an experience unlike any other!

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