Remote design refugio in Italian Dolomites with minimalist design and timeless architecture
Rifugio Alpe di Tires / Siusi / South Tyrol / Italy
I love off the beaten track! There is something so appealing about finding places that few people know of and therefore stay at. And if these hotels offers a challenge in order to reach them and on top of that, is a real stunner, even better. All these boxes are fully ticked when it comes to this place, Tierseralpl.
This hotel, or refugio, is nestled next to a spikey mountain ridge, 2444 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Italian Dolomites. The original refugio was built by local mountaineer, Max Aichner. He started the construction in 1957 and it took him 6 years to complete the building before it opened in 1963. In 1992 his daughter Judith took over the running of the place and she is still in charge today, together with her husband Stefan. It was Judit who commissioned local architect firm, Senoner Tammerle back in 2015. When they took to redesigning this remote hotel into the current look, they also took the opportunity to add some more rooms and beds to meet increasing demand.
To reach Tierseralpl is a true journey. You can get there from several directions, what they have in common is they involve some serious hiking. Tierseralpl is only reachable by foot. We decided to approach from Alpe di Siusi which means first to take the gondola from Siusi to Compatsch. Next step is the hike over blossoming alpine meadows until the third phase starts, the most challenging one, when it is time to ascend the Forcella Denti di Terrarossa. A mountain ridge that you will have to cross in order to get to the goal. But once you start descending on the other side of the ridge and you hike around the final bend, there is a red jewel glowing in the sun, waiting for you to take off your hiking boots and relax after a job well done..
The exterior of the building is all red metal, white plastered walls, glass and stone, while the interior is all wood. It is like staying in a grown up version of a tree house from childhood. The main focus has been function, but function with a hint of design. This means that the interior is minimalistic and the goal has been to fit in as many rooms and beds as possible and also cream a light space. Our room was, just like the rest of the interior, made all in wood, softened only by the red-and-white checkered bed linen.
Due to the extreme location, the season is fairly short, starting end of May and lasting until mid-October. Can only imagine how grueling Winter must be at this altitude.
To reach Tierseralpl you have to first take the gondola from Siusi up to Compatsch. Then you’ll have to find the right sign…
…before you can start the hike towards Tierseralpl. The first part will take you over these blossoming Alpine meadows until…
…it is time to start the ascent up towards Forcella Denti di Terrarossa.
The view from the top was worth the challenge to get there.
And once you have climbed the ridge…
…you have reached your destination.
The first thing that catches your eye is the statement red roof.
After finishing the hike, you need some kind of treat. What can better than some homemade Apfelstrudel with custard.
You are not allowed to wear boots inside, so they have to be stored in the drying room. Not the sweetest of scents down there…
There are indoor slippers to loan. Me in my fancy hiking socks.
The interior is all wood.
Our room was small and super cozy.
The key chain matches the bed linen.
The restaurant where both dinner and breakfast is served.
At the back of the hotel there is a small chapel.
My favorite thing when staying here was to get up early in the morning and catch the sunrise.
Me heading up towards the ridge for a morning hike before breakfast.
M enjoying the view and the first morning rays.
Time to leave Tierseralpl and head back to the world below.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…love hiking and you are looking to stay at an Alpine retreat, far away from the beaten track with some really attractive architecture, great Alpine food and warm Alpine hospitality. If this is you, you will love this hotel.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is the remoteness. There is something truly unique about a hotel where you first have to take a gondola up from the valley and then you have to hike for 2,5 hours over a mountain ridge to get to. And when you get there, you’ll find this great little building mixing modern and traditional architecture with magnificent views of the Dolomites and the valley below.
What not to miss when staying here…
…is to get up early to watch the sun rise over the mountains. It is an out of this world kind of experience.
If you like this hotel you might also like…
Briol, Barbiano, South Tyrol, Italy
Refuge de Montenvers, Chamonix, France
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