Saltauserhof Val Passiria

A hearty welcome to the Hotel Saltauserhof, one of the most beautiful aristocratic manors in the Passeiertal. With its battlements and sumptuously decorated facade, the Saltauserhof is, in our ordinary times, a fine example of the patrician dwellings from centuries ago.

The house has been restored in recent times but its traditional and fascinating character has remained untouched. Here time-honoured Tyrolean hospitality has been preserved for your enjoyment.

Passeier Valley near Meran is the perfect holiday destination! Within only a few minutes you reach the spa and thermal city of Meran, the Hirzer hiking region, and the Tessa Mountain Group! Whether you like varied hikes, bike routes or enjoyNordic walking tours, you start right from the hotel!

The Hirzer cable cars bring you up to 2000 metres of altitude, and the hiking and cycling route along Passeier River is ideal for a walk or for jogging. The area also offers some highlights and excursion tips like Trauttmansdorff Castle, the Thermal Baths of Meran, Tirolo Castle, the Ötzi Museum, and numerous cultural offers & events!

THE HISTORY
Join us on a journey from the 12th century to the second millennium. Saltauserhof has a long history. As the oldest aristocratic manor, the so-called “Schildhof”, it always served as accommodation for guests at the border between the Burgraviato and the Passiria region.

Only reporting to the court of the regional governor, appointed with the securing of the Giovo path during war times, and provider of fish and venison for Tirolo Castle during peacetime, it always enjoyed a special status amongst the noble, the population, and even the church.

With a document by Prince Regnant King Henry, in 1317 some men from Passeier Valley were declared “Single Shielded Knights”, hence the lowest aristocracy level. These sovereign vassals had different privileges in return for their military services, such as for example the full hunting and fishing rights and certain tax exemptions.

The term “shield bearer” later developed into the term “Schildhöfe”, the aristocratic manors. Today, in Passeier Valley you still find eleven of these architecturally striking manors. Furthermore, the squire who owned the farmstead had to serve in the Prince’s army and was responsible for his own horse and weapons, but only within the Tyrolean borders.

In times of peace, the squires had to supply fruits of the earth such as fish and game to the courts of Castel Tirolo and San Zeno, where they were also required to serve as the prince’s bodyguard. In exchange for these duties, they received many exemptions and privileges from the Princes.

They were not subject to the local judicial authority of Passiria, but answered to the General Court of the Principality, as the nobles did. Furthermore, they had the right to hunt and fish for their own needs, and they could also bear arms in court and in church.

They were exonerated from public duties and could not be forced to testify before lower courts. Ancient privileges still exist today such as the right to fish in the waters of the Passirio and the privilege of bearing the shield and halberd during official processions.

During the 1809 Tyrolean uprisings, Andreas Hofer held many council meetings at the Saltauserhof with his Tyrolean farmers, and in some cases the building’s deep cellars were used as temporary prisons for captured enemies!

During the second half of the last century, the city of Meran enjoyed a tourist boom. Consequently, the “Schildhof” in Saltusio also entered a golden age at this time.

Mr. Josef Valentin Haller, owner of the “Schildhof” at the time, was the mayor of Meran from 1823 to 1861. He remodeled the Schildhof to welcome the many guests who loved to spend their summer vacation at Saltusio. In 1936 the “Schildhof” and surrounding land was bought by Mr. Josef Pircher of Tyrol.

His eldest son with his wife Helga began adapting the home to the needs of modern tourism, yet they preserved intact the original structure and traditional beauty of the home. As years passed, the old farmstead turned into a gracious hotel. Come spend your vacations with us! We offer quality and service.

THE AMBIENCE
Formerly the temporary prison for the opponents of the Tyrolean hero Andreas Hofer, the Saltauserhof with its deep cellars and traditional rooms will take guests prisoner too… in a world of magic and folklore. In the room with the fireplace, in the cellars or in the typical “stube”: the breath of history can be felt in every corner of the hotel.

Let yourself be impressed by unequalled comfort and refined hospitality. The harmonious fusion of past and present portrays the distinguished style of the hotel and its long tradition. The Saltauserhof: the ideal setting for an enchanting vacation.

The perfect and harmonious combination of traditional and modern architecture turns the Saltauserhof into a charming and stylish residence. Comfortable elegant rooms together with attentive service and offers are waiting for you.

The Residence harmonious construction style offers spacious, comfortable rooms, and you have access to the entire pool and sauna area. The successful symbiosis of traditional and modern architecture make the 4* Hotel Saltauserhof in Passiria near Meran a house with charm and style.

Cosy comfort rooms await you with a combination of traditions from Passeier Valley in South Tyrol and modern facilities. NEW from 2020! Panorama Residence Saltaus with fully equipped apartment suites for holidays as you like them: More space. More independence. More privacy. More pleasure. More wellness.

APARTMENT SUITES
The modern apartment suites of various sizes offer living and sleeping areas, kitchenette, a comfortable bathroom as well as a panorama balcony or patio with private Jacuzzi. A wellness area with steam bath, Finnish sauna and bio sauna, an outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi ensure that your holiday in our Panorama Residence is a delightful wellness holiday!

More saunas, an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness room and massages and body treatments await you at the Saltauserhof, just 300 meters from the apartment suites.

You can book the apartment suites with half board, breakfast or accommodation only, the restaurant is at the hotel Saltauserhof, just 300 meters away. Daily cleaning and an underground car park are included in the price.

DINING
The cuisine of the Saltauserhof boasts a long tradition and is renowned for its culinary delicacies. This is the ideal setting to celebrate special occasions, to exchange the most refined secrets of the culinary art and to appreciate local and international dishes.

The comfortable atmosphere of the Tyrolean lounges and swings underlines the gourmand pleasures and turns every meal into an unforgettable experience. Light, fresh and tasty dishes are important ingredients for holistic wellbeing. The expert hands of our Chef and his team will serve you always new fine creations. Sit down, relax and enjoy your meal.

THE WINE CELLAR
The old and deep vaults host nowadays our refined wine cellar. An oasis for wine connoisseurs and for people who want to become one. Enter this fascinating world and taste superb wines surrounded by the warm Tyrolean atmosphere. Enjoy this unique setting and let yourself be pampered… like a king.

In autumn we invite you to a traditional Tyrolean highlight: the Törggelen. Let yourself be pampered by tasty Tyrolean snacks, chestnuts, Italian specialties and international fare. Come and enjoy a fine glass of wine among friends.

WATER WORLD
Dive in, let yourself go, float around…in crystal-clear spring water at the Hotel Saltauserhof near Meran! Both young and old will enjoy our water world

• Outdoor pool (16x9m) with garden
• Indoor pool (salt water 30°C – 11×7,5m) with whirlpool

Holidays in South Tyrol…whole days of lying by the pool and lazing around, or alternatively spending an active day walking, cycling, Nordic Walking or jogging! Back in the hotel, you can enjoy jumping into the cooling water, or perhaps a massage or a bath!

BEAUTY & SPA
Our house now features a true soul with the SPA ALMA. Inspired by the name of our niece and daughter Alma Maria, and nature in South Tyrol, we have created an area to regain strength, and to nurture your body with new energies.

Our treatments guarantee for wellbeing and pleasure for body, spirt and soul. Special massages and baths for athletes loosen the muscles and support regeneration!

SALTAUS & MERAN 
Saltaus, a typical South Tyrolean village, represents the connecting point between the Mediterranean climate of Meran and its surroundings and the fresh mountain air of the Italian Alps. Here you can feel the Southern and Northern flares melting together in perfect harmony. A place soaked with history plunged in the beautiful scenery of the Passeier Valley.

The Passeier Valley lies just north of the spa town Meran, on the south side of the Ötztaler and Stubaier Alps. It is an area rich in natural beauty, most of which is still untouched, and is one of the prettiest and most interesting places in South Tyrol.

The Passeier Valley stretches from the orchards and vineyards in the valley bottom to the mountain meadows, mountain terraces and the mountain peaks.

GOLF
Even if your preferred colour is “greens”, Hotel Saltauserhof in the Passiria Valley is perfect for you: as a founding member of the Passeier – Meran Golf Club we know what we talk about when we tell you about unique “greens” and “18 holes”.

HIKING
Hiking paths lead from Hotel Saltauserhof in Passeier Valley to the romantic mountain landscapes in the surroundings. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and the alpine pastures. With the panoramic Hirzer cable car and the lift facilities in Passeier Valley and Meran you get up to high altitudes.

Well-maintained walking paths make long walks tempting. You’ll find your energy and zest for life restored, and will be able to relax and unwind. The surrounding mountains with their splendid summits make every high-level walk an unforgettable experience. Join us at the Familienalm and enjoy a genuine Tyrolean “Marende” (hearty snack) among friends.

The Passeier Valley Tourism Board offers “car-free holidays” for guests. For a small fee, the hiking bus brings you directly to some hiking areas in Passeier Valley without the need for prior registration.

With the BusCard Merano & Environs (valid 7 days, 16,00 € person), you can use all busses in the Meran area for free. The BusCard Merano is available at the reception or in the info offices of the Tourism Board.

BIKING
Passeier Valley also offers everything for cyclists. From a comfortable cycling excursion along Passeier River to demanding mountain-bike tours through the alpine landscape – there is something for everyone. Hiking-Free-Time.

At Hotel Saltauserhof you can rent bicycles free of charge and discover Meran & surroundings on a bike. After a cycling tour you deserve to relax. Our pools are ideal for cooling down, and the sunbathing lawn awaits you with cosy loungers or visit the SPA area with Finnish sauna, steam room, and a vast beauty offer!

NORDIC WALKING
Nordic walking is the ultimate in outdoor training for the whole body and is fun for all ages! The 16 trails of the Gitschberg Jochtal region offer just the right amount of challenge for walkers.

If the technique is carried out correctly, over 600 muscles are in constant motion, which is the equivalent to around 90% of all muscles. Through the correct use of both arm and leg muscles, the tempo can be raised and the effectiveness of the exercise increased.

When poles are used correctly, they help to distribute pressure throughout the entire body. In addition, the circulatory system is placed under less strain than when jogging.

TENNIS
Perfect your tennis game… on the hotel tennis courts! Our team of qualified tennis instructors from the Yves Stahl school can offer an extensive program of lessons for beginners and athletes on an advanced level.

Fun is in store for children, too! Tennis buffs can use the hotel’s two clay tennis courts.We offer various courses and also have special weekly deals that include time on the tennis court and lessons.

SPORTS
The Hotel Saltauserhof activity tips:

• Fishing: Wonderful nature, crystal-clear water, this is what attracts fisherman… With the day pass you can fish in the Quellenhof – Kalmtal Valley, Kalmtal Valley – S. Leonardo
• Plan River, Timmels Lake, Seeber Lake and in Monteneve Lake
• Jogging: Jogging just as you like along the Passer River or on forest trails!
• Kayak: Floating down the river on a kayak is great fun!
• Climbing: Passeier Valley has five climbing gardens with different levels of difficulty! A special tip for families! more information
• Rafting: Enjoy an adventurous river tour on special rubber dinghies with 4 to 7 places in the company of experienced guides. The level of difficulty ranges from medium to high. This sport is for everyone. You need to be able to swim however
• Horse riding: Several horse riding farms await you in Passeier Valley!
• Tandem flight: Admire South Tyrol from a bird’s eye view! Make the dream of flying come true!

Rooms: 40

Price: from 212 EUR per night

Source: www.saltauserhof.com