In all rooms of the historic Gasthof Zum Riesen, guests are awakened by the sunshine. In addition, every room offers a gigantic panorama of the mountains, such as the Sonnenberg with the Vermoispitze and Sankt Martin am Kofel, the Nörderberg with the Laaserspitze and the entrance to the Martell Valley. You can also see some Romanesque church towers.
The refuge is a unique mixture of an old, historic house, which once served as a pilgrimage site, and stylish, modern elements. For the restoration of the house, the innkeeper Alexandra dell'Agnolo got the support of her sister Silvia, who is an architect. A lot of love, care and experience in the renovation of listed houses ensured that the giant became what it is today: a bright, spacious, quiet retreat where guests can relax and have a good time. The special atmosphere extends from the breakfast table set with antique crockery to the evening piano music and burning candles.
The house was once run by Mali, the innkeeper's great-aunt, and later by her mother, Mrs. Emmy. A woman-owned house since the 14th century. It was clear to Alexandra that she would like to continue running the inn and so she says: “Arrived! The giant is my life's work, I've always known that - somehow."
Rooms + Rates
| Single room | from100 € |
| Double room | from140 € |
Sustainable
ArchitectureThe Gasthof Zum Riesen is a house full of history. The former pilgrimage hostel has been in the center of Tarsch, a village in the Vinschgau region in South Tyrol, since the 14th century. Over the centuries the stone house has been rebuilt and expanded several times. A few years ago it was extensively renovated with great attention to detail - and if necessary, modernized. The concrete balconies from the 1950s on the east facade were replaced by wooden balconies. Thanks to the larch wood slats placed in front of it, the façade is reminiscent of the “Stadl” that used to be in the same place. Wall and ceiling frescos (approx. 1720), wallpaper paintings (rural Art Nouveau 1910) and old floorboards were carefully restored and the old, traditional tiled stoves were repaired. Modern wooden furniture designed by the architect complement the restored old furniture. The nine guest rooms are individually designed and have modern bathrooms. The renovation was carried out exclusively with regional craftsmen and was awarded the “Wood Prize 2017”.
FoodBreakfast is served in the traditional parlor, as well as in the study and on the sunny terrace. Home-made delicacies are served, as well as all sorts of good things from the area and from our vegetable garden. On request, a long table can be set up for celebrations, here you can drink, sing, dance, and cultural events take place regularly. The pizzeria “Gasthaus Tarscher Wirt” belongs to the inn, and guests are welcome to dine here. In general, vegan and vegetarian options are offered and food intolerances are taken into account.
The few employees come from the nearby villages. The giant also supports the BASIS social activation hub, among other things.
EnvironmentWaste separation is ensured throughout the property and only ecologically degradable cleaning agents are used. The refuge is heated by a district heating plant as well as by old wood stoves, which are fired with their own wood in winter. The water in the best drinking quality comes from a spring on the mountain.
Well-BeingThe entire refuge does not have TVs in the rooms (possible on request), so that holistic relaxation is possible without distraction. What nobody expects in a house like this: a sauna made of fine materials, ready to do you good. When your calves burn after a mountain or bike tour. When a light fog settles in the valley. Our wellness landscape is the whole Vinschgau. And right opposite: our large wooden loggia. With pure country air for the lungs, a thousand shades of green for the eyes, fine temperatures for the head and body. Hiking, cycling, downhill, skiing and cross-country skiing are also possible in the area. The innkeeper Alexandra's vision for the historic Gasthof Zum Riesen is: "I see the house as a historic refuge for people who long for a landing place for soul, mind and body" - that is exactly what she takes care of every day with pleasure.
Characteristics
- Historical refuge in South Tyrol, which used to be a pilgrims' hostel, in an elaborately restored house from the 14th century
- Located in the middle of the Vinschgau, a landscape with character and charm
- Family-run by women for a generation
- Kulturgasthof Tarscher Wirt
- Breakfast made from regional ingredients, much of it from our own production
- Sheep and goats live on the property
- The renovation was supported by the South Tyrolean Monuments Office
- Various possibilities for excursions in the area: biotopes nearby, crystal clear mountain lakes, Stelvio National Park with the Ortler massif, Glurns; smallest medieval town in the German-speaking area, Churburg in Schluderns, Prokulus Church in Naturns, Schnalstal with the Messner Mountain Museum, Merano spa town, Ötzi Museum in Bozen, many cultural events
- In spring, summer and autumn hiking and cycling and much more is possible, in winter skiing and cross-country skiing
- Is well suited for seminars, meetings and celebrations
- No pool, but free entry to "Viva Latsch" possible
- Pets allowed on request
Features
- Inn with 9 individually designed rooms
- Breakfast included in the price
- Gasthof + Pizzeria "Tarscher Wirt"
- Sauna with roof loggia
- Various common rooms: master bedroom and wood-paneled parlor
- In-house library and grand piano
- Own vegetable garden
- Large terrace garden with deck chairs
- Event room with modern technical equipment
- Regular cultural events
Testimonials
In Latsch im Vinschgau wurde das aus dem 15. Jahrhundert stammende Denkmalschutzobjekt Gasthof zum Riesen von Grund auf renoviert, und daraus wurde ein zeitgemässer Gastbetrieb entwickelt. Heizung, Bäder, Böden, Fenster, Möbel – alles wurde durch kleine Handwerkbetriebe stil- und materialgerecht restauriert oder erneuert. Auf der zweiten Etage baute man eine kleine Sauna ein samt Freiluftbereich in der anschliessenden Loggia. Aus dem einstigen Pilgerhospiz mit neun originären, völlig unterschiedlichen Zimmern entstand ein moderner Gasthof, der durch einen gelungenen Mix aus Geschichte und Neuzeit besticht.
Neun Zimmer gibt es im "Riesen", keines gleicht dem anderen. Die Möbel darin sind jahrzehnte-, wenn nicht jahrhundertealt und schlicht kombiniert mit blütenweißer Wäsche, viel Holz und altmodischen Tapeten. Das Haus aus dem 16. Jahrhundert wurde in seiner Geschichte meist von Frauen geführt, zurzeit ist es Alexandra Dell’Agnolo, die es mithilfe ihrer Architekten-Schwester behutsam renoviert hat: zu einem Ort wie aus der Zeit gefallen, in einem Dorf, weit weg von den Touristenströmen – perfekt zum Abschalten.
Rooms + Rates
| Single room | from100 € |
| Double room | from140 € |
Location + Directions
By car
It takes just under 2.5 hours (179 km) from Innsbruck to Tarsch. It takes about 4 hours from Milan (332 km), from Zurich it is also about 4 hours (261 km), from Constance just under 4 hours (271 km) and from Munich it also takes about 4 hours ( 262 km). The exact address can be found on the property's website.
With public transport
The closest train station is in Latsch. A guest bus runs from there to Tarsch. Alternatively, you can be picked up from the train station.
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