A Day at the Torgglerhof, South Tyrol

At the Farmhouse Torgglerhof where the Passeier Valley begins and everyday life softens to a quieter tone, many things grow. Above all, apples. A great many apples. So many, in fact, that the farm was once simply called the “Apple Hotel” — a name that suited it perfectly at the time, yet eventually felt too small for what it had become.

Apples still grow here today. But so do grapes, vibrant vegetables, the graceful weeping willow and ideas. And, quite possibly, more than a few very good reasons to stay longer than originally planned.

And what exactly does a day at the Torgglerhof look like? One thing is certain: it is never quite the same. But sometimes, it unfolds something like this:

Early. But truly early.

Here, vacation doesn’t automatically mean sleeping in — at least not when the mountains are calling. The sunrise hike takes about an hour — and yes, it starts early. But at the top, there’s no small talk, only a panorama that even the grumpiest morning person can’t ignore. Add brownies and hot tea to the mix. And then comes that moment when the sun slowly rises over the peaks, and the rock faces begin to glow.

Farmhouse Breakfast

Back at the farm, small, lovingly prepared plates await at the breakfast buffet — always served with a smile. Salmon with honey-mustard sauce and horseradish. Freshly cut fruit. The Farmhouse’s own bunker cheese with truffles or herbs. And much more, depending on the season or simply too good to leave out. Everything is portioned so you can taste a bit of everything, without having to choose.

Time to Breathe

Well nourished, you can decide: a second cup of coffee? Or maybe simply take a deep breath — perhaps even catch up on a little extra sleep? For the latter, the options are close at hand. Two “Brunnenhäuser” sit in the garden, gently integrated into the landscape and draped with flowering meadows. One is for families, the other for adults only. Here, both have their place. Between them: lawns, wide views, water. Space to find your own pace again. For those who want to dive deeper, roll out a yoga mat or drift into a sound bowl meditation — guided by people who know exactly when words are needed, and when silence speaks louder.

Picnic in the Vineyard

Eventually, appetite — or curiosity — calls. Then it’s time for the next little adventure and for the Pinzgauer. And Sepp. The senior host, Farmhouse founder, and charm offensive on four wheels. Together with his wife Mali, he built the farm and at their wedding planted the willow that still watches over the garden today. His greatest pride? Besides Mali: the Pinzgauer. With it, he takes guests to places Google Maps wouldn’t even think of.

To the vineyard for a picnic across rocks, roots, and just a hint of adventure. Among the vines, a door opens into the hillside. Behind it: two floors full of delicacies. And a glass of wine right where it grows.

A Piece of the Farm to Take Home

Back at the Farmhouse, that feeling of having discovered something special lingers. And to make sure good taste doesn’t remain just a memory, the path almost naturally leads to the farm shop and wine cellar. Here you’ll find not only the farm’s own products but also carefully selected décor and interior pieces — items with character that let you take a little piece of the farm home.

And of course, you can’t escape the apples. What grows outside ends up here in a bottle: as Apfelsaft Rouge or Cider Anderdog. In a region full of apples, it took surprisingly long for anyone to think of making cider. These and other stories are shared by junior host Martin during the cellar tales — perhaps even the story of how the JoRo Spritz quietly helped Margarete find her way to the farm.

Course by Course

Evening slowly falls and that’s when the farm truly shows its strengths. In the kitchen, led by Head Chef Markus Prenn, a five-course menu comes to life, offering plenty of reasons to return. Many ingredients come straight from the farm or the surrounding region. Guests can choose from two menu lines to create their own personalized tasting menu.

Each course is served one at a time because here, hospitality is at the heart of the experience. And because taking the time to truly savor every bite is not just allowed, it’s encouraged.

Garden Concert

And just when you think the day couldn’t get any more beautiful, music fills the garden.

Junior host Maria is hospitality personified — always keeping an eye on everyone. Between guests and children, she effortlessly makes sure everyone is well taken care of. Christian tends the old wood-fired stove, sending the scent of freshly prepared delights through the air. Martin now prefers standing behind the Ape Bar rather than in the cellar, mixing cocktails instead of serving wine or apple juice. Musicians provide the soundtrack, and Sepp charmingly invites everyone to dance.

And somewhere between laughter, clinking glasses, and the campfire, a feeling grows — the sense that you’re not just visiting, but right in the heart of life on the farm.

Fotos: Torgglerhof; Alex Filz; Stefanie Aichner & Giulia Gartner; Franziska Unterholzner; Emi Massmer; Christine Neder

Farmhouse Torgglerhof is a member of Lifestylehotels