Pflerschtal Valley: Among Mountains and Waterfalls
“Theodore, do you like these mountains around us?” we asked our little one on our way to the Feuerstein Nature Family Resort.
“Yes, but I like yellow and blue ones,” he answered confidently.
“Really? And what color are these?”
“White and green.”
Indeed, the mountains surrounding the Pflerschtal Valley are either white or covered in evergreen forests! South Tyrol, the northernmost and certainly one of the most picturesque provinces of Italy, boasts majestic mountain peaks that amaze with grandeur even from an airplane. This part of Austria, ceded to Italy after World War I, remained a disputed territory for a long time and still retains a unique Austrian-Italian identity. Italy granted the region a special autonomous status, allowing significant independence in internal matters. There are two official languages in South Tyrol, and at least half of the population still speaks German.
To reach the Feuerstein hotel in the Pflerschtal Valley near the town of Colle Isarco, we flew to Innsbruck, Austria. The transfer across the border (about an hour long) passed over Europe’s second-highest bridge, past waterfalls, through clouds drifting over mountain villages. You can also easily reach the hotel by bus.
Nature Everywhere
Upon arrival, Theodore hopped on a wooden horse at the entrance and tried to make it rear. We were greeted by friendly staff, and the children’s play area was a godsend as we sorted out details and received our keys.
In our wooden chalet there were two bedrooms: one with two bunk beds for four children, and another with a double bed for adults, plus a living room, kitchen, and terrace offering a breathtaking view of the mountains and waterfalls (that will stay in our memory forever!). Besides family chalets, the hotel also offers smaller suites.
Feuerstein Nature Family Resort embodies a commitment to nature both inside and out. The elegant and minimalist design of the lobbies and rooms skillfully incorporates natural materials like wood, cork, stone, wool, and felt, creating a sense of tranquility and respect for the environment without an ostentatious contrast of luxury and gloss.
Why Is It the Best Place for Children?
There’s no time to unpack: our toddler, dashing through the open doors, is already racing down the lawn to the playgrounds with wooden houses, slides, and a zipline. We put aside adult habitsand… jump together on a huge trampoline. It held up! Nearby there’s a sports ground and a giant chessboard. A mountain riverrushes down the rocks just across the road. There are plenty of tables and seating areas for parents to relax with a cup of coffeewhile their kids play. Another adventure spot is a pond with an island you can reach by pulling a boat along a rope. But that’s for tomorrow!
The journey through the entertainment for young guests is just beginning. There’s a separate building – a three-story barn full of adventures for kids of different ages. One area has natural hay to jump into from the upper floor. There’s also a large workshop where little carpenters make wooden crafts under adult supervision. There’s a big art studio, pottery classes, and more. But we’re too young for that yet. What’s perfect for us is a huge sandpit room! Kids and grownups hang out here on a rainy day.
There is a farm with alpacas, goats, cows, and rabbits, an equestrian center offering group and private lessons, and horseback rides – the hotel has it all!
“Theodore, do you want to ride a pony?”
“I don’t know, I’m scared.”
“You will be with a guide. She’ll lead the pony.”
“I want to go to that waterfall. No, I want to go to the snow. Yes, I want to go far,” – our little one points to the snowy mountain peaks.
Why Is It the Best Place for Adults?
Phew, we’ve played enough! It’s time to take our child to the children’s center (open from 9 AM to 4 PM where dedicated carers have age-specific programmes based on the Montessori system). Maybe we can finally learn to “love ourselves” by lounging on a sunbed? Or even better – hike or bike into the mountains? There’s also a comprehensive fitness program, yoga, and Pilates. For the most enduring ones, the gym is open 24/7.
And the best part is, you don’t have to watch the clock anxiously to pick up your child. If you fancy a leisurely peaceful dinner, that’s possible too! At 6 PM, the hotel offers a children’s dinneroption with a special menu under the supervision of caregivers. You can relax and enjoy a glass of wine until 9 PM. And if you want to be romantic, visit the luxury restaurant with only four tables, open until 11 PM exclusively for adults. There’s no need to worry about the kids – the hotel can organize childcare at this hour too.
The cuisine is another delight: the buffet will surprise any gourmet. Dinner offers a five-course evening menu, such as red cabbage soup with apple foam and tuna tataki in miso sauce. Throughout the day, there’s a special kids’ menu for family dining. Ingredients are sourced from local farms in the Pflerschtal Valley and nearby provinces, with suppliers carefully selected for the quality and cultivation methods of their produce. Additionally, the hotel strives to minimise food waste as part of its sustainability program.
Almost 100% Plastic-Free!
Sustainability is a key principle at Feuerstein, which generates 100% green electricity from its own hydroelectric power station. The hotel aims to be entirely plastic-free and has already achieved 98% of this goal. Indeed, we noticed the unusual children’s tableware made from compressed recycled materials. There are also charging stations for electric cars and electric bike rentals. The water supply comes from local springs, so drinking tap water is safe and even beneficial.
Saunas, Baths, Rooftop Jacuzzi…
The hotel boasts several pools! There’s a warm outdoor infinity pool for any weather, a kiddie pool for the littlest ones, and a deeper pool. And a water park! The 100-meter high-speed slide is a thrill for kids and adults alike.
The four-story spa needs a separate exploration. Starting with the “adult side” – there’s a Finnish sauna with herbal infusions, an aromatic Italian pine sauna, and a steam bath – everything for relaxation and rejuvenation is provided. The highlight is on the roof: a terrace with a jacuzzi offering views of the mountains, evergreen forests, rivers, waterfalls, and snowy peaks, while warm water jets massage your body, and you enjoy a cup of herbal tea…
Children can experience the spa too! Our Theodore loved the special “Snoezelen” room with feather lamps and soft music:
“Does a fairy live here?”
“Yes, Theodore, many kind and highly professional fairies and wizards!”
***
Feuerstein Nature Family Resort is wonderful in both summer and winter. While we’ve shared our summer experience, you can create your own winter one by skiing and hiking along snowy trails. In any season, the hotel offers plenty of activities for both children and adults, but most importantly, it creates an atmosphere of harmony and connection with nature. We will definitely come back with the whole family!
Source
