Nine people in gray and white sweaters against a gray background

A tale of courage, passion, and vision

Strong roots that reach far back into the 20th century. Our father Walter laid the foundations for the Winklerhotels when he took over his parents’ guesthouse, “Laner”, and purchased Hotel Winkler and Hotel Solvie. A courageous family that is pursuing its dreams and vision with passion and foresight. The next generation centred around brother and sister Kurt and Miriam is investing in making what they offer even more professional and constantly increasing quality. Luxurious variety you’ll find nowhere else in Val Pusteria/Pustertal. The Winklerhotels are taking great strides towards the future and their next pioneering advancements. These are the ingredients for an extraordinary success story – the success story of the Winklerhotels.

1930s
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It all began with a courageous decision: Our great-grandfather Hermann Winkler was one of the few people in Montal to refuse to leave South Tyrol during the Second World War, when all German and Ladin speakers were forced to either leave Italy or remain and give up their language and culture. Out of necessity, he and his wife decided to rent out six rooms in their farmhouse, “Lanerhof”. What initially began as a temporary measure soon developed into a passion.

Black and white photo of farmhouses with forested mountains in background
1970
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Hermann’s third-born son Walter, our father, discovered his love for hospitality early in life. He eventually took over the farm and the “Laner” guesthouse from his parents and worked tirelessly to develop the “Winkler Hotels Kronplatz”.

Historic photo of an inn in a rural mountain area
1972

A big day in Walter’s life: He married Maria Eisendle, and they had four children together over the years: Kurt, Miriam, Sylvia, and Sandra.

Family photo of six people, some wearing traditional costumes
1983
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The purchase of Messner guesthouse in Stefansdorf (Hotel Winkler today) saw Walter and Maria expand the Winklerhotels for the first time.

Hotel Lanerhof with traditional architecture in sunny surroundings
1993
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Hospitality is in the Winkler family’s genes: Son Kurt graduated from the Kaiserhof hotel management school in Meran and joined the family business. He had already been a great help to his parents during his school days.

Smiling man in gray sweater sitting relaxed in a chair against dark background
1994

The Winkler family embarked on the first big expansion: Hotel Lanerhof was upgraded with an indoor pool, whirlpool, new dining room, and new suites.

Wood-paneled room with corner bench, three chairs and table set with wine and bread
1995
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Daughter Miriam is also passionate about hospitality. After graduating from the Kaiserhof hotel management school in Meran, she took over the Messner guesthouse when she was 20 years old.

Portrait of a smiling woman wearing glasses and white sweater against a dark background
1997

Kurt found the love of his life in Monika Oberarzbacher. They married and had two children, Julian and Anna Lisa.

Four smiling people in gray and white clothing against a gray background
1998
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The Messner guesthouse was transformed into a 4-star hotel and renamed “Sporthotel Winkler”. Its new spa area, the family suites, and the top location at Mt Plan de Corones/Kronplatz attracted numerous sports fans from day one.

Rustic bedroom with wooden furniture and checkered bedspread
2002

The place where it all started, Lanerhof, was also given a fresh new look. The extension created new room categories, a new kitchen, and an additional dining room.

Cozy restaurant with yellow tablecloths and floral centerpieces
2004
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The Winkler family purchased Hotel Solvie in Pfalzen – an unassuming jewel in which the family saw great potential.

2005

Renovation and extension work transformed Hotel Solvie into a radiant 4-star hotel. It was the first of the Winkler family’s hotels to have a beauty farm – a real novelty in Val Pusteria/Pustertal at the time.

Miriam found her perfect partner in Christof Schuster. After their wedding, twins Laura and Lukas and son Marian made their happy family complete.

Five family members in front of gray background, three seated in front and two standing
2006

The big renovation of Hotel Lanerhof began. The result was a luxurious 4-star-S hotel that proved hugely popular with guests.

Sporthotel Winkler was also extended with a beauty farm and an additional floor.

2007
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A historic moment: Walter officially handed over his life’s work to his children Kurt and Miriam, who still run the Winklerhotels together today.

Two men standing behind two seated women, all smiling in neutral indoor setting
2010

Residence Lanerhof with two luxurious apartments was built just 200 metres away from the original hotel. What makes it special: The full hotel service is inclusive.

Modern holiday home Residence Lanerhof with balcony and garden under blue sky
2011

The extension of the lobby and new family suites made Hotel Solvie shine more radiantly than ever.

Modern hotel room with double bed, sofa, and desk
2013

"Winki’s Tierwelt” petting zoo was created at Hotel Lanerhof and proved an instant hit with children.

Child feeding brown rabbit a carrot in the garden
2015

Most of the rooms and suites at Hotel Lanerhof were given a new look.

Modern bedroom with double bed and open bathroom window
2017

The Winkler family embarked on their biggest building project to date: Sporthotel Winkler was completely rebuilt and underwent major extension work in the space of just six months. The new 5-star Hotel Winkler delighted guests with even more highlights.

Modern outdoor loungers on grass with contemporary house in the background
2018
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The next unique project followed the very next year: Private Luxury Chalet Purmontes, which sits above Hotel Lanerhof and boasts five exclusive suites, takes luxury to a whole new level. Right next door: the Winklerhotels’ own riding stable with riding school.

Modern wooden houses by a lake with sun rays in a mountain landscape
2019

The rooms and suites at Hotel Lanerhof and Hotel Solvie were renovated, and Hotel Lanerhof also received a new fitness room and youth sports hall.

Cozy single bed with white bedding next to wooden sauna
2021

Hotel Winkler was taken to the next level with new suites, a new bar area, and the new adults-only rooftop pool.

Person swimming in infinity pool with mountain view
2022

Walter Winkler died at the age of 78. His love for hospitality can still be felt at the Winklerhotels today.

Elderly couple in traditional clothes standing in front of apple tree in countryside
2023

Guests could look forward to new, stylish suites at Hotel Lanerhof.

Modern bathroom with freestanding bathtub and double sink
2024

The success story continues with exciting new developments – stay tuned!

Ten smiling people in gray and white clothing against a gray background
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