Skip to main content

This Minimalist Hotel in Italy Offers a Simple Retreat for Weary Hikers

Hotel Buhelwirt outside 1
Hotel Bühelwirt
Hotel Bühelwirt

If you’re an avid hiker or cyclist, Italy’s Dolomites are surely on your list of must-see places (we’ve previously recommended it as a top destination for cycling). South Tyrol is a hot spot for adventure-seekers and, as such, the area is teeming with high-end hotels. But most of those luxuries are lost on hikers who value simplicity and a connection with nature. At the other end of the accommodations spectrum are hostels, which don’t quite appeal to those of us beyond college age. Enter Hotel Bühelwirt, a wonderfully minimalist hiker’s lodge centrally located and with stunning mountain views from every room.

Completed just last year, Hotel Bühelwirt is a new take on the traditional hiker lodges of the area and it was built with the adventurer in mind. The owners focused on creating a place that was one with its surroundings. The dark wood facade, which looks like something straight out of a fairy tale (the Grimms’ version, not Disney), was specially designed to blend in with the dark green forest. The unique shape —  rooms jutting out at angles — is a reflection of the surrounding mountains. It’s a perfect blend of contemporary design and traditional accommodations that allows guests to unwind after long days exploring the Dolomites.

Recommended Videos

Inside, the minimalist philosophy continues. Rooms are sparsely furnished with just the necessities. But don’t confuse simplicity for basic. The furniture, lighting, and fabrics are all locally sourced and expertly assembled creating a high-end yet serene space that allows the spectacular panoramic mountain views to be the star. The gray and white color palette combined with natural wood finishes creates the perfect setting to unwind and meditate on the beauty of the place while contemplating the next day’s adventures.

Hotel Buhelwirt Reinbach Waterfalls
Hotel Buhelwirt
Hotel Buhelwirt

Only 20 rooms fill the lodge, allowing the owners to cater to guests’ specific needs such as customized hikes, guided hikes six days a week, and a spa offering a variety of massages. Not just a hiking hot spot, South Tyrol also offers world class skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and other sports in the winter;  the summer months offer  horseback riding, mountain biking, and rafting.

Now booking, rates start at $74 a night for a standard room. The upgraded Panorama Suite goes for $100 per night.

Topics
Kelsey Machado
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kelsey is a professional interior designer with over a decade of experience in the design field. With a passion for…
Lotte Hotels & Lexus team up to bring luxury perks to guests and car owners
Ride in style at Lotte Hotel Seattle
Lotte Hotel Seattle

Lotte Hotel Seattle, the award-winning gem from South Korean luxury brand Lotte Hotels & Resorts, has just partnered with Lexus to elevate the guest experience in a whole new way. This exclusive collaboration offers special perks for both hotel guests and Lexus owners.

“We are delighted to partner with Lexus to provide our guests with elevated amenities and curated driving experiences,” said Steven Kalczynski, Managing Director of Lotte Hotel Seattle. “This collaboration enhances our commitment to delivering unique opportunities for exploration in the heart of Seattle.”

Read more
This airline just airlifted over 100 shelter pets
Southwest joins forces with charitable organization to airlift shelter pets
southwest shelter pets airlift 250201 pet rescue lgb pdx web020

As a result of the Greater Los Angeles Wildfires, Great Good Charities partnered with Southwest Airlines to transport more than 100 shelter pets. The emergency airlift flew from Long Beach, California to Portland, Oregon, and offered a critical space for lost and injured animals. 
Southwest flew the pets to the Oregon Humane Society

The pets on the emergency flight were previously in the care of rescues and shelters in the Los Angeles County area. Because of this flight, those organizations have increased space to accommodate animals in need after the wildfires. Animals from the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care & Control and COPE Preparedness were aboard the flight. 

Read more
This country was just named the safest travel destination of 2025
Iceland was named 2025's safest travel destination
An aerial view of Reykjavik, Iceland, during the summer season.

Traveling to a new destination can be a thrilling adventure, but it can also come with a bit of anxiety. Fortunately, some destinations offer travelers more peace of mind than others. According to Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s latest survey, Iceland has been named the safest travel destination for 2025, rising to the number one spot from ninth place just the year before.

Iceland’s reputation for safety is well-earned. With stunning natural landscapes like the Blue Lagoon, the Northern Lights, and the famous Golden Circle, it’s a top destination for travelers seeking both adventure and security. Iceland is also known for having just one major road that runs through the entire country, making it easy to navigate without the stress of crowded streets or traffic jams. The country also has a low crime rate, making it an appealing spot for families and solo travelers alike.

Read more