Untertheimerhof - Chronicle

In 1966, at only 20 years old, Franz Josef Rabensteiner inherited from his father an old dilapidated farm, the Untertheimerhof. But differently from many other people in Villandro, Franz Josef could see something special in it. He came to the idea that such old and decrepit place could be turned into a great way to take advantage of the wave of tourists that were gradually starting to reach Villandro.

The first guests were schoolchildren from the cities of Schwäbisch Hall and Heidelberg. They got full board treatment at 8 German Marks, with views of the Dolomites included. Later on, the same schoolchildren were accompanied by their parents, and once adults they started coming with their own children, to relive their happy memories spent here. They say that the name “Rabensteiner” means “magic of opposites”. And may be this is what makes our guests come back to us during the years.

In 1974 Franz Josef married the 21 years old Rosa Pupp from the Schloss Gravetsch farmhouse of Villandro. The first daughter, Sieglinde, was born in the same year, followed by Walter in 1976 and young Reinhold in 1980. While Rosa takes care of children and guests, Franz Josef runs the hut. He takes care of a vineyard, plants plum trees, manages cattle, pig, sheep, chickens and hares. He tries to raise many cattle breeds, but in 1995 falls in love with the Scottish Highland cow.

From farmer to hotelier: Franz Josef was one of the firsts to believe in tourism, and also one of the firsts to appreciate how important it is for guests to feel comfortable. With commitment, dedication and hard work he turned the farm and the guesthouse into a hotel.

In 1996 the “Frau mit Herz” magazine awarded to the Berglandhotel Untertheimerhof the title of “Hotel with a Heart”.

The Berglandhotel Untertheimerhof hut on the Villandro Alp was rebuilt in 1993. In 2000 a fire destroyed it completely ... but it was rebuilt again. From June to October Junior chef Walter organises a weekly visit to the hut and a great barbecue for the guests.

But here at the Berglandhotel Untertheimerhof we never stop. In 2002 we built the wellness area and young Sieglinde, Walter and Reinhold entered the family business. Reinhold spoils our guest with his wonderful dishes. Walter, a formally trained chef, takes on waiting, music and entertainment duties. Sieglinde studies geography and history at the Innsbruck university, but is always here on weekends to lend a hand. She also studies to become an Alpine and tourist guide, she loves to travel everywhere, in time, in history and around the world. The head of the house, Franz Josef, is always happy to share his farmer and hotelier experiences, while Mama Rosa is the good fairy of the home, bringing her magic to the kitchen, the guest rooms and the rest of the hotel.

2007 is the year of recognition. With her article “Die Welt der Rabensteiners” (The Rabensteiner’s world), which talks about the Rabensteiner family and its success, journalist Karin Bühler wins the South Tyrol press award. The article is published online online on the Süddeutschen Zeitung newspaper.

In 2012 the Rabensteiner family buys the Sonnenhotel Adler hotel. And in a short time successfully brings back to life this ruin full of history, with original rooms and an enchanting cellar. In 2014 the Sonnenhotel Adler hotel is expanded with “Adler Spa Natura”, a new wellness area.

But also the Rabensteiner family expanded in the meantime, with the arrival of Walter&Simone’s and Sieglinde&Patrick’s children.

And today? Today the Rabensteiner family welcomes you at two hotels: the Berglandhotel Untertheimerhof, a point of reference for families with and without children, for tourists who love tranquillity, or who are always active, and obviously the Sonnenhotel Adler hotel, an establishment only 300 metres away from the first, and perfect for adults with a demanding palate and who want to enjoy peace and nature.