Everything you want to know before your Dolomites holiday at Hirben – at a glance:

Everyone can find their perfect retreat here, from welcoming studios for two to spacious family apartments with multiple bedrooms. All our apartments are lovingly furnished using natural materials, with plenty of light wood, clear design and the tranquillity of nature. Each apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, as well as a private balcony or terrace with views of the surrounding landscape – perfect for enjoying the fresh mountain air in the morning or relaxing at the end of the day.

Some of our apartments are barrier-free and therefore easily accessible for guests with limited mobility – just ask and we will be happy to advise you individually. We can provide beds and bed linen that are suitable for allergy sufferers. All apartments are carpet-free, so sensitive guests too can feel completely at home. Your comfort is always a top priority for us.

All our apartments are fully equipped, meaning you can arrive and relax straight away. Everything’s there, from crockery, glasses and cutlery, to pots and pans, bed linen, towels, soap and tea towels – all carefully chosen, high-quality products that are of course in keeping with our sustainability concept. You’ll feel at home from the moment you arrive – only with added peace, nature and lightness.

Of course – the choice is totally flexible, just as you prefer. In the morning, you can enjoy breakfast, made with fresh, seasonal and regional produce from partners that we personally know and trust. In the evening, we serve a delicious 4-course menu – a perfect combination of taste, quality and sustainability. And, if you prefer to cook for yourself, the apartment kitchens are fully equipped for those who like to do things for themselves, even on holiday. All according to our motto: everything’s possible – nothing’s a must.

Dogs are welcome in selected apartments – because holidays are best when all the family is present. Please let us know when making your booking so we can offer you a suitable apartment. We will also be happy to tell you which hiking trails, meadows and nearby places are particularly dog-friendly. Please let us know when booking so that we can offer you a suitable apartment. We will also be happy to tell you which trails, meadows and destinations in the surrounding area are particularly dog-friendly.

At the Hirben, food is much more than just a meal – it’s a central element of our nature and wellness concept. 
In the morning, you can enjoy a balanced, regional breakfast, all prepared with love : fresh bread from the local baker, cheese from small-scale South Tyrolean dairies, high-quality jams, homemade spreads, our own recipe granola, seasonal fruit, eggs cooked to order and much more besides.

We know all our producers personally – most of them are from the Dolomite region. Quality, transparency and respect for nature and animals are our top priorities.

In the evening, we serve a delicious 4-course menu, changing daily and offering regional cuisine with a modern twist – vegetarian options too are available on request, always fresh and seasonal.

Of course – we want all our guests to feel at home and well looked after. Whether you want a gluten-free or lactose-free menu, or have a particular intolerance – simply let us know when booking or at the latest when you check in: we’ll be happy to take care of everything. Our kitchen staff are flexible and have plenty of experience in meeting special dietary requirements – without compromising on taste.

It depends on what you’ve booked: if you opt for an apartment with breakfast, you can enjoy our lovingly prepared breakfast buffet each morning. For everyone else, flexibility is key – breakfast and our evening menu can be added to your booking, easily and spontaneously, giving you freedom to plan your holiday – without compromising on culinary delights.

Our ingredients are, as far as possible, sourced directly from the surrounding region. We consciously work with South Tyrolean farmers, small-scale manufacturers and selected organic suppliers that we know personally and whose philosophy we share.

Because, for us, it’s not just the end product on the plate that counts, but also how it got there. We know where our food comes from and, more importantly, who produces it: we have been with many of our producers for years now. Fresh herbs come from our own garden, mountain cheese comes from a little dairy in the Puster Valley, while meat is from farms that prioritise animal welfare.

For us, quality is not merely a slogan, but a principle we live by. That’s why we rely on natural, seasonal products requiring minimal transportation, not only guaranteeing freshness and taste, but also protecting the environment.

This closeness to nature and to the people whose passion is producing high-quality foodstuffs is reflected in every dish. Cuisine at the Hirben is a true experience – honest, sustainable and full of flavour.

Of course – our evening menu can be added to your booking, all very flexibly and easily. Please book by 10 a.m. so we can carefully plan and use the freshest ingredients.

Our kitchen is no mere sideshow, but a central part of the Hirben concept. We attach great importance to honest, seasonal and natural cuisine. We create a fine, 4-course menu every evening with great attention to detail, combining taste and sustainability – all inspired by the Alpine surroundings and rounded off with regional, organic ingredients.

Whether you choose a vegetarian dish or decide for high-quality meat from a farm that values animal welfare – an evening here is not just a time to unwind, but also to celebrate.

A retreat in the midst of the natural world. Our wellness area is a place of tranquillity, designed with careful attention to detail, using natural materials and harmoniously integrated into the landscape.

Look forward to a hay sauna as you enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, or a classic Finnish sauna, a gentle bio-sauna, a soothing steam bath or a relaxing infrared cabin. There are two inviting quiet rooms with comfortable wooden loungers that offer space to unwind; and, from our small but delightful wellness bar, you can savour aromatic herbal teas, fresh fruit and homemade juices.

Outside, the sunbathing lawn lets you breathe in deeply and let go, with just the gentle sounds of nature – no irritating music or hustle and bustle. It’s not about quantity here, but rather the essentials: quality, conscious tranquillity and genuine relaxation – a place where you can switch off, let go and find yourself again.

Our 25-metre outdoor pool, heated all year round to a pleasant 30°C, is perfect both for swimming and relaxing. There is a covered, heated indoor entrance for pleasurable access even on cooler days. Whether for swimming a few lengths in the morning, or just floating in the warm water – here you can combine exercise with well-being.

It’s clear: it’s the combination of space, tranquillity and comfort. Our pool is 25 metres long, meaning that you can really swim instead of just splashing about. The indoor entrance, pleasantly heated to 30°C, makes jumping into the water a gentle experience – ideal for in the morning, after a hike or simply in between.

There are wooden decks, a sunbathing lawn and plenty of nature all around you. And no hustle and bustle – just water, space and summer or winter sun. 

It’s a place for clearing your mind, where you can swim a few lengths, switch off and enjoy views of the mountains.

The hay sauna is a real highlight of our natural wellness area. It is made from local wood and not only has a wonderful scent; it also has beneficial effects on body and mind. The special feature is the certified mountain hay, which smells particularly good thanks to the many flowers and grasses it contains. Our hay sauna has a temperature of around 60°C and a humidity level of 35 to 50%, producing strengthening and cleansing effects.

We only use natural, high-quality care products from South Tyrol that match our sustainability concept. We carefully select our partners, who work with local plant extracts, Alpine herbs, mountain pine, arnica and hay flowers, without no unnecessary additives. No frills – just pure, effective, nature-based items that produce noticeable, genuine and deep-working results.

Yes, we recommend that you book treatments or massages prior to arriving or upon arrival. 
This allows us to meet your individual wishes and schedule the appropriate treatments at the desired time. Our massage therapist takes time for each treatment – quality is always our top priority.

Yes – the entire wellness area, with its five saunas, quiet room, wellness bar and pool are all included in the price. Bathrobes and towels are also of course provided.

Yes, which is exactly what makes a cycling holiday with us at the Hirben so special. You can start, fully relaxed, right from the front door – no distance to travel, no detours. The cycle path on the River Drava is just a short hop away and will take you in leisurely fashion along the river to San Candido, Lienz – or, if you are in an adventurous mood, even further.

Those who prefer cycling uphill will find numerous opportunities to explore the Dolomites by mountain bike or e-bike – whether towards the Plätzwiese high plateau, through the Casies Valley or up to one of the quiet mountain pastures around the Upper Puster Valley. The trails are easily accessible, scenically impressive and can be individually tailored to your mood and fitness level. And, best of all, you’re right in the middle of it all – in the natural world, in the mountains, in the Dolomites, in the moment.

We can also provide Thule bike trailers for children or trailers for dogs if required.

Yes, modern e-MTBs and standard bikes are available for hire directly from the Hirben. Whether you are planning a leisurely tour or want to ride high up, we will be happy to advise you on choosing the right bike. Every bike is ready, recently serviced and with full safety equipment. We recommend that you reserve your bike of choice in advance, especially during the high season, so there will be nothing to stop you or your tour.

Yes – and not just any guided tour, but a route tailored to you personally. Fabian, your host here at the Hirben, is himself a passionate cyclist and knows the trails around the Upper Puster Valley better than almost anyone.

Once a week (or more often if the weather permits) he makes time to take guests on tours – sometimes leisurely, sometimes more demanding, but always accompanied by a keen sense of nature, pace and atmosphere.

Alongside our guided tours, we will of course be happy to help you plan your own individual tours. Whether you are cycling in the Dolomites for the first time, or already know many of the passes, we can show you trails that are more than just routes – they are trails that truly connect people.

There are numerous trails worth discovering around the Hirben, some leading to inspirational viewpoints, others running through quiet forests or along clear streams. If you set off early, you can for example witness the sunrise on the Plätzwiese high plateau – an experience you’ll never forget. A tour via the town of Dobbiaco to Lake Dobbiaco, or to the vista of the Three Peaks, are wonderful ways to start your day right from the hotel. Every trail has a rhythm of its own, every route has its own special sound – and we are happy to help you choose just the right tour for yourself.

Yes, your bike is in good hands with us. There is a break-in-proof, lockable 24/7 video-monitored bike room where you can park and recharge your bike. If you need any repairs, we have tools available – everything has been thought of so you can fully concentrate on getting out and about. A separate area is also available for washing and cleaning bikes.

We are happy to help with advice and assistance. Some guests just want to set off on their bikes, while others prefer to have a guide. Fabian will plan a tour that takes you along hidden paths or offers special experiences. And, of course, we’ll also tell you our personal favourites – tours that never fail to impress us, because they are not just lovely, but also authentic.

discover the Dolomites on two wheels on a guided e-MTB tour with Fabian, your host and passionate mountain biker. Together you can ride off the beaten track to the region's finest viewpoints and hidden gems. Along the way Fabian will recount fascinating facts about the land and its people - and show you trails you might never have found on your own. Ideal if you want to experience the mountains in an active, authentic way with a real local.

your bike is in safe hands with us. The break-in-proof bike cellar has 24/7 video surveillance, barred windows and can only be accessed by bike owners, offering outstanding round-the-clock protection - meaning you can relax and enjoy your holiday, safe in the knowledge that your bike is in good hands.

the bike cellar has everything you need for minor repairs: a bike stand, a fully equipped workbench and a compressor with pressure gauge. And, if you get stuck, your host Fabian, an experienced mechanic, will be happy to help. There is also a bike shop nearby for dealing with major problems. So you are always well looked after - no matter what.

Lots and lots! A special feature of the Hirben is that you don’t need a car to go hiking – the great outdoors begins right on the doorstep. Whether you fancy a leisurely stroll along the River Rienza, a challenging hike to the Putzalm hut or an ambitious day trip up to the Monte Serla, the Upper Puster Valley has an ideal route for everyone.

There are not only stunning viewpoints and Alpine pastures that can be reached on foot from the Hirben: the Three Peaks of Lavaredo, the Plätzwiese high plateau and Lake Braies are all accessible by train and bus. We will be pleased to tell you our favourite tips for tours – according to the weather, your fitness level and your thirst for adventure.

The Dolomites are a real experience for young and old alike – and there are numerous family-friendly hiking trails around the Hirben. The walk to Lake Dobbiaco is particularly popular, as is a hike in the footsteps of Haunold the Giant, or the numerous adventure hikes for children that offer magnificent views.

All routes are easy to reach, not too long and with nature all around: there are wooden walkways, streambeds, viewpoints and little surprises along the way. On request, we can provide you with suggestions for child-friendly routes and top tips for huts that serve “Kaiserschmarrn” (sweet shredded pancakes) or have playgrounds.

Most tours around the Hirben simply require comfortable hiking boots with a good grip, a small rucksack and weatherproof clothing. If you want to go higher – e.g. to mountain pastures above the tree line, or you are out and about early in the year – you should also consider trekking poles, waterproofs and, if necessary in winter, spikes for your boots.

If required, trekking poles, rucksacks, carrier rucksacks, spikes and snowshoes are all available from our reception.

We will be happy to offer tips on packing, organise equipment hire or tell you exactly how challenging each tour is. Safe and relaxed – that’s how hiking should be.

The famous Three Peaks of Lavaredo and Lake Braies can easily be reached from the Hirben by car, bus or bike. The train station too is just a five-minute walk away, with trains running to Dobbiaco and connections to the shuttles serving the Three Peaks. The bus to Lake Braies also stops nearby.

Some access restrictions apply during the high season – we can tell you exactly which connections are best. But there are also many lesser-known, quieter alternatives that are just as impressive in terms of scenery.

The hiking season in the Upper Puster Valley runs from May to October, depending on the snow conditions. The early summer (when everything is in bloom) and the golden autumn, when the larch trees glow brightly and the air is clear and fresh, are especially atmospheric.

For a calmer mood, go walking in September, when the holiday season is over. Many of the huts are still open, the trails are pleasantly quiet and the light is particularly beautiful.

discover the most beautiful places in the Dolomites on guided hikes, all accompanied by an experienced hiking guide. Off the beaten track you will discover hidden natural treasures, learn fascinating facts about the flora, fauna and history of the region - and walk in complete safely. Ideal for exploring the mountains in an intensive, authentic and sociable way.

we can provide you with all you need for your hiking adventures, with trekking poles, rucksacks and maps available to borrow free of charge from the hotel. Start your day out in the mountains well prepared - without bringing any heavy luggage from home. Simply ask at reception - and set off!

whether you prefer a well-known destination or a real insider tip, just ask at reception and together we'll find the perfect tour for you. There are also information brochures and hiking maps available for free. And, if you prefer to travel in digital format, as a premium partner of Komoot we have put together a large selection of tours for you - to walk, discover and enjoy.

Just a stone’s throw from the hotel is the start of the longest cross-country skiing trail network in the Upper Puster Valley (Dolomiti Nordicski), one of the loveliest and most varied in the Dolomites. Whether for classic style or skating, the trails run through snow-covered forests, alongside quiet rivers and across sunny clearings. Access is direct, with no transfer or waiting times. Just set off into the heart of the tranquil winter: there is a circular trail, approximately one kilometre long, right next to the hotel.

There are many fine trails – but some are particularly memorable. The link between Dobbiaco and Sesto is easy to ski and offers impressive scenery. If you want to go further, head for the Casies Valley, where a quiet, wide trail runs through an almost untouched side valley. The famous Dobbiaco-Cortina cross-country ski trail also starts nearby, one of the classics in the Dolomites, offering not only a sporting challenge but also truly spectacular landscapes.

We don’t rent equipment at the Hirben itself, but there is a rental outlet directly at the Villabassa station that offers everything you might need for a day’s cross-country skiing: skis, boots, poles and accessories.

Yes, of course. We work with regional cross-country ski schools and can arrange individual or group courses, both for beginners and for experienced skiers who want to improve their technique. Guided cross-country tours are also available, depending on the season and snow conditions. Just ask – we’ll organise everything for you.

The combination of wide open spaces, silence and the special light found in the Dolomites. The trails are excellently maintained, very varied and never overcrowded. You glide across landscapes that have almost a meditative quality with their views of snow-capped mountains, through deep snow-covered forests and past huts that in winter look almost like paintings. If you love cross-country skiing – or just want to try it – the Hirben offers the perfect introduction to this special way of discovering winter.

The Hirben Nature Hotel is located in the heart of the Upper Puster Valley, surrounded by the finest ski areas in the Dolomites. The Three Peaks Dolomites ski area is particularly popular and can be reached in just 15 minutes. The famous Plan de Corones is also within easy reach, and ideal for those looking for a variety of slopes. Both ski areas offer perfectly groomed pistes, modern lifts and impressive views of the surrounding peaks. Whether for beginners, leisure skiers or ambitious sportspersons – everyone can find their favourite slope here.

It’s very easy. Villabassa railway station is only a few minutes on foot from the Hirben and a shuttle runs between hotel and station. The SkiPustertal Express connects the two large ski areas without the need to drive, face traffic jams or search for a parking spot, making over 200 kilometres of slopes easily reachable by train. If however you prefer to take your own car, there are car parks at the bottom stations of the lifts.

Yes, absolutely: the Three Peaks ski area offers a wonderful selection of easy and medium-difficulty slopes that are particularly suitable for beginners and families. Quiet runs, clearly marked practice slopes and professional ski schools all ensure a gentle introduction to the sport. There are more challenging routes, too, so everyone can decide on their own pace and enjoy a day out in the snow – exactly as they wish.

We don’t offer ski hire at the Hirben itself, but there are several well-equipped sports shops offering ski hire nearby offering high-quality equipment and personal advice. Whether you need skis, a snowboard or a helmet, we’ll be happy to tell you where to find them. Many rental outlets also offer online booking so your equipment will be ready for you when you arrive. Ski gear can be stored in the modern ski depots at the bottom stations of the large cable cars, while ski boot dryers and storage facilities are available in our own ski cellar.

Skiing in the Upper Puster Valley means peace and quiet, not hustle and bustle. Here it’s not a matter of quantity but of quality – on and off the slopes. The Dolomite scenery is unique, the light particularly clear, the slopes wide and never overcrowded. Anyone who has ever stood on Monte Elmo with its views of the Three Peaks, starting the day in complete silence, will soon understand why skiing here is more than just a sport – it is means immersing yourself in winter – entirely consciously, all close to nature.

From the A22 Brenner autobahn: Take the Bressanone/Val Pusteria exit, then follow the main road for some 55 km through the Pusteria Valley until you reach Villabassa. Turn left into Via Hans Wassermann, then left again at the next junction. Follow the road and turn right into Via Rienza immediately after the bridge, then it’s just another 300 metres and you’re there!

From East Tyrol:
Take the B100-E66 road past Dobbiaco, then exit right to Villabassa. Continue along the road for some 2.5 km, then turn right into Via Rienza in the village centre, cross the bridge and immediately turn left. A couple more seconds and you’re there!

For all electric vehicles:
we have our own e-charging stations!
Start Google Maps route?

This way!

The train stops directly in the beautiful village of Villabassa. You can reach us in under ten minutes on foot, but we’ll also be happy to pick you up from the station – just let us know in good time!

The easiest and most straightforward way to get to Villabassa is using the Flixbus service. There are nearby stops at San Candido (from here simply take the train to Villabassa, journey time around ten minutes), at Dobbiaco (from here take the train to Villabassa, journey time around five minutes) or at Brunico (from here take the train to Villabassa, journey time around 27 minutes). https://www.flixbus.de

We can pick you up from the station – just let us know in good time. Or you can acclimatise by walking – certainly the best option which will take you under ten minutes!

It has to be admitted that travelling by plane is not necessarily the most sustainable option. That’s why we have decided to partner with the environmentally conscious airline SkyAlps, which is actively committed to offsetting its CO2 emissions: the CO2 footprint arising from a whole year of flight operations can be offset in just six days.

SkyAlps offers you the convenient option of flying to Bolzano Airport from various European cities, e.g. Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Kassel, Klagenfurt and Rotterdam. After you arrive at the airport, you can take the convenient South Tyrol transfer service that takes you directly and easily to the Hirben!