Haus Christian | Holiday Apartments in Welschnofen, Val d’Ega/Eggental

For some hosts, the work becomes a calling. That has been true of Christine Federer for 23 years now. Her Haus Christian stands at 1,270 metres above sea level on the edge of Welschnofen, where the road turns off towards Lake Carezza and the Costalunga Pass. Meadows open out on every side, the forest begins just behind, and above it all stands Mt Latemar. The first walking trail starts at the door, the bus stop is 300m away, and the village centre – 1.5km down the road – is an easy walk or one stop by bus.

Four apartments, between 40 m² and 75 m² and sleeping up to six, share the view of Mt Latemar and Mt Catinaccio/Rosengarten. Each has a fully fitted kitchen, a balcony or terrace facing the mountains, free Wi-Fi, and a parking space outside the door. Plus: There is a ski room with a boot dryer, and a laundry room with washing machine and tumble dryer. Christine has an eye for the small details, and for South Tyrolean tradition in a contemporary form.

Breakfast comes two ways. Book the breakfast basket and it arrives at your door each morning: produce from local farms, together with the yoghurt, jam and granola Christine makes herself. Or choose the bread service, fresh from the village baker daily, from plain and seeded rolls to soft pretzels and croissants. Through the day the Schmankerlschrank stands open, a cupboard of homemade and regional specialities to help yourself to. And in the evening, the Luis Trenker infrared cabin offers a gentle kind of warmth, welcome for the back, for circulation, and for a good night’s sleep.

All around, between Mt Catinaccio/Rosengarten and Mt Latemar, lies the Val d’Ega/Eggental: a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a valley that walkers, climbers, and mountain bikers return to year after year. In winter, the ski areas of Carezza and Obereggen are close at hand. And with the Südtirol Guest Pass, buses and trains across South Tyrol are free all year round.

Haus Christian holds the "Good Travel Seal” and the “Family Friendly Accommodation” award, the heating runs on wood pellets from the region, and there is everything you need for small children. The heart of the house, though, is and remains Christine, together with her family: a word of advice at the right moment, something small left out on the table, and a smile that takes in everyone who arrives.