---
title: "History & Hosts at the Hotel & Apartment Alpenland"
description: "Erfahren Sie mehr über die Geschichte und den Tiroler Pioniergeist der Gastgeber im Hotel & Apartment Alpenland im Ötztal. Jetzt buchen oder anfragen!"
url: "https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/hotel/history-host-hotel/"
language: en
lastmod: 2026-08-18
---

# History & Hosts at the Hotel & Apartment Alpenland

## Tradition and hospitality at the hotel in the Ötztal valley

For over seven decades, the history of the Hotel & Apartment Alpenland has shaped the character of Gurgl, driven by the passion of the Kieler and Fender families.

![Cornelia and Hansjörg Kieler, the hosts of the Hotel & Apartment Alpenland in Obergurgl.](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/fileadmin/_processed_/d/8/csm_gastgeber-alpenland-hotel_640ce75466.jpg "Die Gastgeber des Hotels & Apartments Alpenland")

Hosts Cornelia and Hansjörg Kieler at the Hotel & Apartment Alpenland

### The pioneering spirit of the host family at the Hotel & Apartment Alpenland

The hotel’s roots date back to 1956, when Josef and Anna Fender purchased what was then known as the Haus Alpenland, which had just 20 beds. In those days, the journey for guests was still something of an adventure: the grandfather would personally collect travellers by sledge from Zwieselstein, ten kilometres away.
Meals were delivered via a distinctive sledge lift. This pioneering work laid the foundations for a tradition of hospitality that is continued today with the same professionalism and warmth. Over the decades, Adi and Frieda Fender steadily expanded the hotel to its current 4-star standard.

### Milestones and key stages in the hotel’s history

The development of the hotel in the upper Ötztal valley has been characterised by continuous progress. Following its purchase in 1957, the skittle alley was built in 1965, serving as a social hub for 48 years. With its transformation into a 4-star establishment in 1980, the Hotel & Apartment Alpenland set new standards of quality. In the years that followed, the refurbishment of the south wing and the addition of a fourth floor expanded the range of facilities on offer for guests in Obergurgl.

At the turn of the millennium, the North Suites were given a modern makeover, before the east wing was completed in 2007 with a new dining room, the Anna Stüberl, and a functional ski storage room. Following the modernisation of the kitchen and reception in 2010, the spacious [alpenRelax wellness area](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/wellness/sauna-obergurgl-alpenrelax/ "alpenRelax Sauna Area") was created in 2013 on the site of the former bowling alley. The renovation of the Comfort Rooms and the extension of the apartments in 2017 completed the look and feel that welcomes you on your visit.

- 1957: Purchase of the ‘Alpenland’ building by Josef Fender
- 1965: Construction of the bowling alley
- 1980: Major refurbishment of the building into the 4-star “Alpenland” hotel
- 1985: Refurbishment of the south side
- 1987: Extension of the 4th floor and refurbishment of the sauna
- 2000: Modernisation of the north-facing suites and the sauna area
- 2007: Refurbishment of the east wing, new dining room, new bar area with the Anna Stüberl and new ski storage room
- 2009: Refurbishment and modernisation of the kitchen
- 2010: Refurbishment of the reception area, redesign of the TV lounge and refurbishment of some rooms
- 2013: After 48 years, the skittle alley makes way for a new and spacious ‘alpenRelax’ sauna area
- 2017: Refurbishment of the entire hotel, construction of 11 new apartments on the upper floors and renovation of the Comfort double rooms on the south side

![Historical photograph of a family beside a spherical object on a glacier with mountains in the background](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/fileadmin/_processed_/2/5/csm_familie-tirol-winter_b74610f5a5.jpg "Family Glacier Adventure")

This vintage image captures a family exploring a glacier, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.

### Auguste Piccard’s landing in Obergurgl as a turning point for tourism

A defining moment in the region’s history was Professor Auguste Piccard’s emergency landing on the Gurgler Ferner in 1931. Following a groundbreaking high-altitude balloon record, this event propelled the small mountain village into the headlines worldwide. This media attention marked the true beginning of [winter tourism in Obergurgl](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/experience/winter-obergurgl/obergurgl-hochgurgl-ski-resort/ "Winter in Obergurgl").

### The development of Obergurgl into Gurgl

Over time, the destination has undergone a transformation, which is also reflected in its name. Since the winter of 2023, the region has brought together the individual districts of Obergurgl and Hochgurgl and their shared ski area under the unified brand name ‘Gurgl’.

Would you like to experience for yourself the family-friendly atmosphere and decades-long tradition of hospitality in the Ötztal valley? [Book your stay](https://ibe.casablanca.at/en/a_6456_zzats/alpenland "Online Booking") at the historic Hotel & Apartment Alpenland directly online or [send us a ](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/rooms-apartments/non-binding-enquiry/ "Unverbindliche Anfrage")[no-obligation enquiry](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/rooms-apartments/non-binding-enquiry/ "No-obligation enquiry").

[Enquire now](https://www.hotelalpenland.at/en/rooms-apartments/non-binding-enquiry/ "Non-binding enquiry")

[Book online](https://ibe.casablanca.at/en/a_6456_zzats/alpenland "Online Booking")