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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 at the historic Hotel & Apartment Alpenland directly online or send us a no-obligation enquiry.
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