Tight bends wind their way up the mountain, the distinctive red gabled roofs are visible from afar. At the top of the hill, a retreat awaits, boasting plenty of culinary and wellness delights alike.
The location
Encircled by a fairytale-like, expansive garden filled with the scent of rose bushes mingling with the fresh mountain air, Castel Fragsburg benefits from a privileged location on the edge of a rocky outcrop.
Backstory
In the past, the building served as a hunting lodge for lords residing in the nearby castle which was constructed in the 14th century by Otto von Auer and his wife Katharina. After numerous owners, the buildings were acquired by the Ortner family in 1954. Since then, the former hunting lodge dating from 1624, now called Castel Fragsburg Maternum, has been owned by the family for four generations.
Castel Fragsburg Paternum, the historic castle, now serves as a venue for grand celebrations and romantic weddings. The wood-panelled Knights’ Hall with magnificent chandeliers offers perfect settings for events.
Interior & architecture
Soft, matching pastel shades, playful patterns on wallpaper and curtains: Each of the twenty suites at Castel Fragsburg Maternum has been tastefully decorated to reflect the hotel’s historic character.
Stag antlers are a reminder of the building’s original purpose. Inside, the former hunting lodge features ornate chandeliers, wood panelling and decorative wallpaper. Hand-carved and wrought-iron furniture graces the interior, with bathrooms covered in elegant Rosso marble.
During the renovation of the second and third floors in 2015, traditional elements were combined with regionally sourced wood. The chateau’s photovoltaic system and pellet heating make sure it’s nice and cosy.
Larger suites such as the Suite Royale are furnished with elaborately decorated four-poster beds, freestanding bathtubs and comfortable antique sofas. Balustrades and ceiling beams have been painted in a matte white, while seating furniture and staircases are covered in red or green velvet.
The Deluxe Suite, with its Alpine hunting-style furnishings, exudes a baronial flair. Carefully designed to be unique, each suite in this category features one or more balconies.
The smaller, romantic 22 m² tower suite Adlerhorst, offers guests an 18 m² roof terrace. A spiral staircase in the living room leads them up to an open-plan bedroom.
Gourmet restaurant Prezioso
The gourmet restaurant Prezioso, run by head chef Egon Heiss, was awarded a Michelin star and a green Michelin star in 2025 and is known for its healthy dishes based on traditional recipes.
To achieve rich flavours, Heiss uses only ingredients from the hotel’s own Fragsburg Soul Garden, products from organic farmers and heirloom varieties in his culinary delights.
The delicate notes of the award-winning five-course menu are complemented by fine wines, mainly from Italy and South Tyrol. For his dishes, Heiss combines marigold with honey butter, cauliflower with pink grapefruit and chestnuts with mountain saffron.
Surrounded by roses and wild vines, the gourmet lounge on the wooden terrace and the restaurant’s glassed-in loggia underline the atmospheric ambience.
The Orangery
At the Orangerie Restaurant, only the finest regional ingredients are used to prepare a lovingly curated buffet, the five-course evening menus or the award-winning Breakfast Royale.
Castel Fragsburg is renowned for the latter. The aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries fills the air. Sweet fruits and unusual jams are accompanied by regional cheeses and nut spreads.
Body, mind and soul are nourished at the Orangerie, and not just in culinary terms. The view of the South Tyrolean mountains from the panoramic terrace, surrounded by lush greenery, is truly impressive.
Wellness & Relaxation
A 13-metre heated outdoor pool awaits guests outside the hotel. Surrounded by vineyards, the South Tyrolean mountains, roses and fruit trees, it is easy to relax. The sun-drenched pool with wellness area and views of the Mediterranean garden and rugged peaks features a Finnish and herbal bio sauna, a Turkish steam bath and an infrared cabin.
South Tyrol’s flora provides all the treasures that Heilspa Castellum Natura’s team needs to prepare its own essences. Instead of packaged cosmetic ranges, only natural ingredients are used.
With harmonising body treatments, massages and healing baths, guests can immerse themselves in the spa experience, tailored to their individual needs.
Surrounding area
Merano, a historic spa town, is surrounded by palm trees, parks and promenades. Tyrolean traditions are upheld among castles, palaces, villas and grand buildings. Roughly half of the residents of South Tyrol’s second-largest city speak Italian, while the other half speak German. It is a place where Mediterranean and Alpine traditions merge. At the heart of the city’s cultural life is the Kurhaus, built in 1874, which hosts international events, conferences and concerts.
Well worth seeing is Merano’s Laubengasse, an 800-year-old shopping street built in 1200. Two rows of houses with low arcades stretch over a distance of around 400 metres from Pfarrplatz to Kornplatz. Delicate bay windows and archways adorn the façades, which reflect various architectural styles. With its boutiques, shops, cafés and restaurants, it remains one of the most important shopping streets in the old town.
Close to Merano lies the Lana region. A number of hiking and cycling trails stretch across the area, characterized by mountain peaks, alpine architecture, and orchards. Guided by the motto ‘Lana connects,’ the region offers festivals, craft markets, and culinary experiences that attract families, connoisseurs, and active holidaymakers alike.
Activities
Culture, history and Mediterranean flair: the climatic health resort of Merano, visible from the hotel, hosts traditional events as well as cultural and musical events. Its narrow streets, lined with historic buildings, are home to exclusive boutiques and local shops.
Ready to tee off: Golf has been played in South Tyrol for more than a hundred years. Anyone who wants to pursue this traditional pastime will find suitable golf clubs nearby. The Passeier Golf Club, 30 minutes from the hotel, offers 18 holes. The 9-hole Lana Golf Club is also 30 minutes away.
For plant lovers: Those who have already explored the castle gardens are invited to discover 80 colourful garden landscapes in 4 different garden worlds spread across 12 hectares in the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. It’s only a 10-minute drive away.
Wine tasting: Sommelier Fabio Cattoni introduces guests to wines from small South Tyrolean producers and renowned wineries. The picturesque courtyard and historic knights’ halls of the medieval castle provide the backdrop.
A basket full of delicacies: the Picknick Royal basket is filled with creations by chef Egon Heiss, accompanied by sparkling South Tyrolean sparkling wine.
A flight over the Alps: Guests can take a helicopter flight directly from the hotel. Within 30 minutes, they can take in the views of the Stubai and Ötztal Alps.
High above: Thrill seekers will love the bird’s-eye view of the Merano region on a tandem flight even more.
Details
Rooms
20 suites, each with its own character.
- Soul Luxury Suite
- Suite Royale
- Suite Deluxe
- Adlerhorst Suite
- Junior Suite
- Double Room Deluxe
Gourmet restaurant Prezioso
Opening hours:
Tuesday – Saturday
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Orangerie restaurant
- Award-winning Breakfast Royale
- Buffet from 7.30 to 11.00 a.m.
- Five-course menu
- Á la carte
Castellum Natura
The spa offers various health and beauty treatments, rituals, massages and special packages. Guests can also take part in incense rituals and smoothie workshops.
