Our Stay at Verdinser Hof in Schenna
Verdinser Hof is a 4-star gem located in Schenna, Italy, just outside the Dolomites. It’s a destination I’d wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a European vacation that blends relaxation and exploration.
What made this trip unforgettable wasn’t just the hotel but the active lifestyle the town itself fosters. Schenna is centered around wellness, and I had never experienced anything quite like it. Every day, we hiked a different trail up the mountains, then returned to our hotel to unwind with sauna sessions, icy dips in the pool, basking in the sun, afternoon coffee and cake, and a five-course dinner. The Verdinser Hof was the heart of it all—a place I’ll never forget.
Arrival
The moment we arrived, the charm of Verdinser Hof won me over. I’m a sucker for flower window boxes, and they’re delightfully common in Europe. Whether in Switzerland, Germany, or this part of Italy, vibrant blooms spilling out of windows give the streets an old-world charm.
Schenna itself is rich in history, with deep Bavarian roots despite being in Italy. The German and Austrian influences are everywhere—from the architectural style of the hotels and cafés to the beautifully adorned flower boxes.
Verdinser Hof perfectly embodies this blend of cultures. From the outside, it’s picture-perfect. Inside, the rustic yet elegant design made me feel like I had stepped back in time. Think warm wood accents, crisp white tablecloths, rich jewel-toned carpets, and bright, airy rooms with white linens. Every room had a balcony, and we were lucky enough to have one overlooking the breathtaking valley. Morning skies painted in pastel pinks, yellows, and blues transitioned to deep purples and blues as the sun set—a view I’ll never forget.
Amenities
The Verdinser Hof is a haven for relaxation and wellness. One of its standout features is the Alpine Wellness Village, nestled among birch and chestnut trees and directly accessible from the hotel. It’s an exclusive retreat for anyone looking to disconnect from daily life. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rejuvenating hot-and-cold experience while soaking in idyllic views of Scena, Merano, and the surrounding mountains.
The wellness offerings go beyond the saunas. The Wellness Vital Residenz offers relaxing treatments such as massages, baths, compresses, and wraps—a perfect way to unwind after an active day exploring.
My group loved basking in the sun or getting really sweaty in the sauna or steam room and then dipping into the icy pool and then repeating! It felt so nice after a day on our feet hiking up the mountains.
Friendly Staff
We were so well taken care of during our stay. The staff at Verdinser Hof were incredibly friendly and hardworking, making sure every guest felt welcome. They were multilingual, speaking Italian, English, German, and likely even more languages! Our group primarily spoke German, and while I did my best, I often switched to English when needed. No matter the language, the staff communicated with warmth and attentiveness.
Their dedication was evident in everything they did. They were up before any guests, prepping the incredible breakfast buffet, always checking in after our hikes to offer coffee or a refreshing beverage, and delivering impeccable service during dinner. Even late into the night, they were still there, ensuring everything was clean and ready for the next day. Their kindness and commitment made our stay even more memorable.
Cuisine
Verdinser Hof takes pride in its culinary offerings, combining traditional South Tyrolean recipes with Italian and international influences. Their focus on a health-conscious lifestyle is a hallmark of the hotel’s recreation concept. Using only high-quality seasonal ingredients, the talented chefs deliver dishes that are as nourishing as they are delicious. The service team is exceptional, always ready to recommend the perfect wine from their extensive cellar to pair with your meal. Every bite felt like it was crafted to revitalize both body and spirit.
Breakfast
Breakfast at Verdinser Hof was nothing short of incredible. It’s the kind of spread you wake up excited for every day. Fresh brötchen (German for bread), muesli, creamy yogurt topped with hazelnuts, seeds, fresh fruit, honey, meats, cheeses, eggs, weisswurst, coffee, and fresh juices—there was something for everyone. It was the perfect fuel for our active days. Additionally, there was a variety of oven-fresh baked goods, bread, cakes, plaits, Wasa, biscuits, high-quality jams, honey, nut nougat cream, various cold cuts, various types of cheese, butter, margarine, diet margarine, yoghurt, quark, muesli, various egg dishes, fruit juices, ginger water, elderberry juice, an organic corner, fresh fruit, fruit salad, pickled plums, flakes, grains, dried fruit, nuts, tomatoes, and grapefruit. In rotation, they also served salmon, white sausages, and even Prosecco.
My favorite thing ever and what I miss most about Europe is muesli 😭I looked forward to having it every morning with fresh yogurt, honey, and nuts.
Snack Hour
Every afternoon at 3 p.m., the hotel hosted snack hour, a delightful pick-me-up before dinner. It featured a variety of treats: nutty, seedy raspberry brownies, strawberry cream cake, blueberry shortbread bars, soups, fresh bread, and small bites like caprese salad. There was always something new to try, and we looked forward to it daily—especially paired with coffee made to order.
Dinner
Dinner was the highlight of each day: a luxurious five-course experience. The meal began with a choice between two appetizers, followed by soup or a “vitality cocktail,” a refreshing interlude. The third course was typically pasta, followed by the main entree, and concluded with dessert, plus a cheese, bread, and fruit board.
Our favorite drink of the trip was a Radler—a refreshing mix of wheat beer and Sprite—perfectly complementing the elegant meals. After dinner, our group would push tables together, enjoy a nightcap, and play card games, laughing late into the night.
Beautiful Surroundings
Perched above a stunning valley, Verdinser Hof overlooks a beautiful valley with a gorgeous view that we got to embrace every morning at breakfast. Sitting outside sipping a cappuccino in the tranquility of the valley while also getting a thrill every time watching visitors paraglide over our heads taking in the scenery from above. I didn’t do it this time, but I could be convinced next time!! The skies at sunrise and sunset were so beautiful to see too. Each night at dinner we had a front row seat to watch the sunset over the valley.
Hiking
Every morning after breakfast, we laced up our hiking boots, packed our backpacks, and filled our bottles at the community fountain just outside the hotel before setting off on a new adventure. The trails led us through breathtaking alpine landscapes, with rest stops at charming mountain huts where we refueled with everything from cake and German flat pancakes to schnitzel and refreshing elderflower juice. Our most challenging trek was Mutspitze, a rewarding climb marked by a beautiful cross at the summit.
Bustling Towns
The Verdinser Hof is nestled in Schenna Verdins, a charming alpine town that feels like the perfect blend of German, Austrian, and Italian influences. The streets are lined with traditional chalets adorned with overflowing flower boxes, giving it a storybook charm. Despite being in Italy, the town’s culture leans heavily toward its German and Austrian roots, which is reflected in the architecture, cuisine, and even the language spoken by many locals.
One of the most unexpected and fun moments of our trip was spontaneously running through an apple orchard—and even cutting through someone’s backyard—to catch an ABBA tribute band performing on the town stage. The energy was infectious, with locals and visitors alike stepping out of their little retreats to come together for the music. It was such a memorable night, dancing and singing along under the alpine sky.
Schenna Verdins is also a great base for exploring nearby towns. We took day trips to both Merano and Bolzano, each offering its own unique charm and history. Whether hiking the mountains, wandering through the picturesque streets, or joining in on local festivities, this town made for an unforgettable experience.
Taking a break from hiking, we explored two charming towns: Bolzano and Merano. Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol, is rich in history and home to the famous Ötzi museum. Check out my full blog post on Bolzano for more details!
Merano, on the other hand, had a delightful Italian charm. We took the public bus into town and spent the day strolling through its streets, indulging in gelato, sipping Aperol spritz, and enjoying a sun-soaked riverside picnic with pizza before heading back to Verdinser Hof for another incredible dinner. ❤️
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait to return to Verdinser Hof. Everything about the hotel—the wellness facilities, the cuisine, and the stunning location—made it an unforgettable experience. One thing to note: the rooms don’t have air conditioning. If you’re visiting in the summer and prefer a cool room, this might take some adjustment. However, we found leaving the balcony door open at night let in a refreshing breeze, as it cools down in the valley after sunset. With Europe’s light and airy feather bedding, it was perfectly comfortable.
If you’re planning a trip to South Tyrol, do yourself a favor and stay at Verdinser Hof. It’s a place where wellness and indulgence come together to create the perfect European escape. This hotel exceeded any and all expectations. It was perfect. I loved everything about it. the cuisine, views, lovely staff, lovely company, it was an unforgettable vacation in the mountainous valley of Schenna.
If you get the chance to stay here, or in Schenna, please let me know! I’d love to hear about your time there. xx
