How our place tranquillity and connection to nature came to be

The Quellenhof was opened in 1897 as a modest inn. Its early years were marked by frequent ownership turnovers, preventing it from gaining momentum. However, in 1923, a turning point came when the Dorfer family, specifically Eduard Dorfer and Resi Niederbacher, stepped in to rejuvenate the then-run-down inn, bringing immense dedication to the task. Eduard, a lively and witty host, often joined guests for card games when he could spare a moment, though his days were mostly consumed by rigorous agricultural tasks. Resi, on the other hand, found her true calling at the inn. Before long, the Quellenhof became a popular meeting place for guests from near and far to have a chat, bowl – and enjoy Grandma Resi’s famed blue trout, a freshly caught speciality straight from the Passirio/Passer river.

Rudolf Dorfer was the third child of Grandma Resi and Grandpa Eduard and took over the helm at the Quellenhof in 1963. A few years prior, in 1959, the dashing young innkeeper had wed his beloved Luise. She hailed from a family of eleven and was a close friend of Rudolf’s elder sister, Berta. Berta had followed her love to St. Martin in Passeier and had handed over the family enterprise to her brother. The early, blissful years of their union saw the birth of four children: Marlene, Heinrich, Helga, and Birgit. Yet this joy was short-lived. At just 42 years of age, Rudolf succumbed to a grave illness, leaving behind Luise and their four young ones.

But Luise did not give herself much time to grieve. She selflessly took care of the children while continuing to run the flourishing inn. “Making conversation wasn’t just a way to divert sombre thoughts, but such personal interactions also significantly enhanced the guests’ experience,” she once remarked. Her diligence and foresight made her one of the best-known pioneers of tourism in South Tyrol. In 1973, Luise Dorfer had the Forellenhof and the first tennis courts built and bought what was then known as the Kennenhof with its vast grounds. She laid the foundation for success and always taught her children to face the future with courage and foresight. Luise Dorfer passed away peacefully in 2019 at the age of 89.

Heinrich Dorfer, Birgit’s brother, certainly inherited his sense of innovation and vision from his mother Luise. In the early 1990s, he took over the Quellenhof from his mother and successively expanded it. In 1992, he had a three-hole golf course built, which soon became so popular that it was enlarged. Two years later, the Forellenhof was rebuilt, and in 2000, the former Quellenhof was demolished and completely reconstructed.

Displaying remarkable foresight, Heinrich initiated the construction of a bypass tunnel, effectively relieving Quellenhof from the congestion of traffic. The year 2004 marked the rise of the Parkresidenz, complete with luxury suites, a wellness area, and restaurants. This was succeeded by the Vitalresidenz in 2009.

In 2019, Heinrich finally had a luxury hotel built outside of South Tyrol, the Quellenhof Luxury Resort Lazise. In 2022, a masterpiece of modern architecture followed with the Quellenhof See Lodge in Val Passiria/Passeiertal.

Shortly before the turn of the millennium, host Heinrich Dorfer had the Alpenschlössel built not far from the Quellenhof, a magnificent holiday home that pays homage to nature. Just as in the rebuilt Quellenhof, he attached great importance to the use of high-quality materials and elegant design in the Alpenschlössel. In doing so, he created an enchanting ambience in which you instantly feel right at home. Today, Heinrich’s sister Birgit runs the Alpenschlössel with her husband Jörg and their two daughters Laura and Lisa. Together with their team, these hosts will ensure you have an unforgettable holiday in your home away from home.