Natur- & Biohotel Bergzeit is a fresh breath of Alpine air located in the picturesque Tannheimer Valley in Tyrol. Opened in 2016, this family-operated hotel was built from the ground up with sustainability and guest wellbeing at its core. The Sammer family dared to envision an innovative green hotel that proves luxury and ecology can go hand in hand, and the result is Bergzeit – a sleek yet gemütlich (cozy) 30-room haven that has quickly become a best-practice example of sustainable hospitality. The hotel’s design is contemporary alpine: clean lines, extensive use of local wood and stone, and panoramic glass that invites the majestic Tyrolean mountains inside. Set on a tranquil hillside above the village of Zöblen, Bergzeit enjoys majestic views of peaks and pastures from every angle. Step onto your room’s balcony and you’ll be greeted by rolling green hills and the craggy summits of the Allgäu Alps – a scene that changes mood with the time of day and weather, always captivating. Inside, the rooms are decorated in soothing earth tones and furnished with all-natural materials. You’ll sleep on organic mattresses with sheep’s wool toppers, beneath duvets filled with regional cotton. Large windows ensure plenty of daylight, while an innovative ventilation system keeps fresh mountain air circulating efficiently without energy waste. Notably, the construction followed strict building biology guidelines – meaning low VOC paints, formaldehyde-free timber, and shielded wiring to reduce electromagnetic pollution, yielding an exceptionally healthy indoor environment. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s in Bergzeit’s DNA and proudly certified. From day one, the hotel joined the BIO HOTELS group and meets its high standards: they operate on 100% green electricity and use a biomass heating system to stay cozy in winter. A key point of pride is their comprehensive waste reduction and recycling program – no plastic bottles, minimal disposables, and even the leftover food is composted or fed to local farm animals. As required by their Biohotel certification, they undergo mandatory CO₂ footprint measurements and continuously strive to minimize it. They’ve been so successful that Bergzeit stands among the top eco-efficient hotels in Austria, achieving climate neutrality by offsetting any small remaining emissions. Water is conserved and treated responsibly (showers and taps are designed to feel luxurious while using less water). Guest toiletries are refillable and certified organic. The hotel even uses exclusively biodegradable cleaning products. Beyond the operational green practices, what guests really notice is the authentic ethos of gentle, “slow” tourism. Bergzeit’s philosophy is to allow nature to set the rhythm. The name “Bergzeit” itself means “mountain time,” implying that here you leave the rush behind and tune into the natural pace of the mountains. In practical terms, that might mean taking a leisurely bike ride to a nearby alpine lake for a picnic or simply lingering over an extra cup of organic herbal tea on the sun terrace while clouds drift by. Regionality is a cornerstone: the hotel sees itself as part of the community and landscape. They source almost everything locally, supporting over 20 farmers and producers in the valley. This comes to vibrant fruition in Bergzeit’s organic cuisine. All food and drink is 100% certified organic and largely regional. Mornings greet you with a hearty breakfast buffet featuring village dairy yogurt, eggs from a farmer down the road, homemade spreads and jams, and bread delivered from a wood-fired bakery in the next town. After an invigorating hike or ski, you can nibble on an afternoon “Jause” of organic Tyrolean cheeses, fruit, and pastries. Dinner is a highlight: the talented kitchen team crafts a daily changing menu with two main course options (always one vegetarian). One night, you might enjoy tender Allgäu mountain beef roulades with homegrown veggies; another, a creative vegan dish like buckwheat galettes with wild mushroom ragout. Salads and herbs often come straight from the hotel’s own garden or foraging outings. The flavor is hearty yet refined, and dishes are plated as beautifully as in any upscale urban restaurant – except here you dine with a backdrop of alpenglow on the peaks. Many guests comment on how light and energizing they feel after a week of eating Bergzeit’s organic fare, a testament to its quality. For beverages, the commitment continues: only organic wines (the hotel has an expertly curated Austrian selection), organic beers and liquors, and even an array of house-infused herbal lemonades and syrups for those looking to skip alcohol. The wellness facilities at Bergzeit, while not enormous, are thoughtfully designed to amplify relaxation after active days. There’s a panoramic sauna overlooking the valley, a steam bath infused with local mountain herbs, and an infrared lounge. The relaxation area is quiet and restorative – curl up on a lounger with a view or even step outside to a grassy lawn to cool off naturally post-sauna. Massage and spa treatments can be arranged, often using organic alpine products (think arnica oils or pine scrubs). But perhaps the greatest wellness offering is the pristine nature just outside – the fresh air and peaceful environment work wonders on one’s mental health. Bergzeit encourages this natural therapy by organizing daily activities: guided hikes to secret spots (the Sammers know the area intimately and love to share hidden waterfalls or the best vantage points), forest meditation sessions, and in winter, torch-lit walks through the snow. Bikes and e-bikes are available for guests to borrow, as are snowshoes in winter, aligning with their car-free leisure ethos. The hotel also actively fosters a connection to local culture. They might invite a local folk music trio one evening for a small performance, or host a baking lesson where guests learn to make traditional “Kiachl” donuts with a local grandma. The Sammer family’s personal involvement is one of Bergzeit’s charms – you’ll often find them mingling with guests, whether it’s Markus leading a hike or Claudia checking in on diners at breakfast with a friendly chat. Their passion is contagious. They’ll happily share the valley’s legends, or the reason why that certain peak is pink at sunset (it’s called “Alpenglühen” – alpine glow). This personal touch, combined with the hotel’s modern comforts, gives Bergzeit a soul. It feels fresh and forward-thinking, yet also deeply rooted in Alpine hospitality traditions of warmth and authenticity. Guest reviews often highlight how rejuvenated they feel – many mentioning that they haven’t slept that well in ages, thanks to the quiet nights and pure mountain air. By the end of a stay, “time for nature, time for me” – Bergzeit’s guiding slogan – truly manifests. Whether you spent your days conquering summits, lounging with a book on the terrace, or a mix of both, Nature- and Biohotel Bergzeit ensures you depart with a recharged body, a calm mind, and a newfound appreciation for sustainable living. In showing that cutting-edge eco-initiatives and heartfelt holiday pleasures can unite so seamlessly, Bergzeit indeed “completely redefines vacationing in the Alps,” fulfilling the promise the Sammer family set out with.