Naturhotel Rainer in Jaufental, South Tyrol

Family-run Naturhotel Rainer, a member of Vitalpina® Hotels Südtirol, is an alpine retreat where sustainability isn’t a passing trend or marketing gimmick, but a lived philosophy and the guiding principle behind everything they do.

Nestled in the pristine Jaufental valley in South Tyrol, Northern Italy, the hotel was renovated in 2024 to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, using local materials to create a warm, harmonious space that feels rooted in place rather than imposed upon it.

From renewable energy systems to seasonally-driven, locally-sourced cuisine, every element reflects a deep commitment to responsible hospitality. 

A stay at Naturhotel Rainer means ethical dining, a near digital-detox environment, deep relaxation, and the opportunity to connect with nature in a genuine way: not as something to consume, but as something to respect.

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Pros and Cons of Staying in Naturhotel Rainer

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The Location

Naturhotel Rainer is located in Jaufental Valley (Val di Giovo in Italian) in Ratschings/Racines. The holiday region of Ratschings is made-up of three valleys–Jaufental, Ratschingstal, and Ridnauntal–in the Sarntal Alps and Stubai Alps, close to the border of Austria. 

The closest cities to Jaufental are:

• Sterzing/Vipiteno to Jaufental: 10-minute drive (7 km)
• Brixen/Bressanone to Jaufental: 35-minute drive (36 km)
• Innsbruck to Jaufental: 1-hour, 10-minute drive (60 km)
• Bozen/Bolzano to Jaufental: 1-hour, 25-minute drive (75 km)

Guests traveling by train get complimentary pick-ups from both the Sterzing train station as well as the Brenner pass train station (Austria-Italy border). Car-free guests can also use the hotel’s electric car during their stay.

Jaufental Valley, lovingly nicknamed the Valley of Tranquility, is a quiet area in the Sarntal Alps with very little commercial activity. This off-the-beaten-path destination is ideal for travelers seeking true immersion in nature and restorative rest, without the pressure of ticking off a bucket list.

In winter, guests can choose from a wide range of prepared winter hikes, snowshoe trails, and cross-country ski circuits. Alpine skiers can hop between 3 small ski resorts: Ratschings-Jaufen (28 km of slopes), Rosskopf (20 km), and Ladurns (18 km).

During our February stay in Naturhotel Rainer, we hiked the quiet Platschjoch panorama trail, starting at the Kalcheralm car park near Jaufenpass. After, we extended the hike to Kalcheralm hut for lunch. The next day, we hiked from Pflerschtal Valley to the Allrissalm hut, overlooking the Stubai Alps, and then traced the Ratschings valley trail to Flading. 

A trip to Jaufental is all about peaceful, unhurried exploration, far from Instagram hotspots, crowded tourist trails, and the frenzy of mass tourism. 

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The Rooms

There are 11 room categories at Naturhotel Rainer, ranging from 24 m² rooms to 84 m² suites. Rooms are tastefully furnished with local and regional materials, including larch and Swiss pine wood and silver quartzite. 

We stayed in the stunning Panorama room, which features oak floors, fragrant Swiss pine walls and ceilings, a lounge area, a bathroom with a natural stone shower and double washbasin, plus a wrap-around infinity glass balcony and Swiss pine patio.

Thanks to the hotel’s northwest orientation, we were able to enjoy the late-afternoon sun from our balcony even in February.

Amenities | Rooms are equipped with tea kettles. To reduce energy consumption, mini-fridges are only placed in rooms upon request. 

WIFI | Wi-Fi is only available in the hotel lobby and lounge-bar. 

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Wellness and Spa

The wellness area consists of an indoor swimming pool (30°C) and whirlpool (35°C) with chlorine-free water, a tea bar and lounge, a textile spa area for families and an adults-only spa area. 

The adults-only spa is a serene oasis, featuring a heavenly onsen granite pool that overlooks the forested slopes of Jaufental. Soaking in this 40°C onsen pool is the best way to relax at the end of the day.

On the ground floor of the spa, you’ll find two relaxation rooms and a steam sauna. Outside, a pathway leads to the Finnish sauna, where infusions take place. 

In the family spa, bathing suits are mandatory. Here, you’ll find an infrared cabin, a steam sauna, a Kneipp walk pool, and experience showers.

In your room, you’ll find a spa bag stocked with a bathrobe and towels. Each guest receives two fresh towels per day. I have to commend Naturhotel Rainer on their towel policy. When towels are freely available in the sauna area, it’s easy to use far more than necessary, which isn’t environmentally friendly. By limiting towels, guests are encouraged to be mindful, a thoughtful and responsible approach.

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Dining 

Hannes Rainer, owner and head chef, is deeply committed to sustainability and the use of ethically sourced, wholesome ingredients. Together with his team, he prepares dishes using almost exclusively local, seasonal produce and meats, much of which comes directly from the hotel’s own farm.

The farm is home to cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and fish, most of which spend their lives outdoors, either in large forest enclosures or on the family-owned Ontrattalm alpine pasture hut (1,642 m). There are weekly guided trips to the Ontrattalm alpine pasture hut, conditions permitting. The Alm can be reached directly from the hotel either on foot or by bike.

Hannes places great importance on feeding his animals natural, nutrient-rich feed, which he harvests and produces himself. His philosophy is simple: what you feed your animals is ultimately what you serve to yourself and your guests.

In addition to meat, dairy, vegetables, cereals, and herbs, the Naturhotel Rainer team also produces a variety of fermented foods and garum (yes, the ancient Roman condiment). 

What they can’t grow and produce in-house, they source from a trusted group of environmentally-conscious local suppliers. For example, they buy organic tea from Kräutergärten Wipptal, raw milk cheeses from GenussBunker in St. Lorenzen, and root vegetables from Lenzenhof in Val di Fleres.

When dining at Naturhotel Rainer, you can relax knowing that every ingredient has been responsibly sourced and the animals have been raised with the utmost care. 

Breakfast | Breakfast at Naturhotel Rainer features an assortment of homemade staples: fresh eggs, bread, jam, honey, cheese, and ham. Made-to-order eggs are available upon request. 

Dinner | Dinner is a five-course meal, with each course served to the table. Each dish displays a profound love of nature and region. Hannes crafts the menu each day, inspired by seasonal ingredients. 

Bar & Lounge | In addition to cocktails and aperitifs, guests can choose from a wide selection of wines, many of which are natural. Beer lovers ought to try the South Tyrolean Guggenbräu craft beer, which is handcrafted exclusively from homegrown ingredients. 

Allergies & Dietary Restrictions | Dietary restrictions (Gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian) can be accommodated provided that the hotel is notified in advance. 

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Sustainability at Naturhotel Rainer 

Naturhotel Rainer sets itself apart through its rigorous efforts to minimize CO² emissions and its ecological footprint. The hotel is certified by leading sustainability standards, including GSTC, ClimaHost, and Sustainability South Tyrol Level.

Here’s why Naturhotel Rainer is one of the most sustainable hotels in South Tyrol. 

Photovoltaic System | Naturhotel Rainer has its solar power system. To capture the most sunlight, one-third of the panels face east for the morning sun, and the rest face southwest to catch the afternoon sun. This setup generates about 40,000 kWh of electricity each year. This system powers the hotel’s electric and hybrid car charging station.

Biomass Heating | Naturhotel Rainer heats the hotel and pool with a woodchip heating system, using only local wood from nearby farms and forests. This eco-friendly approach replaces 40,000 liters of heating oil each year, cutting around 120 tonnes of CO² emissions annually.

Recovery of Cooling Energy | All of the hotel’s cooling system motors use a continuous flow cooler, which recycles the heat they generate. The hot water produced is sent back into the whirlpool, saving energy, while the fans run only occasionally instead of continuously.

Salt Treatment System | All pools are disinfected with salt electrolysis. 

Waste Reduction | The hotel is completely free of single-use plastics. There are no garbage bags lining the bins. The breakfast buffet does not include any single-serve packets or individually packaged spreads. Plastic is used only when absolutely necessary, such as the spa’s beverage cups for safety reasons. 

Regional Over Global | The hotel avoids imported bottled water, serving filtered mountain spring water instead. International soft drink and aperitif brands are consciously replaced with regional alternatives. Bottled beverages are kept to a minimum, reducing transport emissions and packaging waste while supporting local producers.

Electric Car Charging Station | In the hotel’s parking garage, there are two stations for electric cars and plugin-in hybrid models. 

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Special Services

Guided Hikes | Like all Vitalpina® Hotels Südtirol, Naturhotel Rainer offers 3 guided hikes each week, all-year-round. The weekly excursions are posted on a podium with sign-up sheets, at  reception. The hotel sets the weekly schedule according to current conditions and, in winter, the avalanche risk.

Free Equipment Rental | Guests can rent sleds/toboggans, snowshoes, trekking poles, backpacks, and umbrellas during their stay.

Hiking Map | At check-in, we were given a 3D Ratschings/Racines hiking map, which was immensely helpful for selecting winter hiking destinations during our stay.

Workshops | Each week, scheduled workshops are available for sign-up. They typically carry a small additional fee. During your stay, you may be able to join a Vitalpina® Hotels Südtirol Deep Breathing or an incense workshop.

Ski Bus | Guests can use the daily ski bus to the Ratschings-Jaufen (Racines-Giovo) Ski Area at no extra charge. Just scan your Ratschings/Racines activeCard, which is provided at check-in. 

Ski Storage | There is a ski storage room with a boot drying rack. 

Naturado Shop | The hotel shop features sustainable and homemade products, including Vitalpina® Hotels Südtirol black current syrup, rhododendron cosmetics, and wooden bowls. 

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Vitalpina® Hotels Südtirol Quality Guarantee

Naturhotel Rainer is a member of Vitalpina® Hotels Südtirol, a collection of 30 family-run hotels in South Tyrol, united by shared values of sustainability, high-quality regional cuisine, slow travel, wellness, and nature. Every host aims to connect guests with their region and a more conscious way of living. 

Staying at a Vitalpina hotel means choosing a verified high-quality accommodation that fully immerses you in the South Tyrolean mountains. Guests enjoy support for outdoor activities, including gear rental, guided hikes, and maps; wholesome meals made with locally and regionally sourced ingredients; and thoughtfully designed wellness offerings, from spa treatments and sauna infusions to bespoke programs.

We love the brand because each hotel is embedded in nature, allowing guests to step outside and immediately connect with the beautiful outdoors. 

More Vitalpina® Hotels Südtirol:

• Alpenwellness Hotel St. Veit in Sexten

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This review was created in collaboration with Vitalpina® Hotels Südtirol. All opinions, experiences, and impressions expressed are entirely my own.

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