Following the paths from San Candido, in Val Pusteria(South Tyrol) to the majestic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one is immersed in a different atmosphere, where time slows down and nature invites relaxation. A journey to be experienced calmly, step by step. One of the most beautiful lodges to experience in summer is Naturhotel Leitlhof****S, located just a few minutes from the town center, one of the best green hotels in Europe, with stunning mountain views; a wellness world inspired by continuous contact with nature; effective treatments from head to toe, with relaxing baths and wraps exclusively based on natural elements; regional products, seasonal food at the table and sustainability in all its forms. The hotel, after the winter season, reopened to guests on May 16, 2025, and will remain open nonstop until Easter 2026.
NATURHOTEL LEITLHOF: THE GREENEST HOTEL IN EUROPE
At Naturhotel Leitlhof, nature and sustainability are at the heart of every experience. On one side, the peaks of Mount Baranci rise imposingly, while on the other the fragrant forest envelops the property in an atmosphere of pure tranquility. Completely energy self-sufficient and with its own water source, this hotel represents a model of hospitality that respects the environment while offering the utmost comfort for those seeking a luxury vacation. Thanks to this commitment, the Leitlhof received the prestigious title of “Europe’s Leading Green Hotel 2024” at the World Travel Awards, recognized globally as the highest standard of excellence in hospitality. Its history of respect for the environment began in 1997, and over the years, young owner Stephan Mühlmann wanted to implement an innovative wood-fired thermoelectric power plant, which now powers the hotel with clean energy, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. Currently, the Leitlhof emits only 12.2 kilograms of CO2 per guest and per night, an extraordinary achievement that testifies to the ongoing commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
THE WELLNESS AREA: A CORNER OF PURE HARMONY FOR BODY AND MIND
Another highlight of Naturhotel Leitlhof is its exclusive 3,000-square-meter wellness center, a perfect retreat where nature takes center stage. Both indoor and outdoor pools offer a unique experience: the 16-meter outdoor pool is the perfect place to relax and enjoy one of the world’s most extraordinary views. After a day in the mountains, taking off your boots and soaking in the sauna is the perfect way to rejuvenate, but also a boon for your circulatory and immune system.
The hotel offers several options, including a classic Finnish sauna, herbal sauna, steam room, and salt steam room, as well as distinctive birch and stone pine saunas in the garden. For an additional spa experience, there is also an Onsen pool heated to 40°C (104°F), inspired by Japan’s renowned hot springs. And for a refreshing sensation, the hotel has a plunge pool, a refreshing shower, and a Kneipp path.
BE PAMPERED IN THE SPA
Comprehensive attention to the skin from head to toe, treatments that deeply regenerate every muscle, and gentle exfoliation: the spa’s offerings are extensive and personalized, designed to meet the unique needs of each guest. The basalt stone massage offers deep relaxation that goes beyond mere physical pleasure: it melts away accumulated tension, fostering a sense of calm and well-being; the massage with local herbal pads, on the other hand, has a strengthening and detoxifying effect; the “Tyrolean Steinölbad,” for hikers and athletes, is a therapeutic bath, enriched with fossil oil and a high sulfur content, that regenerates tired muscles and stimulates blood circulation.
Also among the offerings is the stone pine bath with salt crystals: it has a regenerating effect on the skin, strengthens connective tissue and stimulates cellular metabolism, while the alkaline bath stimulates skin regeneration and, by eliminating toxins, keeps the skin soft and supple. You can also choose the milk bath for skin care; the original South Tyrolean hay bath; and purifying, arnica and anti-aging packs.
For cosmetic treatments, certified organic products from the Dr. Joseph Team are used, a high-tech line created more than 35 years ago in South Tyrol and based on active ingredients of natural origin that are sustainable, tested and certified by PETA as 100% vegan and animal-test-free. Even the relaxing baths and wraps are made with pure, natural ingredients such as hay, alpine mud, sea salt and arnica.
FROM HOME FARM TO PLATE: LOCAL AND SUSTAINABLE CULINARY PLEASURE
At Naturhotel Leitlhof, the kitchen celebrates the authentic flavors of South Tyrol, with dishes prepared using the finest local ingredients. At breakfast, snack and dinner, each meal is a gastronomic journey that includes crusty bread from the Pustertal Valley, local honey, fresh eggs and Angus meat from the nearby Mühlhof, the family farm that supplies the hotel with fresh, seasonal produce. Naturhotel Leitlhof’s cuisine combines tradition and innovation, blending local recipes with Mediterranean influences: every bite is a culinary and sustainable delight from the best local produce, telling the story of the area with authenticity and taste.
FROM SAN CANDIDO TO THE DISCOVERY OF THE SESTO DOLOMITES
Summer in San Candido, Pustertal, is an invitation to slow down and breathe deeply of the beauty of the Dolomites. Thanks to its prime location, the Leitlhof is the ideal starting point for exploring this enchanted valley. Forested trails and scenic hikes to the Three Peaks of Lavaredo provide breathtaking scenery, while the San Candido-Lienz bike path (44 km) offers the perfect two-wheeled experience for the whole family. So does the Fun-Bob summer toboggan run at Baranci/Haunold; the children’s climbing course; and the small Tubing track at the Giant Baranci hut.
The center of San Candido can be reached in less than five minutes by car or with a pleasant 10- to 15-minute walk from the hotel. Among the village’s architectural treasures is the Romanesque church of St. Michael, renovated in the early part of the 18th century in the Baroque style, while, not to be missed, is the Collegiate Museum of San Candido, with its library and archives. Another must-see museum is the DoloMythos, to learn about and explore the genesis and history of the Dolomites.
SUMMER 2025 EVENTS
Events on next summer’s agenda that should not be missed include the 17th “San Candido in Festa” festival (June 11-13), with music and local delicacies; the fun party with the young Tyrolean group “Jung Puschtra” (June 7-8); the world’s toughest adventure race, the Red Bull X-Alps (scheduled for June 15-16); and the traditional “San Candido Volunteer Fire Brigade Summer Festival” (August 8-10).
SUPER FLEXIBLE TRANSFER AND CANCELLATION SERVICE
Naturhotel Leitlhof provides guests with a transfer service from Bolzano, Venice, Treviso, and Verona (rates on request). A shuttle service, included, is available at the hotel to take guests to downtown San Candido. In addition, at Naturhotel Leitlhof there is free cancellation of reservations within 48 hours of arrival.
HOW TO GET THERE.
By car: coming from the south via the Brenner Motorway (A22), take the exit “Bressanone-Val Pusteria,” then Highway 49 to San Candido, which is about 43 km from Lienz, 115 from Bolzano, 130 from Innsbruck, and 180 from Venice.
Green tip – by train: all the way to Brixen. A bus leaves from here every 30 minutes.
Rates: from 345 euros per night for a double room for 2 adults with breakfast.
Naturhotel Leitlhof ****S
Via Pusteria 29
39038 San Candido (BZ)
Web: www.leitlhof.com
e-Mail: info@leitlhof.com
Tel. +39 0474 91 34 40
