South Tyrol

Ansitz Heufler

A 16th-century castle hosts chef Norbert Niederkofler's Alpine Renaissance

by Lavinia Colonna Preti
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In the heart of the Antholz Valley, in the province of Bolzano, Ansitz Heufler is the Renaissance castle chosen by three-Michelin-starred chef Norbert Niederkofler to embody his “Cook the Mountain” vision of hospitality and fine food, offering the best of South Tyrolean traditions and culture.

Ansitz Heufler is a charming Renaissance residence built in 1580 by the powerful Hohenbühel zu Heufler family, one of the few perfectly preserved examples of noble architecture from that period in the Puster Valley.

South Tyrolean chef Norbert Niederkofler fell in love with its stone walls, which tell the tale of centuries of banquets, hunts, and court life. After completing his adventure at the 3-Michelin-starred St. Hubertus restaurant at the Hotel Rosa Alpina, in 2023 he chose it as his refuge and a manifesto for his philosophy of life and gastronomy.

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Crossing the threshold of Ansitz Heufler means entering the vault of Alpine culture. Sitting in the original stube and gazing at the frescoed ceilings offers all the magic of Norbert Niederkofler’s extraordinary vision.

The Restoration: An Act of Love for South Tyrolean Culture

Every plank of Swiss pine, every original tiled stove, and the coffered ceilings have been preserved, integrating invisible technologies to offer contemporary comfort without ever betraying the soul of the 16th century.

A symbol of this beauty is the historic Herrenstube on the first floor of the Inn, considered one of the most beautiful in Tyrol, now reborn as a library dedicated to reading and private gatherings. Decorated with a tiled stove and coffered ceilings preserving historic inscriptions and masterfully carved details, it bears witness to the art and tradition of these valleys.

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Norbert Niederkofler’s philosophy: Cook the Mountain

The true magic of Ansitz Heufler lies in its Inn, an ambassador for Chef Norbert Niederkofler’s “Cook the Mountain” philosophy, offering home-style cuisine elevated to an art form.

  • Philosophy: Here, you eat what the mountains offer in each season, celebrating the flavors that have always been the hallmarks of South Tyrolean cuisine: only local ingredients, expert fermentation, and the revival of forgotten plant varieties.
  • The Dishes: From dumplings reimagined with wild herbs to patiently aged meats, every bite is a tribute to the valley’s farmers. The flavor is ancestral, but the technique is purely avant-garde.
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High Hospitality and a Mountain Breakfast

Ansitz Heufler offers 9 rooms filled with the scent of old wood, furnished with period furniture and natural fabrics.

Every morning, a breakfast awaits you (also open to non-residents by reservation) that expresses the essence of the mountains: homemade desserts, local savory delicacies, fresh juices, glasses of sparkling wine, and à la carte dishes speak the language of the Alps, telling stories of seasons, silence, and carefully preserved flavors.

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The Lounge Bar is also beautiful. In winter, it is housed in the ancient smoke kitchen, while in summer, you can enjoy a large garden and a 2,000 m2 terrace overlooking the Dolomites, offering a refuge where nature, culture, and hospitality harmoniously intertwine.

Ansitz Heufler is one of the rare places where “sustainability” isn’t just a slogan, but a daily practice that offers the ultimate luxury: the beauty of nature, centuries-old décor in noble materials, and the joy of a fire burning for nearly five centuries.

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And to continue the “Cook the Mountain” experience, you can book two other chef Niederkofler homes in the area: AlpiNN by Norbert Niederkofler, a splendid panoramic restaurant at 2,235 meters above sea level on Plan de Corones, and the Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler in Brunico, where “Cook the Mountain” reaches its peak, achieving three Michelin stars just four months after the restaurant opened in 2023.

The Secret

One of the details that makes Ansitz Heufler a cult destination for lovers of beauty is the attention to packaging. At the property, you can purchase artisanal products, preserves from the Niederkofler pantry, and small local treasures. Each gift box, voucher, or thank-you letter is hand-sealed with red sealing wax, imprinted with the castle’s coat of arms.

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Useful Info

Ansitz Heufler
Via Valle d’Anterselva 24
39030 Rasun-Anterselva, Bolzano
Tel. +39 0474 790200

Rooms: from €300 with breakfast

Osteria
Appetizers: from €14
First courses: from €12.50
Second courses: from €17.50

Breakfast also open to non-guests: €40