This sport hotel in the Dolomites stands on 250 million years of history.
Mountains always tell a story.
The German name of Mt Catinaccio is Rosengarten – rose garden – because that’s where dwarf King Laurin once tended his beautiful roses. When he was betrayed, he cursed the roses: no one should ever see their beauty again, neither by day nor by night. But he forgot about the time between day and night. Ever since then, Mt Catinaccio/Rosengarten has glowed in shades of pink and orange at sunset, a magnificent spectacle that you can admire from the balcony of your sport hotel in the Dolomites. We recommend enjoying it with a glass of wine.
Right opposite, Mt Latemar is the first to be bathed in light every morning. The rock from which both are formed is called dolomite, named after the French geologist Déodat de Dolomieu, who first described it in 1791. The ingredients: calcium and magnesium, compressed and folded over the course of 250 million years. In 2009, UNESCO designated the Dolomites a World Heritage Site because this stone can only be found here. And Friedrich is right at their heart.
Mountain summer
Once the snow has melted, the Dolomites belong to the hikers. Paths that wind through Alpine meadows and larch forests, until the trees give way and only rock and sky remain. Your leg muscles work, the whirlwind of thoughts slows. In the evening, the infinity pool rewards your efforts with warm water and a panoramic view that still leaves us speechless at times. Even after all these years.
Ski winter
The Carezza ski resort is situated directly below Mt Catinaccio/Rosengarten and is one of the most beautiful in South Tyrol. (And we’re not just saying that. Once you’ve experienced it, we know you’ll agree with us.) Slopes with views of the Dolomites, snow crunching beneath your edges, and a short walk back to Friedrich after your final turn. Where silver quartzite warms your cold feet and Christof and Konstantin’s evening menu takes care of the rest.
Lake Carezza/Karersee and Mt Catinaccio/Rosengarten
Lake Carezza/Karersee is six kilometres away from Friedrich and reflects the Dolomites so clearly that you sometimes can’t tell where the mountains end and the water begins. The locals call it Rainbow Lake because it changes colour depending on the time of day. Emerald green in the morning, deep blue at midday. It’s best to go early, when the surface is still smooth and you have the lake all to yourself.
Your active holiday in the Dolomites starts on your doorstep
From Friedrich, you’ll be on your way to a Dolomites adventure in just a few minutes. Where the day takes you depends a bit on the time of year and on what mountain bliss means to you. Katja knows the routes in the Val d’Ega/Eggental valley like the back of her hand and will recommend the perfect tour to suit your mood while you enjoy the Friedrich breakfast. Or dinner the night before. Whichever you prefer.
We’ve put this playlist together for you. Eight songs for the journey to the top (or back down again) and that feeling when you get there. Earbuds in, hiking boots on, the ascent awaits.
- Track 1: Jungle – Busy Earnin’
That groove that pulls you out the front door before your mind can come up with excuses for why a day by the pool actually sounds good. - Track 2: M83 – Midnight City
For that moment when you step out of the woods and suddenly find the view of the valley stretching out before you. - Track 3: Rage Against the Machine – Killing in the Name
The steep section. It always comes, you groan softly. This song says: keep going. Rather emphatically. - Track 4: Parcels – Lightenup
The wrong tempo for the mountain, the perfect tempo for the soul. For when the path levels out and you start to smile. - Track 5: The Avalanches – Since I Left You
Samples from another world, while you wander through one that’s simply enchanting. - Track 6: Fatboy Slim – Right Here, Right Now
Summit reached. You’re up there, the bass is thumping, the Dolomites are silent. The perfect contrast. - Track 7: Khruangbin – Maria También
The descent. Your legs move on their own, your gaze wanders, and this song makes it feel all the more cinematic. - Track 8: LCD Soundsystem – All My Friends
In the evening on the balcony. A glass of Lagrein, Mt Catinaccio/Rosengarten turning pink, and you know: today was a good day.
Volume: loud enough that the marmots can whistle along.
