Sky View Cahlets. Foto: Martin Lugger Panzenberger
Hideaways of a very special kind are literally hidden on the emerald green Lake Toblach in South Tyrol. The Sky View Chalets are a magical place to slow down, stargaze and enjoy and the eMove360° travel tip in the current eMove360° magazine in german language. Selected and visited by Sabine Metzger
“You have reached your destination”: After a breathtaking panoramic drive from East Tyrol to South Tyrol Pustertal, you turn south in Toblach and after three kilometers you reach Lake Toblach. A WOW moment: framed by the Sexten Dolomites and the Fanes-Sanes group, the emerald green lake lies in front of you. A wooden bridge takes you to the Toblacher See boutique camping site, which Barbara and Andreas Panzenberger have designed to be completely in harmony with nature: with green roofs, flower meadows instead of lawns as a joint project with a beekeeper, rainwater recovery for irrigation and a wood chip system with wood from the surrounding forests in order to be energy self-sufficient. In 2019, the two expanded the complex to include a very special overnight accommodation: the Sky View Chalets are hidden a little up the mountain.
There are twelve chalets in total, all made from local wood in their own, screened-off “adults only” area. Each equipped with a coffee kitchen including dishes, living room with couch, bathroom with experience shower, separate toilet and infrared sauna, some even with an outdoor whirlpool. The centerpiece is the double bed in the glass cube with a clear view of the sky and nature. In the evening, on a clear day, you can see the starry sky with the Milky Way. A fascinating spectacle that is still possible in the undeveloped national park, which is really dark in the evenings thanks to the low light pollution.
Star level: Hebbo Wine & Deli refuge for connoisseurs
In the evening, hunger beckons you to Hebbo Wine & Deli. Refined regional cuisine and a great wine list characterize the restaurant belonging to the chalets and the campsite, which has made a name for itself in just a few months as South Tyrol’s new culinary hotspot. The high standards are evident in the design, which was implemented exclusively by local craftsmen. Minimalist and cozy at the same time, with an extravagantly curved larch ceiling and wide glass fronts that open towards the lake.
David Senfter: Young top chef relies on regional producers
A worthy stage for the young, likeable Austrian David Senfter. After years of apprenticeship with Vitus Winkler (4 toques) in the Salzburg region, he can point to other prominent positions such as Andreas Döllerer (5 toques, Golling) before he earned his first toques in Lienz in East Tyrol.
In the evening, Senfter serves a 7 or 9-course tasting menu with a very personal touch for a maximum of 20 guests. During the day there are also creative 5-course lunch specials with regional tapas. The basis is a network of exclusively regional producers, many of whom work organically, some even in Demeter quality. Inspired by this, plates are created that, despite their Instagrammable appearance, always focus on their own intense taste.
Great taste experiences of a special kind. We are spoiled with incredible creations such as mushroom praline – pasta pomodorochip – burnt leek – dry age beetroot, reduced cream, thyme, Schüttelbrot – Dobbiaco trout, pickled egg yolk, chicken skin and kohlrabi – calf’s head, mushroom, mountain cheese – Lamb, bok choy, currant, spinach – green pepper, Granny Smith meringue.
Andreas Panzenberger: A sommelier with passion
Around 1,000 items on the wine list also speak for themselves and an elegant tasting table signals the vinophile passion of the hosts at Hebbo’s wine & deli. Andreas Panzenberger, a trained wine academic and sommelier, presents an exceptionally well-stocked menu, with the focus on South Tyrol, Champagne and Burgundy. What is particularly impressive is the quality in the form of special bottlings, rarities and vintages. Many of these wines are also available to take away in the attached wine shop and specialty shop. In any case, we fall full and happy into our “four-poster bed” with the stars twinkling above us.
Heavenly: A picnic for breakfast
Almost more beautiful than stargazing at night is the breakfast, which the little brownies lovingly put together in a picnic basket and discreetly bring to the chalet the next morning. They have truly thought of everything: jams, honey, muesli, yoghurt, cheese, ham, apple juice, milk, all sustainably packaged in regional organic quality in small mason jars. Should we have breakfast on the terrace, at the counter table in the living area or should we rather have breakfast in bed – look at the green lake and the mountain scenery and enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life before we go back home.
Sky View Chalets Toblacher See, Toblacher See 3, 39034 Toblach, South Tyrol, Italy, Tel. 0039/0474/973138, www.toblachersee.com; Price: from 319 euros per night (minimum stay: 2 nights); Charging: Charging option with adapter for CEE 16 A
