A piece of history of Lichtenstern

In 1950 the village Graun in Vinschgau had to give way to the pond of the lake and 840 people were forced to leave their home. Still today the steeple of the church sticks out of the water as evidence of this political decision. Our parents Anna and Johann Hohenegger could find a new home here at the farm of Lichtenstern. Until then today's "house of the family" was integrated in the farm. Then it was purchased by the curia and it was set up as the first educational centre for the South Tyrolean population. Since 1984 the family house has been led exemplary by the Catholic family association. Many South Tyroleans could experience recreation, education and community here in the last decades.

Now the farm Lichtenstern had to be spruced up. The former barn and stable were accommodated in that part of the house where today's dining room is found. Also an old farmhouse was located there. In 1953 father Hohenegger was able to establish a small inn, the "Trattoria Stella", and he leased it to family Tappeiner. He himself had to take care of the farm together with wife. In 1959 the new stable and barn were built, in 1964 the first dining room and some bedrooms were put up where the former stable was located before. These new rooms were all equipped with central heating and fluent cold and warm water. In the past that meant the most advanced state of the art. Family Maier led the business from 1960 to 1970 until they were able to build their own business (the "Südtirolerhof").

Son Josef, today's owner, took the business over when he was just 20 years old. His three sisters Edith, Rosmarie and Marlies as well as his mother Anna helped him to run the inn. In the next years several constructional modifications were necessary. In the year 1974 Josef married his wife Rosalinde from Sterzing/Vipiteno and the three children Werner, Barbara and Stefan were born. In 1981 the brother Toni married Christine from Sarntal and they took over the farm Lichtenstern.

Almost the whole hotel has been adjusted to the new needs to meet the guests' requirements. The hotel gained a special revaluation in 1991 by the construction of the heated outdoor swimming pool with its beautiful lawn for sunbathing with a superb view of the Dolomites. A cosy winter garden for the transitional periods followed as well as a shady parking lot blooming all summer long and giving the house more tranquillity. The playground on the skirts of the wood enjoys great popularity among our young guests. Lichtenstern maintained the tranquillity, the idyll and the recreational value and that will be our utmost concern also in future times.