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Tales and moments, mysticism and magic
History or stories? Dream or reality? The boundaries between reality and fiction blur almost imperceptibly. The cuckoo murmurs, the pine whispers, the little brook gurgles. And they all tell stories of their experiences and fantasies. Around the Wolfsgrubner Lake.
ff reports on Weihrerhof: Saving water and taking responsibility for our lake and nature
Water is not something we take for granted.
Here on the Renon plateau, one of South Tyrol’s more water-scarce areas, this is something generations have grown up knowing. At Weihrerhof, using this precious resource mindfully is therefore not a recent trend, but part of the responsibility we feel towards the place we call home.
KlausAs a nature hotel right on the shores of Lake Costalovara, we are reminded every day just how precious this environment is. The lake, the forest and the nature surrounding Weihrerhof are more than just our setting – they are part of our story.
In its cover story of 13 August 2026, the South Tyrolean weekly magazine ff explored the issue of water scarcity in South Tyrol. Under the title “Knapper Rohstoff” (“A Scarce Resource”), the issue looks at how different people and sectors are approaching the responsible use of this valuable resource.
For the section focusing on tourism, journalist Markus Larcher visited Weihrerhof and spoke with Klaus Pichler about the way we use and conserve water.
The full article “Wassersparen als Prinzip” (“Water Saving as a Principle”) appeared in issue 33/2026 of the South Tyrolean weekly magazine ff and is also available to read online (subscription required): https://www.ff-bz.com/gesellschaft-wissen/2026-33/knapper-rohstoff.html
In its cover story of 13 August 2026, the South Tyrolean weekly magazine ff explored the issue of water scarcity in South Tyrol. Under the title “Knapper Rohstoff” (“A Scarce Resource”), the issue looks at how different people and sectors are approaching the responsible use of this valuable resource.
For the section focusing on tourism, journalist Markus Larcher visited Weihrerhof and spoke with Klaus Pichler about the way we use and conserve water.
The full article “Wassersparen als Prinzip” (“Water Saving as a Principle”) appeared in issue 33/2026 of the South Tyrolean weekly magazine ff and is also available to read online (subscription required): https://www.ff-bz.com/gesellschaft-wissen/2026-33/knapper-rohstoff.html
Saving water starts with responsibility
“Water is a precious resource.”
For Klaus Pichler, it’s less about one big initiative and more about the many small decisions we make every day. He prefers to speak of responsibility rather than sustainability – using resources thoughtfully so that future generations can continue to experience and enjoy this special place.
For us, that responsibility also means making a conscious choice to remain small.
Weihrerhof has 23 rooms. Of course, adding more rooms could make sense from a business perspective. But fewer guests also mean more peace and quiet, a more personal experience, and a more mindful relationship with the natural surroundings of Lake Costalovara.
For Klaus Pichler, it’s less about one big initiative and more about the many small decisions we make every day. He prefers to speak of responsibility rather than sustainability – using resources thoughtfully so that future generations can continue to experience and enjoy this special place.
For us, that responsibility also means making a conscious choice to remain small.
Weihrerhof has 23 rooms. Of course, adding more rooms could make sense from a business perspective. But fewer guests also mean more peace and quiet, a more personal experience, and a more mindful relationship with the natural surroundings of Lake Costalovara.
Small steps, a big difference
Many of the choices we make are not visible to our guests. But for us, responsible action often begins behind the scenes.
These measures include:
These measures include:
- water-saving showerheads using around 6 litres of water per minute
- efficient appliances and equipment in the kitchen and throughout the hotel
- optimised toilet flushing systems to reduce water consumption
- refillable drinking bottles instead of single-use plastic bottles
- a rainwater tank for watering our green spaces
- chemical-free dry micro-steam technology for cleaning our rooms
Lower water consumption without compromising on comfort
In 2024, our water consumption was around 137 litres per guest per night – significantly below the industry average of approximately 400–500 litres.
We also pay close attention to water use in our indoor pool. By using a glass filter instead of a conventional sand filter, we can reduce the number of backwash cycles and therefore the amount of water required.
Our Dulcozon system for treating the pool water also allows us to use around 50–60% less fresh water in pool operations.
We take the same approach to energy: photovoltaic panels, a combined heat and power system, and battery storage help us use resources as efficiently and responsibly as possible.
We also pay close attention to water use in our indoor pool. By using a glass filter instead of a conventional sand filter, we can reduce the number of backwash cycles and therefore the amount of water required.
Our Dulcozon system for treating the pool water also allows us to use around 50–60% less fresh water in pool operations.
We take the same approach to energy: photovoltaic panels, a combined heat and power system, and battery storage help us use resources as efficiently and responsibly as possible.
A special place deserves special care
A special place deserves special care
Lake Costalovara is more than just the setting of Weihrerhof. It is our home and part of what makes staying here so special.
For us, this commitment is not a project with a finish line, but an ongoing journey. External recognition confirms that we are moving in the right direction: Weihrerhof is GSTC-certified and holds the South Tyrol Sustainability Label Level 3.
Taking care of nature sometimes also means accepting that not everything has to look perfect. A few dry patches on the lawn, lower water consumption, or our conscious choice to remain a small hotel are not compromises to us – they are part of preserving this special place for the future.
Find out more about how we care for nature and use resources responsibly on our page Responsibility at Weihrerhof.
Lake Costalovara is more than just the setting of Weihrerhof. It is our home and part of what makes staying here so special.
For us, this commitment is not a project with a finish line, but an ongoing journey. External recognition confirms that we are moving in the right direction: Weihrerhof is GSTC-certified and holds the South Tyrol Sustainability Label Level 3.
Taking care of nature sometimes also means accepting that not everything has to look perfect. A few dry patches on the lawn, lower water consumption, or our conscious choice to remain a small hotel are not compromises to us – they are part of preserving this special place for the future.
Find out more about how we care for nature and use resources responsibly on our page Responsibility at Weihrerhof.
