Tante Anna Apartments: A Montafon Retreat

 

Tante Anna Apartments in Montafon

Grüaß Di im Muntafu!

Or in English: greetings from Montafon — or Muntafu, as locals call it in dialect. Nestled in the Austrian Alps in the region of Vorarlberg, this peaceful valley feels worlds away from the rush of everyday life. I’d been curious about this region ever since I moved to Germany back in 2019, and last month I finally got to experience its magic.

Whether you’re here to hike, ski, or simply breathe in the crisp mountain air, Montafon is a true four-seasons destination that lets you reset and recharge.

And tucked quietly into the heart of the region, in St. Gallenkirch, you’ll find a secret stay that captures that feeling perfectly: Tante Anna Apartments.

My stay at Tante Anna Apartments was gifted as part of a collaboration. As always, all thoughts, words, and photos reflect my honest experience.

A Modern Retreat with Soul

Designed to inspire, Tante Anna Apartments is ideal for couples, groups of friends, or even solo travelers who want to explore the region, reconnect with nature, or work on creative projects with the mountains as their backdrop. The property sits at the top of St. Gallenkirch, just 700 meters from the town center, and I was struck by how utterly peaceful the surroundings were. No crowds or alpine kitsch — only stillness, thoughtful design, and million-dollar views. Trust me, you’ll have to pick your jaw off the floor when you see it in person.

There’s a quiet luxury in the way everything is done here. Every piece of furniture, every scent of wood, every small detail tells a story. From the hand-restored doors to the original shingles on the main building, every corner whispers of Montafon’s heritage while embracing a modern, minimalist aesthetic. And no matter which of the seven beautiful apartments you choose, you’ll feel that blend of Alpine authenticity and contemporary comfort the moment you step inside.

A House with History

For 40 years — from 1950 to 1990 — Tante Anna (in German, Aunt Anna) herself welcomed guests here from near and far. Known for her warmth, kindness, and knack for bringing people together, she embodied the kind of hospitality you can still feel in the walls today.

Freshly renovated in 2021/22, Tante Anna Apartments blends that legacy with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability. Powered by geothermal energy and solar panels, the property actually produces more energy than it consumes. Water-saving fixtures, compostable coffee capsules, and locally sourced, refillable natural products reflect a deep commitment to mindful living.

Even travel is considered — there are e-charging stations for cars, bike storage, and easy access by train and bus. The property was even awarded the Austrian Ecolabel for its environmental renovations. Pretty impressive, right? From design to daily operations, it’s clear that every detail honors Tante Anna’s belief that hospitality and responsibility belong together.

Which apartment is right for you?

One of the things I appreciated most about Tante Anna Apartments is that you can choose your own adventure depending on who you’re traveling with and what kind of activities you’re interested in. The property features seven private apartments, each thoughtfully crafted to make you feel like you have the valley all to yourself. Every apartment includes a kitchen or kitchenette, access to a private sauna, and those aforementioned panoramic views.

We stayed in the Montafoner Haus, which — fun fact — dates back to 1588, making it one of the oldest buildings in St. Gallenkirch.

Here are a few of the most popular apartments:

Double Room Basecamp: Sometimes, less really is more. If you’re spending most of your time exploring or traveling solo, Basecamp is perfect. Cozy, minimalist, and just 22 square meters — it has everything you need for a simple mountain getaway.

Apartment Höhenrausch: “Höhenrausch” translates to Mountain High — that exhilarating, almost intoxicating feeling of being in the Alps. Covering 50 square meters, it fits two to four guests and includes a private sauna just off the balcony.

Penthouse Zenit: The peak of Tante Anna — literally. Designed for four to six guests, this light-flooded penthouse offers a 270° panoramic view across Montafon, with a locally crafted king-size bed and natural textures throughout.

Montafoner Haus: The crown jewel of Tante Anna. With 150 square meters of space, it’s ideal for families, friends, or retreat groups. The Montafoner Stube, with its original wood-paneled walls, centuries-old floors, and working fireplace, is pure magic. We loved eating dinner around the old Montafoner Tisch, where locals once gathered to play cards so many years ago.

Accessibility-wise, the Freiraum and Ausklang apartments are barrier-free for guests who need step-free access.

All Seasons Welcome

Unlike many Alpine stays that close in the off-season, Tante Anna Apartments welcomes guests year-round — making it one of the best places to stay in St. Gallenkirch, no matter the time of year. And while most people associate Montafon with skiing, the valley is just as magical in spring, summer, and autumn.

We visited in autumn and completely fell in love with the colorful forests, quiet hiking trails, and the peaceful rhythm of small town life.

Hiking in Montafon

Things to Do Around St. Gallenkirch

  • Hike panoramic trails: With over 1,000 km of hiking trails and 260 routes to choose from, Montafon is a hiker’s dream. The Madrisella Gipfel trail was one of our favorites, offering incredible views that make the climb worth it.

  • Ski or snowboard: In winter, the region transforms into a snow lover’s paradise, with 297 km of slopes and 73 lifts connecting you to endless ski runs.

  • Cycle through the Alps:  Whether you prefer mountain biking or e-biking, the routes around St. Gallenkirch are stunning. Feel free to store your bike at Tante Anna.

  • Taste local flavors: Don’t miss the Kaiserschmarrn at Brunella Wirt — the perfect post-hike treat. And next time, I’m definitely coming back for Sura Kees, Montafon’s famous local cheese!

  • Take a scenic drive: The Silvretta-Hochalpenstraße is one of Austria’s most beautiful mountain roads and absolutely worth the detour. The road was closed when we visited, but that just gives me more reason to return.

Why Tante Anna Deserves a Spot on Your Map

If you’re craving a mountain escape that blends quiet luxury, nature, and sustainability, Tante Anna Apartments is the right stay for you. Whether it’s a cozy winter weekend or a golden autumn retreat, this place stays with you long after you’ve left.

From the minute you drive up, you can feel how much soul has been poured into every corner of the property. The daily bread service, Käsespätzle Mondays — yes, hot, homemade, cheesy goodness delivered straight to your door — and the honesty fridge stocked with local drinks all come together in a way that feels effortless yet deeply intentional.

Two of my favorite features have to be the private sauna and the community terrace, which doubles as a yoga space. Just bring your mat, breathe in that crisp mountain air, and let the Alps work their magic.

We left feeling completely recharged. Thank you, Tante Anna, for a fantastic long weekend stay and hospitality.


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