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The 5 star hotel Alpenhof Murnau

A must for gourmets: The 5-star Hotel Alpenhof Murnau – I never start writing my posts while I'm still "at the scene"—in this case, in a hotel. Never. Only when I'm back at my computer in Munich and have had time to process everything do I begin writing the first introductory lines of my articles for you. Today is different, and I'm writing this from my lovely room at the 5-star Hotel Alpenhof Murnau. I want to share my experiences with you directly and unfiltered. Why? Because I've rarely felt so quickly refreshed, so well cared for, and so warmly welcomed as I did at the idyllic Alpenhof Murnau.

The sunny terrace is perfect for relaxing, eating, and unwinding.

Before my spacious balcony, the beauty of Murnau unfolds: green meadows, imposing mountains, and inviting quiet spots within the hotel garden. Behind me, a huge double bed with soft pillows, plenty of wood all around, and an alpine ambiance that beckons you to relax. Lying before me, the certainty that I will enjoy a superb meal in the hotel's panoramic restaurant later today and undoubtedly have a wonderful time. Before I continue and take you to the table with me, here's a little background information about Murnau and the hotel.

Alpenhof Murnau Hotel 5 Sterne Hotel 3105

Who recognizes this "famous" look?

Discover and experience Murnau

The Alpenhof Murnau is located just 70 kilometers from Munich. From Munich, I took the A95 motorway and arrived in Murnau in just over an hour. This luxury hotel is situated directly on the edge of the fascinating and historically significant Murnau Moor, surrounded by the Bavarian foothills of the Alps. Murnau was the birthplace of the "Blue Rider" movement, led by the renowned artists Franz Marc, Gabriele Münter, and Wassily Kandinsky. For example, during a walk through Murnau, I found myself at the very viewpoint that offers a view of a scene depicted by Kandinsky and Marc – a truly wonderful experience, even for someone like me who isn't particularly knowledgeable about art history. So, if you decide to follow in my footsteps and visit Murnau, be sure to delve into its history. Talk to locals and try to get a feel for this special place – you'll experience Murnau even more intensely.

Lake Staffelsee – no words are really needed, are they?

Murnau itself captivated me within the first few minutes with its incredibly friendly and open-hearted people, appealing nature, and its worthwhile sights. Be that as it may. Lakeside Restaurant Alpenblick With its breathtakingly beautiful view, the "Krönner" confectionery with its exquisite pralines, chocolates, and cakes, or the Murnau Griesbräu brewery in its traditional courtyard, whose 17 beers can only be tasted on-site and paired with the finest Bavarian cuisine: there is an endless amount to discover here. After just a few hours and a couple of conversations with locals, I was charmed by the Upper Bavarian market town of Murnau am Staffelsee – incidentally, home to approximately 13,000 understandably cheerful and warm-hearted people.

The view of the garden and the luxury hotel's own alpine hut

The 5-star Hotel Alpenhof Murnau

The hotel's history dates back to 1967, when the Alpenhof was founded in Murnau by hotelier Hellmut Hofmann, initially with 30 rooms. After several successful years and steadily growing popularity – including among locals – the Alpenhof was taken over in the early 1990s by Erivan Haub, a former regular guest of the Murnau location. In 1993, it reopened under new management after extensive renovations, and further construction work by 1999 doubled the number of available rooms and suites. This renovation also included the now... extensive wellness area as well as the establishment of conference rooms and the improved leisure facilities for guests of the Murnauer Alpenhof. Today there are almost 80 modernly furnished double rooms, suites, junior suites and family rooms, all decorated with Bavarian charm.

Here I enjoyed a leisurely and substantial breakfast.

I particularly enjoyed the open and inviting atmosphere at the 5-star Hotel Alpenhof Murnau. Even the entrance area created a cozy ambiance with plenty of wood, warm colors, and understated decorations. For me, it's not just the hotel's furnishings that contribute to a feeling of well-being, but simply how welcome I feel and how I feel like I've arrived. Perhaps most important to me is the human element – how the staff treats me and each other. That's precisely why the Alpenhof gets an extra star from me. Admittedly, my anticipation for the experiences ahead increased significantly when I learned about the heated outdoor pool and the additional "hot pool" in the garden, maintained at 34 degrees Celsius year-round. ("Give me a warm pool, a soft bed, and good food, combined with nice people, and I'm happy...")

The Panorama Restaurant – here they offered the „gourmet menu“

Culinary delights and enjoyment at the Alpenhof Murnau

During my stay, I had the opportunity to speak with head chef Claus Gromotka, who has been responsible for the culinary delights of guests at the Alpenhof for seven years. It quickly became clear in our conversation that the Alpenhof's culinary offerings demonstrate a commitment to quality, not only through the use of exclusively high-quality ingredients and seasonal, regional products, but also through a focus on warmth and enjoyment. This begins with respectful interactions among staff and the kitchen team, continues with a sustainably designed menu that offers something for everyone, and culminates in a genuine love of food – meaning that discerning diners will recognize from the very first bite that true culinary experiences are being created. In addition to a double-page spread of appetizers, soups, vegetarian dishes, fish and meat options, and several desserts, there is also a regularly changing gourmet menu. Guests can choose from three to seven courses, with the menu reflecting the seasons.

Alpenhof Murnau Hotel 5 Sterne Hotel 3205

What a treat for body, mind and palate.

My companion and I both opted for a set menu. My choice began with sesame-crusted yellowfin tuna as a starter, followed by a triangoli of burrata, basil, gorgonzola, and spinach. The main course was braised dry-aged pork cheeks with carrot cream, baby corn, and delicate asparagus; although I briefly considered the regional fillet of Riegsee organic beef, served as melted and baked calf's head. However, my initial choice proved to be a good one, a fact confirmed after the first delicious bite of the melt-in-your-mouth pork cheeks. To finish, I enjoyed a selection of fine cheeses from the Bad Heilbrunn cheese shop. Guarino Tugnoli, the restaurant's long-time sommelier, was responsible for the accompanying wine pairings.

It should be mentioned here that the wine list, and therefore the wine cellar, of the Alpenhof Murnau ranks among the ten best wine lists in Germany and, with over 900 wines from the finest vineyards in Europe, is the flagship of the Alpenhof Murnau. The wine list has also been awarded the "Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence" for the past two years. Let me tell you: every connoisseur automatically becomes a wine lover at the Alpenhof – so treat yourself to something special and don't forget the perfect wine to accompany your set menus and à la carte dishes. In summary, for me, it's clear that the cuisine at the Alpenhof Murnau stands out in terms of refinement, quality, and culinary experience. You can find out more about the hotel's gastronomy under "„Alpenhof Murnau – Gastronomy“Read more.”.

The equally warm and welcoming hotel owner Christian Bär with his lovely wife Elke Bär

Personal conclusion

Murnau is difficult to describe in words – Murnau has to be experienced. Unfortunately, I tend to over-explain, and in this case, I could write pages and pages – that's how much I enjoyed myself here. What could be better than arriving somewhere and instantly feeling completely relaxed? During a conversation with Hotel Manager Christian Bär, he said, "Murnau thrives on its people and the moments they create." A very fitting statement, the realization of which I personally felt and experienced in several situations during my two-day stay.

Regarding hygiene and safety measures in light of our current situation, the Alpenhof is exemplary. In the restaurant, the tables are spaced far apart, and every detail has been carefully considered without making the guest's stay unpleasant. Quite the opposite! Thanks to the spacious grounds, the beautiful large garden, and the open layout, you don't feel like there are any restrictions at all. Don't let yourselves get unnecessarily stressed out and adhere to what's required, but also give hotels the chance to show that you can still have a wonderful holiday despite the current circumstances. The Alpenhof demonstrates this at the highest level. Oh, and be sure to ask about their special face masks. They're transparent and reusable – so your relaxed holiday smile will still be visible, even with a mask on.

So I will definitely be back – because of the people, the hotel, and the excellent food. But also because I have rarely enjoyed such a wonderful short break for body, mind, and palate as here. Therefore, my recommendation for you in this case comes not only from my gut, but also from my heart: Treat yourselves to the Alpenhof Murnau, grab your loved ones and create unforgettable experiences.

+++ This article was created in cooperation with the Alpenhof Murnau. Thank you! +++

Contact for inquiries

5-star hotel Alpenhof Murnau
Ramsachstraße 8, 82418 Murnau am Staffelsee
Website

Contact via telephone / Bookings: 088414910

Pictures from my stay: