DAS KRANZBACH - place for peace, nature, and mindful relaxation in the Bavarian Alps

The building was named after and commissioned by Mary Isabel Portman, a headstrong woman from London who was exceptionally independent for her time and also a brilliant musician.

In an era where travel is often defined by itineraries, attractions, and expectations, DAS KRANZBACH stands for a different, clearly defined approach: retreat instead of spectacle, silence rather than distraction, authenticity rather than excess. At an altitude of 1,030 meters, in a sheltered mountain valley about 15 kilometers from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the property stands alone on a 130,000-square-meter mountain meadow, surrounded by forests, open space, and with an unobstructed view of the Zugspitze. There are no roads passing by, no neighboring houses, no public use. What remains is absolute tranquility.

DAS KRANZBACH is not a traditional wellness hotel, but a thoughtfully curated retreat. A place where external simplicity fosters inner clarity.

HISTORY & ORIGINS

The origins of DAS KRANZBACH date back to 1913. At its heart is the Mary Portman House, an English country house built in the Arts and Crafts style.

The building was named after and commissioned by Mary Isabel Portman, a headstrong woman from London who was exceptionally independent for her time and also a brilliant musician. Driven by her need for seclusion, creativity, and self-determination, she conceived the idea of creating a place of solitude and concentration in the mountains for herself and her artist friends. To this day, the house remains the cultural center of the ensemble. Its history is not merely a decorative element, but an integral part of its identity.

With the takeover in 2017 by the visionary Tyrolean, Dr. Jakob Edinger, this legacy has been consistently carried forward. Thus, a refuge has emerged that has grown over time and, precisely in this way, has preserved its authenticity.

ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPE

The architecture of DAS KRANZBACH seamlessly integrates the historic Mary Portman House with contemporary extensions to create a harmonious whole. The English country house is complemented by modern garden wings made of wood and glass, as well as a standalone bathhouse serving as the heart of the spa and wellness experience.

A special place to pause and reflect is the Meditation House designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Deliberately minimalist in design with large panoramic windows, the light-filled wooden structure sits in a clearing in the middle of the forest, offering a space for silence, yoga, and meditation.

What characterizes the entire complex, however, is not so much the visible architecture as its unobtrusive integration into the landscape. The new buildings have been integrated into the topography in such a way that they are barely visible from central vantage points. Materials such as local larch wood, sandstone, and natural stone echo the surroundings and create a calm, warm atmosphere.

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES

Exercise, inner balance, and rejuvenation are intertwined, offering guidance while remaining intentionally open to individual needs.

In the area of exercise and active programs, a daily rotating schedule is available, ranging from yoga, meditation, and tai chi to functional activities such as Nordic walking, light running, or aqua aerobics. There is a special focus on mental relaxation. Both the daily program and multi-day retreats are led by specialized instructors. Various rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a platform in the forest provide different settings for practice, while the Meditation House serves as a central space for silence and inner focus.

The center of rejuvenation is the bathhouse, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and steam baths, as well as spacious relaxation areas. A dedicated Ladies Spa complements the offerings with a separate area for women.

In the realm of health and treatments, DAS KRANZBACH offers a variety of massages, cosmetic and body treatments, as well as comprehensive programs in the areas of prevention and regeneration.

CUISINE

The cuisine is characterized by a clear commitment to quality and a close connection to nature. It is an integral part of the overall guest experience. The focus is on fresh, regional products of organic quality, prepared with artisanal care and a conscious emphasis on lightness. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are a natural part of the menu.

The in-house bakery and pastry shop treat guests daily to bread, baked goods, and pastries. High-quality herbal tea blends and fine chocolates from the chocolaterie round out the culinary offerings.

DAS KRANZBACH sees itself as a place that creates space for new perspectives, intentional downtime, and a reconnection with what often takes a back seat in everyday life. Try it out. Enjoy.