It is almost a thousand years ago since Volkhold – the heir to “Suanapurc” – was no longer interested in secular splendor and converted his castle into a Benedictine abbey (1039). His endowment, well-equipped with abundant commodities as well as political rights such as the Sonnenburg manorial court, evolved into a prestigious abbey for noble women. The ruins of the apses, which grow out of the rock, archaic and replete with strength, tell of power and wealth, faith and devotion, but likewise of deterioration and decline.

Almost 4000 years of human history are reflected on our hill: early historical settlement, Roman camp, early medieval castle complex, 750 years as a convent, stone quarry, ruins, poorhouse…
Our parents climbed Sonnenburg hill for the first time 50 years ago. Ever since we have researched and excavated, exposed, restored and reconstructed. Hereby a most special place has emerged from ruins. It is a refuge in which we would like to offer wonderful holidays to people from all over the world within a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. We sincerely thank all guests who accompany us with their support and therewith enable Sonnenburg to be further preserved for future generations.
Today’s Sonnenburg is much more than a beautiful hotel: it’s a cultural site with a reservoir of historical detail. Wandering through the house we come across impressive relicts from bygone times: Gothic frescos in the former chancel, coffered ceiling in the Residenzstube (“Residence Parlour”), Stone age spearhead and the “in-house Saint Clement” who rests in the crypt. Those who are really thirsty for knowledge do not only allow the metre-thick walls to speak, but take advantage of the opportunity to undertake a little journey through time under expert guidance.

The Sonnenburg spa: plain and meditative. No needless trumpery, no distractions.
The exposed columns and stairs made of granite, the vaulted arches, rocks and age-old tower walls have been carefully restored and form the foundation of our wellness landscape on three levels. Steam bath, bio sauna, Finnish sauna, outdoor sauna and atmospheric
relaxation rooms have been carefully integrated and poetically illuminated. There is probably nowhere else you can walk by candlelight in a historic cloister with a view of old frescoes and the bright peaks of the Rieserferner Mountains…

A historic apothecary garden, garden of the abbess, small cloister courtyard, Baroque terrace gardens, shade garden, kitchen garden, old and new “Freithof” (graveyard), sauna garden, Gothic rose garden, Vigilius garden, herb garden…
What a pleasure: After a princely breakfast replete with exploratory spirit, discover the spacious grounds, find your favorite spot and linger! While relaxing in a deckchair, let your gaze wander over the Puster Valley with its ever new atmospheres of light…

Each of our 38 rooms and suites tells a different story and offers a different view of the castle and landscape. Whether in the building wing of the abbess, picturesque castle courtyard or in the romantic attic – all these areas provide enough room to completely unwind and feel at ease. There are unique historical rooms with frescoes, embrasures or wood-paneled parlors, spacious family suites, rooms with valuable antiques or particularly luxurious bathrooms, rooms with balcony, roof terrace or own garden and puristic abbey rooms with exclusive natural materials. Linen, loden, larch wood and natural stone, antiques, documents from the abbey era or old views of Sonnenburg – but above all, the majestic view of the countryside, make our guest a temporary lord of the castle.
A comfortable bathrobe and slip-on shoes for visiting the wellness area as well as telephone, TV, safe, minibar and hair dryer are available in every room.