B&B Al Baitin - Charme & Nature

Santa Caterina Valfurva is synonymous with an exclusive and sought-after vacation. Its location and unique climate make it an ideal destination for splendid nature excursions and many other sports activities that can be practiced in all seasons. Santa Caterina is located in the heart of the Stelvio National Park, one of the largest and most important protected alpine parks. Staying in these places means privileging sustainable tourism, based on direct contact with nature and respect for the environment. The territory, rich in ancient traditions and legends, offers the opportunity to experience cultural and gastronomic experiences throughout the year.

There was a time, at least until the 1600s, when Santa Caterina Valfurva was not a renowned tourist destination. The mountain was flourishing and shaped by the water from rich springs, distant ancestors had cleared the woods with axe blows to transform the slopes into meadows and pastures. During the summer period, the inhabitants of Valfurva left the valley to reach the alpine pastures, climbing up to the "piana di Magliaga" at about 1800 meters.

The vast marshy basin, which made the land unsuitable for pastoral activity, did not bring any benefit to the valley's inhabitants until, towards the end of the 1600s, two underground springs with unique properties were discovered: the sulfurous water spring, rich in sulfur, and the "akua forta" spring, impregnated with iron and with an acidic and spicy taste.

From that moment on, famous doctors and scientists dedicated themselves to the study of their properties and, together with the numerous tourists who appreciated their qualities, made the ferruginous spring of Santa Caterina Valfurva famous.

At the beginning of the 19th century, as the fame spread, mountaineering began to attract the first enthusiasts; for this reason, it became necessary to build new structures suitable for accommodating an ever-increasing number of tourists. In a short time, Santa Caterina became an important destination for thermal tourism, which continued until the outbreak of the First World War, when it found itself on the Italian front line.

At that time, travelers stayed in the old and cozy mountain huts located around the small church in the center of the village. Between the local houses and the modern and luxurious hotels stood the "Baitin": a structure dating back to the first half of the 19th century, with wide stone walls, wooden beams and coverings, and the typical stone roof, ideal for facing the harshness of winter.

In respect of its origins, the building has now been renovated and transformed into a modern B&B with an authentic mountain scent: part of the coverings and interior furnishings are made of ancient wooden planks, the stone vault recalls the ancient entrance of the past, and an old wooden window, recovered during the works, welcomes guests at the entrance.