“After 50 years of nomadic beekeeping, I could write a book,” said Josef proudly. He inherited his love of bees from his father Karl, who was already an amateur beekeeper at the time. “I started with my first two hives when I was just 12 years old; I was the very youngest member of the South Tyrolean Beekeepers’ Association.”
The hotel now has a large apiary with 100 hives and about 6 million bees.
It is mainly Josef who takes care of it, adopting a natural approach, without the use of any chemicals and with huge respect and sensitivity for these small but crucially important insects.
But Josef has managed to enthuse the rest of the family, who can’t resist the attractions of the microworld of bees: Elisabeth knows all about the nourishing and healing properties of products from the hive, and makes wax sheets, lip balms, and much more. Daughter Marion is committed to organic beekeeping, and her brother Thomas loves to help dad Josef with every aspect of beekeeping management. The partnership between bees and humans is therefore continuing into a third generation.
„If the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth,
man would only have four years left to live“
Albert Einstein
In our nearby “bee house”, we offer adults and children the chance to experience apitherapy, breathing in the air and the scents of the hive. This treatment is particularly suitable for anyone suffering from respiratory problems, asthma or hay fever, because it has a soothing and sometimes even healing effect. It is often thought that bees only produce honey, but in fact the beehive is a treasure trove of completely natural products, which have beneficial effects on every part of our bodies. For example, in our wellness area, you can experience the pleasure of our bio sauna with hive air, which offers a very special form of relaxation.
Around six million bees in more than 100 hives live in the apiary of Hotel Birkenbrunn at Naz-Sciaves. They are cared for by senior host Josef, a nomadic beekeeper for over 50 years; today the apiary is in its third generation with the whole family involved.
It is a treatment in the nearby bee house where you breathe in the warm, aromatic air rising from the hives. Apitherapy is offered to both adults and children and can be booked on request.
People with respiratory problems, asthma or hay fever find considerable relief through hive air therapy. The air carries the aromas of honey, propolis, wax and pollen — a natural way to support your wellbeing.
Floral: apple blossom, spring wildflower, rhododendron, mountain and high mountain wildflower, and acacia honey. Resinous: woodland honey and lime and chestnut honey. Alongside these come honey in the comb, propolis, bee bread and the energy elixir.
Yes. The honeys and hive products from the family’s own apiary are available at the hotel: honey in the comb, propolis tincture, bee bread, honey soaps, ointments, lip balms, beeswax candles and beeswax wraps.
Yes. Josef looks after the colonies close to nature, without chemicals and with a great deal of care. Daughter Marion is a trained organic beekeeper and son Thomas works alongside him, taking the apiary into its third generation.
Yes. The apiary is right beside the hotel, the garden hums around the wild bee tree and the bee house, and from the bio sauna you can watch the bees in the hive through a window from spring until late autumn.
03.11. - 08.11.2026
Simply Arrive
At Birkenbrunn, time can simply stand still. No programme, no obligations. Just cosy rooms, good food and the scent of the organic bee sauna. If you feel like getting active, hiking trails start right at the hotel.
from €94.00 per person, per night
02.01. - 06.01.2027
Snow on the high plateau
Crisp winter air and steam rising from the outdoor whirlpool. Here, the new year begins at a gentle pace – with a good breakfast, your first turns on the slopes and a long walk.
From €98.00 per person, per night (minimum 4 nights)
07.02. - 14.02.2027
Mountains within reach
Plose and Gitschberg-Jochtal are close by. Spend the day carving fresh tracks in the snow, then return to Birkenbrunn – for the Rooftop Spa, a delicious dinner and the soothing warmth of the organic bee sauna.
From €98.00 per person, per night (minimum 4 nights)
