It was 1939. Dealer in local produce, Anton Eberharter and his wife Maria, both farmer’s children from Zell am Ziller, bought the farm in Zellbergeben in the district of Zell am Ziller. Anton and Maria Eberharter had 6 children. 5 girls and a son – Fritz – owner of the property today.

Around 1953/54 the first guests came to the Zapfenhof. At that time there were 12 guest beds and comfort was limited, yet the Berliners, who came in July and August were filled with enthusiasm. On offer at that time was a family atmosphere, modest guest rooms and for breakfast there was milk and butter, eggs, bacon and cheese from their own farm. The guests were happy and came back year after year. The ‘Zapfenhof’ was an insider tip.

Other landlords in Zell am Ziller were not terribly enthusiastic when in the 1955/56 season, an evening meal was provided for guests at the ‘Zapfenhof’ for the first time. On the one hand good regulars were lost, yet on the other the income was nice. In 1955 the so-called ‘Mittelhaus’ was built, which had 20 guest beds. In 1956 massive flooding from the Ziller River caused serious damage to farms and work buildings. The ‘Zapfenhof’ too was badly affected and this meant saving, being economical and rebuilding were the order of the day. The family’s hard work proved to be worthwhile and just a year later in 1957, thanks to good deals, the adjoining farm was able to purchased along with the plots of land. Instead of the old farmhouse, a new building, which had 24 guest beds, was built. In 1960 the farm as turned into a boarding house for lodgers, providing beds for guests, and guests could also not just be served produce from the farm, they were also able to buy the produce. In 1966 the boarding house was turned into a guest house. Son Fritz married the pretty and competent Mina Haider. They had two sons and a daughter. The next generation at the Zapfenhof were becoming active.

Another storey was built in to the Mittelhaus and from the former, somewhat unassumingly furnished guest accommodation, became comfort rooms. With the completion of the building and furnishing, the ‘Zapfenhof’ then offered more than 70 guest beds. When it opened in Easter 1973, the former farm had become a modern business. On 27th June 1974 a flash of lightening hit the ‘Zapfenhof’ and in just 15 minutes the farm and the stables went up in flames and burnt down to their foundations. Yet the unbelievable endeavour and the will of the family made it possible for guests to be received in the re-built ‘Zapfenhof’ by Christmas of 1974.

In 1976 Eberharter senior - the ‚Zapfen-Tonal’ – handed over management of the regional produce business and the hotel to his son Fritz. The ‘Zapfen-Tonal’ was granted the privilege of being able to see how his work was carried on in this way for a further 13 years. He died in 1989 in the knowledge of having lead a busy and successful life.

In 1991 the so-called farmhouse was built, which became Fritz and Mina Eberharter’s private home. In 1993 an outdoor pool with a spacious green area was set up. In 1994 both ‘towers’ were built, giving the hotel its characteristic profile. In 1996 the ‘Mittelhaus’ was spaciously renovated and in 1997 a new sauna, in the style of the Pharaohs, was built.

You get a sense of the little charming features which lend a certain something to the hotel, throughout the entire building.Mrs Mina realises how precious old things are and knows how to create gems from them. The manageress even sets flower arrangements herself.

In 1978 the main hotel was rebuilt and extended and the indoor pool was set up. In 1979 Fritz Eberharter received the licence to manage one of the hotels. The guest house which had beds for guests became a hotel. The building of spacious apartments, with a living room and sleeping area became an important part of the comfort theme, yet from 1978 the number of guest beds was not added to anymore. In 1980 the Alpterrasse and the ‚Blaue Salon’ were built. A pergola was set up on the terrace in 1983. In 1984 the „Saal Tirol“ and the sauna were renovated. In 1987 the very first hotel, the so-called „Hinterhaus“ was torn down. In its place a smart new building was built, which was provided with attractive suites. In 1998 the indoor pool had to be modernised, the outside facilities for the pool were set up and a modern, spaciously planned bathing area was the result.

Building a beautiful hotel is one thing. Running it and ensuring that the guests feel good is another. Without competent and committed staff, who put their heart and soul into their work, this would be impossible. At this point we would like to say a very special thank-you to all those staff who look after the „Zapfenhof“ and the needs of its guests!

Not to be bigger, just better. Never sell, always buy more. Only sell property if you are in dire need.

For a more detailed version of the Zapfenhof chronicle, just send an e-mail to hotel.zapfenhof@aon.at or ask Ingrid at Reception.