BADL - MY STORY...
1640 - that's roughly the year I was built. A lot has happened in all this time and I have many stories to tell.
I am very lucky to be loved, cherished and cared for. My owners and I host many nice people who spend a good and special time within my walls. They sleep well and safely under my roof and contribute to new experiences and new stories...
S' ENTBRÜCKLER BADL...
In 1676, the Badl was in the headlines for the first time. A medicin man, so called "BADER", opened a medical practice with a bathhouse, named “DAS BADL”, and envious colleagues lodged a complaint. However, the spa with its healing spring prospered magnificently and after the bader's death, the family continued to run the business with surgeon and barber Johann Knoll, the “Surgeon over the bridge”, who lived to be 86 years old.
At that time the house had 4 bath-healing-rooms. Over time, it changed from a spa to a bathhouse, the “Entbrückler Badl”. The healing power of the mineral water was now less important than the opportunity for relaxation, good air, healing tranquillity and bathing cures.
the BADL becomes an INN...
Increased medical demands also led to the closure of many small bathing establishments. With the start of the summer vacation, the house became an inn with a beer garden and shooting range, which was bought by Lorenz Knapp in 1899.
Lorenz, one of 7 orphans, grew up in south tyrol and was a capable man. He rebuilt, renovated the stone pine parlors and the guest rooms and redesigned the garden with seating for 300 people. Many major events in Hall were held in this beautiful garden. In 1903, the 600th anniversary of the elevation of the town of Hall took place at the Badl, a highlight of Lorenz Knapp's career who worked hard and with passion. He had 5 children, one of them was Lenz and the youngest one was Paula, who both carried on Lorenz' heritage.
WAR TIMES.....
A hard struggle for existence began during the war years. From 1914, the Badl was home to the military, together with the regimental band. During these years, the Badl received the lease for the military canteen. Towards the end of the First World War, many refugees were temporarily accommodated in the inn.
The economic situation was very bad, the end of the war which was lost, unemployment and poverty followed. South Tyrol was awarded to the Italians, Lorenz and Josefine Knapp, both from South Tyrol, found it very difficult to cope. It was a sad time, then inflation came and many people lost all their savings. It was a hard time and fortunately in 1925, now with son Lenz Knapp as manager, the Badl received the right to distribute "Zipfer Beer". Natural ice was needed for the refrigerators, which was cut out of the Inn river in January and stored in the ice cellar, which no longer exists today due to the highway.
The Second World War followed, the men were recruited and Paula smuggled food home over the mountains from relatives in Ratschings/South Tyrol. Once again, the rooms became apartments and 7 families found a home in the Badl until they were allowed to return to their own homes.
MOVING ON.....
After the end of the war in 1945, the economy recovered and tourism slowly began to grow from 1950 onwards. Many investments were made. In 1957, the first group of guests arrived and the rooms were renovated and running water was installed. In 1965, after the death of Lenz, Paula took over the Badl and had to deal with the start of highway construction, which was completed around 1970.
This was very hard for Paula to face, the beautiful location was gone, everything was just a terrible building site. But there was nothing she could do, and any attempts to negotiate to keep the wine cellar, the spring or land came to nothing. There was very little money as compensation and many sleepless nights.
with all her HEART...
How incredibly happy Paula was when a great economic upturn could be felt in the following years. Tourism increased enormously and with it of course the demands of guests too. The highway entry and exit to Hall became very precious. Now easily accessible, the hotel benefited greatly from this junction.
In 1980 Elke became the manager of the Badl and the house was gradually renovated and modernized. All rooms now had private bathrooms, the heating systems were renewed, the reception and entrance hall were built, the stable building was replaced by an extension with balconies and spacious rooms, the kitchen was extended and refitted and in 1989 the dining Stube was added. The restaurant business went well, international guests came, the rooms were fully booked in summer. Elke was incredibly hard-working and the Badl was her passion.
UNTIL TODAY ......
the BADL is in the hands of the women of the Steiner family. Sonja has been "mom in the house" since 2008 - taking care of the Badl, the guests and the team. Since she manages the BADL beautiful and new changes have followed. Rooms, garden and interiors have been renovated and filled with lots of love and wonderful works of art. Living in the middle of old stories, art and joy is simply great. Her work is her passion and the reception her living room, where people, dogs and cat like to keep her company.
Now, in the 6th generation, Lara follows with enthusiasm and a lot of young energy, her siblings also help when there is time. The Badl is still run with dedication and in the spirit of the following generations. The house, owned by the same family since 1899, is the home of the Steiners and for people from all over the world who come to feel comfortable and at home.