The mountains in summer: inhaling wonderfully fresh Alpine air, relaxing to the sound of the splashing water from mountain springs and lazing around in unspoilt meadows! Or beating a path through trees and undergrowth, following narrow mountain paths and getting blown away by the spectacular backdrop created by Mother Nature! Last but not least, observing the sun as it slowly sinks behind the mountain peaks after a rewarding day to make way for the moon and the stars, which seem so much closer when you're so high up!

In the olden days...

If you're not lucky enough to live amidst these idyllic mountains, then you should at least reserve a spot on a lush, green meadow complete with mountain hut between 29th June (St. Peter and St. Paul's Day) and 8th September (nativity of Mary). This is what people did in the olden days: in the 19th century, come the warm season, wealthier citizens moved away from the town, which was situated in the valley basin, and headed up to the cooler hills. Anyone who could afford it owned a comfortable summer residence in this pretty part of the world, while others found themselves board and lodging in guesthouses. Very soon, the Ritten plateau had made a name for itself as the ideal place to go for a spot of 'Sommerfrische'. Well-to-do ladies from far and wide would be transported up on horseback, while the husbands who were not able to work from the summer residence came up just at the weekends.

What it's like today...

Things are different today. All family members spend a relaxing time in the mountains together. What hasn't changed is the destination. Ritten is considered THE place to go for a summer retreat. As stated in the old regulations concerning the habits of 'proper' Bozen locals: “Thirdly, a summer retreat on cool and breezy Ritten is essential”. Nowadays, the comfortable Ritten cable car takes those in search of a bit of rest and recuperation up to lush, green, relaxing Ritten instead of horses and muscle power.

The Bauer family from Haus Bauer in Klobenstein will be happy to help with insider tips for a genuine 'Sommerfrische' experience.You can find more private hosts on Ritten here.