Person of the Month: Erich Falkensteiner 

The newly developed and very central urban area of WaltherPark, which has transformed the face of the city, has its beating heart in the new Falkensteiner Hotel Bozen WaltherPark.

This is the latest major achievement by the Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group (FMTG), now managed by Erich & Andreas Falkensteiner along with Otmar Michaeler, but with deep family roots. It was in 1957 that Maria and Josef Falkensteiner opened a family-run guesthouse in Casteldarne in the Puster Valley with a remarkably forward-looking vision. Their idea was to create an oasis of relaxation, not by the roadside as was common at the time, but rather in a quieter location to offer greater comfort. That intuition, quite innovative at the time, continues to represent the group’s goal: to provide welcoming, comfortable spaces enriched by original and innovative ideas.

Absolutely. With the hotel in WaltherPark, we’re opening a new chapter for urban hospitality in Bolzano. We are combining modern, metropolitan design with the unmistakable South Tyrolean hospitality that defines the Falkensteiner brand. This creates a new meeting place and a retreat in the heart of the city, surrounded by an alpine setting. This combination makes the project especially exciting, both for us and for the city.

First of all, the location, right in the heart of Bolzano, is nestled within an innovative urban district, yet offering views of the surrounding mountains. Our hotel blends vacation vibes with an urban atmosphere: a spacious Acquapura SPA with panoramic views of the Catinaccio, a rooftop restaurant with 360-degree views of the city, and the exclusive Mochi Sushi.Grill.Rooftop Bar- a first of its kind in South Tyrol. On top of that, the interior design is curated by the renowned London-based studio Muza Lab, perfectly reflecting the lifestyle soul of our brand.

For me personally, this project is truly close to my heart. As a South Tyrolean, I’ve always dreamed of opening a Falkensteiner hotel in the capital of our province. Bolzano offers a perfect combination of Alpine nature, Mediterranean lifestyle, culture, and gastronomy. We didn’t just want to open a hotel; we wanted to bring new momentum to the quality of tourism and convey to our guests a genuine feeling of “Welcome Home.”

Without a doubt: passion is at the core of everything we do. Our roots lie in a small guesthouse in South Tyrol, where hospitality was a joy. That spirit has always been with me. Even though we are now an international tourism company, for me, warmth, quality, and offering guests a special experience remain essential. It is this passion that drives us to explore new paths and bring to life projects like the one in Bolzano.

 Image: Eric Falkensteiner, Courtesy Falkensteiner Hotels