Bavarian bathhouse manor
Surrounded by protected alpine meadows, stone gables and modern glass wings frame quiet salons lit by open fires and mountain light.
“Old stone buildings with steep roofs and narrow windows, inspired by the English Arts and Crafts movement, rise above the spa and garden wing…”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Stepped Arts and Crafts gables alongside contemporary glass wings and cedar forest pavilions.
Remarkable
A detached bathhouse holds five pools, including an outdoor 40-degree Japanese onsen.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Guest rooms in the main house feature chic mod-inspired furniture and some fairly bold choices in décor — clusters of hanging spherical lamps and color juxtapositions that, in theory, should clash, but somehow don’t.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The retreat rests on a secluded meadow plateau between the Karwendel range and Zugspitze, reached along a historic royal toll road.
The rooms
Main house quarters blend bold color contrasts with quirky English styling, while the Garden Wing frames peak views through floor-to-ceiling glass.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated lap pool and outdoor brine pool look out across the valley to the Wetterstein range.
The bathhouse
Soak slowly.
Relaxation lounges wrap around open hearths, and treatments incorporate botanicals harvested from the on-site herb garden.
Meditation and yoga
A shingled meditation pavilion designed by Kengo Kuma sits deep in the pine woods for daily guided practice.
Hotel Bar and Wine Cellar
Glossy blue tiles and red armchairs anchor the bar, serving alpine vintages from the cellar.
At the table
Panoramic glass surrounds the dining room, where five-course evening menus spotlight regional Bavarian produce.
How it began
British violinist Mary Isabel Portman commissioned the stone country house in 1913, creating an English Arts and Crafts retreat in Bavaria.
Stay here
Das Kranzbach
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Krun
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.