Sustainability at BERGEBLICK:
For a mindful holiday in harmony with nature
Why sustainability matters more today than ever before
Sustainability has long been more than a trend: it has become a necessary principle, one that is gaining importance in every area of our lives. With climate change, dwindling natural resources, and growing environmental pressure from waste and pollutants, the call for sustainable action keeps getting louder. We face the challenge of finding a balance between human needs and the preservation of our planet. Awareness of issues such as CO2 reduction, the circular economy, and responsible consumption has grown considerably in recent years. Sustainability is on everyone's lips because we recognise that the decisions we make today have to secure the basis of life for future generations.
For us at Hotel BERGEBLICK, sustainability means taking on that responsibility: for nature, for our guests and for the local community. We are committed to protecting our environment, with our own photovoltaic system and wood-chip heating system, a chlorine-free pool and a deliberate decision to do without air conditioning, as you'll read below. Because we're convinced that sustainability isn't simply an option, it's an obligation towards our planet and the people who live on it.
Eco-friendly energy: sustainable and local
Nature gives us so much, and we'd like to give something back. A central part of our sustainability strategy is the way we generate energy. The BERGEBLICK uses a state-of-the-art wood-chip heating system, fuelled by shredded wood from joineries in the region. This puts offcuts to good use and avoids waste, while creating a sustainable heating solution. Drawing on these regional resources makes ecological sense and supports the local economy at the same time.
We also harness the power of the sun: our rooftop photovoltaic system covers an estimated 23% of our electricity needs with solar power we generate ourselves.
Efficient ventilation and a conscious decision against air conditioning
We take a different approach to indoor air, too. Our ventilation systems are installed only where they are genuinely needed and work with heat recovery to improve energy efficiency. This means we recover the heat from extracted air and feed it back into the heating circuit, keeping energy losses to a minimum.
One deliberate step is our decision to do without air conditioning in the rooms and in the hotel's public areas. Instead of energy-hungry units, we rely on natural ventilation concepts and intelligent architectural solutions. The interiors are designed to stay pleasantly cool even on hot days, and our guests enjoy the fresh mountain air in its most natural form.
Regional products and partnerships: quality you can taste
For us, sustainability also means strengthening regional economic cycles. That's why we work closely with local farmers, producers, and craftspeople: from the baker and the natural cheese dairy to the butcher, and the farms nearby. Our breakfast buffet and the dishes in our restaurant are built on regional, seasonal produce that is fresh and wholesome and travels shorter distances. Only the best ingredients from the region make it onto the table here, which tastes good and supports local agriculture and fair partnerships.
Careful with resources: a mindful approach to food
Another important aspect of our sustainability philosophy is the care we take with food. At the BERGEBLICK we make a point of cooking and preparing mainly what will actually be eaten. By keeping leftovers to a minimum and matching quantities to real demand, we reduce food waste. Freshness and quality come first, and our guests appreciate this considered approach.
Raising awareness: together for a better future
Sustainability starts with small things, and every contribution counts. That's why we don't just tell our guests about the measures we take, we also invite them to join us on our sustainability journey. Small gestures, such as switching off lights, using water carefully or borrowing a bike from our hire service, make a real difference.
Relaxation in harmony with nature
A stay at the BERGEBLICK is a conscious decision in favour of a holiday in harmony with nature. Here our guests experience the beauty of the landscape along with the good feeling of treating their surroundings more mindfully. Whether on a yoga retreat, meditating outdoors or taking a mindful walk through the woods, these are moments shaped by awareness and a genuine connection with nature.
Our promise: continuous improvement
Sustainability is an ongoing process. We keep questioning what we do and adapt our measures as things develop. Our aim is to keep growing over the long term and to offer our guests not just a stay to remember, but one they can enjoy with a clear conscience.
Short distances: sustainability starts with our team
One often underrated contribution to sustainability is how close our team lives to the hotel. At the BERGEBLICK we attach great importance to our employees living as near to the hotel as possible, which keeps their daily commute short. That saves CO2 and strengthens the local community. With this decision we help to reduce traffic in the region and improve our team's quality of life at the same time.
Natural swimming: our Living Pool
Another highlight of our sustainability concept is our pool, or rather our Living Pool. Unlike conventional pools, which are treated with chlorine and other chemicals, ours is cleaned entirely without them. That protects the environment and makes for a more pleasant swim: the water is particularly soft and there's no unpleasant smell of chlorine. Since the water hardly ever needs changing, this method also saves valuable resources.
Join in and be part of our sustainable journey!
At the BERGEBLICK you're not just a guest, you're part of a movement committed to protecting nature and preserving our environment. Let's keep the beauty of the Tölzer Land alive together: for today, for tomorrow, and for the generations to come.
Building Hotel BERGEBLICK: in harmony with trees and nature
At BERGEBLICK, sustainability goes beyond the photovoltaic and wood-chip heating systems: it extends to the architecture. Together with Beham Architekten we developed a building concept that respects the nature of the Tölzer Land and uses its resources responsibly.
Sustainable building with timber: a facade that tells stories
Our timber facade is more than an eye-catcher. It takes its inspiration from the nearby town forest and shows how closely the architecture of Hotel BERGEBLICK is tied to its surroundings. We chose a construction method that takes its lead from nature. The goal was a building that follows sustainable principles, from the choice of materials through to the craftsmanship.
To protect valuable timber species, we used native spruce instead of the durability class 1 species set out in the DIN standard, even though spruce is usually less durable. An innovative sealing technique and carefully considered construction allowed us to protect the vulnerable points in the wood without energy-intensive metal cladding. In this way we use local resources efficiently and responsibly.
Concrete meets timber: a harmonious combination for greater sustainability
For the structure of the building we chose a combination of timber and concrete. The concrete ceilings provide excellent acoustic and fire protection and are integrated with the building services, which sped up the construction process. The concrete comes from a gravel works in Lenggries, just 5 kilometres away, so we were able to shorten transport routes and support the regional economy.
Another innovative aspect of our building concept is the skeleton frame of the facade, made from local timber, which provides shading and climate regulation on the "low-tech, high-effect" principle. The high summer sun is broken up by the timber structure and, combined with thermal insulating glazing and external curtains, the hotel stays pleasantly cool even on hot days. Rather than relying on energy-intensive air conditioning, we put our trust in natural solutions and in our guests' own sense of responsibility.
Sustainable energy: heat from the region
At the heart of our sustainability concept is the way we produce heat. The hotel complex is heated from a central boiler house with a modern wood-chip heating system. It runs on residual wood, often timber damaged by pests, from surrounding farmers and foresters, as well as offcuts from joineries. The result is a regional cycle that avoids waste and supports local forestry.
In addition, our rooftop photovoltaic system covers an estimated 23% of our electricity needs with solar power we generate ourselves. The hotel's ventilation systems are designed for energy efficiency and use heat recovery, which is how we manage without air conditioning.
Natural materials: simple, effective and easy on the environment
At the BERGEBLICK we take a clear approach to materials: single-type, untreated materials that need as few additional layers as possible are fundamental to the way we build. We do without unnecessary surface finishes such as plaster and paint, which saves resources and primary energy and brings out the distinctive character of the materials themselves. The parts of the building in contact with the ground are made of raw concrete, worked only minimally. This reduction to the essentials reveals the traces of the building process and gives the building its authenticity.
Intelligent soil management also meant we could reuse almost all of the excavated material on site, with nothing having to be carted away: another plus for the environment and for the sustainability of the project.
Social sustainability: a new pioneering spirit for Bad Tölz
For us, sustainability goes beyond ecology: it includes social responsibility. Bad Tölz, once a flourishing spa town, is currently going through a period of change. With our hotel concept we want to build on the town's historical significance and contribute to its social renewal. Our approach focuses on prevention and recovery in a modern working world, creating an environment for relaxation and self-care.
Instead of a conventional full-service restaurant, we support the local dining scene and invite our guests to explore the region's varied culinary offering. This strengthens the regional economy and gives our guests an authentic experience at the same time. That said, no one goes hungry at the BERGEBLICK: dinner and snacks are served here too.
A contribution to the future
Hotel BERGEBLICK shows what sustainable building can look like in practice. With a holistic approach that combines regional materials, energy efficiency, and social responsibility, we demonstrate that sustainability and comfort can go hand in hand. We're proud to be taking a new path: for our guests, for the region, and for a better future.
Warm wishes,
Andrea
