— Nils Holger: “berge is a place to find peace. There’s everything you need to feel comfortable, but it’s not a fancy spa parlor. The feeling of well-being comes from the inside.”
Interview By: Welcome Beyond
— What was the inspiration for ‘berge’?
Nils Holger: “Actually it was a misguided real estate purchase. For years we have been urgently investigating options to purchase a warehouse to deal with the logistics of our company. The plan was to construct this warehouse on the property, right behind the existing building. We already had the necessary permits. At the last moment a neighbour filed an appeal and caused the project to halt.
Naturally I was frustrated, but I had already begun extensive repairs on the old, run-down house. At some point, our accounting department informed us that we had already invested a huge amount of money. Since we often had company guests and had difficulty finding accommodation, the original plan was to provide lodging for our guests. The whole endeavor was quite unplanned. That’s why in the beginning we called it the ‘Grand Hotel Futile.’”
Naturally I was frustrated, but I had already begun extensive repairs on the old, run-down house. At some point, our accounting department informed us that we had already invested a huge amount of money. Since we often had company guests and had difficulty finding accommodation, the original plan was to provide lodging for our guests. The whole endeavor was quite unplanned. That’s why in the beginning we called it the ‘Grand Hotel Futile.’”
— 'Große Stube' kitchen
— And that changed quickly...
Nils Holger: “Yes, the plan changed quickly. We began to pay close attention to details, worked meticulously – close to insanity. We paid attention to every little detail. The problem was that the house had seen a lot of abuse over the centuries. The structure was great, but it was a tedious process to get it back out in the open. It resulted in 88 containers of awful refuse – everything from primitive synthetic floors and asbestos to synthetic faux wood deco ceilings.
At the same time the layout of the house needed to change. It took almost a year. We ended up relocating two staircases and the entrance area. From that moment on the house started to smile at us once again. I lost my gloomy mood as I regained joy in the project. Then all of us started to passionately work on this project, just like any other work at the company.”
At the same time the layout of the house needed to change. It took almost a year. We ended up relocating two staircases and the entrance area. From that moment on the house started to smile at us once again. I lost my gloomy mood as I regained joy in the project. Then all of us started to passionately work on this project, just like any other work at the company.”
— 'Gipfelstürmer' at berge
— So the ‘Grand Hotel Futile’ regained a future?
Nils Holger: “Yes, but we quickly changed the silly name. Even though it was funny, after a couple of years it would have grown old and we found the name ‘berge’ (lit: mountains). Mountains are my passion. I live in the mountains, and the house is directly on a mountain, the Kampenwand.
I think the name ‘berge’ is beautiful and a bit cumbersome as well. It also contains a play on words, as ‘berge’ in German is part of the word hostel (‘Herberge’). That was very important to us. We didn’t want to lose sight and turn into a designer or art hotel. We wanted to create something relatively simple, but clearly structured and clean in its details, something that challenges the guests as well. For example the bedding is very rough at first. The guests have to ‘fight’ with it first, then it protects them all night long.”
I think the name ‘berge’ is beautiful and a bit cumbersome as well. It also contains a play on words, as ‘berge’ in German is part of the word hostel (‘Herberge’). That was very important to us. We didn’t want to lose sight and turn into a designer or art hotel. We wanted to create something relatively simple, but clearly structured and clean in its details, something that challenges the guests as well. For example the bedding is very rough at first. The guests have to ‘fight’ with it first, then it protects them all night long.”
—
— Is that the philosophy of ‘berge’?
Nils Holger: “Yes, indeed. Originally we had planned to make ‘berge’ a typical hotel, but then we realized that to run it as such would take a lot of personnel. We changed our plans to reflect the idea that guests forge their own luck and have to find their own bearings. We communicate this clearly, but in the beginning I was worried whether this would work.
And now something truly amazing happens. In the short period of time that ‘berge’ has been in business, we already have some ‘berge’ enthusiasts that have been here three or four times. That’s the best compliment for ‘berge’! So it seems like the concept works. Guests don’t complain about too little service, and they find themselves. We also have meetings and conferences, and that seems to work wonderfully too. Guests arrive here and they feel the place. You have to give a piece of yourself, you can’t just sit down and ask, ‘Where’s the lobster bisque?’”
And now something truly amazing happens. In the short period of time that ‘berge’ has been in business, we already have some ‘berge’ enthusiasts that have been here three or four times. That’s the best compliment for ‘berge’! So it seems like the concept works. Guests don’t complain about too little service, and they find themselves. We also have meetings and conferences, and that seems to work wonderfully too. Guests arrive here and they feel the place. You have to give a piece of yourself, you can’t just sit down and ask, ‘Where’s the lobster bisque?’”
— berge outside view
— The majority of the furniture is from your company. How would you describe ‘berge’s’ style?
Nils Holger: “Yes, the majority is from us, since the plans were ours too. Thus we were able to move forward according to our own taste. I would say it’s minimalist and simple, supported by some fun historical additions. For example, the kitchen table in the ‘Große Stube’ is a typical Bavarian ‘Jockel’ table – just a large version of it. The towel holders, too, are typical for the alpine region.
We also tried to use the materials in unusual ways, which requires a lot of care. The floors are made of extremely wide slats of alpine spruce that’s almost impossible to purchase these days. And the wood is completely untreated. It was beautiful in the beginning, until the first worker ran across. Then followed the first red wine stain – I suffered a lot. But now it’s beginning to show some patina, which natural materials are known for. They age well. Now each new scratch is an improvement.”
We also tried to use the materials in unusual ways, which requires a lot of care. The floors are made of extremely wide slats of alpine spruce that’s almost impossible to purchase these days. And the wood is completely untreated. It was beautiful in the beginning, until the first worker ran across. Then followed the first red wine stain – I suffered a lot. But now it’s beginning to show some patina, which natural materials are known for. They age well. Now each new scratch is an improvement.”
— 'Nordwand' at berge
— So it’s all about the details?
Nils Holger: “Yes, exactly. It’s all about designing ‘berge’ not in a classic style, but to penetrate through to every detail. When there was no suitable door handle, we had it crafted by a blacksmith. The towels and bath robes were custom-made for the house, an old man in town turns wood into the bowls we use and for silverware we didn’t buy something just because it was nice or cheap, but only what was best suited. If you’re being so stern to say that guests have to make themselves feel comfortable, then it all has to fit, has to be honest and harmonious.
Now you don’t see all this, but you can feel it. There are so many little details that together form a language. Anyone who’s got a knack for aesthetics feels this, knows that this place is special.”
Now you don’t see all this, but you can feel it. There are so many little details that together form a language. Anyone who’s got a knack for aesthetics feels this, knows that this place is special.”
—
Nils Holger's favourites:
berge
Transportation
Eat & Drink
Activities
SightsInterview By: Welcome Beyond
— You mentioned the word ‘honest.’ What do you mean by that?
Nils Holger: “Many hotels are full of loveless stuff – perfunctory and shallow. I believe it has to be honest. It can’t pretend to be more than it is. It can seduce, but it’s not enough to be beautiful at first sight, it has to have substance. Sustainable is a word that’s often used today, too often.
The best word, I recently noticed, is authentic. Authentic is beautiful. You can’t steal it, you can only be it. You can buy sustainability, but it’s not that simple with authenticity. And ‘berge’ is truly authentic, since we made everything ourselves.”
The best word, I recently noticed, is authentic. Authentic is beautiful. You can’t steal it, you can only be it. You can buy sustainability, but it’s not that simple with authenticity. And ‘berge’ is truly authentic, since we made everything ourselves.”
— 'Bergbude' at berge
— How would you describe the essence of ‘berge’?
Nils Holger: “‘berge’ is a place to find peace. There’s everything you need to feel comfortable, but it’s not a fancy spa parlor. The feeling of well-being comes from the inside. When you are sensitive, a neatly constructed environment reflects this comfort, and you immediately feel well. It shows on their faces – that’s when I know that the guests have truly arrived.
Another important concept was to do away with TVs and other electronics. Each room has a small library of 12 classics, books one wants to read but doesn’t typically get to. We also provide knitting supplies in the rooms. There’s a scarf that was already started, and guests can choose to complete it. Sometimes guests shake their heads at my craziness. But I like things like that, I think they’re neat.”
Another important concept was to do away with TVs and other electronics. Each room has a small library of 12 classics, books one wants to read but doesn’t typically get to. We also provide knitting supplies in the rooms. There’s a scarf that was already started, and guests can choose to complete it. Sometimes guests shake their heads at my craziness. But I like things like that, I think they’re neat.”
— Garden at berge
— Was that also the reaction of guests who stayed before the construction was completed?
Nils Holger: “Yes, it was brutal. During the construction we let guests stay for 1 Euro per night. And at five in the morning the workers started with their jackhammer, merciless. Once or twice guests complained as they had planned to enjoy their vacation. But we did tell them prior to their stay, they must not have believed us. The great majority, though, took part in the process.
I believe it is important for the guests to be served and cared for, as they’re on vacation, but they should also be part of the whole. Only being there and not doing anything is boring.
Another really important aspect is to be honest. In the beginning we had a picture of the house with the castle in the background and blue skies – it looked great. Until the first guest mentioned that the house is right in front of a street. And we knew this of course, but we didn’t realize that we needed to communicate these details. Now we say it’s right next to a street – so, look the other way, it’s pretty there.”
I believe it is important for the guests to be served and cared for, as they’re on vacation, but they should also be part of the whole. Only being there and not doing anything is boring.
Another really important aspect is to be honest. In the beginning we had a picture of the house with the castle in the background and blue skies – it looked great. Until the first guest mentioned that the house is right in front of a street. And we knew this of course, but we didn’t realize that we needed to communicate these details. Now we say it’s right next to a street – so, look the other way, it’s pretty there.”
—
— How would you describe the region?
Nils Holger: “To me the region is bewildering, because when I moved here 40 years ago I could not imagine living here. And today quite the opposite is true. Aschau has something special. It’s a very small town in an interesting setting. On one side there is the expanse of lake Chiemsee, which is about five kilometers away, and on the other side you have a typical alpine scenery. We are at the foot of the mountain Kampenwand, which is about 1,700 meters high and has its own small skiing area.
I really like the town and visitors generally find it incredibly beautiful. Aschau also has a cultural capacity. We have an active cultural scene: there’s a classical music festival every summer, a very active arts and culture association. There’s a lot going on, not only yodeling and typical Bavarian happy-go-lucky folksy evenings. The geographic location is great, too: Salzburg is 70 km away, Munich 80 km and it’s easy to reach the skiing town of Kitzbühel. All in all, there’s a lot to do.”
I really like the town and visitors generally find it incredibly beautiful. Aschau also has a cultural capacity. We have an active cultural scene: there’s a classical music festival every summer, a very active arts and culture association. There’s a lot going on, not only yodeling and typical Bavarian happy-go-lucky folksy evenings. The geographic location is great, too: Salzburg is 70 km away, Munich 80 km and it’s easy to reach the skiing town of Kitzbühel. All in all, there’s a lot to do.”
— berge outside view
— Is there something particularly striking, something one should definitely do?
Nils Holger: “What’s truly surprising is that down the hill, in town, there’s everything: many cars, phones, stress and work. But only a 45 minute walk away, you’re in a completely different world, in alpine meadows. To me it’s fascinating that these contrasts are so close, that there is such a difference within only a few meters in altitude.
The other thing to do is to row a boat across the lake and go to the Fraueninsel. I discovered this a couple of years ago. There are some truly beautiful places.”
The other thing to do is to row a boat across the lake and go to the Fraueninsel. I discovered this a couple of years ago. There are some truly beautiful places.”
— 'Winterstube' at berge
— When is the best time for a visit to berge?
Nils Holger: “I’m a true fan of spring. When the first daisies come out, my soul rejoices. I also like to ski, but the winter is very long. On the other hand I wouldn’t want to live in California. The ups and downs of nature are very pronounced, and very important. Summers are joyful, cheerful, and fall brings out the German character, the well-known ‘Gemütlichkeit’ – it’s nice and cozy and you warm up sitting by the oven. And of course, winter is perfect for skiing.
The Kampenwand right next to us is a pretty small skiing area, but very pleasant as there are mostly locals. Then there are also other big ones close by, the ‘Wilde Kaiser,‘ Kitzbühel, Elmau and Kössen. A lot of guests go there, they choose a different skiing area every day.”
The Kampenwand right next to us is a pretty small skiing area, but very pleasant as there are mostly locals. Then there are also other big ones close by, the ‘Wilde Kaiser,‘ Kitzbühel, Elmau and Kössen. A lot of guests go there, they choose a different skiing area every day.”
—
— Thank you, Nils Holger!
Prices are an indication only. The final quote will be the same low price as booking your vacation directly.
There are no fees to book. Please check directly with the owner for special arrangements or information not listed here.
Service
Self-catering
Property type
Apartment
Location
Mountains
Special requirements
Children welcome
Pets welcome
Not suitable for wheelchairs
No smoking, please
Transport
Car recommended
Private parking
Limited public transport
Prices are an indication only. The final quote will be the same low price as booking your vacation directly.
There are no fees to book. Please check directly with the owner for special arrangements or information not listed here.
Bedrooms
0 Single bedroom
1 Double bedroom
0 Twin bedroom
0 Room w. multiple beds
Additional:
0 Sofabed
0 Extra bed (on request)
0 Air mattress (on req.)
0 Baby cot/crib (on req.)
Bath/shower rooms
0 Bathroom (ensuite)
0 Bathroom (shared)
1 Shower room (ensuite)
0 Shower room (shared)
1 Toilet (ensuite)
Additional:
0 Toilet (shared)
Other rooms
0 Kitchen
1 Kitchenette
0 Cooking area
0 Living room
0 Dining room
0 Other rooms
Prices for 2 sharingperson
Lowest price
Highest price
Price per night/apartment
€ 150
€ 150
Size: 27 square meters. 1 units available.
It is true, situated on the top floor K3 requires a short climb to reach it, but otherwise you are well protected against icy heights. In the small flat you need not cover many horizontal meters, not to mention vertical ones. Surrounded by untreated wood, old brick walls and clay plaster you can take things easy in K3. Freed from daily grind you can enjoy time at a home-cooked meal and a aglass of wine in front of the large window overlooking the garden and the Kampenwand.
The daily operation of the fold-away bed will put you stamina to the test and result in the acquisiton of more living-space at the same time. Yet, you may just as well ignore the fold-away beds operation instructions and leave it in the horizontal position.
Dogs allowed (extra charge of € 8).
