The Dance of Life
"A house full of life and movement."
For a long time "TONZHAUS" has been to town tavern, and for many generations the meeting point for the people of Val Senales and travellers. It's origins date back to 1381. It's interesting to try to guess who its guests were, and who stopped here during the centuries.
The TONZHAUS has been in our family for over 40 years. We are happy to take it, together with you and with joy and enthusiasm, into the future.
Yours, the Götsch family
1381
Historic Tavern at the Church
A record of the “Chelr bei der chirchen”, the “Tavern at the Church”, can be found in the 1381 parish archives. It’s highly probable that this was the tavern next to the well-known pilgrimage church in Madonna di Senales in the Senales Valley, right on the very spot where the TONZHAUS stands today. Another, much clearer entry from 1528 refers to the “Tanzhaus” by name. We can’t be sure just exactly where the name comes from, but what’s clear is that TONZHAUS is a dialectical corruption of ‘Tanzhaus’ (dancing house), especially as local village inns were often the scene of much dancing and merriment. The next reference is in the 1679 census, which revealed that 17 people were residing at the TONZHAUS. As detailed in Hans von Zwiedeck’s book, the inn played host to a highly esteemed guest in 1846 – none other than Archduke John of Austria himself, who had been journeying through the Ötztal and Senales Valleys. The book contains an account of his first morning at the TONZHAUS: “As I awoke from a good slumber, I went to the window. Somewhat misty, but pretty, and with a peace and quiet spread across the valley – happy, secluded mountain tops inhabited by happy people […].”
1960
Hotel Goldenes Kreuz (Golden Cross Hotel)
In the old “TONZHAUS”, local farmers had their own ‘rooms’ where they could get changed and freshen up ready for church. There was, for example, the Finailer room, named after the nearby Finail farm, as well as a stable where farmers could leave their horses during service. After leaving church, people happily met at the tavern, to exchange news and gossips, play some music, sing and dance.
“This house has always been full of life and movement”, explains Andreas Götsch. “In 1960, my father, Wilhelm Götsch, acquired the tavern In 1975, it was almost completely demolished, and a lovely two-star hotel was built in its place. This marked the birth of our Hotel: "Goldenes Kreuz", which means "Golden Cross". That was the first major change."
Almost completely demolished? Yes, but only almost! The jewel of the old establishment, the ancient farmhouse parlour, is today still in its original condition - with its beautiful wooden window frames, recessed seating areas, the ancient grandfather clock and the carved “Jesus” in the corner.
2016
Returning to our origins.
In 2004, Andreas and his wife, Patrizia, took over their parents' hotel, and then started to refurbish it in autumn 2006. The young couple share a love of nature and a passion for hiking, and were soon able to obtain certification as a "Wanderhotel", or specialist hotel for hikers, with a particular focus on the extraordinary landscape of the Senales Valley.
In 2016 Patrizia and Andreas plucked up their courage and embarked on a new adventure, undertaking a major programme of renovation while still respecting the original character of their home. The hotel regained its historic name of TONZHAUS, and was equipped with a new facade, four new "natura" suites, a mountain swimming-pool and an Alpin-Spa.
2019
Another breath of fresh air.
The work started three years ago is now approaching completion. Over the spring period, many parts of the original building have become seamlessly integrated into the new layout of the TONZHAUS. The dream of Chef Andreas has now come true, with the creation of his brand-new kitchen and a bright and attractive dining room. The new "natura" suites with a scenic view of the valley will be a place of wellbeing and relaxation for our guests.
Patrizia and Andreas manage the "TONZHAUS" with great dedication, serenity, and a love of life. Their three daughters Elin, Jana and Delia complete their happiness, giving them many special memories and making the sun shine in the Götsch household.
Tonzhaus - the dance of life. A home full of liveliness and activity. Today, as it was then.