There is a special moment at Hotel Gruber that our guests only come to understand after a few days. A small, unwritten secret sign that quietly wanders through our house: our hotel calendar.

Every guest saying goodbye receives one as a thank-you gift for their journey home – adorned with the most breathtaking mountain views of the Dolomites surrounding Sexten. Yet over the years, this small token has developed a heart-warming life of its own.

As soon as someone walks through the entrance area on their departure day with the familiar calendar under their arm, everyone knows right away. A subtle nod, a knowing smile between guests: “Ah – heading back home today, are we?”

Our very own secret sign during a holiday in South Tyrol.

Between bittersweetness and holiday joy

This tradition actually begins the evening before. When Senior host Marlene does her evening round through the dining room, you can feel a very special shift in emotions.

She takes her time, shakes hands, and wishes those leaving the next morning a safe journey home. Just one table over, she welcomes the newly arrived guests, whose eyes still hold that sense of wonder for the South Tyrolean mountains.

Here, the gentle bittersweetness of goodbye meets the thrilling anticipation of a dream vacation just beginning.

The next morning, it becomes official: the first calendars start wandering through the house. For us as hosts, it is an emotional moment every single time.

After shared days, deep conversations, and memorable moments in the mountains, guests often turn into dear friends. Saying goodbye is never easy.

A piece of Sexten all year round

That is precisely why we love this calendar so much. It isn’t just a souvenir that ends up forgotten in a closet. It travels home with you.

Month after month, it brings the majestic peaks of the Dolomites, the fresh alpine air, and memories of your time at Hotel Gruber right into your living room. It becomes your daily companion – until that lingering longing for the mountains turns into joyful anticipation for your next visit.

And when the new season begins for us, the next calendar will wander through our hallways. Our little secret sign for: “Thank you for the wonderful time – and hopefully see you very soon here in Sexten!” ❤️