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History

The History of the Tenne

A house that has shaped Kitzbühel for generations

For more than 120 years, the Tenne has been part of Kitzbühel’s old town – a place that has witnessed change, preserved history and welcomed guests from all over the world. What once began as a wax workshop and gingerbread bakery evolved into a cultural meeting place, later into a hotel with character, and ultimately into an institution that helped define the town’s identity. Today, the Tenne is being rebuilt – respectfully, with a view to the future, and guided by an ethos that preserves the spirit of earlier decades while opening space for new chapters.

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Origins & Identity

The roots of a remarkable house

The history of the building reaches back to 1543, when it was first documented in the Vorderstadt. For centuries, the site was shaped by craftsmanship, trade and the rhythm of everyday life. In the late 19th century, a new chapter began with Franz Reisch – one of the most influential figures in the history of Kitzbühel. Recognising the building’s potential, he expanded it with a coffeehouse, laying the foundation for what would later become the Tenne. Even then, the intention was clear: a place of encounter, open to guests, rooted in its region and continually evolving. 

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Transformation Across the Decades

Zeitgeist. Architecture. New impulses.

From the redesigns of architect Lois Welzenbacher in the 1920s to the major transformation under Ernst Demar and Count Pilati in the 1970s, the Tenne repeatedly embraced innovation while preserving its character. The house was expanded, modernised and reinterpreted architecturally – yet remained a constant for locals and visitors alike. Generations gathered here, celebrated here, and continued writing parts of the town’s own story within its walls. 

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A Heritage House Entering a New Era

Preserving heritage, shaping the future

With the change of ownership in 2021, a new chapter began. A detailed structural assessment revealed that façade, building technology and core structure required a complete redevelopment. Together with the SOG advisory board and the Federal Monument Office, a concept was created that honours the history while enabling a contemporary, sustainable solution. The current reconstruction follows the familiar silhouette of the former Tenne, integrates traditional materials and opens the house to a new generation of guests.

TENNE UNDER RECONSTRUCTION

Historical Milestones

From 1543 to today

Across the centuries, the Tenne has taken on many forms – shaped by people, ideas and architectural impulses. The following milestones outline the key moments in which its development became visible, tracing its journey from an early town building to a cultural meeting point and, later, to a hotel with a distinctive identity. 

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