How do you capture the essence of a place? One way to do it is through language. Learning basic words and phrases doesn’t just show respect, it also helps you to understand the people and their region a little better. It’s particularly interesting in South Tyrol, where melodic Italian meets rustic Tyrolean, resulting in as many dialects as there are valleys. At the OLM Nature Escape in the Ahrntal, you’ll encounter the language as soon as you read the name of the Eco Aparthotel. You’ll have to “waitamochn” (move on) to find out what “Olm” means and which other South Tyrolean terms are used here.
HOI = hello
We’ll start with a greeting. Three letters that you’re bound to hear several times a day at OLM.
S’TOUL = the Ahrntal
Every valley has its own dialect and its own terminology. In the Ahrntal, it’s a bit coarser, more adventurous, but also quieter than in other regions of South Tyrol. Tall mountains, impressive waterfalls, undisturbed meadows and mystical forests shape the landscape. There is tranquillity in its isolation. It’s in the middle of nowhere, with only foxes and hares as neighbours.
BÄARIG = great
The foxes and hares are here. Are there bears too? We don’t know for sure. What we can be certain of is what is considered “bärig” around here. A wonderful experience can be “bärig”, as can good food or even a stay at OLM. For example, if you leap into the fresh natural pool after a session in the panorama sauna, that’s just as “bärig” as the OLM local menu with specialities from the Ahrntal served apéro-style.
KNÄIDL = dumpling
Speckknödel (bacon dumplings), Spinatknödel (spinach dumplings) or Käseknödel (cheese dumplings)? In Alpine cuisine, there’s no getting away from the savoury round specialities. You won’t want to either, because one bite of a homemade dumpling doesn’t just result in a “Mmmm, yum”, it also creates a warm feeling of comfort.
GILUSCHTN = when your mouth starts to water
This is definitely a common occurence. At PRENN°, the small restaurant for hotel guests, they serve breakfast, a light lunch and a variety of dinner specials. It is also a bar. Fancy something quieter? No problem – the apartsuites are all equipped with kitchens and you can buy traditional ingredients and
pick up recipes in the hotel shop. Or you can treat yourself to a culinary outing in the neighbourhood and visit one of the surrounding guesthouses, restaurants or mountain lodges.
SCHRATTILE = butterfly
There are numerous species in the Ahrntal, especially in the meadows and forest clearings. There are 3,100 species of butterfly in South Tyrol as a whole, including the marbled white, the shimmering blue gossamer-winged butterfly and the transparent burnet with red streaks.
APOSCHTO = everything’s OK
An Italian expression that applies to OLM. Not only because you’ll feel an overall sense of ease here, but also because care has been taken to ensure that everything is OK with nature. The Aparthotel is energy self-sufficient, enforces a zero-waste policy and serves water from its own well.
TITITITSÜI = Shut the door!
No, it’s not a bird twittering, it’s a request!
ROSCHTN = rest
What else is there to say? It’s time to rest, relax and let go.
TUSCH ET VIEL, MOCHSCH ET VIEL FOLSCH = Don’t do much, then you won’t do much wrong
A few words of South Tyrolean wisdom to help you on your way.
OLM = mountain pasture, eternal
And finally, we can explain what these three letters mean – the special place where the Eco Aparthotel is located. And the fact that it will hopefully stay here forever.
OLM nature escape is am member of Lifestylehotels