The former mill and sawmill operation, along with its associated property of approximately 1.5 hectares, was first mentioned in writing on July 11, 1421. The oldest sawmill was engaged in processing driftwood from the lordly forests of Tschengls or Lichtenstainer in the Suldental.
The estate existed until 1724 and was expanded in 1921 by Alois Wunderer (born 1873). In the 1930s, both waterwheels were replaced by a turbine set. The sawmill was discontinued around 1938, while the milling craft flourished. After World War II, the old mill was replaced by Hermann Wunderer (born 1911) with a four-story art mill building.
The history of our campsite begins in the early 1970s when travelers en route to Italy discovered our picturesque orchard meadow as a resting place. The inviting atmosphere, characterized by numerous trees and fruits, motivated the first visitors to pitch their tents. Subsequently, washing facilities, a water source, and electrical connections were set up. This natural allure led to the dual use of the meadow alongside the existing mill, which gave our campsite the name "Camping Sägemühle." Our grandfather, Hermann Wunderer, operated the mill until the 1980s, mainly grinding rye for local bakeries and producing the famous Vinschgau Paarlbrot. The flour was also delivered to neighboring Veltin (Lombardy) via the Stelvio Pass road to Sondrio.
In 1979, Karin and Herbert Wunderer took over the management in the second generation and implemented numerous improvements and innovative projects. The barn at the old residential house had to make way for a new building, which included cellar rooms, a reception area, a lounge, and a small kiosk on the ground floor. The highlight of the campsite at that time was the outdoor swimming pool, one of the first swimming pools in the valley, which gained great popularity especially in the summer.
In 1992, we expanded our offerings with a small wellness area featuring a sauna, steam bath, and whirlpool in the basement, allowing our winter guests to relax after a day of skiing. Shortly thereafter, we expanded our accommodation options with holiday apartments on the upper floors.
In 1993, we opened our own restaurant on the ground floor, where Herbert Wunderer, as head chef, delighted guests with culinary delights, while the in-house café offered cozy breaks with cappuccinos and freshly baked apple strudel.
The opening of our indoor pool with a children's pool in 1999 significantly enhanced the quality of our offerings, especially during the apple blossom season, the autumn hiking season, and throughout the winter months. The indoor pool, featuring expansive windows offering impressive mountain views, boasts a 160-square-meter water surface area complete with a counter-current system, waterfall, floor bubblers, and whirlpool. It provides daily swimming enjoyment from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
In 2007, 30 new premium pitches were added, each with generous dimensions of up to 160 m². These pitches feature a modern, underground sanitary facility and offer the option to rent private bathrooms. An underpass, incorporating the sanitary building, connects the premium area with the comfort area.
The entire preparation of the 7,000 m² grassy area was almost entirely carried out by Herbert Wunderer himself. Trenches were dug for the drainage of each pitch, and lines for fresh water and wastewater were laid. Additionally, wiring for electricity, internet, and television connections was installed. Finally, the area was landscaped with trees and shrubs.
In 2011, a new building was constructed between the main house and the swimming pool area. On the ground floor, it features a new reception, a kiosk, a lounge area with a play corner, the bar, and the à la carte restaurant with a pizzeria. In the basement, there are utility rooms for camping guests, as well as 10 new apartments, with additional rooms on the upper floors.
At the beginning of 2023, we replaced the old, vacant buildings with a modern new construction that comprises 7 apartments, double rooms, and an exclusive SPA suite. In the basement, additional utility rooms and rental bathrooms were set up for our camping guests. The expansion of the restaurant, along with the creation of additional spaces for children, such as the Kids Club, complemented by a diverse multimedia room, reflect the evolving needs of our guests, especially the younger generations, and enhance the appeal of our campground.
A long-awaited and already approved project that we will be implementing in the near future is the expansion of our wellness area. This includes extending the sauna and massage offerings onto the roof of our indoor swimming pool.
The location of the campground, enriched by its proximity to the "Via Claudia Augusta" cycling path and the village center, not only offers our guests a comfortable stay but also the opportunity to explore the surrounding culture and nature. The continuous expansion and improvement of our offerings reflect our philosophy of continual growth and quality enhancement, with particular emphasis on striking a balance between providing modern amenities and preserving the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.
A place with tradition and hosts from the heart!
After welcoming people from all over the world for over 45 years, one can rightfully claim to be passionate hosts. And that's truly the case for us - the Wunderer family. We couldn't imagine anything better than being there for you. Soon, our family business will be taken over and managed by our son Michael and his wife Anna Thöni in the third generation. Michael's siblings, Heike and Andreas, are also successful in their respective professions.