Hotel with a natural pool in Bavaria: 25 meters beneath the Wendelstein

The essentials at a glance

• The new 25-meter stainless steel outdoor natural pool at the Tannerhof is purified entirely biologically, without the use of chlorine.
• Nestled within the new BadeHarpfe designed by architect Florian Nagler, the pool offers an unobstructed view of the Wendelstein.
• The water is heated from April to October, supported by our own photovoltaic system with a planned 900 modules.
• In winter, the pool transforms into a space for healthy ice bathing, perfectly paired with our 85-degree Celsius panoramic sauna.

The power of biology: What a natural pool is and how it differs

For those seeking a gentle transition from activity to regeneration, the Tannerhof Nature Hotel in Bayrischzell offers a pristine sanctuary set against an alpine meadow. The new 25-meter outdoor natural pool plays a central role, not only in our holistic health programs but also for leisure, wellness, and relaxation. The sleek stainless steel basin blends harmoniously into the rising mountain meadow, offering swimmers a wide, open view between the Wendelstein and Sonnwendjoch. It is not an ordinary swimming pool, but a biologically balanced system that functions entirely without chlorine and engages the senses.

• Classic outdoor chlorine pools rely on chemical disinfection, which often irritates the skin and eyes. Our natural pool avoids this entirely.
• Traditional natural swimming ponds use lush planting zones for purification, which can lead to algae growth. Our stainless steel basin remains perfectly clear and pure.
• The water in our natural pool feels noticeably softer on the skin, smells purely of mountain air, and leaves no red eyes.

Biological purification: Clarity through the power of nature

Water purification is based on a sophisticated, external closed-loop filter system. Without any chemical additives, natural microorganisms continuously break down organic matter to keep the water crystal clear. The result is a velvety-soft bathing experience that lets the skin breathe and is gentle on sensitive mucous membranes. The pool is heated in an environmentally friendly way from April to October, with summer heating supported by energy from our own photovoltaic system. This is how sophisticated architecture combines with a deep respect for the valley's resources.

25 meters of stainless steel: An architectural statement on the mountain

In front of the expansive meadow of the studio, a new element integrates into the slope, appearing almost sculptural in its clear, functional design. Our 25-meter-long and 5-meter-wide natural pool made of brushed stainless steel draws a precise line into the alpine green of the Tannerhof Nature Hotel. Those who swim laps here look directly out at the vast panorama between the Wendelstein and Sonnwendjoch. The pool was intentionally placed to respect the topography of the terrain and nestle harmoniously into the surrounding hay meadows.

The union of material and nature

The choice of stainless steel at the Tannerhof was not an aesthetic coincidence, but the result of a commitment to sustainability. The durable material reflects the alpine sky in changing nuances, from cool morning gray to the deep blue of late afternoon. The water is purified entirely biologically, without any chlorine. Sophisticated filter technology ensures soft, skin-friendly water quality that avoids the typical eye irritation of conventional chlorine pools. Directly above the pool stands the BadeHarpfe, a timber structure designed by architect Florian Nagler that serves as a tranquil anchor, continuing the pool's minimalist design language.

• Dimensions and material: 25 by 5 meters of pure, durable stainless steel for undisturbed lap swimming.
• Biological purification: Natural water treatment without the use of chlorine for a particularly soft feel on the skin.
• Alpine views: Unobstructed views of the striking peaks between the Wendelstein and Sonnwendjoch.

This interplay of raw metal, clear spring water, and the surrounding nature shows that modern wellness architecture does not need cluttered halls to have a profound impact. It is a place of conscious transition, where the cool precision of stainless steel meets the gentle wildness of the Upper Bavarian mountains.

The BadeHarpfe: Florian Nagler’s homage to alpine traditions

Built in 2025, the BadeHarpfe at the Naturhotel Tannerhof is a place that quietly unites alpine building tradition with timeless minimalism. Designed by renowned Munich architect Florian Nagler, the slender timber structure is inspired by the hay dryers of the Alpine region—those archaic frames traditionally used to dry hay and grain in the wind. Running parallel to the contour lines, the delicate beam construction nestles gently into the expansive meadow slope, deliberately eschewing a closed, heated tunnel to the main building. The short walk across the mountain meadow sharpens our focus on the essentials.

The centerpiece of this new ensemble is the 25-meter-long stainless steel natural pool resting directly in front of it, which lies like an untouched mirror in the green slope and operates entirely without chlorine chemicals. Inside the BadeHarpfe, the clean lines continue, masterfully distilled by Florian Nagler to their most essential form. A two-story void in the center opens the building upward, creating a light-filled atmosphere for movement and meditative stillness.

• A Finnish panoramic sauna at a temperature of 85 degrees Celsius, offering views of the surrounding peaks through its wide glass surfaces.
• A wood-scented relaxation room with floor-to-ceiling glazing and comfortable Weißhäupl-Maliha loungers, inviting you to simply be and linger.
• Two functional fitness rooms with high-quality equipment from Eleiko for targeted strength training and Technogym for endurance sessions.

The BadeHarpfe is an architectural commitment to simplicity and clarity, far removed from classic spa theatrics. When your gaze wanders across the expansive stainless steel pool toward the Wendelstein and Sonnwendjoch after a sauna session, you can truly feel yourself arriving in your own rhythm. This is not about glamorous staging, but about an honest encounter with air, wood, warmth, and water.

Soft water throughout the seasons: From summer mornings to winter ice bathing

The large natural outdoor pool nestles quietly into the gentle mountain meadow in front of the BadeHarpfe. It is a silent protagonist in the open space of the Naturhotel Tannerhof—unassuming, yet possessing a powerful presence. From April to October, the water, heated to a pleasant temperature, invites you for your first morning laps while the mist still hangs low in the valley. This sustainable heat comes directly from the building's roof, where approximately 900 photovoltaic modules generate clean solar energy to help power the pool. The soft, biologically purified water caresses the body without any chlorine chemicals. It doesn't sting the eyes, smells only of fresh mountain air, and leaves a wonderfully velvety feeling on the skin.

The natural pool changes its character with the rhythm of the Bavarian foothills:

• Morning laps in May: As nature awakens, swim your first laps in the crystal-clear, heated stainless steel pool, surrounded by the fresh green of the mountain meadows.
• Summer days in July: After a hike or a spa treatment, the soft water provides a gentle cool-down while your gaze wanders far up to the Wendelstein.
• Autumn mist in October: The last warm swimming days of the year are accompanied by mystical veils of mist dancing over the water's surface.
• Ice bathing in January: In the cold season, the unheated pool becomes a natural cold plunge for conscious regeneration and mental strength.

When winter arrives and snow covers the meadows, the natural pool transforms into a stage for health-promoting ice bathing. The ice-cold water requires conscious effort and deep breathing, but rewards the body with intense circulation and a deep inner calm. This cold therapy is a fundamental building block for sustainably strengthening your immune system and can be perfectly integrated into the medically supervised Immune Booster Program, for example as part of a healthy Tannerhof getaway. After the cold plunge, the cozy warmth of the adjacent panoramic sauna beckons, while your gaze rests silently between the Wendelstein and Sonnwendjoch.