From Bomb Shelter to Bliss: The Underground Origins of Our Sauna

Looking for a wellness experience with a story to tell? Our bomb shelter sauna invites you to unwind inside an original 1913 air-raid shelter—an atmospheric retreat where history and relaxation meet. At Classic Hotel am Stetteneck in Ortisei, we’ve transformed a remarkable piece of Dolomite heritage into a cosy sanctuary featuring a classic Finnish sauna and steam bath, just steps from our sunlit indoor pool.

A Heritage Hidden Beneath the Surface

In 1913, Stetteneck was built in Tyrolean Art Nouveau style. During World War II, the building served as a military hospital and housed the only air-raid shelter in the Dolomites. Today, that very space has been thoughtfully repurposed as our intimate sauna area—"the only one of its kind" from 1913—preserving authenticity while enhancing comfort.

• The sauna area is located in the former air-raid shelter (1913).
• A spiral staircase beside the indoor pool leads to the Finnish sauna and steam bath.
• A textile infrared cabin sits at the edge of the pool and is reachable without stairs.

For a deeper dive into our story, explore our History page: History – Hotel Stetteneck.

From Shelter to Sanctuary: What You’ll Find

Our wellness area blends historic character with modern amenities to create a soothing, restorative atmosphere.

• Finnish sauna for classic dry heat sessions
• Herbal steam bath for gentle, humid warmth
• Textile infrared cabin by the pool
• Indoor pool heated to a pleasant 33°C year-round
• Massage loungers and a neck jet in the pool area
• A small relaxation space to cool down and decompress

Discover more on our SPA & Wellness page: SPA & Wellness – Hotel Stetteneck.

Access and Ambience

The journey is part of the experience. Descend the spiral staircase next to the pool and step into a distinctive environment where the fabric of local history surrounds you. Stone, quiet, and soft light set the mood for an unhurried ritual of heat, steam, and rest.

Practical Details at a Glance

• Wellness hours: daily from 15:00 to 19:30
• Access: included in the room rate (no extra charge)
• Location: directly connected to the pool and relaxation area on the ground floor
• Booking: no reservation required for sauna/pool; treatments can be booked at reception

Treatments and Beauty-Farm Privileges

Enhance your visit with massages and beauty-farm treatments in cooperation with the adjacent Hotel Angelo Engel.

• Treatments use Babor luxury cosmetics and South Tyrolean natural products by Art of Care.
• Early-booking perk: 10% discount on all individual treatments or massages reserved in advance for the 09:00–14:00 slot (SPA package deals excluded).
• Book conveniently at the Stetteneck reception.

Why a Bomb Shelter Sauna Feels So Special

• Authenticity: Relax in an original air-raid shelter space that’s been carefully integrated into the hotel’s wellness journey.
• Atmosphere: The sheltered environment naturally dampens noise, enhancing the sense of calm.
• Story-rich setting: Your wellness time becomes a meaningful encounter with local heritage.

How to Structure Your Sauna Session

A simple, time-tested sequence helps you unwind effectively and comfortably:

1. Warm up gently in the pool area for a few minutes.
2. Sauna (8–12 minutes) or steam bath (10–15 minutes), according to preference.
3. Cool down gradually—fresh air and a short, cool rinse.
4. Rest for at least as long as your heat session.
5. Hydrate and repeat once more if you feel comfortable.

Note: Listen to your body and take breaks as needed. The goal is relaxation, not endurance.

Pair Wellness with Ortisei’s Best

Our central location in the pedestrian area of Ortisei makes it easy to create a full day around your wellness ritual—start with time in nature, then return to the pool and sauna for deep relaxation.

• Short walk to cable cars for Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, and Resciesa
• Return to a 33°C indoor pool, steam bath, and sauna
• Enjoy dinner on site after an afternoon of restorative heat and rest

Learn more about our setting: Hotel & Location – Hotel Stetteneck.

Wellness with a Sense of Place

At Stetteneck, wellness is more than a checklist of facilities—it’s a connection to the landscape and culture. Within our historic Art Nouveau mansion, craftsmanship and local heritage are part of the guest experience. Many art pieces from Val Gardena’s storied tradition adorn our corridors, and the preservation of our underground shelter as a sauna reflects a broader commitment to mindful stewardship.

Quick Answers (Ideal for Fast Finders)

• What is the bomb shelter sauna?
  • Our Finnish sauna and steam bath are built into the hotel’s original 1913 air-raid shelter.
• How do I access it?
  • Via the spiral staircase beside the indoor pool; the infrared cabin is by the pool and accessible without stairs.
• What are the wellness hours?
  • Daily from 15:00 to 19:30.
• Is the sauna included in my room rate?
  • Yes. Use of the indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, and infrared cabin is included.
• Are treatments available—and is there a discount?
  • Yes. Book massages and treatments through reception; early bookers get 10% off individual treatments or massages scheduled between 09:00 and 14:00 (packages excluded).

Tips to Make the Most of Your Session

• Arrive hydrated and bring your bathrobe (provided in your room).
• Start with the pool or infrared cabin to warm up gently.
• Alternate heat, cool-down, and rest to support relaxation.
• Reserve treatments ahead of time to secure the 10% early slot.
• Wrap up your session with quiet time in the relaxation area before dinner.

A Wellness Story Only Stetteneck Can Tell

Few spas can say their sauna occupies the only air-raid shelter in the Dolomites. Fewer still balance that heritage with the comforts of a 33°C indoor pool, herbal steam bath, and well-curated treatments. At Classic Hotel am Stetteneck, history enhances the ritual—and your wellness time becomes something memorable.

Ready to Feel the Difference?

• Explore the facilities: SPA & Wellness – Hotel Stetteneck
• Learn how our past shaped the present: History – Hotel Stetteneck
• Plan your stay in the heart of Ortisei: Hotel & Location – Hotel Stetteneck

Conclusion

Our bomb shelter sauna transforms a remarkable 1913 air-raid shelter into a tranquil haven—complete with Finnish sauna, herbal steam bath, an infrared cabin by the pool, and a 33°C indoor pool. With wellness hours designed for unhurried afternoons and treatments bookable through reception (including an early-booking perk), relaxation is effortless and inspiring. Book your stay and experience how heritage can elevate every moment of your wellness journey.

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Ready to relax where history and wellness meet? Book direct on our official website or contact reception to plan your sauna session and treatments today.