tradition for over 500 years...

The inn “Zum Schwarzen Adler” was built on the road to the Arlbergpass around 1500 by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. They used the stones of the “Arlen” ruins, the fortress in which Heinrich Findelkind from Kempten was living when he decided to build a refuge in 1385 on top of the pass. This track at the foot of the Arlberg led through a village called “am Berg” (on the mountain), now St. Anton.

Opposite the hotel, where our Aquila (eagle) stands today, were the stables where the horses were changed over. By 1570, the house had already been painted with frescoes and was re-painted in 1681 in the style of the time and repeatedly painted over in subsequent years.
During this period, the so-called “Counsel”, whose duty was to arbitrate public disputes, held office here.
The construction of the railway with the Arlberg tunnel between 1880 and 1885 brought cataclysmic events with it for the village and the inn. Up to 3,000 construction workers were involved in this work and brought St. Anton a period of prosperity. The inn also provided accommodation for the workers.

Times were difficult for the inns along the road, which had been dependent on transport by the carters, after the railway opened. However, this did not stop Vinzenz Tschol opening the Schwarzer Adler on 4 May 1885. When the inn was extended, the wall paintings once again saw the light of day and were restored as evidence of local art for future generations.

Each generation has extended, improved and restored the building in keeping with their own times, without losing sight of its history and tradition. We – the Tschol family – together with our team have extended our 4-star hotel with luxurious rooms and suites and have built a wellness centre with swimming pool, sauna, cosmetic and massage treatment rooms, making it easier for you to relax during your wellness break on the Arlberg.

Franz Tschol, the proprietor, is the 18th "innkeeper" since the beginning in 1570