Goldknopf
A place full of history and future
The origin of the name
The name of the hotel “Goldknopf” is derived from the Goldknopf area - a high alpine meadow ridge located below the Rosszähne peaks. However, the name has nothing to do with the precious metal gold: originally, “Galtkopf” referred to an elevated alpine pasture for dry cattle, meaning grazing livestock.
The name “Goldknopf” already appeared on hiking maps in the 19th century. It was only in the 20th century, during the Italianization period, that it also became known as Punta d’Oro.
From alpine pasture to hotel
The meadows around the Goldknopf were cultivated for a long time by a local farm. There was also an alpine hut there, which was later expanded with a residential and farm building. From this so-called Schwaige, the present-day Hotel Goldknopf eventually developed.
After its founding years, the house changed owners several times. In the late 1980s, the Malfertheiner family finally took over the Goldknopf, laying the foundation for the hotel’s family-oriented character as it is today.
Change of ownership and new beginnings
Originally, Peter Malfertheiner ran the hotel together with his sister, but after some time she left him the sole responsibility. Not long afterward, Heidi was working as a waitress at the Ritsch - it was there that the two met and fell in love. With the birth of their first son, Patrick, on February 27, 1990, the couple became a small family. On June 13, 1995, their second son, Fabian, was born.
The family spent most of the year living directly at the hotel; only during the closing periods did they stay in Völs. Peter and Heidi ran the Goldknopf for many years with great dedication. While Heidi took care of the office and service, Peter handled all other tasks - from the kitchen to the snowcat and technical work. To this day, they continue to support their children wherever possible.
Peter and Heidi Malfertheiner
Patrick chose to pursue training in hospitality and later gained experience in renowned establishments. In 2014, he officially joined the family business and has been running the hotel ever since. He is supported by his wife Nathalie, who also comes from the hospitality industry and has contributed many valuable ideas.
Patrick’s brother Fabian also chose a career in gastronomy, worked in various establishments, and eventually returned to the family. Today, he runs his own business on the Seiser Alm with the Wild o’Williams Hütte.
The next generation
The future of Goldknopf is promising: Patrick and Nathalie now have three sons - Luis, Emil, and Hugo. With them, the next generation is already growing up, continuing the story of this special place.
