Andreas Hofer showed the Franco-Bavarian
troops how resilient the Tyroleans can be,
when they are wronged. In two battles at the legendary "Bergisl", the Tyroleans defeated the numerically superior enemy. The third battle, however, brought a final defeat.
The Tyrolean freedom fighter was taken to Mantua. When the firing squad missed the target the first time, Hofer's last words were:
"Fire! Oh how badly you shoot!"

Tyrol's national hero

Our Historic Hotel in Innsbruck's old town - The Adler tells the story

Our historic hotel in Innsbruck's old town looks back on over 500 years of history and has developed from an inn into a modern luxury hotel. Founded in 1511, it has proudly welcomed travellers for over five centuries - witnessing the unfolding history of Innsbruck first-hand. Once a humble inn, it is now a romantic hotel that continues to captivate guests with its authentic atmosphere and deep historical roots. The iconic double-headed eagle on the façade – a tribute to the House of Habsburg - reflects the era of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy (1867-1918) and reminds visitors of its imperial past. This hotel for history enthusiasts has been shaped by generations who have masterfully preserved its heritage, while embracing the comfort and elegance of modern hospitality.

1500

Hostel.

An inn stands in place of the "Black Eagle". The Layninger landlady provides for coachmen, carters and court servants. Next door are the stables of Emperor Maximilian.

1520

Patrician house.

The former commercial zone is transformed into a distinguished quarter of Tyrolean nobility: the "Schwarzer Adler" is built as a patrician house – a residence for wealthy citizens. Kaspar von Wolkenstein was one of the owners.

1570 - 1580

Bronze figures.

Alexander Colin – sculptor at the Habsburg court – spends many days drinking "several pints of wine a day" in the Black Eagle, as his bronze figures for the Maximilian Tomb in the Hofburg are not being cast - the cannon being cast for the army is more important!

1624

Host sign.

Under the ownership of the mayor at the time, George Issinger, the "Schwarze Adler" is awarded the innkeeper's sign for the first time.

1719

Crown jewels.

Princess Clementina Sobieski – bride of the Irish King James III – left the crown jewels in the Black Eagle while fleeing to Italy.

1788

Capuchin monastery.

Joseph II - son of Empress Maria Theresa - has all monasteries closed. The Black Eagle leases a large part of the adjoining Capuchin monastery.

1809

Three wooden chairs around a wooden table under a large painting

1809

Andreas Hofer.

The booty that Andreas Hofer brings back after winning a battle in the Achental valley is stored in the court stables that are still here – no less than 60 carriages and 120 horses.

1918

Franz Ultsch.

Restaurateur Franz Ultsch acquires the Schwarzer Adler – various tenants run the business.

1953

Helmut Ultsch.

Helmut Ultsch inherits the Schwarzer Adler. After the Second World War and years spent travelling in France, he and his wife Margarethe renovated the badly run business. The Schwarzer Adler becomes one of the best restaurants in Innsbruck.

1978

Werner Ultsch.

Werner Ultsch – the pioneer of organic cuisine – develops the "New Tyrolean Cuisine" and the "Austrian Natural Cuisine", which has a significant influence on today's health-conscious diet.

1978

Romantic hotel.

The establishment is accepted into the exclusive community of "Romantik Hotels and Restaurants International".

1988

Harald Ultsch.

Harald Ultsch takes over the hotel management in the 4th generation after studying economics in Vienna. Marriage to Sonja-Sophie. The two expand the hotel in several construction stages and transform it into one of Innsbruck's leading hotels.

1987 - 1996

Birth.

Birth of the 3 children Florian, Fabian and Valentina.

1996

University quarter.

Once again, the district changes: the Fenner barracks opposite are replaced by a university district with a business university and university of applied sciences. The Schwarzer Adler gets more space and the guest garden in front of the hotel

2003

Imperial Ball.

Meeting of the European aristocracy on the occasion of the Innsbruck Imperial Ball, organized by Sonja Ultsch – further summer balls follow. The Schwarzer Adler becomes an international meeting place for art, science, politics and society. Imperial grandson Otto von Habsburg, Rudolf Schuster – President of Slovakia, Mohamad Reza Pahlavi – Shah of Persia, Xavier Solana – Foreign Minister of the EU, Crown Princess Masaki from Japan and many more.

2006

harry's home hotels.

Harald Ultsch opens the first "harry's home hotel" in Graz, a pioneering hotel concept. With Florian Ultsch at his side, the hotel group grows in the following years with locations in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

2009 - 2010

Vespa Party.

The Schwarzer Adler – in particular the Pfiff Bar – becomes the home of the annual VESPA meeting in the fall. Organizer Sonja-Sophie Ultsch welcomes up to 1000 Vespa scooters from all over Europe – a charity event in aid of the Tyrolean Children's Cancer Aid.

2013

Design Hotel aDLERS.

The Schwarzer Adler is getting a sister hotel in Innsbruck – the Design Hotel aDLERS – a new meeting place high above Innsbruck. Fabian Ultsch takes over the management of aDLERS in 2020.

2020

General refurbishment.

Another general refurbishment of the Schwarzer Adler: instead of the restaurant, the reception and lobby move into the time-honoured parlours and the historic vaulted cellar houses breakfast. The hotel is extended by 10 rooms.

The Hotel Schwarzer Adler today

With its location in the old town, the traditional Hotel Schwarzer Adler is deeply rooted in Innsbruck's history and combines centuries-old tradition with modern luxury. Today it stands for exclusivity, elegance and a special charm that has stood the test of time. With stylish roomsan exclusive roof terrace and a first-class wellness area we invite you to an unforgettable stay. Whether a business trip, romantic weekend or family vacation - the hotel offers the perfect setting for every occasion. Culinary delights and attentive service round off the offer. Discover for yourself how tradition and modernity come together harmoniously and create the unmistakable ambience of the hotel.