HUBERTUS: Host Karl Traubel tells the story

Gosh, if your parents could see this.
I hear this—or something like it—time and again from our guests. Karl and Walburga, whom we call “Wally.” Those were the names of the people to whom we owe this mission and this home. In 1951, they came here to this godforsaken valley. A town? No, a penal outpost for the authorities—the gendarmes, the clergy, and the schoolteacher. They were transferred here, to “Bavarian Siberia.”

That’s where the two of them ended up—the father, a war veteran; the mother, a war widow. Decades later, I came to realize their suffering, their burden, and their hardships—and the circumstances under which that generation survived. Only now can I understand why they remained silent in response to our questions: “Why?” “How come?” “Who?”—They wanted to protect us, their children, and shield us from the worries and memories of what they had been through.

“Mother; after five years, we’re leaving again…”
...were our father’s words when he once again sensed how much she was suffering in this valley. Day in and day out, she was there—for us boys, for her husband, for her guests. She corresponded with the guests, helped the maids with cleaning, wrote the daily menu, and so on. Without her, the HUBERTUS wouldn’t exist. Her diligence, her determination, her charisma, and her energy were defining traits—and it was her destiny. While Father played Skat or Schafkopf with the guests, Mother was in the laundry room, ironing.

IT WAS THESE WOMEN WHO SUPPORTED US AND CONTINUE TO SUPPORT US. EACH ONE HAS HER ROLE—THAT'S HOW IT WAS, THAT'S HOW IT IS, AND THAT'S HOW IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE.

In this new era, nothing has changed.
When I think about all the conversations with our guests, and when I read the comments on social media about our staff, I’m overcome with a sense of gratitude and humility.

Humility in the face of our employees’ achievements. They have stood by us faithfully—some for many years. Where would we be without you?

MY GUILTY CONSCIENCE.
If I may start with someone, it’s Birgit—I call her my “guilty conscience.” With her index finger raised, keeping a close eye on the numbers, clear and organized in her mind, she plays a triple—or even multiple—role: mother to Alexander, partner to Peter. WHY does he mention her first? I don’t know how long she’s been by our side. I think it’s been two, or maybe even three decades. A native of the Margraviate of Baden, she settled in the valley, taking charge of our finances, our new employees, and those who leave us. Clear-headed, organized, and straightforward. Birgit does the work of “two” in a part-time position—she knows everything. She gives me a sense of “blind trust.”

Anyone who has someone like that in their company knows what a pillar of support they are—in good times and bad. Then there’s Helene Feurstein, a native of the Wald region, a cross-border commuter, a resident of Hittau, and a native of the neighboring Austrian village. We both love playing the guessing game “Guess the Fun Professions” with our guests. The older folks among you might still remember this one: “Which little pig would you like?” When she makes the hand gesture—which looks like a spider—and the guess is wrong, most people get even more confused. Then, when the profession is named in the Wälder dialect, the rest just shake their heads. “Chämichehrer,” says Helene, or “Schornsteinfeger” in German. Helene’s laughter is uplifting; it fills the room and delights her guests.

SHE CHEATED.
Maika, with an Italian dad, small but mighty, structured like an endless straight line. She’s our go-to person for long-term projects that require stamina, a certain degree of stubbornness, a bit of an edge, and empathy. Together with her sales team, she ensures that the 66 rooms—with just over 100 beds—never go cold, and she promotes and drives innovation with endurance and perseverance. Her expertise was in such high demand that she left us for a while. But good things always come back. That’s how it is, and hopefully she’ll stay with us for a long time to come.

“MR. TRAUBEL, HOW ARE WE DOING?”
That’s the question Berta asks me whenever our paths cross in the building. “Fine, Berta—and you?” Then she tells me all about the nightlife in Oberstaufen: who’s with whom, and so on…! That’s where Berta lives. Now, even though she’s retired, she’s constantly on the go, knows everyone and their mother—and she’s still a pillar of strength here at the Alpin Spa when things get hectic. You can always count on Berta .

HAIR ON HER TEETH
Another highlight is Elke Scherf, our housekeeper—eloquent and occasionally a bit loud—who, together with her team, ensures impeccable hygiene and cleanliness, no easy feat. The HUBERTUS has grown over generations and through many construction phases. This cozy atmosphere and decor require a touch that’s attuned to the eye, to texture, to scent—a seventh sense for moments that delight our guests. We’re challenged by mountains of linens and a team of employees representing as many nations as there are stars on the EU flag. What would we be without you? The very thought is unimaginable.

A HARDER TONE
There’s another figure in the kitchen: Maria, whom we call Mama. At first, a few years ago, she was reserved, insecure, and passive. Now she stands her ground and calls the shots in the often “a bit” noisier world of the kitchen, which is dominated by men. She saves her money and sends her earnings back home to Romania, so her child can have a better life there. For me, living here in abundance, this mother-child devotion commands respect.

THE PROPHET FROM OUTSIDE
Isabel, when did I first meet you? Knowing that you’ll be reading these lines, you absolutely must be part of my journey through our HUBERTUS women’s community. You, who set the guidelines for how HUBERTUS is presented to the outside world—without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Far from the valley, yet with your focus on our endeavors, you set the M-goals.

IS SHE BLONDE?
On the other side—the creative world—is the analytical “Manu,” who’s always on the go in the German-speaking hotel industry. She praises and guides us when HUBERTUS’s financial reporting shows either steady or erratic results. I’ve had the chance to “experience” all the ups and downs of my entrepreneurial life with you. You, Manuela, and you, Isabel—you’ve always been there when needed.

STILIKONE MEETS THE LODGE OWNER
That’s how I came to know and love her. I won’t say anything more about it. However, anyone who knows about my “retirement”—after a 22-year career as a mountain lodge owner—will know who I’m writing about. Outgoing and sensitive. Feared for her blunt words and decisive actions. She’s the one who, with her imagination and creativity—some might call such behavior “quirky”—brings that certain something to the place that sets the HUBERTUS apart. You know who I’m talking about? Christa, formerly a pharmacist, now a hostess of a different kind.

KT
That’s right, these are my initials, but since July 30, 2015, they’ve also been those of my grandson Kilian. He was born to my daughter-in-law Sabrina, a German woman from the north. That’s exactly what she’s like as a person—straightforward and consistent. She prefers to take the lead from behind the scenes. After her maternity leave, I hope she’ll take the lead again in revitalizing the HR department (Human Resources).

So much for the "weaker sex"!
All of them are remarkable individuals, full of charm, love, and passion. Let’s put aside any thoughts you might be having. Why isn’t this or that person mentioned? Names like Bianca, Stephanie I, II, and III; Chrissy, Alexandra, Nadine, Alina I and II; Maren and Martina, Anja and Viktoria, Andrea, Susanne, Julia & Doris, Vera, and all those who have been with us.

THESE BELOVED WOMEN—WHO REPRESENT THE HUBERTUS.

P.S.: I’ve included a photo of Rosmarie Kohler to represent all these women. Every day during the summer, she works in the dairy kitchen at Alpe Höfle, where she and her daughter make this famous mountain cheese—a cheese of such high quality that it wins awards every year.

I bow to you!