Werder's Austrian homeland

Once again, it’s that time of year: in the midst of preseason preparations, SV Werder Bremen heads to Austria’s Zillertal region to build the strength needed for the demanding months of football ahead. This summer marks the eleventh year that the Green-Whites will spend time in this breathtaking mountain setting. While not quite as long, this will be Bremen’s eighth stay at the "ZillerSeasons DasPosthotel.

It feels a bit like coming home when I walk through the sliding doors of the DasPosthotel. People know each other, many give you a hug, you know exactly where everything is, and the cappuccino tastes just as good as it did last year,” says Clemens Fritz, already full of anticipation for the days in the Zillertal. The 41-year-old knows the Zillertal both as a player and in his current role as Head of Professional Football & Scouting. “And even when you think you know everything, you always discover something new.

This first impression every summer is echoed by Frank Baumann, Werder’s Managing Director of Football: “We couldn’t wish for a better place to stay. The smell of wood when you step into the lobby, the inviting garden, and the warm hospitality. We’ve known each other for so many years; we’ve somehow grown up with the Egger family.” The DasPosthotel has continuously evolved in terms of amenities and service: “We have the entire hotel to ourselves during our stay. This naturally provides a sense of security among us. Additionally, new facilities have been created, the spa area is always up to date, and our chef is in constant communication with the kitchen staff when we are on-site. These are all amenities we wouldn’t want to do without and for which we are grateful.

But even outside the walls of the ZillerSeasons DasPosthotel, a lot has happened in Zell am Ziller in recent years. After all, the team has been accompanied by numerous fans for years, for whom a program is organized on-site. A trip for sponsors has also been added, the supervisory board stops by, and the Werder Football School has set up camp not far away. “A small Werder world has almost emerged in Zell am Ziller. The Zillertal is also the perfect place to combine football with a summer vacation,” Baumann notes.

Even though there isn’t much time outside of training sessions and discussions with coaches, players, advisors, media, and sponsors, Frank Baumann tries to enjoy the many leisure activities available. “We once had a very lovely evening at Fichtensee, with a wonderful view. Last year, we hiked up a peak in the middle of the night to experience the sunrise. I can highly recommend that.

One tradition that has developed at Werder over the years will definitely be taken on again by Clemens Fritz. “There’s a chapel on a nearby mountain. After training sessions, it has become a tradition for some of the coaching staff to bike there. It’s a really challenging route, but it’s absolutely worth it. As a reward, there’s always a cold drink waiting at the top. We’ll see who dares to do it this year.