You don't just go on vacation, you are a guest in a family
"A big plus point of Farm holidays is the humanity. You don't just go on vacation, you are a guest in my family and at my workplace. Everyone gets a very deep insight into our lives, which is a big matter of trust. How we think, what responsibility we have towards our animals, where the food comes from and how much work goes into it - these are the messages we want to pass on. Our stable doors are always open. For a realistic picture of farming without clichés." As one landlady once aptly put it. Anyone renting a room at the mountain farm can ask questions, help out or watch, can get involved, but doesn't have to. It is the countless possibilities that the land and nature offer, whether for young or old - adventures await around every corner.
You wish nature would play
Get ready for a hike or simply enjoy the day in a hammock with a good book. Make water wheels with the children by the stream or walk barefoot across the flowering meadows. In the evening, jump into the sauna and then enjoy a delicious snack by candlelight, which you could get hold of in the farm store of the farmer's family.
Because farm-gate products such as cheese, jams and meat products are available at almost every farm in Austria . Relaxed enjoyment, taking time again, being at one with the rhythm of nature - that's what counts.
Actively experience the seasons
The work all around is incredibly exciting in spring, summer and fall and always has new "natural" surprises in store. While sowing awaits in spring, the lush mountain meadows have to be mowed in summer and the cattle drive down from the mountain pastures beckons in fall.
You won't get bored, you can learn a lot and maybe you can even take a ride on the tractor? Just ask, hop on, switch off your smartphone and soak up nature instead. After all, you want to get to know a piece of rural life, there is so much to see and discover, the constant reaching for your cell phone only makes many moments stressful and disenchants many a small wonder. The fresh alpine air, the clear mountain water, the quality of the food- these are the things that count, not the Wi-Fi password or the best Instagram story.
Get up, the stable is waiting
Because there is something going on in the mountains all day long. In the early hours of the morning, when the day awakens, the daily cattle work begins. Hungry cow mouths would like a portion of freshly shaken hay, the chickens are clucking and waiting for their grain and the goats and other cuddly inhabitants of the petting zoo would also like something between their teeth. If you are interested, you can try milking the breakfast milk yourself?
With a few tips, this can be done quite quickly and tastes even better. This way, you can help the farmer with his other work or set off on new adventures: Most of these mountain farms offer guests much more than just an insight into everyday life on the mountain pasture. From schnapps tasting for adults to educational nature hikes for the whole family, all kinds of things are possible. Fantastic panoramic views across the valleys to the other mountain peaks included.
The guest as a friend
Because what all providers have in common is the warmth with which they welcome their guests. Nationwide, this is regarded as the greatest asset and everyone who comes and spends time here will experience this from the very first moment. Because humanity counts.
After all, it is the small experiences that ultimately develop into regular guests. The opposite of animation, rather allowing spontaneity and togetherness - all this is part of this philosophy. Showing respect for people and animals goes hand in hand in the mountains. Guests are allowed to look over their shoulders, experience, appreciate and respect and understand that animals are not just an economic factor, but first and foremost a living being.
You can philosophize, discuss and chat from the sewing box at joint barbecue evenings. After all, those who come as guests usually leave as friends and are happy to return as such.
How do you want to live?
The accommodation itself also leaves nothing to be desired, there is something for every taste. What's more, the different styles vary from state to state. And no matter which place you ultimately choose, whether a cozy vacation home with standard inventory or a premium chalet in an alpine village.
At the end of the day, the guest experiences only that without which nothing would work anyway: The closeness to nature, respect for life and, as a time-out, a walk through the forest or to the nearby summit. Everyone on their own path. Step by step. At their own pace. Because as the saying goes: "The real happiness starts with what you already have."
Sabine Ertl
www.gedankenschmiede.at, 45 Article(s)
