Stories from the Farm
Where human empathy becomes tangible
Fabian lives in Germany's metropolis Berlin. A city that he loves. But once a year, the call of nature is stronger than the hustle and bustle of the city. Then he travels with his daughter to Günter and Heike Zeilinger's Natur Gut Lassen in Carinthia to take a deep breath and recharge his batteries. A place that is, in short, perfect for Fabian.
When Fabian was lost in thought while browsing through a travel magazine in search of the perfect vacation destination and came across Günter and Heike Zeilinger's Natur Gut Lassen in Carinthia, it was clear to him - even before he turned the page - that he wanted to go there. With a train ticket for him and his daughter in his pocket, he packed his suitcase and set off for Berlin Central Station a short time later. "We feel very comfortable in the big city, but the city doesn't always give us what we need when we want to relax. We miss nature." Both are now on their fourth vacation in the Nockberge mountains. "Whether it's the chirping of the birds, the babbling of the spring water or the rustling of the wind in the trees: combined with the unspeakable views, these are the moments when we can relax, unwind and recharge our batteries for everyday life."
Appreciative and respectful
Günter and his wife have created what Fabian calls a "perfect world vacation", which is not intended to sound ironic in any way, but rather appreciative and respectful. "On the one hand, it's the joy of the place, but it only works thanks to the people who have made it what it is today." The combination of agriculture and forestry together with gentle tourism is unique for him. "Günter doesn't tell his guests fairy tales, but talks about real life in the countryside in a way that adults and children alike can understand."
" On the one hand, it is the joy of the place, which only works thanks to the people who have made it what it is today. "
Fabian aus Berlin
Learning how agriculture works
For Fabian, Natur Gut Lassen has absolutely nothing artificial about it, but rather is in harmony with the host family, who live and farm here and have been rooted in the meadows, forest and soil for many generations. "In the big city we have our friends, our social environment, we feel at home. But it's huge for us every time we get to come here, become part of a different world and learn to understand how certain processes work."
Happiness in the city with a longing for the countryside
Fabian carries this general longing for the country deep within him, but is aware that not everyone has it: "I would never say that this type of vacation is suitable for every family. For me, this longing exists because the city can sometimes be very exhausting. However, many of my friends are self-confessed city dwellers and are not drawn to the countryside. So I don't think you can generalize. For me, on the other hand, it's pure happiness: the distance from the hustle and bustle, the fresh air, the fresh water, the expansive views, the time I get to spend with my daughter. The place is so perfect for me that I sometimes wonder if I'm exaggerating, but I've stopped feeling guilty about it."
By this, Fabian means that he likes to skip the occasional excursion destination that is close by, simply so that he can indulge his thoughts by the pool or grab a basket with his daughter and go foraging for mushrooms and berries in the forest. "You can be in the forest in just a few minutes from the terrace on the alpine pasture, from the table tennis table and soak up nature. The barefoot trail takes you past trout ponds, wildflower meadows and buzzing beehives." The collected berries can be processed in the kitchen on request and served for breakfast the next day. It is a unified cycle that works here. All dairy products are produced on the farm, you can experience the connections up close and immerse yourself as deeply as your own interest allows.
Beach or mountains? Both
"Beach vacations used to be my thing, now it's the mountains, both have their place." Because for Fabian, the future is not something that just happens, but is a question of design. And here at Natur Gut Lassen, where you can relax and unwind, many an answer to pressing questions has already been found.