Farmstay Holidays

Austrians have a traditional respect for the environment and remaining close to nature is an integral part of protecting it. For tourists, there are countless opportunities to experience Austria's natural beauty and traditional way of life, with farmstay holidays being a popular choice. There are almost 900 organic farms to choose from, including 77 "health and wellness" farms. A spell on any of these is a chance to reassess your priorities.

Whether horseback riding, helping out in the herb garden or feeding the baby animals, Holidays on the Farm hold plenty of unique experiences for the whole family. More and more farms now offer organic holidays and one such wonderful place is the Prinzenhof in Gross Gerungs, belonging to the Waldviertel region. Honey, yogurt, bread, cheese and meat come from the family’s own organic farm, and guests are welcome to lend a hand with the farm work if they wish. The house nestles amid the “Gross Gerungs Energy Arena” where hiking trails lead through mysterious rock formations. Another attraction is Xundwärts running and exercise center which offers 6 jogging trails and a motor-sensory trail.

Visitors who are not staying on a farm can still try some traditional farming practices themselves at a fascinating project in the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern. On the Kalchkendlalm you can enjoy a day at the school on the mountain and learn hands-on about the origins of your food. There's also a lesson in milking a cow and churning butter, the highlight of the day of course being the sampling of the home-made produce.

To browse Holidays on the Farm, please visit: www.urlaubambauernhof.at
For further details on the Prinzenhof, go to: www.prinzenhof.at
Book a day at the school on the mountain at: www.schule-am-berg.at (website in German only)