Heinrich Preis has understood that tourism is undoubtedly based on conveying stories that are as authentic and simple as possible. To people who immerse themselves in an alternative world during their stay on a farm, as they themselves are mostly city dwellers. On vacation, they are less drawn to Barcelona or Amsterdam than to the countryside to treat themselves and their children to a wholesome other world for a few days.
Heinrich thinks that the "German city dweller" is the perfect guest for him anyway, as he can deal with them best. This type of traveler likes to listen to the Carinthian's countless farmer stories and can't get enough of them. Says Heinrich. He is probably not entirely wrong with his theory, as the high occupancy figures in the room plan show. Heinrich is a storyteller. A philosophical, innovative farmer who has taken time every Sunday since 1991 to personally say hello to newly arrived guests.
"We farmers are no longer worth anything in society"
But Heinrich can also do things differently. The farming community, custodians of the cultural landscape, is no longer worth anything today. They no longer have good networks, no direct line into politics, the National Council, he says. That used to be different. But no matter. He never wanted to be dependent on funding anyway. Of course you take the money if it's granted - but it was always important to Heinrich that his plans and projects paid for themselves. That's it. Surprisingly, Bauer Preis has already become a bit of a victim of his own hustle and bustle, his speed, because at the age of 50 he actually wants to take it easy and no longer "have to have a solution in mind at all times". His succession is assured anyway, which should reassure him. With Simon, the youngest of his three children, the young farmer 4.0 is already waiting in the wings to take over the farm in the distant future, while his grandmother, at 75, continues to provide excellent, simple food. You could call it slow food, without finding a plaque on the front door of the Wirtshausstubn that would officially designate this label. Grandma Preis doesn't care. No matter. Her sister also helps in the inn and on the farm. (Mrs. Preis teaches German and Latin at the grammar school in Spittal an der Drau. Just good family power.
"A new accommodation concept. Conversion to self-catering"
In the 1980s, the free-spirited all-or-nothing farmer cooperated with the baby and children's hotel pioneer Siggi Neuschitzer from neighboring Trebesing, but then, after years of success, he wanted to focus more on his roots as a farmer and accommodation provider and returned to his old strengths. Whether in the direct marketing of produce at the weekly market in Spittal an der Drau, which he has regularly visited for 20 years, or in renting out the apartments - in the end, quality always prevails and brings customers (back).
The new philosophy at Altersberg seems to be more of a pressure to change for the farmer himself than for his guests, who can of course order the farm's own produce for their own consumption. Lunch is even available on weekdays if ordered in advance. But without any frills, no choice, just a main course (without soup and dessert, so that no misunderstandings can arise!). These days, zeitgeisty marketing rock stars call such an essence of simplicity taken to the extreme "ultra-restaurant". But Heinrich doesn't care about that. He is happy with things as they are. As long as he can enjoy the soothing magic of his own forest.
Stefan Heinisch
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