Many search for it for years, others are born with it as a child: The path of one's own life. Kriemhild Stefaner already knew as a young girl which values were irreplaceable for her. Growing up on her parents' mountain farm, it was the guests who helped shape and mold her adulthood. "A warm and honest approach has always been part of my life. For example, I have our guests from back then to thank for the fact that I learned to swim in the first place." Because when summer arrived in the southern part of the country, it was usually reserved for the children in the valley to enjoy their vacation days in the clean drinking water lakes. High up on the mountain slopes, on the other hand, the laborious hay harvest called. "Of course, it made our hearts beat faster when guests asked if we wanted to go swimming with them." These childhood memories were also the reason why Kriemhild didn't want to miss out on renting out rooms many years later, when she had already moved to her husband Herbert's farm. "I've been renting out rooms for 30 years now. The family rooms have become spacious vacation apartments, half-board has become an individually tailored culinary concept, which accommodates guests with flexibility and gives Kriemhild the odd evening off.
Farmer Herbert? May we help?
The youngest guests in particular can fully immerse themselves in the country life of the specialized baby and children's farm. The farm is surrounded by meadows and fields, and the children can let off steam in a protected area where there is a new adventure around every corner. "We integrate them into our work: in the barn feeding and milking our 35 dairy cows, trying out horse riding for the first time or searching for the breakfast egg every day. It's simply how we live." And it is not uncommon for parents to be completely surprised by their own children when they witness how their offspring suddenly become completely calm when interacting with the animals: "Our cats and dogs are the most important therapists for lively children."
Do you know Carinthia?
The Stefanerhof has a special vacation treat for all those who like to look beyond the "farmyard": "Every guest receives the Carinthia Card as a gift on arrival. We feel deeply connected to the unique Carinthian mountain and lake landscape, and everyone should have the opportunity to get to know and appreciate it at a reasonable price."
Kitchen fairy with a penchant for organic
Whether it's a varied breakfast buffet or regional dishes, Kriemhild always makes sure that only pure organic products are served. The idea behind this is logical: "If we farmers don't buy our products ourselves, then we don't have to worry about the price of milk. High-quality products cost more and I want to convey that to our guests." Kriemhild doubts whether they will change their mindset completely: "But I do believe that you can raise awareness. What I eat should be worth something to me."
Kriemhild is not too worried about the fact that statistics and tourism researchers are increasingly seeing guests as short breaks: "People rarely book for less than a week. It's the time that works for us. The desire to slow down is growing. Many people want to travel back to their roots, so to speak. And where better to experience that than on a Farm holidays?"
Sabine Ertl
www.gedankenschmiede.at, 44 Article(s)
