Although Georg Stampfer was the youngest child on the farm, it was soon clear that he would take over the farm, which has been in the family without interruption since 1782. Period. "I was probably the one who showed the most willpower," grins the young farmer today, reflecting on the direction his life took and the division of roles between his siblings. He lives his vocation passionately and yet - or so it seems - the balancing act between farming and the main income from renting out accommodation to nature-loving guests is not always easy. After all, it is not only here at the Stampferhof that two opposing worlds try to unite. On the one hand, being a host. Even if the atmosphere here at the farm is more relaxed than in a hotel bed and breakfast, the role of service remains the same. Smile, be friendly, inform, educate. For example, about agriculture and alpine farming and their fundamental contribution to landscape conservation and food production.
The Stampers' motto: "Arrive, unpack and unwind".
During the guest season, Mr. Stampfer also acts as an observer and - I'll just call it that - vacation coach. He notices when families are sitting at the table and their attention is focused on their iPads and smartphones. Children who look at their parents questioningly but don't get an answer. "But then mom and dad shouldn't be surprised if the kids don't follow in other situations," says the family man, who makes sure that he and his children have enough analog family time. In such situations, it can happen that he intervenes as an observer and pleads for less smartphone use at the vacation destination. Courageous. A hotelier would never do that. A rural host is allowed to do that, as long as he has a feeling for the people.
"The tension between mountain and lake never gets boring"
Like very few other destinations, Lake Weissensee combines a wide range of leisure and adventure activities with the quality of peace, time out and freedom. A seemingly ideal situation, so even guests with a greater urge to move around don't get bored and yet there are no loud parties or open-air noise pollution with pop or techno beats. Added to this is the feeling of freedom from cars around the lake and the ingenious mobility concept. These are all pleasant ingredients for discerning slow or green travelers. Stampferhof customers can choose from precisely this variety. "We give tips, but guests should decide for themselves whether they want to hike up to the mountain pasture with us, grab a rowing boat on the hotel's own beach or simply lie in a deckchair," says Georg, referring once again to the family philosophy.
A special highlight is certainly the Weissensee breakfast raft. From the end of June to the end of August, this offer combines a water experience and culinary delights on fine weather days to create a slightly different start to the day. The focus is on the best regional products from local producers. An impressive happening that is often fully booked (enquiries and reservations can be made directly at the Weissensee Information Office on +43 4713 2220).
"September is the most beautiful month on the lake".
In the quieter fall, Georg Stampfer takes care of the farming and forestry, which has to be neglected in the main season. He cuts firewood, prepares woodchippings for the heating on the farm and in the guest rooms and simply relaxes in between. Of course, there is always something to do - in spring, preparing the farm's own alpine pasture and pruning the bushes to keep the lakeshore clear and accessible. Family time is important, which is why the Stampfers pack their vacation suitcases for a week each in spring and fall and say goodbye to the beautiful Upper Carinthian lake. A landscape that shines with clichéd beauty because there are farmers who mow meadows and cultivate mountain pastures. Farmers like Georg Stampfer and his colleagues. Not just at the lake, but throughout the entire Alpine region. But it won't stay that way. "The death of farmers will not stop at Lake Weissensee, but as long as these gaps can be compensated for by others, it's not so bad. Nevertheless, we have to slowly come to terms with the fact that certain high alpine areas will become overgrown and overgrown again," says the farmer, convinced that the cultural landscape is changing. Nature reloaded.
Stefan Heinisch
contentkumpanei.com, 34 Article(s)
