Farm holidays around Lake Wolfgang.
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The area around Lake Wolfgang has been characterized by agriculture since ancient times. A stable climate ensures fertile soils suitable for both arable farming and grazing for livestock. The high-altitude alpine pastures, where the soil is stony and the slopes steep, are almost exclusively reserved for animals: As part of a near-natural, extensive farming practice, cattle (and sometimes goats) spend most of the summer there in the open air.
And even in the valleys, the cattle enjoy open spaces that stand in pleasant contrast to industrial factory farming.
How can such a "gentle" form of agriculture even succeed – when nowadays a single farmer statistically has to feed over 100 people through his work? Around 1950, there were still 430,000 farms in Austria, employing about a third of the working population. Today, there are only 170,000, and the percentage of farmers among the employed population has fallen to four percent. (cf. Buchgraber, p. 6)
Can anyone who so persistently opposes the supposed spirit of the times even survive?
Well, firstly, there are more and more people who prioritize quality over quantity when buying and consuming food; who want to live consciously and enjoy life, and are willing to spend a little more for it. Secondly, the growing tourism sector has been able to partially compensate for the loss of income from agriculture. Farm holidays have long been very popular with city dwellers – but as a result of the significantly increased stress of everyday life due to new forms of communication and constant accessibility, more and more people are longing to simply switch off. On farms like the Fischergut, they find exactly the peace and quiet they need.
A holiday on a farm brings everything together – relaxation meets enjoyment and is complemented by experiences and knowledge: How are high-quality foods produced, how do the animals that provide them live, and how does the “farm ecosystem” actually work?
Animals are part of life in the countryside.
One of the best things about a farm holiday – especially for children – is undoubtedly the many animals. Cats, dogs, rabbits, and hares: for everyone who can't keep pets in their cramped city apartment, these "little creatures to pet" are something truly special.
Equally interesting, however, are the large farm animals, especially cattle and pigs, goats and sheep. While they may not be quite as cuddly, they form an essential basis for the lives of all people, whether as consumers or producers.
The close relationship between humans and animals is what makes a farm special. From this interaction spring countless fascinating stories waiting to be discovered and experienced; stories that can help raise awareness of nutrition, nature, and the environment.
Cuddling allowed!
For the farmers, the large livestock are naturally the main focus, as they earn their living from them. But a farm isn't just populated by cattle and pigs; to the delight of young and old alike, it's also home to numerous animal species that are much more suitable for petting. Rabbits and hares, dogs and cats: they are all naturally part of the Fischer estate and ensure that there's no shortage of petting opportunities.
And although they are no longer needed for heavy work, horses still stand in stables on many farms today. When they're not enjoying country life, they look forward to showing visitors the beauty of the landscape from their backs!
Family holiday on an Austrian farm.
Staying in private rooms, apartments, or holiday homes on a farm is a type of vacation that particularly appeals to families with children. Children can experience farm life firsthand and move around freely. Contact with the farm animals is of particular educational value.
Participants learn about rural life and the changing seasons. Actively experiencing farm work, harvest time, and leisure activities in nature is a particularly new experience for children.
Adult guests appreciate the peace and relaxation offered by farm stays. They also rate the nature-oriented holiday in the fresh air, the opportunity to enjoy farm-produced food (offering transparent food production), and the comfortable accommodations as positive aspects.
According to a survey, farm holidays are particularly appealing to the 30-49 age group. With 60 percent having a high school diploma and 20 percent a university degree, guests on farm holidays have an above-average level of education.
