Alpaca hike in Carinthia | Farm Holidays in Austria

"If you look into an alpaca's eyes for too long, you could fall in love forever"

It was love at first sight

Anita Stauder and Christian Lanzinger from the Stauder mountain farm fell madly in love with these gentle, fluffy creatures a few years ago. The "Farm holidays" hosts on the Hühnersberg chose the cute farm animals, which actually belong to the camel species and are also known as the "dolphins of the pasture", partly because of the fine fiber that can be processed into wool, shoe insoles or bedding.

The extremely cute appearance of the alpacas has already enchanted many young and old guests at the farm. There are now six animals on the farm, which are regularly taken on alpaca walks.

Alpaca hike for the whole family

The alpaca hike at Stauderhof begins with Anita and Christian introducing the friendly animals and telling us about their gentle nature, quirky personality and habits. Artax, Waterloo, Valentino, Felix, Sammy and Lucky are the names of our cuddly companions for the leisurely hike on the Hühnersberg. Children in particular (but also adults😉) are immediately fascinated by the soft and fluffy appearance of the alpacas.

No wonder? With their small, round heads, big, dark eyes and funny tousled hairstyle, alpacas appeal to our childlike nature. Alpacas are also sensitive, gentle creatures that are able to adapt to the mood and situation of humans. However, it is important to know that alpacas are flight animals and like to keep a safe distance from us in the wild. An alpaca therefore always requires the full attention of the person accompanying it. But don't worry: children in particular are known to act very intuitively and love taking responsibility in a playful way with the animals. This also strengthens their social skills. In addition, our guide Christian ensures that all participants are safe and feel comfortable during the hike.

As the enthusiastic farmer guides us through the glistening white winter landscape surrounded by snow-covered mountains, we learn informative facts about the flora and fauna of the Carinthian mountains. There are also all sorts of interesting facts and stories about the alpacas and the other animals on the farm. After a 45-minute hike, we reach the "Bellevue en Montagne" viewing platform, where a breathtaking view of Lake Millstättersee and the surrounding mountains as far as the Karawanken awaits. There, the cell phones are pulled out to capture the unique moments in the appropriate setting. In the meantime, the children take the opportunity to feed the alpacas with treats such as special food pellets. After the break, we continue the hike and enjoy the calm and peaceful atmosphere that has set in. Because alpacas always - really always - put you in a good mood.

After about 1.5 hours, we return to the Stauderhof - with impressive memories and a new appreciation for these gentle creatures. Afterwards, there is the opportunity to buy alpaca products such as wool, soap or shoe insoles in the farm store. A small gift for your loved ones (or yourself?) is always a pleasure. The bathroom is transformed into a fragrant wellness oasis, your feet are softened or a cozy woolen sweater made from pure alpaca wool, knitted by grandma. And that's how Farm holidays and alpaca hikes at the Stauderhof become unforgettable...

Dear readers, are you already floating on cloud nine? Then I have good news for you: Alpaca offspring are expected at the Stauderhof soon! Yet another reason to pay a visit to the beautifully situated mountain farm in Carinthia...

Information about the alpaca hike at Stauderhof

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Cost: 80 € up to 4 people
Each additional person 10 € with alpaca
Children up to 7 years hike free of charge

Info & interesting facts about alpacas

Alpacas originally come from South America, where around 90% of the world's alpacas live. We are seeing more and more of them in our part of the world, which is probably because they are so versatile. They are suitable for animal-assisted therapy, as robust landscape conservationists that are easy to keep or as breeding animals.

Alongside mohair and cashmere, alpaca fiber is one of the highest quality and most sought-after fibers in the world and is valued for its thermo-regulating properties. The wool cools in summer and warms in winter, is elastic and hard-wearing. The fine alpaca fiber is particularly suitable for allergy sufferers as it has no wool grease (lanolin) and is very comfortable to wear. Nothing is guaranteed to itch or scratch!