Stories from the Farm
The vacation makers of the Glantal Beletage
Gisela Maier grew up on a small farm in Dellach at the foot of the Ulrichsberg in Carinthia. Despite a beautiful childhood, she never wanted to become a farmer, that was certain. She wanted to discover the cities, the big wide world. But then things turned out differently. She married a farmer from the neighborhood and moved to the other side of the mountain to a 25-hectare farm in Waggendorf. Even as a child, Gisela was "squeaky-clean" and today radiates happiness and contentment. But I am quite sure that she would have made her way in the city too. Together with her family, she now provides moments of happiness for the guests in her three vacation apartments.
Hubert had his own special place on his parents' farm long before he met and fell in love with Gisela. The attic, up there where grandma used to dry nuts. A place of disuse. An adventure playground for the young Carinthian, but also a waste. If only because of the brilliant view of what plate tectonics and geodynamic processes millions of years ago formed today's Carinthia. When the farm was handed over to him by his father, it was time to transform the exciting place of his childhood into a bright retreat. Vacation apartments for guests who yearn for country life. City dwellers with or without children. A counter-world not only to the urban, but also to the numerous vacation resort hotels, which often only translate the stress of everyday life differently with standardized buffets and standard architecture, but do not switch off.
Here at the Essleggerhof, the good, simple life prevails. Seasoned with an ambitious pinch of far-reaching views over central Carinthia. A sheltered, peaceful location and yet open to the world. A good place for an unspectacular interpretation of tourism. And the Maiers' guests, 90% of whom are "repeat offenders" (note: regular guests), probably feel the same way. To ensure that this remains the case, they are working hard on the future and the well-being of their guests, in addition to farming. The pigsty has been turned into a wellness area with a Swiss stone pine sauna and hot tub. In the Liebenfelser's garden (Eden) there is also a self-built infinity pool with underfloor heating. Innovation in the countryside. That's how beautiful it can be when you turn off onto the beletage of the Carinthian Glan Valley just before St. Veit. You just have to want it and do it. But in view of the number of regular guests, you should also announce your visit in advance.
"The children get out of the car and have arrived"
Familie Maier
Basically, vacationing on a farm is radically simple. Television is a minor matter. The longing for orientation and grounding in a world that consists of likes and dislikes, timelines and 360° attention is actually enough to understand why the Maiers and their numerous colleagues are currently doing so much right. Hotels simply can't do that. Never-Ever. Although I get my organic breakfast egg from the local farmer next door with a clear conscience in the organic 4-star superior, here at the Esleggerhof the children on vacation compete in an early morning race for the most beautiful egg in the barn. They are allowed to attack it and feel life. A magic moment for many city kids who only know the golden yellow breakfast happiness from the Aldi carton.
The kids feel right at home from the moment they get out of the car anyway. For parents, it sometimes takes a little longer. The stories of parents plagued by the constant noise of civilization range from "It's so dark, I can't fall asleep" to "I can hear the water fountain splashing in the night". "But after two or three days, they too have arrived and are lying in the hammock reading a book - and we also help them to switch off," says Gisela, describing the purpose of traveling from the perspective of those farmers who want or need to earn some extra money by renting out the farm. This also applies to the Maiers, who, together with their children, are excellent hosts in an unobtrusive way. All those who have been here take something away with them. The children would even tell their kindergarten children that they went up the mountain with Hubert, the farmer. Including a bacon snack. Great storytelling for the little ones. A piece of adventure land for those kids who are only allowed to go on package tours themselves. And the billion-dollar tour operator TUI has a smile in its logo. Pride comes before a fall.
"Juanita the donkey, Sunny the farm dog, a trout pond and even more children's laughter"
Vacation care is a top priority at Maier. But this should not be confused with guest entertainment. Hubert simply loves mountain biking. Some of his guests do too, so why not combine what goes well together anyway. The local farmer gets a break from stable and farm work, the children get a bit of a vacation with their parents. And disoriented holidaymakers are grateful to have a local guide with them. Free of charge. Gisela also cycles, but at a more leisurely pace. He doesn't call it a "Prosecco tour", although it sounds like one to me. The "waterway adventure" seems to be a must-do excursion together. And there's plenty to explore beyond that. Frauenstein Castle, a bike ride to Kraig to the Müller cider tavern, a trip to the Tatschnig pond or Kraig Castle. All this is possible because there are still hard-working grandparents who step in whenever Gisela and Hubert want to show their guests a piece of the Southern Alps. And it works! "The children," says Gisela, "they never really want to go home when a vacation is coming to an end. "Mom, why can't we stay here, live here, it's so beautiful here?". She often hears this when parents load their luggage into their vans or SUVs and children have to get back into their seats. That is traveling. Above all, it's passion and much more than the majority of vacation hotels can offer. And that is my thesis.
