SUSTAINABILITY WITH A HEART: HOW HERMANN AND GERTRUDE HOLZWEBER LIVE THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY WITH THE BIOHOF MASCHERBAUER

Holidays in Merano are only possible in Italy? Not if you visit the Biohof Mascherbauer in the Danube region! Here in Schwertberg, centuries-old tradition and a modern approach to sustainability come together. Hermann and Gertrude Holzweber took over the farm, which looks back on 500 years of history, 20 years ago. Since then, they have turned it into a place where respect for nature, care for animals and a deep understanding of the natural cycle are tangible. The Mascherbauer organic farm is no ordinary farm - it is a living philosophy that shows how closely people, animals and the region can be connected.
 
Those who visit the farm can look forward to a variety of meat and vegetarian products. In addition to pork, beef and poultry, the range also includes various dumpling specialities, such as bacon, gram or liver dumplings and some vegetarian varieties, such as nettle or spinach dumplings. Those who prefer the classic style can order bread or potato dumplings and there is an apricot variety for those with a sweet tooth. Guests who are less keen on meat or dumplings can also order cheese spaetzle - one thing is for sure, everyone will be satisfied at the Mascherbauer organic farm! A culinary highlight of the farm is the Weidehendl, which is prepared in a very special way: in a box. It is a traditional and unusual method in which the chicken is cooked evenly in a small box - which acts as an oven - by hand over a gentle indirect fire. This careful process keeps the chicken beautifully juicy and tender and gives it an exceptional flavour.
 
The Mascherbauer organic farm is situated on a hill overlooking the Danube basin. Where the Danube once took its course thousands of years ago and shaped the landscape, today there is a farm that puts its sustainable philosophies into practice. Because for Hermann, one thing is clear: the land is the focus of his farm. Since 2008, the farm has been run as a multi-purpose operation and focusses on a forward-looking circular economy. Hermann explains to us exactly what this means: "It all starts with the wheat, which is divided into kernels and straw. The straw is used as bedding for the animals and is later composted as fertiliser, which is spread on the fields. So the cycle starts all over again. Chemical sprays? They are out of the question on the organic farm. The farm's products are processed and marketed directly on site in organic quality.
 
Located along the Weltstein-Runde, the Donauhöhenwanderweg and the R112 hiking trail, the farm is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists alike. As an adventure farm, the Mascherbauer organic farm offers guests the opportunity to experience and pet the animals up close.