Looking at the mighty Ötscher mountain, is the first thing that captures my attention as I travel to the Bodenhof farm estate in southern Lower Austria, at the border with the province of Styria. Even before I get to greet the Schenners, I can’t take my eyes off the beauty of that mountain, suddenly so near and looming tall at 2.000 metres above sea level. The Bodenhof farm estate is located right next to it, in a little village called Wienerbruck, itself the gateway to the Ötscher mountain park and its many hiking trails. If, however, you only want to go out for a stroll, Sabine Schenner’s dog will gladly take you down the river and across the land from the farm, about a kilometre out where the Schenners have built a little playground for their guests. There’s a little barefoot walking trail, a pasture for the grazing horses, as well as the freshness of the little mountain stream offering cool relief should you happen to visit on a hot summer day, like me in this case. Check this out.
Now, my dear readers, tell me this: Would you be able to resist a look like that ..?
Walking barefoot …
… feeling the land …
… freshening up inside the family home …
… is a feeling of welcome particular to any country farm I visit here in Lower Austria …
… thank you so much, dear Sabine, for welcoming me in this way!
“Children’s laughter, the air filled with both sunshine & rain, inviting you to walk around barefoot, and/ or do nothing. That’s the freedom you get at our estate, right inside the Ötscher-Tormäuer nature park.”
Those are the words written in a description about the Bodenhof farm, from the point of view of some of the many regular guests and visitors. And yes, the feelings described above are truly correct. Perhaps, I wonder around walking, smiling, it is down to the perceived happiness of watching dozens of little rabbits & guinea pigs during feeding time in the stable ..? The feeling that you’d rather be outside, out and about with the animals and in the nature, rather than spending too much time inside?
Yes. It has to be that. And boy do I like it around here !!
Another clever “marketing” move : Telling the story of each of the surroundings farms through little mountain fairy tales …
… allowing you to appreciate each place as it is …
… and remembering the times when you yourself were a child growing up on the countryside, such as at Bodenhof estate …
… watching, hugging and stroking all the cute little animals around …
… or simply relaxing doing nothing.
I’ll definitely be back one day, dear Sabine, dear Schenner family! Thank you for such a wonderful glimpse into your beautiful life !
Fancy reading even more countryside stories and / or looking for places to stay in Lower Austria on your next trip here? I have prepared an entire collection of articles for you:
- “Farm Holidays in Lower Austria: Meet the Gnant family near Vienna.“
- “Chelsea Flower Show goes (Lower) Austria: Staying at one of Austria’s top garden B&Bs.“
- “Sustainable Travel & Farm Holiday Accommodation in the Lower Austrian Weinviertel district“
- “Farm Holidays in the Lower Austrian Waldviertel: Welcome to the Besenbäck family!“
- “From foreigners to friends: Travel tales from Grandma’s house in Waldviertel, Lower Austria“
Disclaimer: I have been supported by the Austrian Farm Holiday Association of Lower Austria on this trip to Mostviertel district, Lower Austria. All opinions are my own.