The “formule invitations” concept has also been available for Austria since the beginning of September 2020. There it is called Bauernleben. FEFI spoke to founder Franz Roitner.
How did you come up with the idea of founding BAUERNLEBEN?
I grew up as a child with my parents, my grandmother and four siblings on a farm in Upper Austria. The rural life was something very everyday for me. Even as a child, I developed a great passion for travelling and I have toured many countries around the world. In the past few years I've been touring more and more with the motorhome. I experienced that there is a lot to discover in my immediate vicinity. In 2018 I was out and about in Germany with “Landvergnügen”. I have fond memories of the exciting encounters on the farms in our neighbouring country. I usually cooked the self-made products that I bought in the farm shops in my motorhome the same evening. Austrian farmers and winegrowers also produce unique products. So why not bring the grandiose idea of the “formule invitations” , which began 28 years ago in France with France Passion, to Austria?
What can travellers discover with “BAUERNLEBEN”?
The guide is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable insight into the production of our food and to get to know beekeepers, vintners, pig farmers, seed oil pressers and many other farmers personally. Our hosts will be happy to tell you how they produces their food.
Which regional specialties should you definitely try?
You should definitely plan to stay at a farm with a wine tavern. The “Buschenschank” is an authorization for wine or fruit growers. The right to do so is based on a law of Emperor Josef II from 1784. Only cold dishes and homemade pastries may be served. A typical dish is the “Brettljause”. It consists of charcuterie, cheese, spreads and black bread served on a wooden board.
Find out more here!