We air-dry our laundry instead of putting it in the dryer, use our solar power system to generate electricity, heat the barn and farmhouse with wood chips from our own forest, grow plenty of our own fruits and vegetables and herbs for ourselves and our guests, and much more.
Sustainability on the Farm
Working with nature, not against it
For us, sustainability isn’t just a single project—it has always been part of our daily life as farmers. On our farm in Bad Hofgastein, we work in harmony with nature, ensure we treat our animals responsibly, and use many resources directly from our farm.
Our own products, wood from our forest, fresh spring water, and produce from our garden are all part of our daily life. This is how we combine a farm stay in the Gastein Valley with a mindful and down-to-earth approach to our environment.
A 400-year-old farmstead built with natural materials
Our farmhouse, which is over 400 years old, has been renovated with great care. In doing so, we prioritize the use of regional and natural materials while preserving the unique character of our historic family farm.
We use wood from our own forest for heating and, in some cases, for custom-made furniture in our vacation rentals. This way, natural resources from the immediate vicinity remain part of our farm.
Using Energy Wisely
We meet part of our electricity needs with our own solar power system. Energy-efficient lighting and many small measures in our daily farm life help us use energy as consciously as possible. For example, motion sensors and energy-efficient LED bulbs ensure that electricity is used only where it’s actually needed.
Drying laundry in the fresh air is also part of the experience. For guests spending their vacation in Bad Hofgastein with an electric car or e-bike, charging stations are available at the Zittrauerhof.
From the Garden to the Table
Some of our fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables come directly from our own garden. Our apples, for example, are processed into apple juice and apple cider vinegar. Some of the apples are fed to our animals, and the vinegar helps promote gut health in our cows. Many other foods also come from our own farm—short supply chains and a mindful approach to food are a natural part of life at the Zittrauerhof.
By planning our grocery shopping carefully, we aim to minimize food waste as much as possible. Kitchen scraps are composted, allowing them to reenter the natural cycle.
Our Own Spring Water
Fresh spring water from the nearby forest supplies our farm with high-quality drinking water. For us, this natural resource is something special—and at the same time, something we want to use responsibly.
Water-saving fixtures—such as water-saving buttons on toilets, as well as showerheads and faucet heads designed to optimize water usage—and the use of rainwater to water our garden help us use water consciously and sparingly.
Our Own Forest
Our farm in the Gastein Valley has had its own forest for generations. We use the wood harvested there only as needed—for heating, fencing, and various tasks around the house and farm, among other things.
At the same time, we make sure to carry out appropriate reforestation. For us, consistent waste separation and the mindful use of available resources are also part of sustainable daily farm life in the SalzburgerLand.
Our Animals as Stewards of the Landscape
Our animals are also part of the natural cycle surrounding the Zittrauerhof. Our goats, in particular, play an important role in landscape conservation during their summer on the Zittraueralm.
They graze on shrubs and bushes, thereby helping to keep alpine meadows and hiking trails from becoming overgrown. In this way, agriculture, livestock farming, and the maintenance of our cultural landscape come together in a completely natural way.
Making Good Use of Valuable Leftovers
We also put eggshells and coffee grounds to good use. The eggshells are dried and then fed back to the chickens or used as natural fertilizer in the garden. Coffee grounds serve as valuable fertilizer for our plants. This way, any leftover materials are put to the best possible use and aren’t unnecessarily thrown away.
Stale bread is also dried and fed to the animals, or sliced and used to make bread dumplings.
Preserving Produce from Your Own Garden
We use as much of the fruit and vegetables from our garden as possible and preserve them in a variety of ways. This includes making jams, syrups, pickled items such as gherkins, and homemade tomato sauce. This allows us to enjoy our own harvest even after the season is over and helps us avoid food waste.
Biological Fly Control
To reduce the fly population naturally, we rely on beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps and dung flies. These are harmless to both humans and animals and help curb the spread of flies right in the barn. In this way, we naturally create a pleasant, comfortable environment for our animals and guests.
Nachhaltig reinigen
We also take care to be environmentally conscious when it comes to cleaning. That’s why we clean our premises using a micro dry steam cleaner that operates with hot water vapor.
This allows us to significantly reduce our use of chemical cleaning products while still ensuring that the rooms are thoroughly cleaned and hygienic. At the same time, we conserve water and protect the environment.
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