LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

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Love at first sight

Kathrin Röck comes from the Black Forest and ended up in the Gastein Valley by pure coincidence. When she applied for a job in the hotel industry at that time, she had no idea where this valley, which had restored the health of many emperors and kings, was located. On her very first stay, she took a shine to the people, and so she returned. Today, a few years and four children later, she is not only a proud farmer but also a dedicated and passionate accommodation provider.

Kathrin’s story is one of coming back. The connection to the valley and its people was established on her fi rst visit during her temporary, seasonal job. Perhaps this is one reason for her quick return after she worked in “bella Italia”, which is also a place where you could put down roots. It’s no wonder that the trained tourism expert in the world of travel and international hotel management (she studied in Lübeck) set her sights on simple farm life on a farm in Salzburg’s Bad Hofgastein. Things often turn out differently than expected. After she met Matthias, she slowly got used to life on the farm. Whenever the parents-in-law were unable, she was able to help out and take on more and more responsibility. Kathrin loves the tourist part and truly enjoys creating a “holiday world” on the farm. “Our vacation apartments must be such that I as a guest would feel right at home”, she says. This shows that quality and ambiance are an integral part of the Grußberghof.

“EVERYTHING THAT NATURE YIELDS IS MARKETED.”

Seven dairy cows provide the fi nancial basis for the farm. In winter, they deliver to the milk dairy, while in summer, the Röcks focus on direct marketing with butter and cheese. At the farmer’s market in town, they also offer schnapps, jams, and ointments. The ointments are homemade by mother-in-law Maria. There are also a few pigs that are made use of on the farm. Delicious bacon can be found on the breakfast buffet and satisfi es the taste buds of hungry guest families. Occasionally guests will ask if the bacon comes from the sweet pigs on the farm or their relatives. The closeness to the pigs creates bonds but also question marks. Producers and consumers are aware of this. However, the knowledge of the fate of the pigs has little impact on consumption. “Perhaps guests even appreciate the fact that the animals (in this case, the domestic pics) had a very good life”, mentions Ms. Röck.

“OUR GUESTS TREASURE THE NORMALCY OF THE FARM.”

Previous guest children, who have now grown into relaxation-seeking, returning guests, tell how reluctant they were to head to the mountains with their parents at that time. The sea and the beach were much cooler; at least, that’s what they probably meant. Childhood memories have an impact and continue to have an effect decades later. So, it now happens that some of the former guest children are regulars here. Of course, they come with their kids. It’s only fair. The Grußberghof is located somewhat outside of Bad Hofgastein with a beautiful panorama of the valley and the Schlossalm across the way. There is also the farm’s own Rastötzenalm at an elevation of 1,700 m, which is easily reachable via a gravel road or mountain bike. Here, the little ones will fi nd an ideal place to splash around in the water and build dams.

“GASTEIN HAS SO MUCH.”

Kathrin has high praise for the Gamskarkogel, one of the highest grass mountains in the Eastern Alps, which rises up to an elevation of almost 2,500 m behind the farm. This is also where the quieter, more pristine side of the Gastein Valley is located… in other words, the summits and hillside meadows that are not covered with lifts. Winter plays a major role at the Grußberggut, because when it’s white and cold, the skiers come to Heissingfelding 13, which – according to Kathrin – is rather a distance from the farm. Another season, other countries of origin, other vacation motives. Of course, there is no such thing as boredom here in summer for young and old. The thermal swimming lake of the Alpentherme, which draws upon the waters of the hot springs that have attracted guests for centuries, is the newest infrastructural achievement in the modern spa town.