A SIGNATURE DISH FOR EVERY VALLEY
Every single valley boasts a set of unique recipes and culinary delights. Among the signature dishes: “Kärntner Käsnudel” (a cheese-filled type of pasta similar to ravioli), “Kärntner Reindling” (a Bundt cake made with yeast dough, filled with honey and cinnamon) and “Kärntner Låxn”, a particular subspecies of lake trout that’s caught in the province’s crystal-clear water bodies. The water here is even safe to drink! A fine wine from the cellars of the local winegrowers goes well with these delicacies.
Do You Remember?
FOOD AS NATURAL AS BACK THEN
Do you remember spending your holiday in the sunny south back then, when you were a child? It immediately makes you think of the delicious snacks in the “Buschenschanken”, traditional wine taverns serving home-grown food products exclusively. After having explored the farm and its surroundings, these culinary treats are a revelation! A glass of fresh cow's milk helps you regain your strength. A minute later, you’re dashing off to the green meadow, barefooted. The taste of childhood makes you beam with joy, no matter how many years have passed. Beautiful memories draw you back here. In Carinthia, Slow Food and organic farming are top priorities. On a lot of organic farms, you can learn how food is produced on the farm every day. The combination of local food production and pristine nature makes for an authentic travel experience. Simply take it easy and enjoy life to the fullest on an elegant terrace with lake view or in a rustic mountain cabin.
Welcome to the World’s First Slow Food Travel Destination
THE ORIGINS OF GOOD FOOD
How do you make butter? What are the basic ingredients for this delicious cheese that’s served in the mountain cabins? How much nectar do bees have to collect to produce a jar of honey? In Carinthia, you’ll learn where good, clean and fair food comes from. In the world’s first Slow Food Travel Destination in the Gailtal and Lesachtal valleys, you can peek over the producers’ shoulders. Join one of the exciting culinary activities and learn how high-quality food is produced. The eight Slow Food Villages are currently undergoing a revival with a vibrant community spirit returning to the small towns. Local chefs favour an authentic cuisine with fresh, local fare. Nothing’s fake here. Cooking workshops, kindergartens and schools are committed to sharing local knowledge and conveying the importance of good food and its production to the next generation.
In the Farmer’s Kitchen
WORKING WITH WHAT NATURE GIVES US
What used to be a staple for peasants in Carinthia is now making a comeback. Lots of traditional dishes have found their way back to the table: “Kletzenbrot” (pastry with a filling of dried fruit), “Ritschert” (a savoury porridge with barley, beans, vegetables and cured pork), “Frigga” (an omelette with cheese and bacon) or the famous “Kärntner Kirchtagssuppe”. The latter is a special delicacy: a hearty, creamy soup made with five different types of meat. It gets its yellow colour from saffron. What all of them have in common is that they were the farmers’ primary source of energy. And energy is what they needed for the hard work in the forests and fields. Spending your holiday where healthy food comes from - in Carinthia, nothing’s easier than that. In the farmers’ kitchens throughout the province, you can peek over the cooks’ shoulders. Learn how to bake delicious bread or how to seal the famous “Kärntner Käsnudel” - it’s not a technique, it’s an art! The farmers work entirely with what nature gives us.
Carinthia - A Hotspot for Foodies
LOCALLY GROWN AND MANUFACTURED IN CARINTHIA
You can’t get to know Carinthia with all its beautiful valleys and spots without indulging in the culinary delights that the romantic province in Austria’s south is famous for. A piece of air-dried bacon from the Gurktal valley is an irresistible treat on every snack platter. Cheese from the alpine pastures in the Gailtal valley tastes like lush, green meadows and mountain herbs. And the Lavanttal valley seduces you with fresh apple juice and sparkling cider. These natural drinks are made from old, almost forgotten apple and pear varieties. Traditional orchards dotted with mature fruit trees are characteristic for this valley.
Where to find good food? The brand “Genussland Kärnten” shows you the way. It’s a seal of quality for places serving products that were grown and manufactured in Carinthia. 100%. This way, you’ll take home beautiful memories from your farm holiday and think back of indulgent moments with a smile. That’s Carinthia in all its glory.
The New Slow Food Guide
A LAND OF PLENTY - DISCOVER CARINTHIA
Which restaurant serves fresh lake trout every day? Where can you buy the best cheeses? Which “Buschenschank” (wine tavern) is open today? Do the popular fairs take place this year? The new Slow Food Guide is a great resource for travellers looking to eat local and includes the culinary highlights of every region. Sample local delicacies, taste the cuisine of Austria’s south and discover the great diversity of its culinary traditions.
In Carinthia, you’ll find a special taste on every corner. Every genuine smile shows you that locally grown food really means something to the people here. This province invites you to get involved and get familiar with traditional skills and handicrafts on the farms. And finally, you will understand one essential thing: good food takes time. Using the precious natural resources in a respectful way, promoting sustainability and safeguarding local products, varieties and species - these matters are valued highly. All of this takes time. But the people here know that it’s worth it. We also invite you to take the time. Come, take it easy and enjoy life to the fullest. Again and again. Here, in Austria’s south.
"I'm always happy to show our guests something. It's just so important to give people an understanding of what it takes to produce something that people can eat."
Any Questions? Contact Us!
FARM HOLIDAYS IN CARINTHIA
Contact the team from “Farm Holidays in Carinthia” via e-mail or phone (Mon - Thu 8:00-16:00, Fri 8:00-12:00). We are looking forward to helping you find the perfect farm, mountain cabin or chalet for your holiday. Get the best advice for your farm holiday in Carinthia!
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