Top Farm Award 2026 in Styria: The 3 best farms in the green heart of Austria

Styria is the green heart of Austria, and three of its farms made it into the top 50 holiday farms in Europe in 2026. One of them even won the title of best dog-friendly farm in the entire German-speaking world. The guests decided: with over 760,000 evaluated reviews from four portals, the Top Farm Award is the clearest indicator of quality for farm holidays.

What these three businesses have in common: They demonstrate just how diverse Styria can be. The mountain farm in a secluded location in the heart of the Schladming Mountains. The baroque holiday home in the sunny volcanic region, nestled between thermal baths and vineyards. The dairy farm in the tranquil forested heart of Eastern Styria, documented since the 16th century. Three regions, three distinct characters, one thing in common: Guests keep coming back.

The 3 Styria Top Farms 2026 in detail

Second place: Irxner mountain farm (Schladming)

Those seeking true seclusion will find it at 1,150 meters above sea level: The Irxner mountain farm in Mandling near Schladming enjoys a secluded location in the heart of the Schladming-Dachstein region. Johannes and Caroline Höflehner run the farm, now in its second generation. In 2025, they converted the entire property from room rentals to modernly renovated apartments and junior suites. Guests who were familiar with the traditional guesthouse had to adjust to the new comforts, but Hansi's excellent cuisine and the generous breakfast remain unchanged.

What makes the Irxner mountain farm special:

• Top dog farm 2026 and ranked 2nd in Europe: 940.30 total points, 234 reviews with an average rating of 4.9 stars, top marks of 5.0 for cleanliness, hospitality, child-friendliness, catering, leisure activities and animal welfare
• Newly renovated apartments and junior suites 2025: 26 beds in holiday apartments and suites for 2 to 6 people, each unit with mountain-view balcony, kitchenette, refrigerator and modern bathroom, bookable with breakfast or half board, from 70 euros per person
• Most dog-friendly farm in the overall ranking: Dogs are welcome for an extra 9 euros per night, fenced grounds, water station for dogs above the farm, dog-friendly hiking trails directly from the farm
• Petting zoo and farm animals for children: Around 30 rabbits and guinea pigs in the small animal zoo by the playground, 40 to 50 chickens with fresh eggs to collect, sheep, cattle, goats and cats on the farm in summer
• Wellness after a day of hiking: Outdoor whirlpool with panoramic views of the Schladming mountains, sauna, infrared cabin and wellness area for relaxation after active days.
• Open year-round with a prime summer and winter location: In summer, hikes to the Sonnenalm (20 minutes from the farm) and to the Wild Waters; in winter, direct access to the ski area and cross-country ski trails around Schladming.

Did you know that the Irxner mountain farm, with only 26 beds, ranks 2nd among over 1,000 farms on bauernhofurlaub.info, proving that warmth and quality are not a matter of size?

21st place: Landhaus Bender (Straden in the Styrian Volcanic Region)

Nestled between the thermal spas of Bad Radkersburg and Bad Gleichenberg, amidst the rolling orchards and vineyards of southeastern Styria, lies the Landhaus Bender in Straden. Silvia and Alexander Bender run the ancestral farm, which has been documented since 1751. In 2025, the holiday apartments were renovated with solid wood furniture made from local timber, organic paints, and an accessible apartment for wheelchair users. The 97-year-old matriarch, Steffi, is an integral part of the family.

What makes Landhaus Bender special:

• A traditional farm dating back to 1751, receiving top marks across the board: ranked 21st overall, with 48 reviews averaging 4.8 stars. All detailed categories on bauernhofurlaub.info were rated 5.0, including location, cleanliness, child-friendliness, animal welfare, and value for money.
• Barrier-free organic farm with 4 flowers: Apartment “Gartenlust” completely barrier-free with wheelchair-accessible shower, grab bars, accessible washbasin and step-free access to the garden, from 40 euros per person
• A wide variety of farm products directly from the organic producer: honey from our own apiary, fresh fruit and vegetables from the natural garden, jams, herbs and juices, breakfast basket included upon request.
• Traditional farm crafts to try: Host Alexander Bender shows guests the art of basket weaving from willow, an almost forgotten craft that fascinates children and adults alike.
• Dream location in a European protected area: organic farm in the heart of Styria's volcanic region, deer in the garden, starry skies without light pollution, directly on the Mur cycle path RA2, Bad Radkersburg thermal baths reachable in a few minutes by car
• Campfire area, trampoline and grapevine pergola: Community garden with shaded seating under the grapevine pergola, campfire area, barbecue facilities, playground with climbing frame and large sandbox for children

Did you know that the Bender country house has been documented since 1751 and is therefore likely one of the oldest hereditary farms among all 50 top farm winners of 2026?

39th place: Hönigshof farm, Kerschenbauer family (Fischbach)

The farm is called Hönigshof and has borne this name since 1542. Back then, it was called Heinitzhof, and it was first documented in 1527. The Kerschenbauer family runs it today in eastern Styria, near Fischbach in the Joglland-Waldheimat region, with a motto displayed on the entrance: "Des tuat guat" (It feels good). That sums it up perfectly. Anyone who arrives here feels welcome. Guests come to watch the milking, collect eggs, and visit the cowshed. Their own cowshed is called the "Muh-seum" (Moo Museum). This family doesn't take themselves too seriously, and that's precisely what makes them so special.

What makes the Hönigshof farm special:

• Documented since 1527 and a family farm in 2026: ranked 39th overall, 97 reviews with an average rating of 4.9 stars, 5.0 on Facebook, awarded as a certified family farm with a 4-flower classification
• Six fully equipped holiday apartments and two rooms: 25 beds, from the 1-person single apartment to the 90 m² "Tree Root" apartment for up to 7 people, each unit with balcony and terrace, from 50 euros per person
• Hands-on dairy farm experience: watch milking, feed animals and pet calves in the cowshed, collect eggs from the chickens, ride a tractor with the host
• Petting zoo with rabbits, calves, pigs and cats: animals are the heart of the farm, sustainable agriculture and genuine animal encounters for children and adults, dogs welcome for an extra charge of 10 euros
• Farm products directly from the producer: honey from our own apiary, dairy products from the farm, brandies and jams from our own production, breakfast with regional products on request
• Diverse excursion destinations in Eastern Styria: Teufelstein in the Fischbach Alps (easy hike), Kogelhof summer toboggan run for children, Hochreiter forest park with animals, Felber chocolate factory for a sweet afternoon

What all three top Styrian farms have in common

Styria is presenting three farms from three completely different regions at the 2026 Top Farm Award. The Irxner farm is located in the high mountains, the Landhaus Bender in the flat volcanic region of southern Styria, and the Hönigshof farm in the gentle, wooded Joglland region. This diversity is no coincidence; it reflects the character of the province.

What unites all three is not their location, but their attitude. Guests describe all three establishments with the same words: family-run, personal, honest. No exaggerations, no empty promises. At the Irxner, guests feel like family; at Landhaus Bender, the feeling of well-being lingers a little longer after the vacation. At the Hönigshof, the owner himself says: "We live what we are. Farmers."

All three establishments are open year-round and are suitable for both summer and autumn holidays. Those planning a holiday in Styria have three completely different starting points to choose from.

Zieglinde's insider tips for Styria

Zieglinde's Styrian tips

I'm Zieglinde, and for me, Styria means: fresh mountain air, orchards, and the best pumpkin seed oil in the world. My tips for your visit to the top farms:

Those traveling with a dog will find themselves in the best possible hands at the Irxner mountain farm , which was named Europe's best dog-friendly farm in 2026. For those wishing to explore Southern Styria while enjoying peace and nature, the Landhaus Bender offers a starting point with the special flair of a centuries-old ancestral farm. And for those who want to experience authentic farm life up close without having to travel many kilometers, I recommend the Hönigshof .

Frequently asked questions about the top farms in Styria 2026

How to book Styria's top farms 2026

All three farms can be accessed and booked directly on bauernhofurlaub.info, without commission and without detours:

• Irxner mountain farm in Mandling near Schladming, Top Dog Farm 2026, 4 flowers, from 70 euros per person, open from December to April and May to October
• Landhaus Bender in Straden in the Vulkanland region, organic farm, family farm since 1751, wheelchair accessible, 4 flowers, from 40 euros per person, open all year round
• Hönigshof Farm in Fischbach, family-run farm, 4 flowers, from 50 euros per person, open all year round

Are you looking for more farms in Styria ? On bauernhofurlaub.info you'll find over 1,000 certified farms in Austria, Germany, South Tyrol, and Switzerland. Dog-friendly farms , organic farms , and family-run farms throughout Styria are also available.

Styria showcases the full range of farm holidays.

Three farms, three worldviews. Seclusion in the high mountains or a thermal spa and wine arbor in southeastern Styria. A centuries-old ancestral farm or a newly renovated mountain farm. Dogs as honored guests or children watching the milking. Styria proves with the Top Farm Award 2026 that a good farm holiday isn't a one-size-fits-all experience, but rather has many faces. And all three have one thing in common: guests describe them not as hotels, but as a home away from home.

Genuine farm moments. Deliberate. Special. Intimate.

Check availability and book directly now.

All three top Styrian farms can be booked directly. No detours, no commission. You book directly with the host.

Discover and inquire about all of Styria's top farms for 2026