Farm holidays in ... with half board

Farm holiday with half board: breakfast & dinner from the farm

Half-board on a farm combines the best of both worlds: You start your day with a hearty breakfast from the farm, enjoy the freedom to explore during the day, and savor a regional dinner in the evening. Over 80 farms in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and South Tyrol offer this relaxed form of accommodation. You enjoy farm-fresh products, save yourself the cooking, and still have the flexibility to take day trips.

• Half board in Germany
• Half board in Salzburg
• Half board in Styria
• Half board in Carinthia
• Half board in South Tyrol
• Full board as an alternative
• Breakfast only as an alternative

What is half-board on a farm?

Half-board includes breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is typically a hearty farm breakfast with fresh milk, homemade bread, homemade jam, farm-fresh sausage and cheese, and eggs from the farm's own chickens. In the evening, you can enjoy a multi-course meal or buffet featuring regional specialties.

Unlike all-inclusive or full-board packages , you have flexibility at lunchtime. You can stop at a mountain hut, have a picnic in nature, or try regional cuisine at a local inn. This flexibility is especially appreciated by active vacationers and families with children who are out and about during the day.

A superb breakfast

The farmer's breakfast is often the highlight of the day. Many farms lay out the table with everything their own farm has to offer: fresh milk straight from the cows, butter and yogurt from the farm dairy, homemade farm bread, homemade jams made from farm fruit, and honey from their own bees. Organic farms rely exclusively on certified organic products.

Especially in Austria and Germany , breakfast is traditionally very substantial. Many farms also offer vegetarian or vegan options if you specify this when booking.

Dinner with a courtly atmosphere

Dinner for half-board guests is usually served between 6 and 7 pm. Depending on the farm, it may be a multi-course meal, a buffet, or a traditional farmer's platter. Typical dishes include schnitzel with potatoes from the farm's own garden, Käsespätzle (cheese spaetzle) with farm-fresh cheese, hearty soups, or seasonal vegetable dishes. Many farms base their menus on traditional regional recipes.

Some farms also organize themed evenings, such as barbecues with sausages made on the farm, cheese and wine tastings, or a communal farmer's buffet. Dinner is often served in a cozy dining room or, weather permitting, on the terrace. The family atmosphere clearly distinguishes dinner on a farm from that in hotels.

Zieglinde's 3 tips for half board

Clarify flexible meal times: Ask how flexible meal times are when booking. Some farms also offer late dinners for hikers who are out for longer periods.

Pack a lunch: Many farms will prepare a packed lunch for you upon request. Often this is free or available for a small additional fee.

Check drinks: Some farms include drinks with dinner, others don't. This can significantly affect the price.

Who is half board suitable for?

Active holidaymakers and hikers: Perfect for anyone who's out and about during the day. You'll start the day energized and won't need to cook in the evening. At lunchtime, you're flexible enough to stop at a mountain hut or have a picnic.

Families with older children: Families appreciate the mix of structure and flexibility. A shared dinner at the farm is a lovely way to end the day, while lunchtimes are spontaneous and you can explore on your own.

Couples and those seeking peace and quiet: Half-board is the perfect choice for those who want to relax without having to cook all the time, but still want flexibility at lunchtime. Sleep in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, relax during the day, and be pampered in the evening.

For budget-conscious travelers: Half-board is usually cheaper than full-board and still includes two complete meals. At lunchtime, you can decide for yourself whether you want to spend a lot or a little. You can find more money-saving tips on our page about affordable farm holidays .

Not ideal for: Families with very young children who reliably need a hot meal at lunchtime. In that case, full board is more relaxing. Those who prefer to cook for themselves are also better off with a holiday apartment .

The best regions for half board

Half-board is most common in Austria and South Tyrol, where this type of meal plan is traditionally widespread. In Salzburg, Styria, and Carinthia, many farms offer half-board as standard. There is also a wide selection in Tyrol .

Half-board is less common in Germany, but there are still good options available, especially in tourist areas. In South Tyrol, alpine hospitality combines with Mediterranean cuisine to create a unique culinary experience.

Prices and practical information

How much does half-board cost? The surcharge for half-board is usually between €15 and €30 per person per day, depending on the region and hotel category. Children pay reduced rates, often tiered according to age. A family with two children would pay approximately €300 to €600 extra for half-board for a week, in addition to accommodation. You can find a detailed price comparison of all meal plans (self-catering, bed and breakfast, half-board, all-inclusive) in our overview.

Fixed mealtimes: Breakfast is usually between 7:30 and 10:00, dinner between 18:00 and 19:00. Some farms also offer flexible times for late risers or late arrivals. Clarify this when booking.

Please note the closing days: Some farms have a weekly closing day on which no dinner is served. However, you will be informed of this in advance and usually given tips for good restaurants nearby.

Specify any special requests: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or any allergies should definitely be mentioned when booking. Most farms are very flexible and happy to cook according to your needs.

Top Farm Award: Award-winning farms

Every year, we award the Top Farm Award to particularly welcoming and high-quality farms. These farms impress with exceptional service, charming accommodations, and genuine hospitality. Many award-winning farms offer excellent half-board with regional specialties. You can find out more about the award on our Top Farm Award page .

Find farms with half board now

Ready for a relaxing holiday with regional cuisine? Over 400 farms offering half-board are waiting to pamper you with delicious breakfasts and dinners. Filter your search by region and amenities to find the perfect farm for you. The farming families are looking forward to treating you to their own specialties!