Farm holidays in ... with Holiday on the Alm

Holiday on the alpine pasture: Between peaks, cows and genuine mountain idyll

A holiday on an alpine pasture is pure relaxation. On 59 farms and alpine huts in Austria, South Tyrol, and Bavaria, you'll experience the mountains not as a backdrop, but as your temporary home. You'll wake up at over 1,000 meters above sea level, enjoy breakfast to the gentle clanging of cowbells, and hike directly from your front door into pristine nature. Up here, there's no traffic, no hustle and bustle, just meadows, peaks, and the peace and quiet you crave. Whether in a rustic alpine hut without electricity or on a modern mountain farm with all the comforts: an alpine holiday means getting back to your roots.

• Alpine holiday in Austria
• Alpine holiday in the Alps
• Alpine holiday in Italy
• Alpine holiday in Carinthia
• Alpine holiday in the Hohe Tauern
• Rent alpine huts
• Mountain farms
• For those seeking peace and quiet

What is an alpine pasture and what makes an alpine holiday so special?

An alpine pasture is a mountain meadow above the tree line, usually between 1000 and 2000 meters in altitude, where cows, goats, sheep, or horses graze in the summer. Farmers drive their animals up there in early summer, where they remain until autumn, feeding on the nutritious alpine grass. An alpine pasture usually includes a building, where herdsmen used to live and make cheese. Today, many of these alpine huts are rented out as holiday apartments, or the farms near the pasture offer guest rooms.

The big difference compared to regular mountain hotels: On an alpine pasture, you're right in the middle of daily life. You see the cows being milked in the morning, can watch the cheese being made, and experience authentic mountain life instead of staged folklore. Many alpine pastures are only accessible on foot or via forest roads, with no through traffic. The air is thin and clear, at night you see more stars than ever before, and during the day you hear only wind, birdsong, and cowbells.

Alpine hut or farm: Which suits you best?

Rent an alpine hut

You'll stay in a traditional cabin right on the alpine pasture, often in a remote location and only accessible on foot. Some cabins have no electricity, no running water, and only an outhouse. Others are modernized with solar power, a shower, and other amenities. Perfect for adventurers seeking total peace and quiet and unspoiled nature. Meals are usually self-catered, though sometimes a farmer nearby delivers milk and bread.

Farm with alpine pasture management

You'll be staying on a mountain farm that manages its own alpine pasture. The farm is usually situated at a lower elevation, accessible by car, and offers more comfort. You can hike up to the pasture, watch or help with the work, and return to your cozy room in the evening. Often breakfast or half-board is included, making it perfect for families with children.

Mountain farm near alpine pasture

The farm is situated at an altitude of 1000 to 1500 meters, surrounded by alpine meadows. The animals graze on nearby pastures in the summer, the farm is actively worked, and you'll experience life between the mountains and the valley. It offers a good mix of comfort, nature, and authenticity. Most farms also offer a children's program and modern holiday apartments.

Animals on the alpine pasture: More than just cows

cows

The classic cattle found on every alpine pasture. In the Alpine region, they are usually brown or spotted cattle, sometimes also Pinzgau or grey cattle. The cows wear bells so that the farmers can find them again in the vast terrain. You can watch the milking; many farms even let guests try it themselves.

Goats and sheep

Goats often graze on the alpine pastures, especially in South Tyrol and Carinthia. They are agile on steep terrain and produce flavorful cheese. Sheep graze where it's too steep for cows. In autumn, during the cattle drive down from the mountain pastures, they are decorated and led down to the valley.

horses

Some alpine pastures also serve as summer grazing land for young horses or Haflingers. On some farms, you can go horseback riding through the alpine landscape – a special experience at this altitude.

Alpine animals up close

Unlike in the valley, where animals are often kept in barns, alpine animals live outdoors all summer. You can watch them grazing, encounter them while hiking, and learn about their natural behaviors. Children love to pet the calves or help feed the goats.

Alpine products: You can't get any fresher than this!

Alpine pastures are not only places to live, but also places of production. The milk from alpine cows is particularly rich because the animals graze on lush mountain grasses and herbs. This results in products you won't find anywhere else.

Alpine cheese

It is often still produced directly on the alpine pastures in small dairies. The cheese matures in cool cellars and develops an intense, spicy flavor. Many farms sell it directly, or you can watch the cheesemaking process and taste it.

Butter and yogurt

Made from fresh alpine milk, creamy and aromatic. Some farms offer homemade butter for breakfast, which you can enjoy on warm farmhouse bread.

Bacon and sausage

Especially in South Tyrol, many mountain farms raise their own pigs or cattle, whose meat is processed into bacon and sausage. Air-dried in the clear mountain air, this results in a quality that far surpasses supermarket products.

Zieglinde has three tips for your alpine holiday:

• Of the 59 farms on this page , 22 are genuine alpine huts without hotel amenities. If you're looking for a digital detox: this is the place to be – no Wi-Fi, often no cell phone reception, just silence and stars.
• The best time to travel is September . The cattle drive down from the mountain pastures takes place at the end of the month, when decorated cows descend to the valley. The meadows are golden, there are hardly any tourists, and prices are up to 30 percent lower than in August.
• Only 12 farms listed on bauernhofurlaub.info are accessible by mountain railway . Those seeking an adventure without having to drive will find some real rarities here.

Hiking from the alpine pasture: Your front door is the hiking trail

The biggest advantage of an alpine holiday: You can start your hike directly from your accommodation into the mountains, without any travel time or searching for parking. Whether a leisurely stroll through the alpine pastures or a challenging summit tour, everything is right on your doorstep.

Easy alpine hikes

Flat paths across alpine meadows, past grazing cows, to small streams and viewpoints. Perfect for families with children and leisurely hikers. Walking time usually 1 to 3 hours, hardly any elevation gain.

Summit tours

Many alpine pastures offer marked trails leading to nearby peaks. You start at an altitude of 1500 meters, meaning you only have to climb 500 to 1000 meters instead of 1500 meters from the valley floor. This saves energy and time. The reward: a 360-degree panorama and the feeling of standing on top of the world.

Multi-day hikes

Some alpine pastures are located on long-distance hiking trails or hut-to-hut trekking routes. You can hike from one pasture to another, spending the night here and there, and experience different mountain regions in a single week.

Themed trails

Many regions have alpine pasture nature trails where you can learn about alpine farming, animals, plants, and traditions. Children love the stations with puzzles and games.

How much does a holiday in an alpine pasture cost?

Prices vary greatly depending on comfort and location:

Simple alpine hut (rustic standard)

No electricity, no running water, outhouse, self-catering. 40 to 80 euros per night for the entire cabin, usually for 4 to 8 people. That's 10 to 20 euros per person. Very cheap, but adventurous.

Comfortable alpine hut (modernized)

Powered by solar energy or a generator, with a shower, toilet, and often even Wi-Fi. €80 to €150 per night for 4 to 6 people. €20 to €40 per person. A good balance of nature and comfort.

Holiday apartment on a mountain farm

Modern standard accommodation with kitchen, bathroom, and TV. €60 to €120 per night for an apartment for 2 to 4 people. Breakfast with farm-fresh products is often included for €8 to €15 per person.

Room with half board

On working mountain farms or small guesthouses near alpine pastures. 55 to 95 euros per person per night including breakfast and dinner. Comfortable, no cooking required.

Tip: In the off-season (June, September), prices are often 20 to 30 percent cheaper than in the height of summer. The alpine pastures are still green then, but not overcrowded.

The best regions for alpine holidays

Austria and Alpine region

Austria and the Alps are the focus of alpine tourism on bauernhofurlaub.info. Particularly beautiful are the Hohe Tauern mountains with their glacier views, the Pinzgau region with its gentle alpine ridges, and Carinthia with its combination of mountains and lakes.

South Tyrol and Eisack Valley

South Tyrolean alpine pastures combine alpine landscapes with Mediterranean flair. The farms are often certified organic, the hospitality is legendary, and the food is a blend of Tyrolean and Italian cuisine.

Carinthia

Carinthian alpine pastures offer the perfect combination: mountains for hiking, warm lakes for swimming. Many farms have their own alpine pastures, allowing you to hike in the morning and relax by the lake in the afternoon. Especially ideal for families.

Bavaria and Allgäu

Lower than Austria, but no less beautiful. The Allgäu Alps offer gentle alpine pastures, traditional dairies, and rustic mountain huts. Easily accessible, also suitable for families with young children.

Alpine holidays throughout the year: When is the best time?

Early summer (May/June)

The animals are being driven up to the alpine pastures, the meadows are full of flowers, everything is awakening. Perfect hiking season with pleasant temperatures. Few tourists yet, often lower prices.

High summer (July/August)

Classic alpine season. The days are long, the weather is mostly stable, and all the huts are open. Ideal for families during school holidays. However, it's also peak season with crowded hiking trails and higher prices.

Early autumn (September/October)

The most beautiful time of year for many! The alpine meadows turn golden, the air is clear, and often there's an Indian summer with fantastic weather. At the end of September, the decorated cows are brought down from the alpine pastures to the valley. A festival you shouldn't miss.

Winter (December to March)

Only a few alpine pastures are inhabited or rented out in winter. Some mountain farms offer winter holidays with snowshoeing, ski touring, or tobogganing. Peace and seclusion in their purest form.

Alpine holidays with children: Is that possible?

Yes, absolutely! Many families swear by alpine holidays because children have a freedom here like nowhere else. No roads, no dangers, just meadows to romp around in. However, there are differences:

mountain farm

Perfect for families with children of all ages. Comfortable apartments, often with a playground , animals to feed, and a children's program. The farms are accessible by car, and you can easily transport strollers and luggage.

Alpine hut

More suitable for older children aged 8 and up. The climb to the hut can be strenuous, especially with luggage. But it's an adventure children will never forget: sleeping without electricity, fetching water from the well, counting shooting stars at night.

Tip: Many family-friendly farms offer guided alpine hikes for children, where a farmer tells stories, shows animals and explains how alpine farming works.

Interesting facts about holidays on the alpine pasture

Top Farm Award: Excellent Alpine Farms

Every year, we award the Top Farm Award to particularly welcoming and authentic farms. Many award-winning farms manage their own alpine pastures, produce traditional alpine cheese, and offer guests unforgettable mountain experiences. You can find out more about the award on our Top Farm Award page . The current Top Farm 2026 winners among the alpine farms can be found directly, filtered by your search criteria.

Find your alpine holiday now

59 farms and alpine huts between 1000 and 2000 meters altitude, no booking fees, direct inquiry with the farm. From rustic cabins without electricity to modern mountain farms with half-board, from Bavaria to South Tyrol, for families and those seeking peace and quiet. Filter by altitude, amenities, and region to find your perfect spot in the mountains.