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 over 55 farms and alpine huts in Austria, South Tyrol, Bavaria, and Switzerland, 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 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 hut right on the mountain pasture, often in a remote location and only accessible on foot. Some huts have no electricity, no running water, and 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 stay with alpine pasture management: You'll stay on a mountain farm that manages its own alpine pasture. The farm is usually situated at a lower elevation, is 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 includes breakfast or half-board, perfect for families with children.

Mountain farm near alpine pastures: 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. A perfect blend of comfort, nature, and authenticity. Most farms offer children's programs and modern holiday apartments.

Animals on the alpine pasture: More than just cows

Cows: A classic sight 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: Especially in South Tyrol and Carinthia, goats often graze on the alpine pastures. They are agile on steep terrain and produce flavorful cheese. Sheep graze where it becomes too steep for cows. In autumn, during the cattle drive down from the alpine 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: 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. A taste experience you won't forget.

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's 3 tips for your alpine holiday

Don't underestimate the altitude: Above 1500 meters you'll definitely feel the thin air. Take it slow, take breaks, and drink plenty of water. Your body needs 1 to 2 days to acclimatize.

Keep an eye on the weather: It can change quickly in the mountains. Sunny in the morning, thunderstorms at midday. Always pack a rain jacket and a warm layer, even in summer. It gets chilly in the evenings!

Enjoy the alpine experience: Time moves differently up here. Many huts have no Wi-Fi or cell phone reception. That's intentional! Use the time to unwind, not to get annoyed. You'll be grateful.

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

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

Easy alpine pasture 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: Marked trails lead from many alpine pastures to nearby peaks. You start at 1500 meters, so you only have to climb 500 to 1000 meters instead of 1500 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 mountain hut (rustic standard): No electricity, no running water, outhouse, self-catering. 40 to 80 euros per night for the entire hut, usually accommodating 4 to 8 people. That's 10 to 20 euros per person. Very cheap, but adventurous.

Comfortable alpine hut (modernized): Equipped with solar power or a generator, 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 amenities including kitchen, bathroom, and TV. €60 to €120 per night for an apartment accommodating 2 to 4 people. Breakfast with farm-fresh products is often included for €8 to €15 per person.

Rooms 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 the Alpine region: With 38 farms in Austria and 30 in the Alps , this region is the center of alpine tourism. Particularly beautiful: 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 the Eisack Valley: 10 farms in Italy , 7 of which are in the Eisack Valley . South Tyrolean alpine pastures combine alpine scenery 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: 10 alpine pastures in Carinthia offer the perfect combination: mountains for hiking, warm lakes for swimming. Many farms have their own alpine pastures, allowing you to hike in the mountains in the morning and relax by the lake in the afternoon. Especially ideal for families.

Bavaria and the Allgäu region: 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 driven down to the alpine pastures, the meadows are full of flowers, everything is awakening. Perfect hiking time with pleasant temperatures. Few tourists yet, often lower prices.

High summer (July/August): Classic alpine season. The days are long, the weather is usually stable, and all the huts are open. Ideal for families during school holidays. However, this is also peak season with crowded hiking trails and higher prices.

Early autumn (September/October): The most beautiful time for many! The alpine meadows turn golden, the air is clear, and there's often an Indian summer with fantastic weather. At the end of September, the cattle drive down from the alpine pastures takes place, when the decorated cows descend to the valley. A festival you shouldn't miss.

Winter (December to March): Only a few alpine pastures are inhabited or rented out during the winter. Some mountain farms offer winter holidays with snowshoeing, ski touring, or tobogganing. Pure peace and seclusion, but only for the hardy and those without car access.

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 accommodations, 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. However, 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 hikes to alpine pastures for children, where a farmer tells stories, shows off animals, and explains how alpine farming works. More exciting than any museum!

Top Farm Award: Excellent Alpine Farms

Every year, we award the Top Farm Award to particularly welcoming and authentic farms. Many of the award-winning farms manage their own alpine pastures, produce traditional alpine cheese, and offer guests unforgettable mountain experiences. These award-winning farming families are passionate about alpine farming, maintain old traditions, and warmly welcome their guests. You can find out more about the award on our Top Farm Award page .

Find your alpine holiday now

Ready for summit views and the sound of cowbells? Over 55 farms and alpine huts between 1000 and 2000 meters altitude are waiting for you. From rustic cabins without electricity to modern mountain farms with all the comforts, from Bavaria to South Tyrol, for families and those seeking peace and quiet. Filter your search by altitude, amenities, and region and find your perfect spot in the mountains!