A Quick Look at Bavaria’s Famous Farm Holidays Amidst Germany’s Thriving Organic Agriculture
While Ostallgäu, in Bavaria Is a hot spot for farm holidays, the disteict’s organic farms are the main attractions of farm vacations. Germany, after all, is known for pioneering the concept of organic farming and of promoting healthy-eating by consuming only organically produced farm products. In fact, about a century ago, reform shops called “reformhäuser” selling only organically produced crops came into existence as part of the nation’s food reform movement.
As a result, Germany’s agricultural production and organic food stores flourished, making the country one of the largest markets for organic products. Other European countries eventually followed suit, as certain developments like the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) food crisis (a.k.a. Mad Cow Disease) and other food-related scares affected agricultural production.
Such occurrences raised consumer awareness about food safety, whilst increasing consumer preference for organically produced food as safer alternatives. The demand for organic farm food increased after supermarkets joined the organic food trade, which made Germany’s food market one of the major sources for such products.
Germany’s organic agriculture is highly rated by other Europeans, particularly in Bavaria, where a visit to organic farms has become an additional tourist attraction. Vacationers travelling by land, usually those who booked a guided sightseeing tour of the Schloss Neuschwanstein im Ostallgäu, prefer to stay, lodge, camp or park in organic farm villages.
Known as farm holiday spots, organic farms in the district are quite popular because they also provide visitors with opportunities to experience farm life as a form of recreation.
About the Farm Holidays in Ostallgäu
Ostallgäu’s organic farms are popular not only for their offers of abundant assortment of fresh, organically grown or produced food like fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk and cheese. Here, farmer’s wives teach visitors teach visitors different delicious and hearty food preparations using only organic ingredients. Some others also hold live demonstrations on who to make jams, cottage cheese and bread, using their traditional recipes.
Other holiday farms in the district offer a more earthy farm holiday experience by letting visitors build tents at campsites; or allow mobile homes to park designated pit stops located in the farm. Since hiking and biking are also popular travel modes in Europe, other organic farms make a difference by branding themselves as hiker/biker friendly farms, enticing travel weary individuals with offers of bed and breakfast.
Here, some villagers tell of lesser known stories about King Ludwig II, the Bavarian ruler who gained worldwide fame for having had the vision of building the fairy tale castle known as Schloss Neuschwanstein. Albeit later branded as Mad Kind Ludwig for his lack of interest in the political affairs of Bavaria, King Ludwig II is beloved in many farming villages,
Stories from the past handed down by older generations suggest that the handsome young king preferred to visit farms instead of attending galas and other formal functions. Apparently, he was a hero to many Ostallgäu farmers, since he had spent time listening to their woes so his administrators can address them. Others say there are stories of how the king sometimes travelled incognito, for the purpose of rewarding those whom he deemed as the most hospitable and kind.
