Stories from Bad Kleinkirchheim

Author: Ed Wohlfahrt

I must say, there was something ancient about it, the way the men shouldered their scythes early in the morning to march up the steep fields of the Grubenbauer Alm. It gave me goose bumps, which were not only because of the cold weather, seeing as it had rained severely the night before.

It’s hard work to cut and “dump” the hay on the fields, which means to spread the newly cut grass out evenly, to get it to dry properly. Seeing as I can’t work the scythe, that was the job which suited me. Not only was it my job, but also my entry ticket to the world of a “Grubenbauer”, who eagerly explained and introduced me to his world. Thanks for that!

Even hundreds of years ago people were aware of the fine quality of alpine hay. That was the reason why, in terms of price, one load of alpine hay equaled 3 loads of hay down from the valley. The reason is that back then, and also today, the hay was much finer in quality and also richer in different grasses, flowers and herbs, which also make it interesting for wellness purposes. And for this “Grubenbauer” Franz Gruber also had a story: When the men got to the alps, they first cut the so-called “Legerheu” (sleeping hay) which they dried during the day to make themselves a place to sleep at night. So they were able to start off work the next day, being completely regenerated. A fact that not only was due to the clear air, but also speaks for the quality of hay. Nowadays, this ancient knowledge has become highly regarded again, and many companies in Bad Kleinkirchheim and the Nockberg Region offer wellness based on the Grubenbauer Hay.

Oh right! After our duty was done, we went back to the “Grubenbauer-Hütte”, where a goulash, made from the Nockberger alpine beef, was waiting for us. Made in a kettle over a wood fired oven, naturally. And having worked all morning, the goulash tasted the way it can only taste when you’re on the Grubenbauer Alm. I won’t even mention the first sip of beer I took, which had been freshly cooled in their well.

Image and text courtesy of Ed Wohlfahrt for the editorial team of the website www.badkleinkirchheim.at