PASSION STORIES No. 2 9 Photo: Genießerhotel Bergergut BERGERGUT ... in the border country There’s something to the saying that you occasionally need to travel far to truly appreciate the beauty of home. Eva-Maria Pürmayer, who runs “adults only” Geniesserhotel Bergergut in Oberafiesl, in the sleepy Mühlviertel region, felt the same. Her journey took her from the USA to New Zealand to Tanzania before returning home with a broadened horizon and unbridled enthusiasm. Her life partner, Thomas Hofer, who moved from Linz to this small village on the Czech border, made his own contribution to their success. He added three Gault&Millau toques to their creatively regional, yet unpretentious cuisine, and offers cooking classes and breadbaking workshops that are fully booked far in advance. A power couple, EvaMaria no longer sees the remoteness of this location as a disadvantage: “It has turned around completely. What first seemed like an obstacle, is now a clear advantage. People are increasingly looking for this kind of authentic setting amid pure nature.” However, winning over guests is still vital, since casual visitors rarely just wander into Afiesl by chance: “I believe that in remote spots such as this, it’s often the more committed people who are busily at work. We have to try three times as hard as someone whose guests just stumble through the door.” Guests appreciate their efforts because the hosting duo successfully lives up to their motto: “We want to enrich people’s lives.” IT’S AS BEAUTIFUL AS IT GETS Three toques light up the culinary sky above St. Kathrein, complemented by the fine spirits produced at the Almenland distillery. But before reaching for that glass of schnapps, you should definitely have dined at the “Wilder Eder” first. There, Eveline Wild and Stefan Eder live out their vision of “regional global” cuisine. And they do so so skillfully and delicately that their place in the “middle of nowhere” has long since become a gathering spot for well-traveled gourmets: “At first, I felt disadvantaged by this location, since practically no one comes here by chance,” Stefan Eder reflects, “but having to reach out for every single guest can also become a recipe for success in its own right.” Until the early 1950s, this 1,063-resident community on the eastern edge of the Passail basin in the Styrian Almenland region wasn't even accessible by car. And even today, as Stefan Eder notes, getting there “can be an adventure per se”: “You have to want to consciously find us, and be prepared for a culinary expedition.” But once there, it feels “like coming home,” says the top chef: “It takes less than half an hour for our guests to shed the cares of everyday life.” This sense of relaxation jives wonderfully with Stefan Eder’s cuisine, which is intended to be a holistic feel-good experience: “Culinary creations are like music to me,” he says. Meanwhile, his beloved Eveline Wild is responsible for the sweet touches, a multiple pastry world champion and TV chef. Those legendary pralines as well as her cakes and desserts are to die for. The closeness that connects this culinary dream team in private, however, is deliberately avoided professionally: “We have separate kitchens – which does wonders for our relationship,” Stefan says with a sly grin. And that, in turn, is marvelous for the guests. THE WILDER EDER ... in the silent Almenland A tranquil refuge in the Mühlviertel hill country – how beautiful “the middle of nowhere” can be. Photo: Rene Strasser Photo: Wolfgang Hummer Why come to Eveline Wild and Stefan Eder? Because a visit to us becomes a wild, romantic culinary journey from “savory to sweet.” Where to stay? In one of our hotel rooms ranging from “small-yet-exquisite” to a junior suite, or in the former hayshed now beautifully transformed into a rustic chalet. Eveline Wild & Stefan Eder Why come to Eva-Maria Pürmayer and Thomas Hofer? Because with us, be it dining or our accommodations, you can clearly sense our passion and attention to every detail. Where to stay? In one of our 35 ultra-cozy rooms or a suite. Starting in 2024, we will also offer six so-called “Tiny Houses” built on stilts. Eva-Maria Pürmayer & Thomas Hofer Photo: Genießerhotel Bergergut
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