Photo © Happy Highlands
THE PLACE TO ENJOY
CUDDLING WITH THE HAPPY HIGHLANDS
Only a few minutes drive from the IMLAUER Hotel Schloss Pichlarn a unique experience awaits you: cuddling with the Happy Highlands. A visit to the Bochsbichlerhof in the Donnersbachwald valley is definitely worthwhile, as the experiences you gain here are not only unforgettable, but also inspiring and heart-warming.
Get ready for this special encounter with the Happy Highlands and discover the beauty of the landscape, recharge your batteries in nature and experience animals on the farm in a completely new way. Here, relaxation, nature experiences and animal encounters are combined for young and old.
A paradise for animals
“Our animal offers touch the heart, slow down the mind and are quite adventurous.”
The Lämmerer-Wagner family from Bochsbichlerhof
In 2022, the family decided to convert their own mountain farm from livestock farming to a life farm – a project close to the owner family’s heart. Today, the idyllic farm is home to 18 highland cattle, horses, ponies, goats, chickens, a tomcat and a dog.
The loving treatment of the animals, species-appropriate husbandry and life on the extensive pastures and mountain pastures make the Happy Highlands real ambassadors for the respectful treatment of all animals.
Photo © Happy Highlands
Photo © Happy Highlands
Close to the Happy Highlands
Highland cattle have an impressive appearance. The powerful physique, the shaggy field and the protruding horns inspire respect and it takes some effort to get close to the animals.
But it is precisely the contrast between the respect-inspiring appearance and the unique character of the animals that leads to an impressive experience. This special encounter requires a gentle approach from both sides and should also have added value for the animals, which are invited to make contact and are usually happy to do so.
Wolfgang & Isabella, the operators of the Lebenshof, accompany visitors as they make contact with the Happy Highlands. First, you will learn interesting facts about the animals and their behavior and get to know the herd better.
Depending on the season and the weather, the herd is visited in the pasture or in the barn, which is why good footwear, practical clothing and a certain sure-footedness are necessary when walking across the pastures.
After the first approach, the herd is observed to find out which animals are happy to have contact with the visitors today. You will find out the animals’ favorite places to cuddle them, and if you like, you can also lie down next to one of the Happy Highlands.
“The cattle help to make it possible for people to experience and feel that we are not so dissimilar. They are ambassadors for all animals on this earth. And we have the impression that they really like this new role.”
The Lämmerer-Wagner family from Bochsbichlerhof
The experience of Cuddling with the Happy Highlands at the Bochsbichlerhof can be booked from September to May. From June to September, the herd is on the alpine pasture. Here, too, the animals can be visited as part of a guided hike be visited.
As the herd is allowed to move freely on the alpine pasture on an area of 250 hectares, the herd must first be found. So allow some time for this experience. Good footwear, practical clothing and sure-footedness on alpine terrain are highly recommended.
Photo © Happy Highlands
Photo © Happy Highlands
“Cowling” with added value
Connect with the wonderful Happy Highlands and feel the closeness to nature and the animals. A unique experience that will touch you and make your stay in the Styrian Enns Valley something very special.
The cuddling adventures last between 75 and 90 minutes, depending on the offer. Guided tours of the farm and meeting the other animals can also be booked. We would be happy to book this special experience for you. Simply ask directly at our reception or send us an inquiry form.
Please note that cows and cattle, like all animals, live according to their instincts. Therefore, please do not try to cuddle or stroke cows or calves on your own. The Happy Highlands offer the opportunity to get closer to these mighty animals with the help of the Lämmerer-Wagner family’s many years of experience.
