What is an eco-hotel in Austria?
And who is Emil?
Emil. The name keeps coming up. Emil’s tip here, Emil’s favourite spot there. But who’s behind it all?
I’m Emil, a rather stylish duck, if I may say so myself. I live here at Wiesenhof, swim my daily laps in Lake Achensee, observe everything with sharp eyes, and always have something to say. How did I end up here? Through a delightful misunderstanding.
One day, while swimming on Lake Achensee, I overheard someone talking in German about a hotel run by the “Enten Familie”, so a duck family. Naturally, as a curious duck, I had to check it out. Well, once I arrived, I realised it wasn’t the Enten duck family, but the Entner family (all humans, what a misunderstanding!). But by then, I had already fallen hopelessly in love with the place and its people. So I stayed.
Since then, I’ve secretly been the boss here. I make sure that everyone feels comfortable and that this place remains as it is: relaxed, genuine, and lively.
By the way: I love puns, especially with Ent(n)er©. Because that’s what it’s all about! Ent(n)er© the world I share with the Entner family. Come in, feel at home, stay a while.
For me, Wiesenhof is more than just a hotel, it’s a family estate with history, animals, and a lot of heart. And what about me? I’m the most relaxed resident here. That’s for sure.
A duck dives into the matter.
Before you think I’m about to go all eco-preachy – quack! As a duck, I see things differently. From a bird’s-eye view, quite literally. And what I see here at Wiesenhof is a natural cycle that has been alive and thriving for many, many years – long before sustainability became a buzzword.
The hidden value of local products
We buy from farmers whose fields you can see from the hotel balcony. The eggs come from free-range hens living nearby, proudly carrying the Tyrolean quality label “Goggei”. The bread is baked by the baker in the neighbouring village – and you can taste that closeness in every bite at Wiesenhof. Flavour comes from short distances. Freshness from proximity. Trust from transparency.
Wiesenhof farm
Right next door lies the Wiesenhof farm – the heart of a circular economy that has worked for generations. The meadows grow Alpine grasses and herbs that become nutrient-rich hay, feed for our horses, and the basis for soothing treatments in the Karwendel Spa. We mow late and carefully to preserve the diversity of flowers. This kind of farming isn’t new – it’s always been here. But today, we practise it with greater awareness.
In addition to Emil, our horses, pony Möhrchen, cats, farm dog Paula, and a large flock of silkie chickens live on our estate. There’s always something going on here.
As I like to say: "Because I see how beautifully everything works together – how the animals live and how this place feels – I knew from day one: I’m staying here. Because this is how life should be: genuine, lively, and in harmony.”
