Schmaranzbräu

Schmaranzbräu is a family-run organic farm and brewery in Bad Hofgastein, a town in the Salzburg region of Austria. It is the first Austrian brewery to produce organic wheat beer, using barley grown and harvested on the farm. The brewery is located in the 480-year-old Kehrerhaus, where visitors can enjoy the beer and traditional dishes cooked over an open fire. Schmaranzbräu also offers accommodation in comfortable apartments and alpine huts, as well as a sauna, a gin workshop, and a farm shop. Schmaranzbräu is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the natural beauty and culinary delights of the Gastein Valley.

The History of Schmaranzbräu

Schmaranzbräu is owned and operated by the Viehauser family, who have been living and farming on the Schmaranzgut for generations. The Schmaranzgut is a historic estate that dates back to the 16th century, when it was first mentioned in a document as a “Schmarrnhaus”, meaning a house where barley was milled. Barley was an important crop for the region, as it was used to make bread and beer. The Viehausers have been growing and harvesting barley and brewing beer for centuries, following the tradition of their ancestors. The beer was brewed in the Kehrerhaus, a 480-year-old building that still stands on the farm today. The Kehrerhaus was named after the Kehrer family, who owned the Schmaranzgut from 1634 to 1848. The Kehrerhaus is now the home of the Schmaranzbräu, the first Austrian brewery to produce organic wheat beer.

The Organic Wheat Beer of Schmaranzbräu

The Schmaranzbräu is the pride and joy of the Viehauser family, who have invested a lot of time and effort into creating a high-quality and eco-friendly product. The Schmaranzbräu is made from organic barley grown and harvested on the farm, as well as organic hops and yeast. The brewing process is done in small batches, using traditional methods and equipment. The result is a refreshing and flavorful beer that comes in three varieties: light, dark, and wheat. The Schmaranzbräu is certified by the Austrian organic label “Bio Austria”, which guarantees that the beer meets the highest standards of organic farming and production.

The Restaurant and Pub of Schmaranzbräu

The Schmaranzbräu is not only a brewery, but also a restaurant and pub where visitors can enjoy the beer and other delicacies. The restaurant and pub are located in the Kehrerhaus, where the atmosphere is cozy and rustic. The guests can sit by the open fire, where the food is cooked in traditional pots and pans. The menu features home-style dishes made from organic ingredients, such as blood sausage, pork roast, schnitzel, and steaks. The meat comes from the farm’s own free-range pigs and young cattle, which are fed with organic hay and grains. The guests can also try the homemade sausages, bacon, and cheese, which are sold in the farm shop. The restaurant and pub can accommodate up to 40 people inside and 70 people outside in the shady beer garden. The Schmaranzbräu is open from Monday to Saturday, from 3 pm to 11 pm, and offers brewery tours by appointment.

The Accommodation and Activities of Schmaranzbräu

Schmaranzbräu also offers accommodation for guests who want to stay longer and experience the farm life. The guests can choose from four comfortable apartments, which are located in a separate building on the farm. The apartments are furnished with wooden furniture and have a balcony with a panoramic view of the mountains. The apartments can accommodate two to six people and have a kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, and a bedroom. The guests can also use the sauna, which is located in the same building. The price for an apartment ranges from 60 to 120 euros per night, depending on the season and the number of people.

For those who prefer a more rustic and secluded stay, Schmaranzbräu also offers two alpine huts, which are located in the Gastein Valley. The alpine huts are ideal for families, groups, or couples who want to enjoy the nature and tranquility of the Alps. The alpine huts are equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom, a fireplace, and a terrace. The alpine huts can accommodate four to eight people and have a price of 80 to 160 euros per night.

Schmaranzbräu also offers a variety of activities for its guests, such as a gin workshop, where the guests can learn how to make their own gin from organic herbs and spices. The gin workshop is held in a small distillery on the farm and costs 25 euros per person. The guests can also visit the farm animals, such as cows, pigs, chickens, and horses, and learn about the organic farming practices. The farm also has a playground and a trampoline for children. Schmaranzbräu is located in a convenient and scenic location, only 2 km away from the town center and the ski lifts. The guests can easily access the ski slopes, the hiking trails, the thermal baths, and the golf course of the Gastein Valley.

Bad Hofgastein, Austria