"When he was a child and we couldn't find him, he was usually in the stables or on the tractor," remembers Johann Mauracher, mentor and father of Stephan Mauracher. The 26 year-old has been in charge of the Hotel Alpenrose in Kufstein since 2017, making him the youngest hotel owner in Tirol. Today he still spends as much time as possible at the Lindhof family farm. "This is where I can relax and come down. If I hadn't gone into the hotel industry I would have become a farmer."

Geese, hens, cows, fruit trees and 1,000 hectares of land ensure plenty of fresh regional produce all year round. The Mauracher family harvested three tonnes of fruit last year – without pesticides, artificial fertiliser or long transport routes. "We focus on regional and seasonal food. You don't always have to have everything all the time. Strawberries shipped in from overseas in November are unsexy," says Stephan Mauracher.

With a changing list of ingredients, Stephan's kitchen team has to be flexible. "We have rediscovered old techniques like pickling vegetables and making compots.“ The 26 year-old is in charge of 16 members of staff. "As a boss I want to set a good example. That's why the team respects me, even though I am still young." He is also keen to pass on his knowledge to the next generation: "We have four apprentices at the moment. It's great to see young people want to get involved in the restautant and hotel industry."

Stephan Mauracher, hotel owner

Stephan comes from a family of hotel owners from Thiersee. It was his family which opened the region's first ayurveda hotel in 2006. The family farm, the Lindhof, provides both hotels run by the family with fresh regional produce. The farm also holds cooking courses, seminars, weddings and exclusive corporate events.

 
The Lindhof farm near Kufstein, © Tirol Werbung/Bert Heinzlmeier
The Lindhof farm near Kufstein, © Tirol Werbung/Bert Heinzlmeier
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