Sustainability and philosophy at Pichlschloss

Name: Landsitz Pichlschloss - Heindl OG
Address: Stadlob 125, Neumarkt in der Steiermark, 8820, AT
Telephone: +43 3584 2426

Sustainable holidays in Austria

At Pichlschloss, sustainability is an ethos that goes hand in hand with nature and the hotel’s traditions. Katrin and Matthias Heindl have made it their mission to keep the place a good place to live for people, animals and plants. This includes bees, butterflies, birds, old trees, meadows, raised beds, fruit varieties and the people who holiday here. It is important to them to make good use of what is already there. This is precisely the essence of a sustainable nature hotel in Austria.

Four people walking on a forest path surrounded by tall trees and green foliage. — Groups enjoy an energizing hike along scenic forest trails, embracing nature's tranquility.

A sustainable nature hotel with a conscious approach

The focus is on what comes naturally: tranquillity, expansive views, natural materials, nature on your doorstep, and spaces that offer a sense of security without feeling confining. This is precisely what makes it so valuable for retreats, seminars and time-out: a place where people can come together without being constantly distracted.

Our own farm, production facilities and regional produce

Around Pichlschloss, farming is an integral part of the estate. Pastures, woodland, raised beds, an orchard meadow, chickens, bees, a fish pond and a workshop all form part of the estate today. Wherever possible, everything that grows and is produced here is prepared, refined and served in the kitchen.

A close-up of fresh eggs arranged in a rustic wooden basket with straw and natural textures. — The basket full of fresh eggs is a testament to the organic farming practised at Pichlschloss.

Food with a traceable origin

Farming at Pichlschloss is carried out “just like in the old days”. This produces sustainable food in harmony with nature. In our own workshop, the produce is processed for use in the hotel kitchen and for home delivery. This makes the origin of the food clear to guests: whether it’s the breakfast egg, the salad from the raised bed, the fruit from the garden or the homemade dishes. Pastures and forests are managed around Pichlschloss to provide sustainable produce for a regional, Styrian cuisine.

From the garden to the kitchen

Lettuce and herbs grow in the raised beds, where they are harvested fresh and used in the kitchen. Old varieties of apples, pears, plums, cherries, nuts and berries thrive in the orchard. Some of the fruit goes into the fruit baskets for guests, whilst others are turned into pastries, juices or jams.
Chickens, bees, a fish pond, pastures and a woodland are also part of this cycle. In this way, everything that lives and grows around the house is naturally linked to the kitchen and the guest experience.

A variety of edible flowers and culinary herbs arranged on a table in bowls for fresh ingredients. — Savor the vibrant flavors of freshly arranged edible flowers and herbs, perfect for elevating any dish.

Local produce from Styria

In addition, we use produce from Styria and the surrounding area. Not everything can be sourced locally, and that is also part of an honest assessment. Wherever possible, however, we prioritise short supply chains, trusted producers and food that suits the hotel.
This creates cycles that guests can experience during their stay. Guests see them in the garden, on the farm menu, in the room booklet, on their plates and often in conversation too. At Pichlschloss, sustainability doesn’t begin with a sign on the wall, but in everyday life.

Biodiversity, cycles and the responsible use of resources

Here, our understanding of agriculture goes beyond organic labels and certificates. The habitat surrounding Pichlschloss is viewed as a whole. Farm animals, wildlife, meadows, forests, water, insects, birds and people form a single entity. That is why the land is managed with a focus on diversity rather than maximum yield. Artificial fertilisers are avoided, and only as much is produced as nature provides.

An apple tree with white blossoms in a natural landscape setting, surrounded by greenery and blue sky. — A serene scene of an apple tree blooming, inviting a sense of peace and connection to nature.

A habitat for bees, butterflies and birds

Even small areas are important. Unmown edges, old trees, deadwood, biotopes, bird ponds and a variety of tree and shrub species create habitats for birds, insects, butterflies and bees. The orchard meadow is both a cultural asset and a valuable habitat. It provides food, shade, diversity and beauty. For Pichlschloss, this is precisely the kind of sustainability that needs no grand words. You experience it when it buzzes, flutters, grows and ripens.

Water, woodland and orchard meadows

Water is also part of this cycle. Pichlschloss has its own spring, the Schlossbach stream, a fish pond, wet meadows and a bird pond. This is a gift that is treated with care. At the same time, we are thinking ahead: a connection to the public water supply provides security in the event of increasing drought and heat.
The Pichlschloss Forest is managed sustainably and remains a recreational space for guests. Thanks to the traditional method of selective felling, only individual trees are felled. This keeps the forest alive, diverse and invigorating. This traditional forest management creates a mystical fairytale forest that you can explore whilst forest bathing and on long walks through the woods.

A rural landscape featuring the Hotel Landsitz Pichlschloss and cattle grazing in a green meadow, surrounded by trees. — Breathe in the fresh air of the countryside as you admire the serene landscape, complete with a charming farmhouse.

Energy and resources in the home

For many years now, the house has been heated with wood chips, thereby eliminating the need for heating oil. Further initiatives are in the pipeline.
At Pichlschloss, sustainability means taking steps that are appropriate to the location, the resources and the house itself. Just as people used to manage a house and a piece of land: making use of what is there; tending to what sustains us; and passing on what should remain worth living for.

If you’re looking for a holiday that combines peace and quiet, local cuisine, nature and a mindful approach to life, Pichlschloss is the perfect choice. Here, relaxation is simple: a stroll through the meadows, a chat on the terrace, a breakfast egg with a certificate of origin, a glass of fresh water, a quiet moment in the woods. You can book your stay online or make a no-obligation enquiry.

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