14.06.2023 Ausserferner Bauernladen

The Außerferner Bauernladen – regional, seasonal, climate-friendly, and wonderfully creative

The Außerferner Bauernladen has been a true success story for more than 30 years. Founded as a platform for direct producers, it offers an extensive range of locally sourced farm products from the region. After 25 years at the Dengelhaus, the shop relocated in October 2019 - once again in close proximity to the Weltladen - to a central location at Untermarkt 9, in the former inn known as the Goldene Glocke, famous for its striking façade.

I meet Tamara, who has been running the Außerferner Bauernladen together with her partner Christian since the relocation, for a pleasant conversation in the cosy atmosphere of the bright and welcoming shop. She is happy to answer my questions:

How did it come about that you took over the Außerferner Bauernladen as the successor to its long-time manager, Dorli Hackl?

Because of our family-run farm in Elbigenalp - where we raise Highland cattle - my mother became involved with the Außerferner Bauernladen team shortly after it was founded. Later on, when it was already clear that Dorli would be stepping down from her role with the change of location, I joined the team for six months and quickly grew fond of the work.

Christian and I then made the decision to take over the farm shop after its closure in August 2019 relatively quickly. Within just two months, we renovated and set up the shop at its new location and were able to reopen as early as October 2019. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Alois Oberer, the municipality of Reutte, and the property owner, Elektrizitätswerke Reutte power company.

The beautiful interior - with plenty of wood, cosy seating areas, practical shelving, and the spacious sales counter with an integrated small bar - really defines the special charm of the farm shop. How did this concept come about?

I already had a very clear vision in mind when we were offered these premises, and to my great delight, I was able to realise it exactly as planned together with our interior design partner.

What criteria do producers have to meet in order for their products to be sold here?

Our approximately 90 current suppliers all come from the region and produce and refine their products themselves. Only if a product is not available locally do we include suppliers from the surrounding areas. One special feature is our “Styrian corner,” offering specialties from Styria, as Christian comes from there.

Who are your colleagues at the farm shop who take care of customers’ needs?

At the Außerferner Bauernladen, the products are sold exclusively by the producers themselves, just as they always have been. This allows us to ensure the best possible advice for our customers and to provide knowledgeable answers to any questions they may have.

During our conversation, customers keep coming into the shop. I can’t help but notice that everyone seems to be in a good mood, taking their time and enjoying a relaxed shopping experience. Again and again, I overhear words of praise. One enthusiastic customer asks about Tamara’s walnut rusks, describing their flavour as “absolutely amazing.” ☺

You offer a wide and varied range of products - what is always part of your standard selection, and how does it change throughout the year?

All year round, we offer a broad selection of food products, including fish, sausage and meat, cheese (with the selection rotating weekly between game, lamb, beef, pork, and veal), dumplings, beef broth, dairy products, jams, liqueurs and spirits, juices, herbs, teas, pasta, eggs, ice cream specialties, cakes, and pastries - along with much more.

Depending on the season, this range is expanded with seasonal products such as honey, potatoes, fruit and vegetables, decorative items, and more.

By pre-order, we also offer organic chicken from Zams and prawns from Hall. On Thursdays, we serve meat loaf (Leberkäse), and we also regularly stock bread, rolls, braided bread, and spreads.

Why do customers choose to shop at the farm shop?

Appreciation for regional products - and the associated climate protection through short transport routes - has increased significantly in recent years. Here, customers can purchase food whose origin and quality they can trace and clearly attribute to the producer. Animal welfare is particularly important to our customers, and the trend is clearly moving towards “eating less meat, but of higher quality.”

Our unpackaged fruit and vegetables are also highly valued, as they generate no packaging waste and include perfectly good produce that doesn’t necessarily meet the “standard supermarket norms.” Our customers come from across the entire district, and thanks to our central location, we are increasingly discovered by visitors who enjoy taking regional specialties home with them at the end of their holiday.

During our conversation, one of the suppliers enters the shop, restocks a shelf with her products, and takes back the empty containers returned by customers. It’s easy to see that this is a well-coordinated team working hand in hand.

Customers are, of course, well aware that cakes and coffee are available at the farm shop - the cake display case, filled with sweet treats, is hard to miss, and the individually curated gift baskets are also very popular.

What other additional services do you offer that not everyone may know about yet?

We offer a small regional breakfast, available in either a sweet or savoury version. For our indulgent breakfast - which also includes muesli and eggs - we kindly ask guests to make a reservation in advance.

There’s also a food vending machine just around the corner from the farm shop, available 24/7 - what has your experience with it been like?

The vending machine - known as Blechbutler Toni - was originally intended for direct farm sales at our family-run farm. Due to the COVID situation, however, we reconsidered and, after consulting with the municipality of Reutte, installed it next to the farm shop instead.

We stock it with a wide range of products, including meat and dairy items. This has allowed us to reach a new group of customers who appreciate being able to use this service spontaneously and outside of our regular opening hours.

What is the most special part of your work at the Außerferner Bauernladen?

What I really appreciate is that, on the one hand, we are able to present our local farms so well and offer them a central place to showcase their wonderful products. On the other hand, the many personal and consistently positive responses from our customers - who truly value what we offer - bring me great joy. That kind of feedback motivates us and encourages us every single day.

I’d like to thank you for the lovely conversation. Before I leave, I can’t resist taking a few pieces of the delicious cakes along for my colleagues and myself - and I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to the Außerferner Bauernladen. With its wide and varied selection, there’s truly something for everyone. ☺

Written by: 

Alexandra