Permaculture at 1,200 metres
Sustainability at alpine heights
In the mountains at an altitude of 1,200 metres, permaculture shows how ecological gardening is possible even under extreme conditions. Short growing seasons and poor soil may seem like obstacles at first, but with the right techniques and a deeper understanding of natural cycles, these challenges become opportunities.
Natural conditions as an opportunity
Permaculture is a design concept that aims to create living spaces in harmony with nature. In alpine regions, this means adapting to the special climatic and geographical conditions. Instead of fighting these, they are utilised: Mixed crops ensure better soil fertility, composting returns important nutrients to the soil, and wild plants provide valuable food and shelter for pollinators and other beneficial insects.
A garden with tradition and vision
The idea of working with nature has a long tradition in Kleinwalsertal. Even the ancestors of the Kessler family cultivated a farm garden. Today, this tradition is continued in co-operation with Andi Haller: In addition to the farm garden, a permaculture garden has also been created behind the Naturhotel, demonstrating how sustainable concepts can be successfully implemented on Alpine soil.
Every Monday in summer from 18:00 to 20:30, guests of the Naturhotel have the opportunity to learn more about permaculture together with Andi Haller.
Innovative permaculture garden
Harmonious & sustainable living together
Andi Haller has fundamentally changed his life path from snowpark constructor to permaculture pioneer in Kleinwalsertal. Inspired by events such as Fukushima, conventional agriculture and the desire to minimise his ecological footprint, he is now passionately dedicated to the concept of self-sufficiency. Since 2012, he has been growing vegetables, fruit, berries and herbs in mixed cultures and developing innovative permaculture gardens.
He is not only interested in self-sufficiency, but also in sharing his vision of a sustainable lifestyle. Through training and experimentation, he has transformed a small allotment garden into an organic farm. Despite the challenges of the high-altitude Breitach Valley, he shows that permaculture tricks can also be used to grow vegetables successfully here. His enthusiasm is infectious and inspires many new gardeners – in Kleinwalsertal and beyond.
His mission: to achieve balance with himself and the environment. Appreciating nature and other people and making a contribution to the harmonious and sustainable coexistence of all living beings with moral and ethical motives.
Aktivprogramm im Naturhotel
Permaculture tour with Andi Haller
As part of the Naturhotel activity programme, all Naturhotel guests can take part in a free guided tour of the hotel’s own permaculture garden every Monday from 6.00 pm. This gives you an insight into how permaculture allows a variety of plants to thrive even in high alpine regions – thanks to a well thought-out and sustainable concept. From 20:30, you will have the opportunity to acquire comprehensive knowledge about the principles of permaculture in the seminar room, which Andi Haller will convey in a presentation.
If you love peace and the natural world, you're in good hands in the Kleinwalsertal valley. And you’re in just as good hands at the Naturhotel Chesa Valisa, where you’ll rediscover the joy of the simple things in life. Both the region and the hotel will ensure you have an unforgettable stay. We round up the latest news for you here.
