Untere Bischofalm

The Warmuth family's love of nature and mountain dairy farming is in their genes: they are the ninth generation to farm the Bischof farm in the upper Gailtal valley, a family farm of 300 years' standing. Traditionally, the farm livestock spends the summer on the Bischof pasture, divided into an upper and lower pasture. The location of both pastures is idyllic and well worth the uphill hike or mountain bike ride. To reach the lower pasture ("Untere Bischofalm"), follow the forestry road from the valley. It may also be reached from Zollneralm, on foot or by mountain bike, or via the Karnischer Höhenweg trail from the Plöcken region or Pramosio pasture on the Italian side. Bischofalm pasture is the only privately held pasture among the mountain dairies in the Gailtal valley. Despite the enormous work load, the family is determined to keep alive its cheese-making tradition that goes back hundreds of years, and to pass on the required skills to the next generation. Milk is made into Gailtaler Almkäse, butter and smoked "Schotten" cheese right here on the pasture. The Almkäse is wonderfully aromatic and full-bodied, and the "Schotten" is used in the kitchen in a variety of ways: served with cold platters and salads, deep-fried as a main dish or as a pasta filling. Unsmoked "Schotten" is even made into desserts. Unmissable flavours that alone make a visit worthwhile!