Alpine air & the scent of goats
A very special alpine experience with Helga and her goats
What is special about alpine pasture farming in Tyrol? Why are goats so important for alpine farming? How is goat cheese made? Why do you still find such a wide variety of species in our alpine herbs? And: where is the craft of scythe mowing still practiced on mountain pastures? Questions to which we will find answers in the Inner Valsertal.
For several years now, guests at the mountaineering village of St. Jodok-Schmirn-Valsertal have had the unique opportunity to experiencealpinelife up close at the“Alpine School.”Accompanied by dairymaid Helga and her tame herd of Tauernschecken goats, you’ll go on extended hikes. With our herbalist Elli, you’ll collect and identify herbs. From these, you’ll make your own aromatic wild herb salt to take home. On these excursions, you’ll not only be introduced to the background and secrets of alpine farming. You’ll also get a firsthand look at the work that has been carried out on the alpine pastures and mountain meadows for centuries. This includes, above all, herding, extensive knowledge of plants, milking, and cheese-making. You’ll learn all of this against the magnificent backdrop of the Valsertal mountains, far away from the noise of our hectic world.
Highlights
- Goat's milk and cream cheese production
- Getting to know mountain herbs and roots
- Hike to Erich’s “Land Art Kingdom”
- Tyrolean alpine cuisine from the wood stove
- Meet nice, like-minded people
Important information:
To take part in the "Alpine air and the scent of goats" course, you must be sure-footed and have a head for heights. Sturdy mountain boots, sun and rain protection and your water bottle are part of the basic equipment on both course days.
Info for our dog owners:
Rough terrain and steep slopes, as well as mowing with scythes, can be dangerous for dogs. Without dogs, both people and the goat herd can move about more freely on Helga’s Alm.
We have therefore decided not to allow dogs during the courses, and we appreciate your understanding.
The program at a glance
Thursday: Travel to St. Jodok am Brenner
Travel and arrival: Take the train to Innsbruck or the Brenner Pass (easily accessible via long-distance trains); from there, use the free S-Bahn connections included with the Wipptal Card or drive to St. Jodok am Brenner.
At 6:30 p.m., there will be a welcome gathering at the inn in St. Jodok, followed by an opportunity to have dinner together.
Friday and Saturday: Goat Trivia, Herbs, and Hiking Boots
Each morning, you’ll meet up with your fellow course participants in Vals. Together with the goat herd, you’ll explore the area around Helga’s Alm, where you’ll learn plenty about goats and how to make fresh cheese.
You’ll learn all about the importance of alpine farming and the hard work required to preserve alpine pastures and mountain meadows as cultural heritage. During a walk around the alpine pasture, you’ll gather fresh herbs and learn a lot about mountain herbs and roots, their healing properties, and their use in the kitchen.
The group hike takes you to a high alpine pasture in the Valsertal (2,000 m) with a visit to Erich’s “Land Art Kingdom.”
You’ll enjoy Tyrolean alpine cuisine cooked on a wood-fired stove, get to know Valser Kasnocken and Beerribler, and taste a glass of Tyrolean schnapps.
(Important note: Helga will determine the order of the individual program items at the last minute depending on the weather. Sturdy hiking boots, sun and rain protection, and your water bottle are therefore essential gear for both days of the course!)
Sunday: Return Home
Saying Goodbye and Departure. If you still have a little time, use the day for another hike in the mountaineering village’s hiking paradise—for example, to the Padaunerkogel, the Ottenspitze, or the Sumpfkopf. The via ferrata on the Stafflacher Wand, rated B/C in difficulty, also promises breathtaking views.
Dates & Prices
Dates 2026:
20.08.-23.08.2026
27.08.-30.08.2026
03.09.-06.09.2026
10.09.-13.09.2026
Prices 2026:
€355 per person in a double room (private boarding house with running water/shower on the floor)
€385 per person in a single room (private boarding house with running water/shower on the floor)
€415 per person in a double room (inn, room with shower/WC)
€465 per person in a single room (guesthouse, room with shower/WC)
€565,- per person in a double room = single room (inn, room with shower/WC)
Tip: Book a half double room for women or men at the inn for €415 per person (separate bedrooms, one shared bathroom)
Minimum number of participants: 5 persons
Minimum age: 16 years
Included services
- 3x overnight stay incl. breakfast in the booked category (private guesthouse or inn)
- Welcome evening and program discussion on the day of arrival at Gasthof Geraerhof in St. Jodok
- 1x alpine day including lunch snack
- Goat's milk and cream cheese production
- Herbs and roots
- Valser Kasnocken and Beerribler
- 1x guided hike with the goats to the Hochalm including snack
- 1x regional dinner (3-course menu) at the Bergsteiger-Gasthof Touristenrast
- Wipptal Card = Ticket for public transportation in the Wipptal (Innsbruck-Brenner S-Bahn, regional buses to all valleys)
The local tax of €2.60 per person per night is not included.
New: Gasthof Geraerhof - your inn in St. Jodok
With the Geraerhof Inn, we have a special property on offer in 2026. The inn offers 25 beds in cozy, lovingly decorated rooms. Before you set off for Helga’s Alm, enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet.
Booking form Alpine air & scent of goats
Privacy Policy:
Booking and Cancellation Policies:
Six weeks before arrival, you will receive detailed information about the “Almluft & Ziegenduft” course, including the itinerary, accommodation address, packing list, and the invoice, which is due four weeks before arrival.
Cancellation Policy:
Up to 6 weeks before arrival: €50 per person cancellation fee
6 to 2 weeks before arrival: 30% cancellation fee
2 weeks or less before arrival: 50% cancellation fee
We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance from Europäische Reiseversicherung. Along with your booking confirmation, we will send you a link where you can easily and quickly purchase your insurance online.
Provider:
Incoming Reisebürogesellschaft GmbH
Rathausplatz 1
6150 Steinach a. Br.
Tel.: 0043 5272 6270