Bergler Acker

Since 2024, much more than vegetables has been growing on the Bergler Acker in Tiers am Rosengarten. Five hotels, one restaurant and one mountain hut have joined forces in a shared project: Cyprianerhof, Hotel Vajolet, Hotel Paradies, Hotel Weisslahnbad, Hotel Dosses, Laurins Lounge and the Messnerjoch mountain hut. Together, they cultivate a plot of land by barn of the Messnerhof farm, growing vegetables that are then used in their own kitchens.

The project grew out of a very practical idea: to grow vegetables and potatoes locally in Tiers and make them available to the village’s hospitality businesses. However, there was no local farm able to grow these products in the quantities required. The decisive inspiration came when the Tiers Tourist Association visited a similar community project in the Ahrntal Valley. The idea immediately resonated and, back in Tiers, gradually began to take shape. The first plants went into the ground in August 2024.

Today, planning, planting, weeding and harvesting are all done together. At the beginning of each season, the participating establishments decide which vegetables to grow and in what quantities, based on what can actually be used and prepared in their kitchens. This forms the basis for the year’s growing plan. The Bergler Acker produces a variety of vegetables, including different types of cabbage and lettuce, beetroot, root vegetables, radishes, cucumbers, courgettes, beans, Swiss chard and potatoes. Once ready to harvest, the vegetables are divided among the participating establishments and used directly in their kitchens.

A member of staff from the Messnerhof farm takes care of the field throughout the season. Whenever extra hands are needed, the participating establishments pitch in together. And it is not only the work and harvest that are shared: the partners also share the costs, make decisions together and jointly carry the risk when a growing season yields less than expected.

The Bergler Acker cannot – and is not intended to – cover the entire vegetable needs of all seven establishments. Its value therefore cannot be measured in kilograms of potatoes, lettuce or cabbage alone. Rather, it is about growing produce directly in Tiers, using it where it will later be prepared, and working together to achieve something that would be difficult for a single establishment to accomplish on its own. Because it does not always take large quantities to set something in motion – sometimes, all it takes is a shared idea and a plot of land where it can grow.