Regina and Martin Schwaighofer manage the Königsdorfer Alm, one of the most popular excursion destinations in the northern district, from May to September.
The couple is currently preparing everything to be prepared for the start of the season.
Königsdorf - But when the Schwaighofers will be allowed to open is uncertain in view of the currently very difficult pandemic situation.
In an interview with editor Peter Borchers, the 39-year-old landlady is anything but pessimistic or even desperate.
Ms. Schwaighofer, you sound so happy. How are you all?
Regina Schwaighofer:
Good question.
We would actually have started the season on May 8th.
That is of course unnecessary.
Now we hope for Pentecost, maybe we can get started then.
So far, not much has been lost, is it?
Regina Schwaighofer:
Right.
We have to get the Alm out of hibernation, so to speak.
We need a certain lead time for this.
We have turned off the water over the winter because of the risk of frost.
All devices are removed.
Everything has to be fixed again, and maintenance work is in progress.
We can't just start with the preparations when it says: We can open again in ten days.
We are therefore preparing as normal as we do every year in April.
But that also means that you will not take anything from May onwards.
Regina Schwaighofer:
From May to September, the Alm is our main source of income.
Last year we had a significant drop in sales - like many others in the catering industry.
It will probably not be any different this year.
If the obligation to test is now also extended to the catering sector, i.e. every guest has to present a negative test, we are wondering whether the guests will come at all.
Nevertheless, you are brave and, despite the uncertainty, invested in your company this year as well.
Regina Schwaighofer:
Every year we improve something or think of something new.
This year we thought about doing something for a long time.
But we have come to the conclusion that we should do something for our little guests, because they don't have it easy in times of Corona.
We have three small children ourselves who keep providing us with ideas and suggestions.
What exactly have you done for the children this year?
Regina Schwaighofer:
A triple swing and a sandpit with play tower and rope pull are new, all made of wood so that it fits in with the other facilities on the site.
Our friend, carpenter Anton Günthner, implements our ideas here from Königsdorf.
He also built the beautiful wooden walkway two years ago.
How much money did you invest?
Regina Schwaighofer:
A four-digit amount.
But it's well spent.
In the past, our clientele tended to be older people.
But now an unbelievable number of families come to the Alm. And there are more and more because the location is perfect.
With us there are no cars, it is at ground level, you can cycle to us even with small children.
Geretsried is also just a stone's throw away.
People come to us who have been to the mountain pastures themselves as children, now with their children or even with their grandchildren.
We want to and must invest in these guests.
We're always working somehow to keep the atmosphere appealing.
You can see a photo of your large team on your homepage. Will all men and women be on board when it starts again?
Regina Schwaighofer:
Everyone is in the starting blocks.
When it actually starts, we're ready.
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