The National Park Workshop at the Klausnerhaus in Hollersbach (Pinzgau) makes the nature and culture of the Hohe Tauern National Park accessible through all the senses. The Klausnerhaus is a farmhouse dating back to the 14th century and is now home to the National Park Workshop. This rustic house is perfect for sharpening the senses of children and adolescents to appreciate nature and traditional farming culture. After learning how to milk, the students go to the National Park kitchen to cream, churn butter, and make cheese. In the adjoining garden, they can discover a variety of herbs and medicinal plants, and the kitchen serves as an ideal space for experimenting with their own recipes for delicious spreads, soups, and tea creations.
In total, four different modules are available. Each module lasts 4 teaching units.
National Park Detectives – Tracking Animals
(from grade 2)
In the theoretical part, students first learn about various types of animal tracks, such as footprints, droppings, pellets, feeding marks, fur and feathers, and nests, using display samples, and assign them to the corresponding animal species. They also learn tracking methods to make it easier to find different signs of animals in their natural habitats. During joint excursions, the students apply their tracking skills to identify animals in the wild based on the signs they have studied.
Trees and Forest Stories
(from grade 2)
Trees and forests play crucial roles for both humans and animals, including in the Hohe Tauern National Park. In this module, the main tree species in the park are introduced, and exciting facts about the “mountain forest ecosystem” are shared. Using display samples, students learn about the typical characteristics and requirements of each tree species. Together, they explore the forest, learning in detail about the living organisms in forest communities. They study different “tree personalities,” including leaves, needles, fruits, cones, bark, and special types of wood. Students also discover that even dead wood (deadwood) is a true life-giver in the forest.
Tasting Nature
(from grade 3)
Delicious, flavorful, and healthy – many plants in our immediate surroundings (and in the National Park) meet all these criteria. In this module, students gain an insight into the diversity of plant life and their various effects. They learn about the proper collection of herbs and medicinal plants and their processing and uses. After the theoretical introduction, students explore the area around the National Park Workshop in Hollersbach to collect plants and herbs. Back in the National Park kitchen at the Klausnerhaus, they process the collected plants into tasty treats, which they then taste. Examples include herbal tea blends, nettle soup, herb spreads, and more, all made according to their own recipes.
Cultural Landscape – Nature Shaped by Humans
(from grade 3)
Alpine farming has shaped the landscape of the Hohe Tauern National Park for centuries. In this module, students explore the ecological impacts and the significance of traditional land management. They get to know the farm animals living on the alpine pastures and learn about the traditional processing of milk. Using traditional handcraft techniques, students produce typical alpine products such as cream and butter, learning about the importance of alpine farming for the landscape. Those with a sweet tooth will also be delighted. Additionally, students process sheep’s wool into felt and create their own “Schlinta,” explained by the ranger in the National Park Workshop.
