"A piece of an intact world" - the past becomes tangible here.
For many Montafon residents, the Maisäß are magical places to pause, remember and relax. The Maisäß landscape and the culture of life associated with it have shaped the people and the entire landscape of the Montafon valley to this day.
What is a Maisäß?
A living tradition
In the Montafon, agricultural areas between 1,200 and 1,600 m were originally called Maisäß. They served as a middle step between the valley and the Alpe and made three-step farming possible - a tradition that still characterizes the landscape today.
Oswald Ganahl and his family in Bartholomäberg still farm according to this model. "It's more complex, but it was important to us to carry on the tradition," he says proudly.
Interview with Oswald Ganahl
"We want to continue the tradition."
What is three-field crop rotation?
Three-stage farming follows nature's annual cycle: in spring, the family moves with their livestock from the valley to the Maisäß, before heading up to the Alps in summer. In autumn, they return in reverse order.
Three generations work together on Oswald Ganahl's farm. ‘Without this cooperation, three-stage farming would no longer be possible,’ he says. Despite the high level of effort involved, he also sees advantages: ‘Because we move the feed to higher altitudes, we can hay earlier and more often in the valley – which helps in winter.’
What was life like on a mountain pasture in the old days?
Life on the mountain pasture meant hard work – without machines, with little space and no comforts. ‘Even in my childhood 40 years ago, there was no television or radio. We washed ourselves with ice-cold water from the trough,’ recalls Oswald Ganahl.
Nevertheless, it was a special time. The work was less hard than on the farm, and convivial evenings with neighbours, shepherds and hunters provided variety. ‘We met somewhere different every evening – the community was nurtured. It was a little piece of paradise up there.’
What significance does the maize-growing landscape have for the people of Montafon?
For many Montafon residents, the Maisäß is more than just a place – it is a piece of home and a living tradition. Those who own one cherish it like a treasure. ‘Every time I'm up there, I forget all about the stress down in the valley,’ says Oswald Ganahl.
The Maisäß connects generations, preserves knowledge about nature and reminds us of the way of life of our ancestors. The deep connection to this cultural landscape makes its preservation a matter close to the hearts of many.
What has changed?
After the Second World War, the Maisäß lost its agricultural significance. Production pressure and rationalisation made it redundant as a middle stage. Today, the focus is on recreation: well-developed, renovated Maisäße offer locals and guests retreats in nature.
‘I have only fond memories of that time. It's a shame that today's youth can no longer experience that,’ says Oswald Ganahl.
Prägende Elemente: Bergbau, Landwirtschaft, Maisäße und Alpen
