FRESH FROM THE FIELD: PICK-YOUR-OWN FIELDS IN AND AROUND VILLACH

Beginning at the end of May, the strawberry season begins in Villach – and the strawberry farms open for everyone who wants to pick fresh fruit themselves. Whether this is for homemade jam, delicious strawberry cake, or simply to snack straight from the field: freshly picked strawberries are a real taste experience.

Besides strawberries, you can also harvest fresh blueberries and even colorful flowers directly from the field. This year again, there are numerous fields in and around Villach where picking yourself is not only allowed but even encouraged. The following blog post gives a rough overview:

STRAWBERRY FIELDS IN VILLACH AND SURROUNDINGS

Especially in June, pick-your-own strawberry fields are very popular in Carinthia. Here is a selection of the best spots around Villach where you can pick juicy strawberries directly from the field to take home:

• Mikls Erdbeereck
  • Mikls Erdbeereck Goritschach
  • Mikls Erdbeereck Wurzenpass (Arnoldstein)
  • Mikls Erdbeereck Feistritz an der Gail
• Erbeer-Oase:
  • Erdbeer-Oase Landskron
  • Erdbeer-Oase Feistritz an der Drau
  • Erdbeer-Oase Treffen am Ossiacher See (Seespitz)
  • Erdbeer-Oase Pursanitz 
  • Erdbeer-Oase Spittal an der Drau
• Bartlbauer Erdbeerland Lind ob Velden
• Erdbeergarten Bogenfeld (St. Niklas)Familie Schwarz
• Bio-Erdbeerland Matthäus Zeichen in Rosegg 
• Beerengarten Feldkirchen 

Opening hours and exact season duration may vary depending on the weather. It’s best to check the websites or social media channels of the respective farms or call them directly before your visit. For a comprehensive overview of pick-your-own fields across Austria, you can also visit pfluecken.at.

BLUEBERRY FIELDS

Besides juicy, sweet strawberries, you can also pick fresh blueberries in the surrounding area – not directly in Villach, but for example on fields in Klagenfurt or Feldkirchen:

• Heidelbeergarten Koblmüller Hof in Feldkirchen 
• Kärntner Früchtewelt in Ebenthal, Klagenfurt

FLOWER FIELDS: PICK FRESH FLOWERS YOURSELF

Some meadows and fields in and around Villach also offer flowers for self-cutting. Whether radiant sunflowers, elegant dahlias, or fragrant peonies – flower lovers will definitely find something here.

Here are some places to pick fresh seasonal blooms from the region:

• Günter's Blumenäckerlein – at several locations in Villach
• Beerengarten Feldkirchen

SELF-HARVEST LOCATIONS IN THE CITY OF VILLACH

As part of the initiative “Edible City Villach,” there are numerous publicly accessible harvest spots in the urban area. These include 15 orchards with apple, walnut, and chestnut trees as well as the “Schmankerltöpfe” marked with the “Villach gartelt” sign in the city center. An interactive map shows where you can find the trees open for self-harvesting (marked in orange) in Villach.

TIPS FOR SELF-HARVESTING

• Bring your own containers: This allows you to safely transport your harvest home.
• Pick in the morning or evening: Temperatures are more pleasant at these times, and the fruits stay fresh longer.
• Respect nature: Only pick as much as you really need and handle the plants carefully.

Whether strawberries, blueberries, or colorful flowers – the pick-your-own fields in and around Villach offer a wonderful way to combine nature and enjoyment. They are not only a sustainable alternative to shopping but also a great experience for the whole family!