Court history
The Oberbacherhof in Mühlbach/Gais is a farm with a long history and deep roots.
It has existed since the 15th century and has been owned by the Niederbacher family ever since. For over 15 generations, the farm has been passed down from one hand to the next, always with great dedication and hard work.
Grain cultivation used to play a central role in the fields of the Oberbacherhof farm. The steep slopes were painstakingly cultivated by hand – physically demanding work that required considerable skill and stamina. The farmers relied on their trusty horses to carry heavy loads and haul timber. The horses also helped bring in the harvest, thus facilitating agricultural work. Often, the harvest had to be carried in using special back carriers called "Kraxn" – backpacks designed for transport on the steep slopes.
The farm has changed over the centuries, adapting to the prevailing circumstances, but one thing has always remained constant: the close connection between the Niederbacher family, the land, and the tradition of agriculture. Even today, the Oberbacherhof tells a story of hard work, respect for nature, and a heritage that is proudly carried on.
Pictures from the good old days.
Franz and Maria Niederbacher in front of the Oberbacherhof in 1750.
The Oberbacherhof in 1920
Hay harvest at Oberbacherhof
An 18th-century image vividly illustrates how arduous the haymaking process was. Farmers often spent the entire summer gathering and transporting hay from the steep meadows – a laborious task requiring endurance and skill.
Farm Chronicle
The Oberbacherhof in Mühlbach/Gais, located at 1,350 meters above sea level, has a long history that has been passed down from generation to generation and has constantly been shaped by changes and developments. Even in the 21st century, the descendants of the Niederbacher family continue the tradition and bring new ideas to the farm.
1400: The Beginnings
The Oberbacherhof is first mentioned in historical records in 1400. At that time, the farm belonged to the Niederbacher family, who had established themselves as a farming family. Agricultural activities were focused on growing grain and raising livestock.
16th and 17th Century: Growth and Tradition
Over the centuries, the Oberbacherhof developed into a significant agricultural enterprise. Grain cultivation remained central. The steep slopes around the farm were carefully worked by hand. Horses helped ease the heavy work by pulling wood and transporting harvested grain from the fields. Hay also had to be manually brought in—a hard job that took much of the summer.
18th Century: The Family Grows
In the 18th century, the Niederbacher family tradition continued. The farm prospered, and agricultural knowledge was passed down through generations. Farm work was characterized by intensive manual labor. During this period, harvests were often carried from the steep fields using so-called "Kraxn," special backpacks for transporting goods.
19th Century: Modernization and Expansion
In the 19th century, the Niederbacher descendants began expanding and modernizing the farm. New techniques were introduced to make life on the farm easier. The Oberbacherhof became a well-established institution in the valley, and the Niederbacher family strengthened its reputation as respected farmers.
1956: Construction of the Bacher Alm
In 1956, the Bacher Alm was built, which remains an important part of the Oberbacherhof to this day. Every June, the cows are brought to the Alm, where the parents take care of the animals. The descent from the Alm, which takes place every year on the second weekend of September, is a traditional event celebrated by many people in the region.
1979: Transfer of the Farm to Hans Niederbacher
In 1979, Hans Niederbacher took over the Oberbacherhof from his father Franz Niederbacher. This marked an important turning point in the farm’s history, as Hans carried on the tradition with great dedication and modern thinking, leading the farm into a new era. In 1980, the milk was delivered to the Mila cooperative for the first time—a tradition that continues to this day.
2018: Takeover by Angelika Niederbacher and New Direction
In 2018, Angelika Niederbacher took over the Oberbacherhof from her parents. With fresh energy and great commitment, she followed in the footsteps of her ancestors and continued the family tradition. Together with her partner Ernst, she began optimizing the farm and especially the fields. The focus was on improving workflows and agricultural operations, making life on the farm easier and reducing the workload for both the family and the animals.
2019: New Barn with Free-Stall Housing
In 2019, an important milestone in the development of the Oberbacherhof was reached: a new barn with a modern free-stall housing system for the animals was built. The new barn provides the animals with a much better living environment, allowing them more freedom of movement and a more natural way of life. The free-stall system promotes their health and well-being.
2023: New Residential House
In 2023, the residential house of the Oberbacherhof was newly constructed. The new home offers modern comfort, better use of space, and an improved quality of life for the Niederbacher family. At the same time, our holiday apartments were created. The new building was designed with great attention to detail, combining traditional and modern aspects.
Hans and Paula Niederbacher: The Heart of the Farm
Hans and Paula Niederbacher are the true heart of the Oberbacherhof. They care for the animals with dedication and love and are an indispensable support for the farm. The Bacher Alm, where the cows spend the summer, is a particularly important part of their work. Their experience, commitment, and passion for agriculture are invaluable and contribute greatly to the success of the farm.
Outlook
The Oberbacherhof remains a place where tradition and innovation go hand in hand. Angelika and Ernst continue to manage the farm sustainably and with a focus on the future, while always keeping the family’s values and connection to nature in mind. The Oberbacherhof continues to be an important part of the region and a symbol of the hard work and dedication of the Niederbacher family.
The Oberbacherhof in 1918
The Oberbacherhof in 2005
The Oberbacherhof after the construction of the new farm building in 2020
