The Pöllauer Valley in Styria:
a most wonderful spot

The Pöllauer Valley is diverse and colourful - forests, meadows, fields and rows of fruit trees intermingle in a varied, hilly landscape. The valley floor is at 345 m altitude and rises to its next highest point at 1280 m. A population of some 9000 people inhabit 122 km² in the 6 communities of Pöllau, Pöllauberg, Rabenwald, Schonegg, Sonnhofen and Saifenboden.

The state of Styria designated the Pöllauer Valley as a natural reserve in 1983. This distinction honours the beauty of its landscape, its traditional and circumspect cultivation and lively traditions. In return, the region has committed itself to exemplary and forward-looking development in the fields of ecological protection, recreation, education and regional development.

In 2006 the region was distinguished as an "Epicurean Region" for its Pöllauer Hirschbirne pears. This pear is an old Styrian variety whose name can be traced back to the word "autumn" ("Hiascht"), because it cannot be harvested until mid-October. The Pöllauer Valley natural reserve stills holds large stocks of these fruit trees - thanks to the planning and conscious efforts of the farmers. It is with great skill that our company produces true delicacies from Hirschbirne pears including Hirschbirne pear juice, fine distilled spirits, vinegar, jelly and vitamin-packed dried pears. We have recently added new creations such as Hirschbirne pear ham, liverwurst and chocolate.

The Pöllauer Valley

Traditional cultivation

The Pöllauer "Hirschbirne" pear

Photos used with permission from: Pöllauer Valley Natural Reserve Tourism Bureau, OIKOS, TRV Thermenland Oststeiermark, Pöllauer Hirschbirne Epicurean Region