2023_12_05_Andi Hollinger-5245 | ANDREAS HOLLINGER 2023_12_05_Andi Hollinger-5245 | ANDREAS HOLLINGER
Innovation Award

2023

For the fifth time now, the Gesäuse Partner Network awarded the Innovation Prize for the greatest innovations in the region. The jury was impressed by a submission from the agricultural sector: Yvonne Stecher from Frauenberg took first place with "Organic sheep's wool flakes as permanent fertiliser". Silver went to the "Active Fishing River House" from Großreifling and third place went to the accommodation business "Xeis NeSt" from Weng. The prizes were awarded at the Kölblwirt in Johnsbach as part of the Gesäuse partners' end-of-year celebrations.

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"Organic sheep's wool flakes as permanent fertiliser"

1ST PLACE

Yvonne Stecher produces flakes or pellets from sheep's wool, which are used as fertiliser for plants - vegetables, fruit and ornamental plants. The flakes are very easy to use, also serve as a water reservoir and have a high nutrient content. The 100% organic sheep's wool contains mainly nitrogen, potassium, sulphur, phosphorus and magnesium. The long-term effect is a loosening of the soil and a favourable environment for micro-organisms. "If the soil is doing well, the plant is doing well, we're all doing well. Without chemicals and completely harmless!" says Yvonne Stecher about her product.

„Active Fishing River House“ 

2ND PLACE

Second place went to the "Active Fishing River House" in Großreifling. Wolfgang Windhager has been fly fishing professionally for 20 years. This May, he relocated his fly fishing shop and rod-making workshop to Großreifling. He can offer a wide range of services from the River House. These include trading in fly fishing equipment, manufacturing handmade fishing rods, managing several fishing areas and offering fly fishing courses, guiding, events and accommodation for guests and course participants. The River House offers six rooms in the fantastic ambience of a 300-year-old forester's lodge with many architectural refinements. The jury was impressed by the overall concept centred around fly fishing.

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„Xeis NeSt“

3RD PLACE

Kathrin Stock and Thomas Nebl won the bronze prize with the "Xeis NeSt" in Weng. They breathed new life into the "Gasthof zum Kirchenwirt" in Weng, which had been empty for years. Five double rooms with ten beds were put into operation with an innovative concept. The furnishings are natural and the rooms have a unique connection to the Gesäuse region. The catering business integrated into the building was also reactivated and successfully leased out. The Xeis Stub'n complements the room rental on the one hand, but also revitalises the entire village, which has not had an inn for years. The jury particularly praised the sensible new use of an old building and the associated revitalisation of Weng.