The impressive mountain scenery and the crystal clear mountain stream flowing directly past Gasthof Tetter make for a dream fishing vacation in Styria. What makes fishing at Untertalbach so special?
Nina Meißnitzer: “For me, fly fishing is simply explained: you should be free of thoughts, come to rest and completely engage with nature and the water. Our fishing vacation guests are primarily looking for this peace and quiet and this is exactly what they find here with us.
When fishermen stand by the Untertalbach, it’s really all about the fly fishing and the surrounding nature for that time – the beautiful flowers along the stream and the silence broken only by the lapping of the water. This is exactly what we get as feedback from the guests. But to really experience it, you have to vacation at Untertalbach yourself, because stories don’t do this unique feeling justice.”
Who in the family was or is the most passionate fisherman? Who came up with the idea of offering the fishing water to vacation guests?
Nina: “My parents leased the fishing water in 1981 and a year later Hans Ljubic from Graz came to Untertal and opened his fly fishing school here with us, where several courses now take place every summer. That’s how it came about at that time. And from then on it has grown slowly, because at that time fly fishing was not as popular as it is today, especially Catch & Release is becoming more and more popular. Very many guests who once took a fly fishing course come back to us for a vacation together with the family.”
What is the guests’ favorite place to fish?
Nina: “Our guests like to stand by the stream directly in front of the inn. The Untertalbach is meandering and at this point the water is very calm – the fishermen often linger there for hours because you can see every movement through the crystal clear mountain water. Further back, about 4km from the inn, there is also a beautiful and popular spot, there the water flows a little faster, but that is also dreamlike. And along the whole district there is everywhere the possibility to park with the car, so every part of the water is easily and effortlessly accessible in a few minutes.”
When is the best time (time of day/season) to fish for certain species?
Nina: “With us in the Untertalbach there are brown trout and char, sporadically there are also rainbow trout in the water. This is seasonal and independent of time, so it can be fished well at any time between May and September. The stock in the water is also very good, we have a lot of natural stock and we also restock regularly.”
What attractions and activities are available for the non-fishing vacation companion?
Nina: “In our region there is the Schladming-Dachstein-Sommercard, which is not only super for the vacation company, but also promises fun alternative leisure activities for the fishing guests. The guest receives this summer card automatically from us at check in and can then look forward to many attractions for young and old, from GoKart to gondola rides.
In addition, there is a fantastic circular hiking trail on the Planai and also from the Gasthof Tetter there is a beautiful hiking trail to the Riesach waterfall. At the waterfall you can enjoy culinary delights in one of 4 inns. Also at the Riesachsee, which belongs to our house, there are hiking routes for the whole family. So I’m sure no one will get bored here.”
Is there also the possibility to learn fishing by yourself?
Nina: “Yes, the fly fishing school at our house offers 6-8 courses per season for those interested.”
What culinary specialties await the guests of your house?
Nina: “We mainly serve fish and game, as well as beef from our own organic farm. All other products are also sourced as regionally as possible. We produce many of the products ourselves – so I would say that we offer home cooking on a very high level.
Every morning, guests can expect an extensive breakfast buffet and in the evening a 4-course menu – here, in addition to meat and fish, a meatless menu can always be selected. The wine comes to us from small family farms in Austria, almost all of which we know personally. The quality of these wines is outstanding – not only we say so, but also our guests.”
Is there anything that makes your operation particularly unique?
Nina: “Yes I would say we have a motto that describes our business very well. My mom said in an interview 20 years ago, “Once you come, you keep coming back.” And that is still the case today. Many of our regular guests have been coming to us for 30 or 40 years. That’s really nice and we’re very happy about that.”
