RITUAL FOR GOOD FORTUNE. Experienced hikers start off at our farm while others had better drive as far as the last house of the village of Schlanitzen. Then you cover a good five kilometres along a serpentine path leading to Tröpolacher Alm. Shortly before the Tomritsch Hütte you’ll notice the power stone on the left-hand side of the path, quite inconspicuous for those not privy to such matters. Up until a few years ago, when farmers still drove their cattle to the mountain pastures on foot, much greater attention was paid to the Klingenstein than it is today. Every boy who helped herding the cattle had to circle the stone three times clockwise and three times anti-clockwise while reciting certain special words. The ritual was meant as a request for good luck for the cattle and the herders on the alpine pastures and for a healthy return in the autumn.

FROM ROCKS TO RICHES! Now lay your palms on the rock and stand still for a while and breathe in and out deeply. Very sensitive people will soon feel the energy radiating from the rock. Now picture how the energy flows through your hands. Try to direct it through your whole body, especially those parts of your body that are causing you problems or pain. Reenergized and with greater awareness of your inner self you now carry on for one kilometre or so to the Tomritsch Hütte, where you’ll find plenty of comfortable places to enjoy your lunch package. Don’t miss the ice-cold water from the well by the hut – there’s nothing like it when you’re on a hike. It will refresh, rejuvenate and revive you!

Take the same way back again to our village of Tröpolach.