Bergtee-Zeit in Großes Walsertal (mountain tea time)

"It's not a project, it's a story." With these words, Elisabeth Burtscher welcomed us to the biosphärenpark.haus on a rainy Thursday afternoon. As someone who is passionate about tea and interested in herbs, but with too little knowledge, I was curious about the this event in the Großes Walsertal.

I had recently heard about this project and spontaneously registered for the event. The aim was to teach people about collecting, drying and blending herbs and participants were even allowed to create their own personal blend.

Elisabeth, a native of Walsertal, greeted us and a long table with many different dried herbs had already been prepared. She told us about how the project came about and what her son had to do with it. The stories from the "tea chats", meetings with older women from the valley who willingly shared their knowledge about herbs and teas, were particularly exciting. It was inspiring to hear how this important knowledge is passed on across generations.

Did you know, for example, that herbs should ideally be picked under a full moon to bring out their full flavor? This and other secrets have even been recorded in a book by the herb women. There is also a collaboration with a local ceramist who produces individually designed tea bowls and storage boxes.

We were also taught the rule of mixing exactly seven herbs. This number, mystical and symbolic, promises a balanced blend without one herb dominating. My personal highlight was blending our own teas. Each person was given a bowl and a label to record the ingredients of the blend. Initially hesitant, I soon boldly chose my seven herbs - some I already knew, others I chose by color and intuition.

At the end of the afternoon, we received a very special gift: "Good Friday tea". This tea, traditionally blended on Good Friday, is considered a universal remedy. As this tea should not be sold, it is given to the participants as a sign of appreciation and hospitality. It was an enriching day that not only expanded my knowledge, but also underlined the importance of community and tradition in the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve. If you have the opportunity, you should definitely visit Elisabeth Burtscher and the Bergtee-Zeit team. An experience that connects and enriches.