Our farms

• Location: 5302 Henndorf
• Since: 2002
• Animals: Cattle
• History:
  The Gut Aiderbichl Vierlingerhof is one of Gut Aiderbichl’s first outlying farms. After the Thalhamer family gave up dairy farming, they did not want to give up animal husbandry completely.

  The result was a partnership with Gut Aiderbichl – and since then, around 15 cattle have been able to enjoy their lives here in peace.

  These are mostly older animals and former dairy cows that are allowed to spend their well-earned retirement at Vierlingerhof.

  
  

• Location: 5302 Henndorf
• Since: 2005
• Animals: Horses
• History:
  At the very beginning of Gut Aiderbichl, we were repeatedly faced with a massive space problem. Gut Aiderbichl’s neighbour was building a stable at the time. When Michael Aufhauserfound out that it was not yet clear which animals would be moving in, which animals would move in, he seized his chance and got in touch with the farmer. A cooperation agreement was quickly reached and the B-Stall became part of the AiderbichlerFarms of Mercynetwork. Here we keep up to 30 horses in open stables.

• Location: 5302 Henndorf
• Since: 2005
• Animals: Horses, chickens
• History:
  The owner of the Schroffner estate followed the work of Gut Aiderbichl with great interest from the very beginning. She visited Michael Aufhauser and the animals time and again.

  In one of these conversations, he told her that the number of requests to take in animals in need was steadily increasing – and space on the main estate was gradually running out.

  She then offered her help and leased the stables of the Schroffner estate to Gut Aiderbichl. As a result, 32 horses initially found a new home.

  We were later given the opportunity to buy the farm. Today, the Schroffner farm not only provides a safe and species-appropriate home for horses, but also for chickens.

• Location: 5202 Oberhofen am Irrsee
• Since: 2006
• Animals: Horses
• History:
  Aiderbichler Birgit wanted to fulfil a childhood dream – a life with animals – and moved to her own farm. In the beginning, she looked after a few stabled horses as well as her own animals.

  She became aware of Gut Aiderbichl through her partner. She got talking to Dieter Ehrengruber on one occasion. It quickly became clear that there were many animals in need that Gut Aiderbichl would like to take in – and Birgit not only had the space, but also her heart in the right place.

  This led to a wonderful partnership that continues to this day. Gut Spielberg offers loving care and a dignified home, especially for older ponies.

• Location: 5302 Henndorf
• Since: 2007
• Animals: Horses
• History:
  When an animal transporter was stopped in Lower Austria, near Amstetten, Gut Aiderbichl was asked for help. Animal welfare activists had become aware of the transport and prevented it from continuing its journey.

  Michael Aufhauser immediately set off – and learnt that 21 horses for slaughter were being transported from Romania to Belgium under the worst possible conditions.

  It quickly became clear: all the horses were to become Aiderbichler. While they received the urgently needed medical care, a yard was rented especially for them and converted in a very short space of time.

  Only 14 days later, the Gut Aiderbichl Köllersberger farm was ready for occupancy. Today, 30 rescued horses live there in safety and dignity.

• Location: 9322 Micheldorf
• Since: 2008
• Animals: Chickens, pigs, wild boar, geese, deer, etc.
• History:
  This farm, which is somewhat secluded in the forest, is not only a refuge for our wild boar, deer and roe deer – it also provides a safe home for poultry in particular.

  Around 100 ducks, chickens, geese, turkeys, peacocks and quails are lovingly looked after and cared for by the Gut Aiderbichl team. Surrounded by an idyllic panorama, they can lead a peaceful, species-appropriate life – just as we promised them.</p

• Location: 3233 Kilb
• Since: 2008
• Animals: Cattle
• History:
  A farmer from Kilb had increasingly neglected his property due to excessive demands. Everything became too much for him, but his animals were always close to his heart.

  The difficult situation not only put the animals in danger – everything was also threatening to tip over for the farmer himself: He was to leave the farm, and his beloved cattle were facing culling.

  In his despair, he saw only one way out: he travelled to Gut Aiderbichl and asked for help.

  Together with the Maschinenring and the responsible authorities, Gut Aiderbichl succeeded in rescuing the animals, repairing the farm and giving the farmer a new perspective.

  Today, over 120 cattle live on the farm – safe, cared for and in an environment that does them justice.

• Location: 3160 Traisen
• Since: 2012
• Animals: Cats
• Story:
  An animal lover from Lower Austria approached us with a special request: She owned a former hotel that she wanted to give to Gut Aiderbichl during her lifetime. Her only condition: The house was to provide a loving home for elderly cats – and she herself wanted to continue living in her familiar surroundings.

  Thanks to this generous gesture, we were able to realise a project close to our hearts and cater even more specifically to the needs of older cats.

  At Gut Aiderbichl Kartenstift in Traisen, around 40 cats not only find shelter, but also intensive daily care and attention.

• Location: 2230 Gänserndorf
• Since: 2011
• Animals: Chimpanzees, dogs, foxes, parrots, parakeets, ponies,etc
• History:
  With the creation of Gut Aiderbichl Gänserndorf and the associated monkey sanctuary, we have been able to give numerous animals a new home. We have created a protected refuge for traumatised parrots in particular. Cockatoo Beppo, yellow-breasted macaw Kiki and many other parrots were able to arrive, be nursed back to health with a great deal of patience and lovingly socialised.
  Even hard-to-place dogs have found a home here and are allowed to grow old in peace. Even our red and silver foxes have found a safe haven in Gänserndorf.

• Location: 5302 Henndorf am Wallersee
• Since: 2012
• Animals: Cattle
• History:
  The Eppenschwandtner farm is located in the direct neighbourhood of Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf. Traditional dairy farming had not been profitable for some time, but the family wanted to preserve the farming tradition.

  In the end, it was with a heavy heart that they decided to give up dairy farming. However, the farmer could not imagine living without cattle altogether.

  He turned to Gut Aiderbichl and suggested a cooperation. This resulted in places for around 30 rescued Aiderbichl cattle, who can now lead a safe and species-appropriate life in familiar surroundings.

• Location: 5302 Henndorf at Wallersee
• Since: 2014
• Animals: Horses, pigs, goats
• History:
  This farm with its 26 hectares is located right next to Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf. Thanks to our many years of work in animal welfare and with sick and handicapped animals, we have become experts in lovingly caring for and looking after animals in old age or when they are ill.

  When the opportunity arose to lease and remodel the Schellenberg estate, a big dream came true for Michael Aufhauser. We were able to utilise all of our knowledge and experience to create an optimal environment for old horses.

  Later, a stable was also built on the estate for our Kune Kune pigs from the “Clever Pig Lab” so that they too can lead a life in dignity and peace.

• Location: Henndorf am Wallersee
• Since: 2018
• Animals: Cattle
• History:
  The Schwaighofer farming family has known the Gut Aiderbichl team for many years. They met again and again, helped each other and shared moments of laughter.

  When the family was struck by a heavy blow of fate, it quickly became clear: we have to stick together and support each other.

  The father died suddenly and unexpectedly. The widow was left alone, felt helpless and gave up farming. The animals were sold.

  However, the barn, which had been lovingly built years earlier, was perfect for cattle. The farmer’s wife admitted that she had really missed living with the animals.

  Today, around 30 Aiderbichler cattle live in this barn and are looked after by the Schwaighofer family with great care and expertise.

• Location: 92693 Eslarn
• Since: 2013
• Animals: Horses, sheep, goats, pigeons
• History:
  The farm in Eslarn is a place, where animal-friendly farming becomes a living reality. A former farmhas been transformed into a true paradise for more than 1,300 rescued animals – far removed from exploitation and the profit motive. With heart and dedication, the Meckl family enables the animals to live in dignity, safety and species-appropriate husbandry.</li

• Location: Guttenburg
• Since: 2013
• Animals: Dogs
• History:
  Verena von Hellingrath has always been a woman who knew exactly what she wanted. It was therefore hardly surprising that she opened a successful boutique in the centre of Munich and ran it with great success for many years.

  And always by her side: a rescued dog soul from the streets of Europe – her silent companion and expression of her love for animals.

  However, at some point she swapped her high heels for wellies and dedicated her life entirely to stray dogs. With great determination, she fought for those who have no voice.

  During her tireless work, she also got to know and appreciate Michael Aufhauser.

  Over two decades passed – years full of dedication, but also challenges. Eventually, Verena von Hellingrath reached a turning point in her life and wondered what to do next.

  In her search for a good solution, she confidently turned to her long-time friend Michael Aufhauser – and to Gut Aiderbichl.

• Location: 4048 Mainburg
• Since: 2014
• Animals: Cattle, goats, sheep
• History:
  In March 2008, a cattle breeder from Bavaria contacted Gut Aiderbichl. His favourite bull, Ernst, had grown old and was due to leave the farm. But there was an extraordinary friendship between the well-behaved bull and his farmer – and the farmer wanted to give him a dignified retirement.

  Michael Aufhauser agreed immediately, and so Ernstl was allowed to move into Gut Aiderbichl Deggendorf. The contact has remained ever since.

  When we later received an emergency call about 15 neglected Galloways that were destined for slaughter, we remembered Christian Kögl – and got in touch with him.

  With his help, we were not only able to help these animals: Breeding was stopped and the farm was turned into a sanctuary.

• Location: 49143 Bissendorf
• Since: 2022
• Animals: Dogs and cats
• History:
  Gut Aiderbichl Osnabrück is a place of healing – for animals that have been rescued from war zones or from particularly bad conditions.

  With a lot of patience, love and a clear structure, Anita Hartner and Klaus Spielbüchler help severely traumatised dogs and cats to regain their trust.

  The farm is much more than a rescue centre: for many of these animals, it is the first real chance of a life in safety, security and dignity.

• Location: 27251 Scholen
• Since: 2022
• Animals: Horses, donkeys
• History:
  The Ballermann Ranch in Lower Saxony is a lovingly designed sanctuary for rescued horses and donkeys that have often had a difficult life.

  Away from the hustle and bustle, they find a species-appropriate forever home here – with spacious pastures, safe stables and people who look after their welfare with great dedication.

  The ranch is much more than just a place of retreat: it stands for living animal love with attitude and heart – in the centre of northern Germany.

• Location: 27251 Scholen
• Since: 2025
• Animals: Cats
• History:
  The lovingly renovated little house, near the Ballermann Ranch, was purchased by Mr and Mrs Engelhardt and made available to the rescued Aiderbichl cats. All the rooms were furnished with great attention to detail so that all the cats could feel at home. The first cats moved into Gut Aiderbichl Katzenland on 25 April 2025. The Krone cat house is getting on in years, it is too small and therefore our organisation is planning to build a new house for cats. Dieter Ehrengruberwanted to help and offered our assistance.

• Location: 03460 Trévol
• Since: 2009
• Animals: Horses, cats, dogs
• History:
  At Gut Aiderbichl, we are all the same. So it’s not unusual for rich and poor to meet here, celebrate together and spend a wonderful day with the animals. Beatrice Bürchler-Keller, who is not only a horse expert and a successful entrepreneur, approached Michael Aufhauserwith an offer. She has a castle in France that she would like to give us. Michael Aufhauser hesitated, because what should the animals do with a castle? Only later did she mention that this castle also includes 60 hectares of pasture and stables. Now 130 Aiderbichlerhorses live “like God in France”.

• Location: 9053 Teufen
• Since: 2010
• Animals: Cats
• History:
  A cat friend from Switzerland contacted us at Gut Aiderbichl and asked to meet us. Holde Sudennvisited her in Switzerland and got to know the woman and her 30 cats, who have found refuge and a home in this house. The TV make-up artist has spent her life campaigning for cats and is now facing the catastrophe of her life. She was seriously ill and didn’t have much time left. She had to make provisions and find someone to look after her 30 cats. We promised to help and take over the cats if the worst came to the worst. When we received a final call from the animal lover, we knew that the time had come. With the words “I have to go now.” she said goodbye to us.

• • Location: 8132 Egg
  • Since: 2020
  • Animals: Horses
  • Layered:
    On this beautifully situated farmnear Zurichwe have been given the opportunity to provide seriously ill horses with intensive medical care. With a great deal of love, commitment and patience, diseases such as sarcoidsare treated, Equines asthma (formerly COPD) and hoof cancer. Innovative procedures have already helped many Aiderbichlerhorses and insights have been gainedthat could also benefit other horses in the future

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• Location: 107485 Puchenii Mari – near Bucharest
• Since: 2017
• Animals: dogs
• Story:
  We had been aware of the dramatic situation of stray dogs in southern and eastern Europe for years. Since 2013, we have been trying to help as many stray dogs in Greece as we can. But the need was – and still is – immeasurable.

  We kept receiving calls for help from Romania. We hesitated for a long time and wondered whether we were up to this huge challenge.

  Then, in 2017, we received an emergency call that caused us no more hesitation: a dedicated animal welfare campaigner with over 300 dogs was in acute distress. She had to leave the property and was completely overwhelmed by the situation.
  The picture on site was harrowing. But for Dieter Ehrengruber, it was immediately clear: We have to help – and we will help.

• Location: 8429 Porva
• Since: 2018
• Animals: Horses, goats, sheep
• History:
  What takes a long time finally turns out well – this is probably the best way to describe the special cooperation between Hans-Dieter Vontobel and Gut Aiderbichl.

  Almost 25 years ago, Michael Aufhauser visited the estate in the heart of Hungary for the first time. At the time, his vision still seemed a long way off – barely tangible and not very promising.</p

  However, everything changed in autumn 2018: a phone call and a long, trusting conversation between Dieter Ehrengruber and Hans-Dieter Vontobel laid the foundations for something big.

  After a personal meeting, it was clear: this project would become a reality.

  Since then, over 80 rescued horses and numerous goats and sheep have found a new home at Gut Aiderbichl Szépalma – and many more are set to follow.