Peter Haslach ist der Geschäftsführer der Sennereigenossenschaft Gunzesried
A genuine piece of the Allgäu

The dairy industry is as much part of the Allgäu as the sound of cow bells. Cheese has been produced with passion in Bavaria’s oldest dairy in Gunzesried since 1892

Alpine dairyman Peter Haslach

In Gunzesried, at Bavaria’s oldest dairy, cheese has been produced with passion since 1892. The special feature of this particular dairy is that it is a cooperative, which has been owned by the local farmers since being set up on 4th January 1892.

With its long and successful history, it has contributed to the identity of the region. “The dairy keeps the landscape alive and thus shapes the village community,” explains Peter Haslach, Managing Director of the Sennerei Gunzesried.

Revolutionary change: Allgäu is becoming the land of cheese

The small operation is an important part of the “green agriculture” of the Allgäu – as the milk and cheese industry is called. It wasn’t always this way: Until around 200 years ago, most farmers grew flax to supplement their income, because the terrain, very steep in places, did not yield as much as they needed. For many years, the blue flowers of this crop were a dominant feature of the Allgäu landscape.

Then in the 19th century, things began to change: The flax growers could no longer compete with cheap, American cotton – so a forward-thinking large-scale farmer and agrarian reformer revolutionised the local Allgäu economy: Carl Himbein told landowners they should produce milk and turn it into cheese.

With his persuasive arguments and dynamic energy, he established a new area of business. Small dairies sprang up around the region. The landscape changed from blue to green and the Allgäu became a “land of cheese” – and has earned worldwide renown as a result. Allgäu cheese can now be found on almost every cold platter, from beer gardens to taverns.

Sennerei Gunzesried: Alle Produkte stammen aus traditioneller Herstellung

A whole village makes cheese

Bavaria’s oldest dairy is the one in Gunzesried. Even today its cheese production keeps the local agriculture alive and ensures the future of the farmers in the area. It characterises the life of the community: In Gunzesried, a whole village makes cheese – from the dairy staff to the sales staff in the shop and the twelve farmers who supply the milk, that precious raw material from which the cheese is produced. They all work hand in hand and are a tightly knit group.

Peter Haslach: Durch das Abreiben mit Salzwasser entsteht die harte Käserinde

A piece of Allgäu identity in every wheel of cheese

Peter Haslach is one of these farmers, and also managing director of the dairy. He is proud of the small business, which successfully combines innovative ideas, modern technology and ancient tradition.

In every wheel of cheese that comes from the Sennerei Gunzesried dairy there is both traditional craftsmanship and a genuine slice of Allgäu identity. They only ever use milk from the Gunzesried Valley. Then and now.

Sennerei Gunzesried: Der Betrieb vereint innovative Ideen, moderne Technik und Tradition

"We are a traditional dairy operation with some unconventional ideas

Traditional values in a modern business

There are some things that simply won’t change. That’s what tradition is all about. This doesn’t stop Peter Haslach from trying new things from time to time. “We are a traditional dairy operation with some unconventional ideas,” says the local traditionalist.

For example, when the business was at a loss to know what to do with the whey – a by-product of cheese production – he thought outside the box. Today they use it to produce methane to heat the whole operation in a sustainable manner.

Perhaps it is this very mixture that makes the cheese of the Sennerei Gunzesried so irresistible, and makes a culinary contribution to the mythology of Bavaria through Allgäu cheese: The passion for traditionally produced cheese, the solidarity of an entire village and the courage to forge new paths.

More about Bavaria's oldest alpine dairy: gunzesrieder-bergkaese.de

Sennerei Gunzesried: Die Landwirtschaft im Gunzesrieder Tal wird durch die Käserei am Leben gehalten

... from Peter

Alpine diversity theme trail
The circular trail in the heart of the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park is highly recommended. It starts in the beautiful valley of Gunzesried and leads past the alpine dairy pasture via a small high trail back to the village to our alpine dairy. Here you can walk and experience the region as well as its history. The three-hour trail is also wonderfully suitable for families.
alpsee-gruenten.de (only in German)

More stories about good food, beer and wine

Caspar Plautz: Mit dem Kartoffelstand ist frischer Wind auf den Viktualienmarkt eingekehrt

The potato tuners from the Viktualienmarkt

Theo Lindinger and Dominik Klier attract numerous better eaters to Viktualienmarkt in Munich with their love of extra-ordinary potato dishes

Read more
Jockls Passion: Wissen erfahren, neue Geschmäcker entdecken und Menschen begeistern

The art of fine cuisine

In his “Meyers Keller”, Jockl Kaiser combines regional classics such as stuffed cabbage and blood sausage with gourmet cuisine and sustainability

Read more
Bieramt: Jede Woche gibt es wechselndes Fassbier aus Franken

More beer than authority: The "Bieramt" in Nuremberg

Boris Braun brings a quaffable element of Franconian identity to life in the “Bieramt” in Nuremberg

Read more
Ilonka mit Traktor

Ilonka Scheuring: Winemaker in pink rubber boots

Winemaker Ilonka Scheuring brings a breath of fresh air to the industry: with individuality, an eye for detail and a lot of expertise.

Read more
Einige alte Bamberger Gemüsesorten aus dem Familienbesitz der Gärtnerei Niedermaier

Gardener Sebastian Niedermaier

Sebastian Niedermaier runs an organic market garden not far from Bamberg’s pedestrian zone. We found him amongst his garlic, ginger and turmeric

Read more
„Steinmanns Töchter“ Pauline und Anna bei der Traubenlese im Weinberg

Wine start-up with power

The young winemakers and former wine princesses Pauline and Anna are ‘Steinmann's daughters’. We visited the successful young duo from Sommerhausen

Read more

News from Bavaria

Get first-hand tips on stories, travel reports and events!