Gisela Harrer is a globetrotter and herbal expert. She produces exquisite syrups for mocktails—and is now sharing her in-depth knowledge with our Engelwirt guests in a workshop. Top chef Tommy Schäfer is creating a wild herb menu to accompany it.

Her life story is extraordinary: The 76-year-old native of the Upper Palatinate crocheted Bavarian cardigans for luxury stores in California, worked in Switzerland’s top restaurants, met the Shah of Persia in Iran—and later moved in Munich among the aristocracy and the jet set. After a financial setback, she returned to her roots in her homeland, the Upper Palatinate: the knowledge of wild herbs that her mother had once passed down to her. Soon she was supplying Munich’s top chefs with stinging nettles, wild garlic, and other herbs.

From October 9–11, 2026, Gisela Harrer will share her knowledge with our Engelwirt guests. During a hike through the meadows of the Altmühl Valley, wild herbs will be gathered, then prepared at the hotel and showcased in culinary creations.

Top chef Tommy Schäfer, who trained under Heinz Winkler in Aschau and caters to special occasions at the Engelwirt, will create a wild herb menu together with the guests. Nature decides which herbs end up on the plate: whatever is found in the meadows in early July will be used.

ITINERARY & INCLUSIONS
October 9–11, 2026
Price: €799 per person

Included in the price:

• 2 nights’ accommodation in a double room or apartment for single occupancy
• Group breakfast on both days
• Midday snack, as well as coffee and cake in the afternoon
• Guided herb walks with Gisela Harrer through the meadows of the Altmühl Valley
• Comprehensive handouts with interesting facts and recipes
• Group preparation of various wild herb specialties—including pesto, syrups, and other seasonal delicacies
• Group wild herb dinner with top chef Tommy Schäfer
• Non-alcoholic beverages, as well as coffee and tea, throughout the workshop
• Small, intimate group with a maximum of 8 participants for in-depth discussion and personalized attention

Good to know:

• Check-in on Friday starting at 3:00 p.m.
• Check-out on Sunday after breakfast together
• No prior knowledge is required for the workshop.
• Please bring weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes for the herb walk.
• Of course, you’re welcome to take home all the herbal products you make yourself, as well as the recipe handouts.

This weekend is all about nature. The season determines which wild herbs we’ll collect and process—we’ll use only what’s growing in the meadows and along the forest edges of the Altmühl Valley in early October.

A Weekend of Discovery, Gathering, and Enjoyment

This weekend is intentionally not a traditional lecture on wild herbs. The focus is on sharing the experience together.
You’ll gather wild herbs with Gisela Harrer in the meadows of the Altmühl Valley, learn fascinating facts about their uses and history, and then process the treasures you’ve collected yourself. Together, you’ll make pestos, syrups, and other seasonal specialties before top chef Tommy Schäfer demonstrates how to transform the wild herbs into an extraordinary meal—which you’ll then enjoy together.

In this way, ancient herbal knowledge, authentic craftsmanship, and culinary delight come together for a weekend where you don’t just listen—you experience everything with all your senses.

You’ll return home with many new ideas, homemade delicacies, a small treasure trove of recipes, and a keener eye for nature—and from now on, you’ll walk through meadows and forests with a new perspective.