How wonderful was our visit to Bernau with you and the adorable alpacas? Thank you so much for letting us join you for the beautiful walk and feeding. The surprise was a complete success, and my husband (who had his birthday that day) and my daughter (who was also surprised and received a gift and has her birthday the following week) were delighted – as were my son and, most of all, myself ❤️ The Schmitz family from Schechen near Rosenheim with their Collie, Angel (who sniffed us curiously at home)... see you soon and best regards!

It was an experience we were initially very much looking forward to. The alpaca trek sounded promising, and the animals themselves were adorable and lovable. Alpacas have a calming effect and evoke joy and enthusiasm in many people, especially children. That was one of the reasons we decided to book this tour. Our group was small and manageable, which should normally create a personal, pleasant, and peaceful atmosphere. In total, there were five of us: two adults and three children. Unfortunately, however, the atmosphere was severely dampened by the owner's behavior. She seemed tense and treated my child in a way that I found rude and disrespectful. Instead of addressing my child by name or at least with a friendly greeting, she constantly called them "Hey you there." This may seem like a small detail, but in an educational environment where trust and positive interaction should be fostered, this type of communication carries significant weight. My child felt not only disrespected but also insecure. Furthermore, the owner was very focused on criticizing every tiny mistake my child made while leading the alpaca. Of course, it's important that the animals are treated well and safely. However, instead of patiently explaining or offering helpful advice, my child was repeatedly reprimanded in a harsh tone. This created an unpleasant atmosphere that hindered a relaxed experience. Especially when it comes to activities with children, a guided tour should be educational so that the little ones can enjoy it and learn through play. Unfortunately, this expectation was not met here. Another disturbing element was that the owner smoked in close proximity to the children the entire time. These days, consideration for others when smoking, especially around children, is generally highly valued. This was neither in keeping with the atmosphere of a nature-based tour nor with the expectations of a family-friendly activity. It felt disrespectful to our group, and it was particularly unpleasant for the children. All in all, the tour unfortunately drained me a lot of energy, and I went home disappointed. While the experience with the alpacas themselves was lovely, the circumstances of the tour, especially due to the owner, significantly marred the overall impression. Under these conditions, I would unfortunately not recommend the tour, at least not if it is conducted in this manner and by the same person.

In August 2022, our family went on a guided alpaca trek with the Hogger family, and everyone was thrilled. It began with a very informative introduction to the world of alpacas (species-appropriate husbandry, nutrition, care, breeding, etc.). We learned, for example, that alpacas, because of their leather-soled feet, don't damage the land and are therefore welcome caretakers of meadows and slopes. They are not pack animals, petting animals, or cuddly companions, even though they look so cuddly. 😉 The highlight was leading these calm animals on a lead. (Accompanied by adults, even small children can do this, as these flight animals would otherwise drag the kids along if startled.) Therapeutic treks are also offered (it's best to inquire directly about these). In short, a wonderful outing. 😊 Various alpaca wool products (a great gift idea/souvenir) are also sold on site (the animals are sheared stress-free on the farm by the Hogger family).

I can recommend the tour to anyone who is genuinely interested in learning about the animals and their care. However, it's not an event for people who like to pet or even cuddle the animals. Alpacas don't like that at all. 😄 The owner is extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to the animals' well-being. She is clear, friendly, and unambiguous in her communication. We really enjoyed it and had a great time.

The alpaca trek was lovely and informative. The owner was very friendly and told us a lot about the animals. They are kept in species-appropriate conditions and are well cared for. It was a wonderful experience all around.