Autarkie & Me • Episode 24 • Serschenhof

A farm for self-sufficiency and passing on ancestral knowledge

The “Autarkie & Me” broadcast of 25.02.2026 covers, in the area of health & nutrition, the topic of self-sufficiency and passing on knowledge – and thus also the area of knowledge and education. This time our guest is Bettina Tertinjek, farmer at the Serschenhof. She has extensive expertise in many areas of life, applies it day by day in her surroundings and passes it on in courses.

Life at the Serschenhof

“The history of the Serschenhof goes back to 1498, and it has been owned by the Tertinjek family for more than 115 years. One of the peculiarities of the farm is the border that has run through the property since 1921, dividing the farm between 2 countries. This brings various additional challenges, such as double bureaucracy and a language barrier …

Many people wish to lead a happy life with several generations on the farm. We dare to claim that we have succeeded. We are very proud of this and enjoy it every day. There are 7 of us living on the farm, in 3 generations.

Until a few years ago there were 8 of us – with great-grandmother, who has since passed away. It was a great challenge to resolve family issues and create such a wonderfully harmonious family unit. Everyone had to and still has to work on themselves. But the result is something you cannot buy … There is always someone here for you… Our children also really enjoy growing up in the clan. Having a partner at your side every day, with whom you can live and work here without getting on each other’s nerves, is also very special.

We teach our children at home. During their time at school they felt that they had no time left “for living”. That showed us that we do not simply live and work here. It is a philosophy of life that has already passed on to the next generation. A life in harmony with people, animals and nature.”

Bettina Tertinjek, Serschenhof

Why self-sufficiency and passing on old knowledge

“What is special for us is that we can all make a full-time living from this farm. On the one hand this is the great joy of these activities, on the other the great appreciation of the produce you get from them. On top of that, we preserve this valuable knowledge, which stays alive this way and will serve the next generations. For nothing bought contains as much energy as something home-made. It also gives us great joy when, through what we do and through our courses, we can motivate other people to make things themselves again.

In the past, knowledge was passed on from generation to generation as a matter of course, and many things were learned from an early age because everyone had to lend a hand. Today, when only a few people still live in larger family units, other opportunities are needed for those who want to know how it’s done.”

Bettina Tertinjek, Serschenhof

Courses and the farm shop

“In our courses we always try to keep things “simple”. Because – as in the past – it should be possible for everyone to make many things themselves again in an uncomplicated way in everyday life. But what challenges were and are there? It is precisely this “simplicity” that is often a challenge when it comes to promotion. Because our current society loves “gurus” – people rarely look for the simple. We live somewhat off the beaten track, so it is not that easy to draw people’s attention to what we offer. Much of what we do here on the farm we show in our courses, so that others can put it into practice too.

There are many more opportunities in the association. We are working on an internal food and knowledge network, on preserving seeds, on developing how we live together, and much more. Direct sales on site: www.urwissen.at.”

Bettina Tertinjek, Serschenhof

Outlook and our vision

“We are constantly learning, trying out new things and trying to improve what already exists. A little piece every day. Over time quite a lot comes together – and our children and interested people can draw on this treasure of knowledge. We will also keep spinning the thread on the subject of linen.”

Bettina Tertinjek, Serschenhof

Course “Bread baking basics”

“At the centre is the heart of delicious bread – sourdough. From choosing the right ingredients, to sources of error during proving, correct shaping and correct baking temperatures, to storing bread, all topics are covered so that you can take the necessary baking know-how home with you.”

Why this is so important, and what else there is to consider when it comes to bread, we learn in this video:

“Why medieval bread was a superfood but your modern bread makes you sick”

Radio SOL The broadcast with our guest: Bettina Tertinjek of the Serschenhof

We founded the association UR:leben because we believe it is time to go new ways. NOT faster, further, bigger, more …

“The way back to a meaningful, original & self-sufficient way of life”. Through the changes in lifestyle over recent years, the knowledge and feeling for this have somewhat been lost. We see ourselves as companions for those people who long to go back and who are looking for a way there in the current transformation. A change of thinking is unavoidable.

Because what is needed is

– reconnecting with the original source – thinking in cycles – a holistic way of life & health – sustainable & ecological ways of working – solidarity & community

Bettina Tertinjek

Verein UR-Leben (association)

Remschnigg 57 8463 Leutschach Austria

Phone: +43 664/2277480

Email: bettina@serschenhof.at

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Radio SOL is a radio station from Austria offering a varied programme focused on positive content. It concentrates on topics such as health, sustainability, culture and awareness. The station aims to spread inspiring content and offers a platform for discussion and information that promotes the well-being and quality of life of its listeners. Radio SOL is known for its commitment to the community and its support of projects and initiatives that promote a sustainable and conscious way of life.

GAIA and Radio SOL have been closely connected for years. Both organisations are committed to informing readers and listeners about important topics such as renewable energy, healthy living and ecologically sustainable approaches.

With the series “Autarkie & Me” (Self-sufficiency & me), Radio SOL opens up the messages and projects of the Society for Self-Sufficiency (GAIA) to a wide audience. Together we promote innovative solutions and practical approaches that help people lead a self-sufficient and sustainable life. The broadcasts are in German.