A highlight of the Gesäuse Partners' year-end celebrations is the awarding of the "Gesäuse Ambassador" ring of honour and title every two years. An award that is preceded by special commitment, often over decades, to the Gesäuse. This year the coveted trophy went to Johnsbach, the landlady of the traditional Kölblwirt, Ingrid Wolf, can now call herself a "Gesäuse Ambassador".
National Park Director Herbert Wölger in his laudatory speech: "Ingrid Wolf was one of the driving forces behind the founding of Gesäusewirte more than 30 years ago. In the catering industry, competitors became friends very early on. The Gesäusewirte were then also the nucleus of Gesäuse Partner, which today also covers other sectors. Ingrid uses her sparkling energy for her family, friends, guests and the region, putting herself and her own needs far behind. As a landlady, she creates a kind of second home in the Gesäuse for many people and always has an open ear for family stories and personal matters. She has even acted as godmother to the children of regular guests travelling from afar."
The Kölblwirt is a house where stories are told; of life, of mountaineering, of climbing and of music. Together with the Härtel family of musicians and her husband Ludwig, Ingrid founded the Johnsbach Musicians' Week. The musical motivation and inspiration created in the process radiates far beyond Johnsbach into the entire region.
"Ingrid doesn't put herself in the front row. Only a few people know, for example, that the Johnsbach Bible Trail is based on one of her ideas. Ingrid and Ludwig put the "we" before the "I". They have already placed their business in the hands of the younger generation. However, son Franz and daughter-in-law Ari can continue to rely on their seemingly tireless energy," continues Wölger.
He also thanked Ingrid Wolf for her commitment to nature conservation. She has always been an advocate of the national park idea and is the only private landowner to contribute land to the national park, he concluded.
The whole Kölbl family is a testament to great teamwork and in this spirit, the Gesäuse partners have chosen Ingrid Wolf as Ambassador of the Year 2023.
Enquiries and contact.
Gesäuse Tourist Office
+43 3613 21160 10
