Rugged, quiet, and steeped in history – that's how the Mühlviertel region in northern Austria presents itself. Anyone hiking through its rolling hills for the first time immediately senses that everything here moves at its own pace. The air is fresh, the scent of moss, damp earth, and wood mingles with the aroma of fresh herbs from the farm gardens. In spring, meadows burst with daisies and dandelions; in summer, the wind rustles through the beech forests. In autumn, the leaves turn every shade of gold and red. And in winter? The first frost glitters on the granite boulders. Right here, in the heart of this beautiful landscape, CHICO hammocks are made. Small everyday companions that bring a piece of this pristine homeland into every home.
People, craftsmanship and living tradition
The Mühlviertel region is defined by its people. Generations of families have lived and worked here, tending farms, maintaining forest paths, and preserving traditional crafts. To this day, numerous mills along the streams and rivers characterize the region. Water power gave rise to sawmills, bakeries, weaving mills, and other businesses that shaped life and work. Many of these places have been further developed, repurposed, or modernized; others still tell tales of a bygone era.
From this close interplay between landscape and work, a unique way of life has developed. It manifests itself in the respectful treatment of the land, in close-knit communities, and in everyday life on the farms and in the villages. Cooking together, celebrating festivals together, and passing on experiences are all perfectly natural here. Visitors often report feeling a sense of peace and belonging after just a few hours. It's as if the Mühlviertel region has its own melody, which is automatically absorbed.
Three special features that make the Mühlviertel region unique
Hidden among the vast fields and dense forests are several unique landscape features. Below, we present three of them.
Woolsack formations: Granite in its pristine state
The spheroidal boulders are a natural phenomenon that shapes our region like no other. Huge, rounded granite blocks, formed over millennia by frost, rain, and wind, lie like small witnesses to history in forests and clearings. Some look like carefully stacked works of art, others like giant benches in the middle of the woods.
Insider tip: The rock formation at the "Bärenstein" in Aigen-Schlägl is well worth a visit. At the end of the short hike, an impressive panorama awaits you, offering views across Austria to the Moldau Reservoir in the Czech Republic. You can climb among the rounded granite blocks, take a short break, and discover one or two little natural gems along the way.
Old square farmsteads: Witnesses to days long past
The traditional four-sided farmsteads are the architectural heart of the Mühlviertel region. Buildings enclosing a central courtyard, with shingle roofs, massive wooden gates, and exposed stone facades – they all tell the stories of generations who lived and worked here. Even today, you can discover craftsmanship on these farms that seems almost timeless: a barn rebuilt according to old traditions, a finely crafted wooden gate with impressive carvings, or lovingly maintained shutters adorned with a floral display found only here.
Forests, rivers and quiet corners: nature to immerse yourself in.
Roughly two-thirds of the Mühlviertel region is forested. Quiet streams meander through and between the forests, glittering in the sun and lapping over smooth granite stones. Dragonflies dance above the water, and birds chirp in the canopy. Those who look closely might even spot the shy and colorful kingfisher.
Mühlviertel dialect: The distinctive dialect
The Mühlviertel region is characterized not only by its landscape and architecture, but also by its language. Anyone who hears a "Griaß di" (a traditional Austrian greeting) in the village square immediately senses that tradition is alive and well, even among younger generations. The dialect is distinctive, charming, and full of little quirks that often bring a smile to the faces of "Zuagroasten" (newcomers) and travelers.
We "ratschen" (chat) on the "Sunbeng" (bench in the sun), love eating our "Schedl" (cake), are sometimes a little "sierig" (fussy/cheeky) and love our "Gachtl" (small garden). Language is an indispensable part of our community and an expression of our identity and personality.
By the way: Anyone who wants to learn more about the warm Mühlviertel dialect will find numerous examples in our Mühlviertel dialect dictionary that help to understand our language – and perhaps even to learn it.😉
Regional instead of global: Products from the Mühlviertel region are made to last for generations.
While elsewhere mass-produced goods roll off assembly lines, in the Mühlviertel region we focus on time, patience, dedication, and care in the production of our products. Locally sourced materials and craftsmanship passed down through generations make all the difference. And you can feel it everywhere here: in artfully woven willow baskets, high-quality woven and printed fabrics from small workshops, carefully crafted herbal syrups and liqueurs – and, of course, in our hammocks and hammock chairs.
The Mühlviertel region is arguably one of Austria's most distinctive regions. And this very character is embodied in every CHICO hammock, lovingly handcrafted here for over 40 years, bringing a piece of (our) home into your home.