Rooftop Bees – Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof

The roof of the Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof is buzzing. Not with hotel guests, but with permanent residents. Since last year three bee colonies live on the rooftop of the hotel and 120kg of honey have already been harvested. Due to the sustainable, in-house honey production, hotel guests get to enjoy the exquisite nectar at the luscious breakfast buffet. 

I was invited to a honey tasting at the hotel and spoiled beyond measures. Not only did I get to taste varieties of their homemade honey, but also the most appealing finger food and drinks, all made with the sweet homemade nectar. My favorite honey was the one with hazelnut butter, which could become the new “Honella” ;)
After the tasting, I was invited to visit the roof and watch the assiduous bees at work. The hotel beekeeper, Alfred Hauska, told us about urban beekeeping. The hotel is in an ideal location for the bees and the honey from the city is as pure as honey from the countryside. The bees swarm out to the nearby parks where they can help themselves to an ample variety of blossoming flowers.  Alfred Hauska may have the best job with a stunning view of the city, despite getting stung from time to time..

Before leaving the bees, I even got to taste raw honey straight from the honeycomb, which was an unforgettably delectable experience!

Rooftop bees and urban beekeeping in Vienna is a hot topic right now! Did you know that beehives can also found be found on the roof of the City Hall, the Secession, the Vienna State Opera and the Natural History Museum?

As I experienced urban beekeeping first hand, I will make an effort to buy more regional honey. Wiener Honig, for example also offers unique flavor combinations. Apple Strudel Honey anyone?

Xo Vicki