The Mohnhof Greßl in Haiden near Ottenschlag is a destination for visitors who want to learn about regional products and their origins. The family-run farm grows poppies and processes them into cold-pressed cooking oils, among other products. A gift shop and the Poppy Museum round out the experience.
For your vacation with Anna and Herbert in Gutenbrunn This offers a combination of a day trip, shopping for local products, and insights into food production.
Perhaps you’d like to discover a special poppy seed oil, take some poppy seeds home for your kitchen, or learn how these tiny seeds are turned into a regional product. The tour can be tailored to your interests and combined with other activities in the area.
Mohnhof Greßl: From Farm to Table
The Greßl family’s Waldviertel poppy farm, the Mohnhof, is located at Haiden 11 near Ottenschlag. Various varieties of poppies are grown, harvested, and processed in the surrounding fields. According to the farm’s operators, it is situated at just under 900 meters above sea level.
Visitors will find it particularly interesting to see how cultivation and processing go hand in hand. They get to see poppy seeds as an agricultural product and, at the same time, learn about their uses in the kitchen.
Our recommendation from Anna and Herbert: Take advantage of your visit to ask questions. Which variety goes well with a dessert? Which oil is best for your favorite dishes? This kind of information will help you choose the right product.
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Getting to Know Gray, Blue, and White Poppies
Poppy seeds vary in color and flavor depending on the variety. The Mohnhof showcases gray, blue, and white poppy seeds, each with their own distinct characteristics.
Gray Poppy Seeds for Sweet Treats
The company describes gray poppy seeds as having a delicate poppy seed aroma and lists their uses as including poppy seed cakes, poppy seed tarts, poppy seed noodles, and Poppy Camping.
If you've already tried a specialty like this while on vacation, you might want to think about whether you'd like to make something with poppy seeds yourself at home while you're shopping.
Blue poppy for bolder combinations
Mohnhof describes blue poppy seeds as having a more intense and slightly tart flavor. The company recommends the oil made from them for hearty salads, as well as sheep and goat cheese, for example.
For guests who have mainly encountered poppy seeds in sweet dishes so far, this opens up another way to use them.
White poppy seeds with a nutty flavor
White poppy seeds have light-colored seeds and are described by the company as having a distinct walnut aroma. Possible uses include cakes, tarts, and parfaits, among others.
Our recommendation: Ask about the differences before you make your decision. Choose the variety that goes best with the dish you plan to prepare later.
Cold-pressed poppy seed oils from a family-owned business
The Mohnhof produces cold-pressed cooking oils from gray, blue, and white poppies. The oils are bottled and sold on the farm.
Poppy seed oil can make for an interesting souvenir if you enjoy cooking and trying new flavors.
Choose a product that you'll actually use
Before you go shopping, think about what kinds of meals you like to prepare at home. Do you want to add a special touch to a salad, or are you looking for an ingredient for another culinary idea?
Ask for advice on this, and also inquire about storage, shelf life, and recommended uses.
Our recommendation: Start with a product that fits in with your kitchen. That way, your souvenir becomes a vacation memory that you can revisit while you eat.
The Poppy Museum: Insights into Cultivation and Processing
The Mohnhof features a poppy museum with a permanent exhibition. The farm has produced two short films that offer insights into poppy cultivation and the process of making poppy seed oil.
This adds an informative element to your shopping trip. Anyone interested in learning how food is produced can explore the plant and its processing in more detail here.
Our Tip for Your Visit
Plan your museum visit and shopping trip together. After getting a glimpse into the manufacturing process, it will be easier to understand the products and ask specific questions.
If you are particularly interested in a guided tour, please check with the facility in advance. A regular visit and a guided tour are two different options.
Visiting as an individual or with a group
On its field trip page, the Mohnhof explains that individual visitors can come during opening hours without an appointment. Groups are asked to make a reservation in advance; guided tours are available for groups of ten or more.
Since the museum's website also mentions the need to make a reservation in advance, we recommend giving them a quick call to confirm if you're planning a specific visit.
What a group field trip might include
The farm lists the following activities for field trips: a tour of the farm, a visit to the museum, a film, a product tasting, and an opportunity to shop.
If you're traveling with a larger group, you can ask about a suitable date and the current itinerary.
If you are a solo guest, you should inquire about a tasting in advance. On the website, it is listed as part of the described tour program and is therefore not automatically included with every visit.
Local Products to Go
The store offers poppy seeds, poppy seed oil, and other poppy-related products. The company also suggests gift ideas and offers a variety of processed poppy seed products.
When making your selection, it's worth considering three questions:
- Would you like to use the product yourself or give it as a gift?
- Will you be able to store it properly during your trip?
- Do you already know how you'd like to enjoy it at home?
A carefully chosen product often brings more joy than a big purchase made without a specific plan for how to use it.
Poppy Seeds for Your Own Kitchen
Mohnhof also sells poppy seeds that have been crushed or ground and notes that they can be frozen.
When making a purchase, ask about the right storage solution for your product. A specific recommendation is especially helpful if you still have a few days of vacation left between your purchase and your trip home.
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A Visit During Poppy Blossom Season
The Mohnhof says that mid-July is the typical time for poppies to bloom.
If you'd like to plan your trip specifically to see fields in bloom, check on the current bloom status before you go. The natural blooming cycle can vary from year to year.
Our Recommendation for Planning Your Vacation
Plan your excursion as flexibly as possible during your stay. That way, you can take the weather and the blooming season into account.
When taking photos, please stay on the designated paths and respect the farmland. The fields are not only a beautiful subject but also part of a working farm.
A Fun Getaway Even Outside of Summer
A visit doesn't have to be limited to poppy season. The museum and shopping offer additional reasons to explore the estate. The museum's website states that the permanent exhibition is open year-round—during the listed hours of operation.
On days with changeable weather, a visit to a museum can be a great addition to your itinerary.
Our planning tip: Check the hours and visiting options before you set out. That way, you can combine your visit with a coffee break or another destination in the area.
Our suggestion for an outing starting from Gutenbrunn
Start with a leisurely breakfast in your vacation rental, and then drive to Haiden to visit the Mohnhof.
Depending on your interests, you can visit the museum and then take some time to shop. Ask the staff to explain the products to you and choose a souvenir that suits your tastes.
After that, you can continue your day toward Ottenschlag or return to Gutenbrunn. Be sure to leave some time to spare, rather than cramming several sightseeing stops into a tight schedule.
This way, your trip will be manageable, and you'll have plenty of time to enjoy yourself.
With family, a dog, or limited mobility
Visiting with Children
For school groups, the company offers an age-appropriate program.
As a family, you can explore the exhibition together and discuss topics related to farming and food production. Adjust the length of your visit to suit your children’s ages.
Visiting with a Dog
Before you arrive, check whether your dog is allowed in the sales area and the museum. Be sure to ask specifically about each area.
Visits by Wheelchair Users
Be sure to ask specifically about access to the sales area and museum, the circulation areas, and suitable restroom facilities.
The information that has been published is not sufficient to categorize all areas across the board as barrier-free to describe.
Hours and Contact Information
The Mohnhof's contact page currently lists the following hours of operation:
- Monday through Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Closed on Sundays and holidays.
| Information | Information |
|---|---|
| Operation | Waldviertler Mohnhof – The Greßl Family |
| Address | Haiden 11, 3631 Ottenschlag |
| Phone | +43 2872 7449 |
| info@mohnhof.at |
The contact information comes from the operator's website.
Please check the latest access information before you arrive. We recommend making a reservation in advance for a guided tour or a specific visitor program.
Our Recommendation from Anna and Herbert
We recommend the Mohnhof as a great outing for guests who want to learn more about regional foods and take home something special.
Whenever possible, combine your shopping with a glimpse into the production process. This turns a bottle of poppy seed oil or a package of poppy seeds into a memento connected to the region and the people who make the product.
Take your time and choose carefully. Perhaps the items you buy on vacation will later become a meal that brings back fond memories of your time in Gutenbrunn.
Your vacation rental for an enjoyable getaway
Here with us—Anna and Herbert in Gutenbrunn—you can combine excursions, shopping for local products, and relaxation according to your own preferences.
Start your day at a leisurely pace, explore the surrounding area, and then return to your vacation rental. There, you’ll have time for a quiet break and to plan your next outing.
When you submit your request, please let us know your travel dates, the number of guests, and any special requests. Together, we'll select the right apartment for your stay.
We look forward to welcoming you to Gutenbrunn.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mohnhof Greßl
Where is the Mohnhof Greßl located?
The farm is located at Haiden 11 near Ottenschlag in the Waldviertel region.
What products are available?
The products described include poppy seeds, cold-pressed poppy seed oils, and other poppy seed-related products. Please contact the company directly for the current selection.
Is there a museum?
Yes. The Poppy Museum offers insights into poppy cultivation and processing.
Do you have to make an appointment for a visit?
For individual visitors, the excursion page states that visits are permitted during opening hours without prior registration. Groups and guided tours should be arranged in advance. If you are planning a specific visit to the museum, we recommend contacting us briefly beforehand.
When is the Mohnhof open?
Currently, the business lists its hours as Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is listed as closed on Sundays and holidays.
Is the farm worth visiting even when the poppies aren't in bloom?
Yes. The museum and shopping opportunities provide a reason to visit, even when the fields aren't in bloom.
Information current as of October 2026. Opening hours, visitor activities, and access conditions are subject to change. Please check directly with the facility before your visit.
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