About us
This is us
Family Maas
The Tiefhof has been run by the Jung/Maas family for four generations. As a dedicated family man and passionate farmer, Daniel Maas has been at the heart of our family business since 2022. Together with Daniel’s parents, Gerti and Florian, we form a close-knit team devoted to taking care of the farm with love and commitment.
Daniel & Julia
This is us: Daniel and Julia with our set of twins. You’ll usually find us less dressed up, chasing chickens or children somewhere on the farm. But how did we end up here?
After a long time in the city, we decided to return to our rural roots and take over the farm from Daniel’s parents. This return to a life in the countryside was not only a decision for our family, but also a commitment to the traditions and values that have shaped this farm over generations. We aim to continue the family tradition while also bringing in new ideas and innovative approaches to make the farm sustainable for the future. Our passion for farming and commitment to sustainable practices shape our daily actions on the farm.
Gerti & Florian
And these are Daniel's parents: Gerti and Florian.
Gerti grew up on the farm and has known every corner of this special place since her childhood. Florian comes from the neighboring Vinschgau and brings his own experience and perspective. Together, they took over the farm and put in an incredible amount of work to turn it into what it is today. Their shared passion for organic farming drove them to implement sustainable practices and conserve natural resources. Even today, they are still actively involved and support Daniel in every way they can.
From times gone by
History of the Tiefhof
The exact origins of the Tiefhof are not documented, but it is believed to have been founded as a "Schwaighof" (a manorial farm focused on livestock farming). Its proximity to the borders of Switzerland and Italy has significantly shaped the history of the farm.
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In the 16th and 17th centuries, a mining operation was active above Tiefhof in the Mutzwiesen area. Copper, pyrite, galena, and fahlerz (a type of ore) were mined and transported past Tiefhof for processing in Sclamisot in the Engadine, and later to Prad in the Vinschgau. Border disputes led to the closure of the Mutzer Copper Mine in 1620. Remains of this mine—the so-called "Knappenlöcher" (miners' holes)—are now romantic, ancient relics of past times, allowing children’s imaginations to run wild.
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In the 17th and 18th centuries, the rough relationship between the people of Nauders and the Engadine was marked by mutual robberies and plundering. The high pass over the Schützenhütte, passing by the farm, was often used by the Engadine people and later by the French as a backdoor for their incursions into Nauders. The Tiefhof has also borne the marks of these tumultuous times.
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In 1931, the Tiefhof was acquired by the Jung family (Gerti's grandparents) and was operated as a guesthouse with 12 guest beds. There were two room rates: larger rooms cost 1.90 Austrian schillings (ö.S.), while smaller rooms were 1.60 ö.S. The wooden veranda with a sun terrace at Tiefhof was well-known far beyond the local area. Even outdoor dance events were held there.
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In 1935, a fire broke out in the barn, completely destroying the stable and outbuildings and severely damaging the main house.
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After the war, Tiefhof saw a flourishing period of smuggling: livestock was smuggled into Italy, and on the return trip, polenta flour was brought back. Coffee, cigarettes, tobacco, and saccharin came from Switzerland. Many of these smuggling routes passed through Tiefhof, which served as the last stop before the dangerous nighttime border crossing, where one could gain much, but also lose everything.
Under the protection of Saint Martin, to whom the chapel at Tiefhof is dedicated, smuggling began under the cover of darkness. In the gloom of the Tief forest, many a frightened smuggler might have mistaken a squealing pig for a ghost. Upon their safe return, adventurous smuggling stories were then shared.
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In 1978, the residential house was completely rebuilt, separated from the barn and stable, and Gerti's parents handed over the house and farm to Gerti (Jung) and her husband, Florian Maas.
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