Bees and Locations
Most of my colonies live on the northern edge of Vienna. The location is ideal: hardly any traffic, but also no intensive farming with pesticides. A sweet spot — in many respects.
I keep exclusively Carnica bees, known for their gentleness and diligence. The law requires this too: unlike in some other Austrian states, Vienna generally only permits keeping the Carnica bee — other bees require a permit. This applies, for example, to the dark bee, the Buckfast bee, or the Ligustica.
It’s important to me to look after each colony individually. In my first year of beekeeping, when I started with 5 purebred queens of identical lineage, I soon noticed that even at the same location, with identical treatment, the colonies’ development diverged within a few weeks. My thoughts on why that is can be found on the blog. Either way, the consequence is clear: even if I believe I’m the one leading my colonies, it’s probably exactly the other way around.
The bees are currently kept at 4 locations:
Bisamberg
The apiary sits in a vineyard, at the foot of the Bisamberg. The Bisamberg is known for its exceptional flora - it's the most floristically diverse dry landscape in the Weinviertel region. Here a mild blossom honey is produced, to which many different plants from the surrounding area contribute. A touch of honeydew may be present too. This honey is a pleasant companion - not loud, not intrusive, but with substance. I especially like it for sweetening things, like muesli.
Bellevue
An unusual location - the highest of all my sites. Between Bellevue and "Am Himmel", surrounded by orchards, meadows, vineyards, and closed forest areas, sits the apiary. I've only been here for a year, and I'm surprised anew on every visit - details on the blog. This year's first super was an almost pure honeydew honey - much to my surprise. Goes wonderfully on a slice of bread.
Hirschfeld
This apiary is located at a plant nursery. Its owner has been collecting rare varieties for many years - for example, he has dozens of different apple tree varieties. A bit to the east lies a botanical experimental site run by BOKU (the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences). I often see pheasants and deer on my visits. The honey from here is full-bodied, with a clearly recognizable linden note.
Hirschstetten
Not far from the Hirschstetten swimming lake lies the Tierquartier Wien. This site is also home to the teaching apiary of the Imkerverein Wien Donaustadt beekeeping association, and I keep a colony here too. Alongside numerous allotment gardens, the Hirschstetten flower gardens are also within flying distance. There hasn't been much honey here so far - the bees preferred to snack on most of it themselves right away ...