Stories from long-time employees

Florian Frisch - Head of Eurofun Travel Specialists

How long have I been working at Eurohike and what are my tasks?

I've been with Eurohike for exactly 10 years. I started as a travel specialist in a very small team of three people. We divided up all the trips on offer between us and were responsible for many other activities in addition to providing advice and handling bookings. After a few years and a steadily growing team, I first became deputy team leader and then team leader for customer advice at Eurohike. As this area has also continued to develop over the years, I was also given the opportunity to look after our Eurobike department around two years ago. As Head of Customer Advice, I am currently responsible, together with my colleagues, for providing our guests with comprehensive advice in advance and the best possible support for our cyclists and hikers before, during and after their trip.

Why am I proud to work at Eurohike?

I am proud to work at Eurohike because I am 100% behind our trips. Having been able to gain an insight into our departments over the years and also interacting with various teams on a daily basis, I know how much effort is put into the development and realisation of our trips. When I read all the great feedback from our cyclists and hikers, it is always a confirmation of our efforts. For me, experiencing nature on the most beautiful cycling and hiking trails in a personalised way and throughout Europe is still unique in this form. It makes me proud to be able to pass on this experience to our guests with full conviction.

Employee Florian with donkeys on the hiking trail

Which Eurohike moment do I remember most?

There were certainly many memorable moments during my time at Eurohike. I particularly remember one of our hiking holidays in Provence. We had actually already reached the end of the trip and had planned to spend two more days in Avignon to visit the city. After a wonderful week in the midst of nature, the hustle and bustle was too much for us, so we decided to go for a hike in the surrounding area on the second day after all. We didn't have any great expectations, but then everything just fell into place: In addition to a relaxing hike, we were lucky enough to visit Van Gogh's sanatorium in Saint-Remy, the place and the exhibition there held a very special fascination for us. And at the end of the day, we were lucky enough to attend a traditional bullfight in a small village. A day full of surprises that always reminds me of how many experiences and adventures await us along the way...

Employee Florian at the summit of the Jenner

Julia Winklhofer - Team Leader of Eurohike Travel Specialists

How long have I been working at Eurohike and what are my tasks?

I have been working for the Eurohike brand since 2019 and started as a travel specialist. Initially, I was in charge of the hiking tours on the Rheinsteig, along the Moselle and in the Altmühltal. Then the beautiful tour on the Lechweg was also added for a while. I have now been Team Leader at Eurohike since October 2022 and have many exciting additional tasks. I am still very passionate about my beautiful tours along the Rhine and Moselle, which I also enjoy hiking myself.

Why am I proud to work at Eurohike?

Above all, I am proud of our unique team! We stick together, no matter what happens, everyone is fully committed and enjoys what they do. It's also really admirable what has happened in these five years - how we've grown, which new departments have emerged and how work processes have changed over time. A lot has also developed in terms of sustainability. We used to print out every single booking, leaf through our ABC folder every day and then file everything carefully. I can no longer imagine doing that in our paperless office! Another thing that makes me particularly proud is the positive feedback from our hiking guests. I'm always delighted when guests call or email to thank me for the good advice and the perfectly organised activity trip.

Employee Julia hiking with a view of the Rhine

Which Eurohike moment do I remember most?

In these 5 years, I have experienced so much in my work that I can't even imagine that another job could be so varied, fun and crazy. I particularly remember my staff on tour hiking trips on the Rheinsteig, on the Moselle and in the Altmühltal. Here I was able to meet all my hotel partners, with whom I am in regular contact, in person and also hike the beautiful routes myself. A few years ago, I was able to take part in a fam-trip to Tenerife. On this trip, the Tenerife tourist board introduced us to the island and took us on the most amazing leisure activities. Among other things, I was allowed to do a tandem flight here - for someone with a fear of heights, this is really something very special. I'm still a bit proud that I actually dared to do it! Every day we experience many nice, funny and also unforgettable situations with our guests who are travelling on our tours. It never gets boring and I am still passionate about it.

Employee Julia on the rocky beach of Tenerife

Florian and hiking companion in a basket sledge in Funchal

Employee Julia on the Moselsteig trail with a view

Isabella Strasser - Product Management

How long have I been working at Eurohike and what are my tasks?

After 10 years abroad in Rome, I was lucky enough to join Eurofun Touristik as a travel specialist with focus on Italy - so I can also use and apply my knowledge of Italian. In January it was exactly 10 years that I have been working for our tour operator. I've been in product management for a year now and take care of hotel and service purchasing.

Why am I proud to work at Eurohike?

In my more than 10 years at Eurohike, I have seen the company grow. The three of us - Flo, Michaela and I - started in customer service and the team has now grown to thirteen (the ‘historic’ photo shows my former colleague Michaela and me). I am proud and grateful to be part of this great success story. What I appreciate most is the friendly working atmosphere, the nice colleagues and the variety. Above all, I am always amazed at the new and interesting tours that are constantly being created. It's always exciting!

Isabella and Michaela company outing Constance 2014

Which Eurohike moment do I remember most?

The best moments for me are finding beautiful accommodation for our guests and receiving great praise years later for how professionally our company works. Be it our punctual luggage transfer, our reliable travel specialists, the accounting department and all other departments in our company. I am very touched to hear how Eurofun Touristik is appreciated.

Another highlight every year are the ‘Employees on Tour’ trips that we are allowed to go on to get to know our routes even better. Every year I am accompanied by my four friends. We have now hiked almost every hiking tour from Reschen to Venice. Unforgettable for me: my favourite hiking trip from Merano to Lake Garda, which I have also been in charge of since 2014.

Helene Edtmeier - Team Leader of Eurohike Travel Specialists

How long have I been working at Eurohike and what are my tasks?

I have enjoyed working in customer service at Eurohike since 2017. I have always organised our hiking tours and looked after our guests in the beautiful Salzkammergut region. Together with my colleague Julia, I took over responsibility as team leader two years ago. Among other things, I am also in charge of training new colleagues and deal with issues relating to our booking programme in our department.

Why am I proud to work at Eurohike?

Over the years, not only our department, but every department at Eurofun Touristik has grown many times over. I am proud that I have been able to gain experience in all areas over the years. I am pleased to have been involved in many projects and advances and to be able to continue to do so.

Which Eurohike moment do I remember most?

It wasn't that long ago. I walk up the many flights of stairs to our Eurohike office in the morning and shout ‘Morning’ as I do every day. My colleagues look at me with a broad grin. Everyone is always friendly, but it's a bit strange. So I make my way sceptically to my table. There is a huge bouquet of flowers. Everyone listens intently as I read out the greetings card:

'Dear Mrs Edtmeier! I apologise for my clumsiness, thank you for helping me. Next week I'm going on holiday. Yay! Best wishes to the whole team from Switzerland.'

The sender of the flowers and greetings card booked many months ago, made a mistake in the date and asked for the trip to be rebooked at short notice and start in a few days. The lady's joy and gratitude made me realise once again what a wonderful job it is to fulfil holiday dreams and give our hiking guests happy moments.

Helene's bouquet of flowers from travelling guest