ABOUT US

WILD NASSWALD

Being one of the most remote and isolate towns of Austria, the roughly 50 people strong village of Nasswald is amidst the easternmost alpine peaks of the Alps, the Klosterwappen (2076 m) of Schneeberg mountain, the Heukuppe (2007 m) of the Rax high-plateau, Europe’s largest high plateau, and Windberg (1903 m) of the Schneealpe massive. Located at the end of the road, Nasswald and its side valleys owe their secluded location to the Höllental canyon allowing only one public access road by car or bus. The surrounding mountain and forest landscape much of which is under some sort of environmental protection hosts a large variety of species, including mountain goats, red deer, boars, badgers, fish otters, lynx, wolves, and the kings of alpine skies, golden eagles.

The TEAM

Georg Bergthaler

Georg is a cultural anthropologist with a deep curiosity for people and place—his work has explored indigenous cultures of North America and the traditions of Alpine village life. Hiking in the Austrian Alps since early childhood, Georg’s passion for the wild began on rugged trails and mountain peaks, eventually becoming a lifelong pursuit.

He’s a certified mountain, whitewater, and wilderness guide, survival trainer, skiing instructor, and NOLS Wilderness First Responder. His adventures have taken him from the limestone ridges of Austria to the wilderness areas and national forests of Montana and Alaska. In Montana, he trained in traditional log building and lived off-grid with his wife Mackenzie and their two dogs in a forest tipi while volunteering with the Buffalo Field Campaign. In Maine, he added forestry and carpentry to his ever-growing wilderness toolkit.

In 2020, Georg and Mackenzie founded Wild Nasswald, an outdoor center in Austria’s Northern Limestone Alps. Their offerings include whitewater canoeing and kayaking, axe throwing, survival and bushcraft workshops, wild glamping, and guided hikes into the heart of one of Austria’s wildest valleys.

Since 2023, the couple has split their time between Nasswald, Austria, and East Blue Hill, Maine, continuing their mission to reconnect people with nature through adventure, education, and sustainable tourism.

Mackenzie Bergthaler

Mackenzie is a wildlife rehabilitator, dog trainer, bushcraft enthusiast, and axe coach with a diverse skill set and a deep passion for nature. Much of her career was spent with the Buffalo Field Campaign, where she worked to protect and enhance the habitat of Yellowstone National Park’s wild bison herds. Along the way, she hiked and canoed through rivers and lakes in Massachusetts, Washington State, Montana, Canada, and Alaska, earning certifications as a Wilderness First Responder and Swift Water Rescue Technician.

Mackenzie’s true passion lies in working with wild animals, refining her bushcraft skills, and teaching others the art of axe throwing. In Montana, she taught herself how to tan hides and track animals. She has also worked with a wildlife rehabilitation center in Massachusetts, caring for urban wildlife like raccoons, coyotes, foxes, opossums, skunks, and more. In 2024, she expanded her expertise at the Acadia Wildlife Center, just outside Acadia National Park, where she rehabilitated a variety of species including eagles, owls, ravens, fisher cats, bobcats, and porcupines.

In 2021, after completing a 5-month wilderness immersion program, Mackenzie became a wilderness instructor at the Way of the Earth Primitive Skills School in Blue Hill, Maine. Her prowess in axe throwing led to viral coaching videos and earned her recognition as an expert, even being featured on Daily Mail TV US.

KASPAR GLÖß

Kaspar grew up surrounded by the shimmering lakes and rivers of Brandenburg, Europe’s largest interconnected watersports region—fondly known as the Blaues Paradies. From the Krampnitzsee to the Templiner See, he explored them all by canoe, kayak, SUP, and even windsurf. During school, he completed hands-on training and practical exams in these sports, building a strong foundation of water safety, technique, and respect for the elements.

Hailing from the island-like city of Potsdam, encircled by natural waterways, Kaspar developed a deep connection to nature early on. His passion for the outdoors is matched only by his love for street basketball, which he plays whenever he’s not on the water or in the woods.

Since joining Wild Nasswald, Kaspar has trained under founder Georg Bergthaler as a canoe guide, completed professional rafting training through the Steirischer Raftingverband, and now leads whitewater tours through some of Austria’s wildest rivers. He also coaches axe throwing and assists glamping guests at the Wild Nasswald basecamp, bringing high energy, humor, and heart to every experience.

KRISHNA JAISWAL

Born and raised in Mulund, Mumbai, near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Krishna developed a deep appreciation for wildlife through frequent encounters with local animals. This early passion led him to volunteer with Wildlife SOS, where he helped rescue and care for elephants formerly used for street begging.

In 2022, Krishna moved to Austria and joined conservation efforts with the Österreichischer Alpenverein, focusing on protecting natural areas and promoting sustainable tourism. Today, as part of the Wild Nasswald team, he blends his love for nature with professional expertise in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), marketing, and project coordination.

In his CRM role, Krishna ensures each guest enjoys a personalized and unforgettable experience, fostering lasting relationships between adventurers and the Wild Nasswald brand. His strategic marketing work shines a spotlight on the unique outdoor experiences Wild Nasswald offers – from axe throwing and survival workshops to guided canoe and kayak tours – and draws in a vibrant community of nature lovers from near and far.

Obsidian, british Lab

Obsidian was born on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in June 2016. When joining the water protection efforts of the local indigenous population opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline, Obsidian found Mackenzie at camp and would not leave her side anymore. Ever since then they’ve traveled all across the United States and later, together with Georg and Viera, also Canada and Alaska. Obsidian is a very confident, responsible, well educated and fairly serious dog that loves to hike, go on runs, explore as well as guard his environment. He is friendly to other dogs, loves to play, but knows and establishes his boundaries without trying to be dominant. With humans he is an absolutely adorable love bug, that enjoys petting and positive interaction. Having spent most of his early life in high mountain Montana, Obsidian found a second home in Nasswald that fully caters to all his needs and wants.

VIERA, Alaskan Husky

Prior to joining Georg, Mackenzie and Obsidian on their travels, Viera literally roamed about the Wild West. Straying through the arid, rocky and dry landscapes of Idaho’s high plateaus, she adopted the habits of a scavenger and to this day she hunts, gathers and feasts like an opportunist. Georg and Mackenzie found her in a shelter in Twin Falls, Idaho, whilst traveling through the country. The three of them clicked immediately and also Obsidian got to love and accept her once they rejoiced in Montana. Viera is highly food motivated and an incredibly smart and quick learner when anything edible can be attained as a result of it. With other dogs she likes to play off the dominant diva, although she acts much tougher than she really is. With humans she is shy at the beginning but once she warmed up she’s affectionate and a great companion on hikes, runs and sled, wagon and bike rides. As an Alaskan husky her pulling power is unmet in strength and endurance.