Almenland / Correct behavior / Hiking / Nature park

So that you do not put yourself in unnecessary danger

Time and again, hikers put themselves in danger because they are incorrectly equipped, have forgotten rain, cold or sun protection, overestimate their fitness or have not paid attention to the weather forecast. Safe hiking requires advance information and preparation. Therefore, please observe the rules for correct behavior when hiking - because your safety is very important to us. And don't forget to drink enough during the tour!

If you need urgent help on the road:
Alpine emergency call: 140 (if possible, please provide GPS data)
International emergency call: 112

Check the physical fitness of all participants - including children - before each tour. Mountain hiking often requires surefootedness, a head for heights and a level of fitness appropriate to the chosen hike.
Plan carefully using tour descriptions and maps. Information from alpine clubs and local experts, for example hut keepers, can be of great help.
Make sure you have the right equipment and clothing. Sturdy high shoes with a non-slip sole as well as rain and cold protection are particularly important.
Adapt your pace to the weakest members of the group. Make sure you walk slowly, especially at the start of the tour. Observe other participants so that exhaustion can be recognized in good time.
Always stay on the marked paths. Take great care when walking on climbs and crossing scree fields, especially when wet.
Do not step on any stones as there is a risk of injury to other hikers.
If the weather changes, fog rolls in, the path becomes too difficult or is in poor condition, turn back! This is not a disgrace, but a sign of common sense.
Keep calm if a participant is injured. Call for help using a cell phone or by shouting, signaling with lights or waving large items of clothing. An injured person must never be left alone.
Take your waste down into the valley and protect the flora and fauna.
Grazing animals are to be expected on alpine pasture hikes. Do not irritate cows, calves, sheep and horses and be sure to observe the "Rules for handling grazing livestock".
Hiking with dogs across grazed alpine pastures harbors many dangers, please observe the relevant rules!
Many plants on the mountain pastures are protected, many berries and mushrooms are poisonous. Please inform yourself before picking flowers, herbs, berries or mushrooms.

More information on handling grazing livestock and hiking with dogs

Tour suggestions with a dog

Rules of conduct on the mountain pasture

Frequently asked questions about behavior on the mountain pasture

How do I behave correctly in the mountain pasture area?

The alpine pasture is the habitat for many different animal and plant species, so we ask you to take care of our nature.

Keep quiet, don't leave any garbage behind and stay on the marked trails! Respect your personal limits and bring the appropriate equipment.

These are the 10 rules of conduct for dealing with grazing livestock:

Avoid contact with grazing livestock. Do not feed the animals, keep a safe distance!
Keep calm, do not frighten grazing animals!
Mother cows protect their calves. Avoid encounters between suckler cows and dogs!
Always keep dogs under control and on a short lead. If an attack by a grazing animal is foreseeable: take your dog off the lead immediately!
Do not leave hiking trails on mountain pastures and meadows!
If grazing cattle block the path, keep as far away as possible!
When approaching grazing cattle: stay calm, do not turn your back, avoid the animals!
Leave the pasture area quickly at the first sign of restlessness in the animals!
Pay attention to fences! If there is a gate, use it, then close it well and cross the pasture quickly!
Treat the people who work here, nature and animals with respect!

How do I behave correctly when encountering grazing animals?

When encountering grazing animals, it is particularly important to note that cows protect their calves, so it is imperative that they do so:

Avoid contact with grazing livestock, do not feed animals and keep a safe distance
Behave calmly do not frighten the grazing cattle
Always keep dogs under control and on a short lead. If an attack by a grazing animal is foreseeable - put your dog on a lead immediately!
Do not leave hiking trails on alpine pastures and meadows
If grazing cattle block the path, avoid them as far away as possible
Stay calm when approaching grazing livestock, do not turn your back, avoid the animals
Leave the grazing area quickly but calmly at the first sign of restlessness in the animals
Fences must be observed, if there are gates, these must be used - then close them well again and cross the pasture quickly
Treat the people who work here, nature and animals with respect!

You can find more information about hiking with dogs here!

Can I take my dog with me on the hike?

Yes, hiking with dogs is generally permitted, but please note that some hikes are not suitable for dogs.

Dogs must always be kept on a lead! Please also note the rules for hiking with dogs.
You can find out how to behave correctly when grazing livestock and dogs meet here:

To the rules of conduct with dogs

These hikes are not suitable for walking with dogs:

Bärenschützklamm - all variants
Kesselfall Gorge
Jägersteig circular route
Patscha circuit via Jägersteig
Dragon's lair

When does the hiking season start and how long does it last?

In principle, you can enjoy the Almenland Nature Park at any time of year. However, there are of course some hiking tours that should only be undertaken at certain times of year.

The best way to plan your hike is with our interactive hiking mapand you will also find the best time of year for each tour.

We also have some suggestions for winter and snowshoe hikes, which you can find here.

How long are the grazing animals on the mountain pasture?

There is no fixed date when the cattle drive up or down the mountain pastures takes place. Each farmer decides individually, depending on the weather and forage conditions on the mountain pasture. There is also no official event for the cattle drive. Generally, the grazing animals are on summer retreat on the mountain pasture from May to the end of September. Sometimes even in October if the weather is fine.

If you would like to go on a hike with dogs, we recommend doing this before or after the grazing season or switching to tours that do not lead through cultivated grazing land. You can find more information here.

Is wild camping allowed in the Almenland Nature Park?

No, wild camping isnot permitted in the Almenland Nature Park.
The nature park is subject to nature conservation regulations and there are severe penalties for violations.

Emergency bivouacking is only permitted in exceptional cases above the tree line to recover for a night after a strenuous hike, but not as a planned camping stay!

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