Summer in the Alpine pastures of Tyrol – where time passes a little more slowly
When the cattle are taken up to the alpine pastures in early summer, a special time begins in Tyrol. The mountain meadows are in bloom, the days are getting longer, and the ringing of cowbells can be heard in the distance. In the Hall-Wattens region in particular, the alpine summer reveals its unspoilt side: with green valleys, clear mountain streams, tranquil places of power and special mountain experiences such as the moonlight rides on the Glungezer.
Alpine pastures are far more than just beautiful destinations for day trips. They are habitats for animals, workplaces for farmers and an important part of the Tyrolean cultural landscape. By herding and grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats or horses (in technical terms – the ‘Bestoßen der Almen’), the alpine meadows remain open and old traditions are kept alive. Regional products such as cheese, butter, bacon and fresh milk are produced where nature and agriculture are closely intertwined.
Why the alpine summer is important
The alpine summer plays an important role in the Alpine region. Many visitors today are looking for authentic experiences of nature, regional produce and places where they can find peace and quiet. This is exactly what the region’s alpine pastures offer, such as the Voldertal with Steinkasern, the alpine pastures in the Karwendel Nature Park or the Glungezer in various ways. They all have one thing in common: crisp air, quiet paths, active alpine farming and the feeling that time passes a little more slowly.
At the same time, these experiences demonstrate how closely tourism, agriculture and landscape conservation are intertwined. Without the work of the alpine farmers, many open alpine pastures would gradually disappear. That is why the alpine summer is not only a sight to behold, but also an important part of regional identity.
If you stick to the marked paths, do not disturb grazing animals, take their rubbish away with them and enjoy regional produce, they help to preserve this special cultural landscape.
Different types of alpine pastures
We very often come across a wide variety of animals on an alpine pasture; these are known as mixed alpine pastures. But sometimes it is necessary to divide them up, whether due to herd dynamics or the terrain. For example, on a stallion mountain pasture, where only male horses are herded, having already established their hierarchy. An alpine pasture with mares (female horses) and stallions would be unthinkable.
Sheep and goats are often found in rough terrain – that is, on alpine pastures where it would be rather difficult to keep cows or horses because the risk of falling would be too great.
- Galtviehalm or Jungviehalm
- Melkalm
- Mutterkuhalm
- Sheep and goat pasture
- Stieralm/Ochsenalm (rather rare)
- Horse pasture/Rossalm
- Stallion Alm
On a milking alp, as is the case in the Voldertal or Wattental valleys, the alpine pasture is mainly grazed by lactating cows. The milk is processed on the alp (Wattener Lizum and its famous Wattener Almkäse) or transported down to the valley, as is the case in the Voldertal. On a ‘Melkalm’, dairy cows make up more than 75 per cent of the herd.
On a ‘Mutterkuhalm’, the pasture is grazed mainly by suckler cows. This means that walkers need to be particularly careful, as suckler cows react very sensitively to people – and especially dogs – in order to protect their calves.
On a ‘Galtviehalm’ – an example being the Glungzer with the Tulfeinalm – there are mainly young animals, referred to as ‘Galtvieh’ in the Tyrolean dialect.
Of course, it is possible for all three types to coexist; this is then referred to as a ‘mixed alp’.
Pure sheep and goat alps, or horse and bull alps, are rather rare. Some goats are kept in Tulfes on the Stalsinsalm.
The mountain pastures on the Glungezer and in the Voldertal valley
One of the region’s best-known mountains is the Glungezer. From there, you can enjoy sweeping views across the Inn Valley and the surrounding mountains. You’ll be delighted when you enjoy this view from the Schartenkogel, on the longest Swiss stone pine bench in the world.
Behind the Glungezer, the alpine summer reveals a particularly peaceful side: in the Voldertal.
The Voldertal is one of the quiet natural gems of the Hall-Wattens region. The path leads directly from the middle station down to the Voldertalhütte and continues from there along the Voldertalbach stream. Forests, alpine meadows, small bridges and spots that invite you to linger allow you to fully immerse yourself in the here and now.
Several alpine pastures still characterise the valley today. Old huts, pastures and former alpine farm buildings serve as a reminder that this landscape has been cared for and used by people for generations.
Steinkasern – a piece of alpine history in the Voldertal valley
Tyrolean alpine pastures up close – gaining a better understanding of alpine farming
To mark the alpine summer, as part of the Moonlight Rides, you can take part in a free nature walk with Peter Fuchs, an alpine herdsman and expert on Austrian alpine pastures:
- What exactly is an alpine pasture?
- How does the alpine pasture year unfold?
- Why are there ‘Hochleger’ and ‘Niederleger’, and what exactly do these terms mean?
- What role do ‘Asten’ – that is, lower-lying pasture and forage areas – play?
- And why do alpine dairy products and Tyrolean alpine cheese taste different depending on the alpine pasture?
All these fascinating questions will be answered there. Come along and be inspired by this fascinating topic.