The Golden Eagle in the Karwendel: King of the Skies

An important project is currently underway in the Karwendel Nature Park . The aim: to safeguard the golden eagle population in the nature park. Through joint monitoring of the Bavarian and Tyrolean territories, the aim is to fill gaps in our knowledge, gain a better understanding of the low productivity of the Bavarian population and reduce disturbances at breeding sites. An exciting project for the benefit of one of the nature park’s most prominent inhabitants – a profile.

It soars majestically in circles above the rugged cliffs of the Karwendel Mountains. Hardly any other animal symbolises freedom and alpine wilderness quite as much as the golden eagle. Anyone lucky enough to witness its silent flight over peaks and valleys will experience one of the most impressive moments in the mountain wilderness. With a wingspan of over two metres and a weight of up to five kilograms, the golden eagle is one of Europe’s largest birds of prey. Its dark plumage is crowned by a golden-brown nape – a feature that gave it its name. Thanks to its exceptional eyesight, it can spot prey from several kilometres away. In the Alps, it feeds mainly on marmots, snow hares or young chamois and fawns.

Life in the high mountains

The golden eagle is a typical inhabitant of large, undisturbed mountainous landscapes. Steep rock faces serve as its breeding sites, whilst open mountain pastures and alpine meadows provide an abundant supply of food. In Central Europe, its range is now largely confined to the Alpine region.

The Karwendel Nature Park is one of the most important habitats for this impressive bird species. The combination of expansive valleys, rocky peaks and unspoilt forests creates ideal conditions. With around 1.7 to 2.3 breeding pairs per 100 square kilometres, the Karwendel has a particularly high density of golden eagles in the Alpine region. Golden eagles are also exceptionally faithful mates: a pair usually stays together for life and defends its territory for many years.

Watching eagles at ‘Adlerblick 1522’

A special place to get up close to the “King of the Skies” is the viewing and wildlife observation station ‘Adlerblick 1522’ in the Karwendel Nature Park. High above the Inn Valley, near the Hinterhornalm at 1,522 metres above sea level, an impressive panorama opens up here, taking in the peaks of the Tux and Stubai Alps as well as the rugged Karwendel Mountains.

With a high-quality telescope, you can observe not only the surrounding mountain peaks but also wildlife in its natural habitat. As well as Alpine choughs, black grouse and peregrine falcons, with a bit of luck you might even spot a golden eagle soaring in the sky. Even chamois are frequently seen on the rock faces below the striking Hundskopf.

The “Adlerblick 1522” can be reached both via the toll road to the Hinterhornalm and via various hiking trails – making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, families and mountain enthusiasts.

An Encounter with the Wilderness

Anyone who pauses up here and lets their gaze wander over the mountain landscape will quickly understand why the golden eagle has always fascinated people. As it glides seemingly effortlessly over ridges and peaks, the alpine landscape becomes the stage for an ancient natural spectacle. The Karwendel Nature Park provides the perfect backdrop for this – and the ‘Adlerblick 1522’ offers a front-row seat from which to enjoy this experience with your own eyes.

Nature Watch. Hiking

Not only hearing the marmot's whistle, but also watching the animal.
See the chamois jumping through the rock face. Discover that there are other unique flowers besides the edelweiss and gentian, such as the bearded bellflower and the Turk's cap lily. Experience the flight of an eagle up close and learn interesting facts from an expert at the same time - that's Nature Watch.

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