Each summer, hikers and nature lovers follow the paths of wildflowers and livestock into the high mountain meadows.
Once the snow has melted, farmers lead their herds into mountain pastures, where from late spring until fall the tinkling of cowbells mixes with birdsong: When mists blanket the pasture, those bells help herdsmen locate the animals for the morning’s milking. A way of life for centuries, this alpine Arcadia has fired the imagination of artists, inspiring poetry, fairytales and one of the oldest forms of communications—the alpine yodel.
Alpine huts are a special treat for hikers, who stop in for a hearty lunch, perhaps a refreshing pilsner or invigorating schnapps, before getting back on the trail. The Salzburger Almenweg leads to more than 120 huts over 218 miles of colorful meadows and lush forests, romantic waterfalls and trails-side chapels. At each hut, you’ll find gracious hospitality and such hill country treats as freshly made butter, cheese and yogurt. You can even learn how to make cheese on the Haitzingeralm. On the Amoseralm, sample home-baked Buchteln (sweet bread with jam filling), Muas (a kind of pancake) and herbal tea.
A good introduction to the wildlife and natural beauty of the Austrian Alps can be found on the Bachlalm Nature Trail and the newly created forest trails of the Ameisenweg (literally, ants’ path). On the nearby Krahlehenalm, June welcomes a string of Summer in the Hills festivals that celebrate the music, cuisine and heritage of the Austrian Alps. You might even learn to yodel.
Useful Links:
Salzburger Almenweg, 350 km of pleasurable walking: www.salzburger-almenweg.at
“Almabtrieb” calendar with all the ‘Almabtrieb’ festivals across Austria: www.almabtrieb.net (german)
Filzmoos - accommodation, events and tourist-related information: www.filzmoos.at
Werfen - accommodation, events and tourist-related information: www.werfen.at
Rent an Alpine lodge: www.huetten-mieten.at
Alpine pasture summer festivals: www.salzburgerland.com/en/almsommer/index.html
