Cultural landscape in the Hohe Tauern National Park

Alpine pastures, meadows and grazing lands characterise the cultural landscape of the Hohe Tauern National Park. They have developed over generations through mountain farming and combine agricultural use with cultural tradition. 

The National Park is divided into a core zone and an outer zone. Whilst the focus in the core zone is on the protection of natural processes, the outer zone also aims to preserve the traditionally managed cultural landscape. Additional protection regulations apply to designated special protection areas. The surrounding national park region does not constitute a separate protection zone of the National Park.

The importance of alpine farming
Aerial view of an alpine pasture with a traditional mountain hut and grazing cows amidst green forests. | © Hohe Tauern Nationalpark holiday region - Daniel Kogler

Alpine pastures fulfil a variety of economic, social, cultural and environmental functions:

  • For farms, alpine pastures expand the forage base for their livestock during the summer.
  • For the regional economy, alpine pastures are centres of agricultural production and, at the same time, destinations for walks and day trips. Managed alpine huts can provide additional sources of income.
  • In terms of social life, working together on the alpine pasture, social gatherings and pasture festivals provide opportunities for interaction.
  • In terms of cultural history, alpine buildings, traditional working methods and craft skills document the development of mountain farming.
  • For the habitats on alpine pastures, grazing and mowing adapted to the site can help to preserve open spaces and the associated plant and animal communities. The effects depend, amongst other things, on the intensity of management and local conditions.
Work on the mountain pasture

Alpine farming involves looking after and caring for grazing animals, as well as maintaining the pastureland. The animals must be checked regularly and cared for according to their needs. On alpine pastures used for dairy farming, milking and, in some cases, the processing of milk into butter and cheese are also part of the work. The maintenance of fences, paths and alpine buildings is also among the tasks. The specific tasks depend on the location and management style of each alpine pasture.