Lush green pastures, herds of animals grazing with pleasure, inviting huts: The alpine landscape of the holiday region Hafling-Vöran-Meran 2000 is characterised by picturesque alpine pastures, whose near-natural cultivation is not only tradition, but also active landscape conservation.
Recreation for hikers and animals
For holidaymakers and locals, they are the place where everyday stress gives way to well-deserved relaxation. But the species-rich high pastures that gently nestle on the hills and slopes at the foot of the Ifinger Peak are also important from an economic point of view. From mid-May, the farmers traditionally bring their cattle to the alpine pastures - first the cattle, then one or two weeks later the horses. Until the end of September, the animals spend their summer holidays there, feeding on fresh grass and juicy herbs and enjoying the healthy mountain air - side by side with the hikers, who sometimes head for the summit at an early hour to enjoy the unique mountain panorama in the light of the rising sun.
Preserving our landscape
For the farmers, the months that the animals spend on the alpine pastures are a relief, as they can do the numerous tasks on the farm and in the fields during this time. The savings in fodder are a pleasant side effect that should not be underestimated. But apart from the economic aspect and the positive effect on animal welfare, alpine pasture farming provides another important service, namely the preservation of our landscape. Because the continuous grazing of the grassy areas by the cows, sheep, goats and horses prevents the alpine pastures from becoming overgrown and ensures a dense subsoil, which in turn reduces the danger of avalanches and mudslides.
Administration and organisation
The alpine pastures of Hafling, Vöran and Meran 2000 are predominantly privately owned or managed by one of a total of six collectives. The skiing and hiking area of Merano 2000 belongs to the Piffing collective. 135 cattle and 50 horses spent their summer holidays here last year. In addition, there are about 30 horses and foals on the Kirchsteiger Alm as well as 250 cattle, almost 70 horses and a good 750 sheep that were driven from the Sarntal to the Öttenbacher Alm at the foot of the Mittager Peak. All in all, a considerable number of animals, which will encourage the youngest hikers in particular to count them eagerly.
The sound of the alp
The typical cowbells that the animals wear around their necks are also a source of excitement. These, however, do not serve a decorative purpose, but ensure that the cattle can be found more easily in the forest or in bad weather. They are also important for the feeling of togetherness within the herd, as the animals orientate themselves by the sound of the bells.
Accidental roommates
By the way: with a bit of luck and a pair of binoculars in your luggage, you can catch a glimpse of other animal inhabitants on the alpine pastures of Merano 2000, such as marmots, ibexes or the gamecock at the Spieler mountain. Good opportunities to observe these rare wild animals in their natural habitat can be found, for example, along the hiking route that leads from the top station of the cable car over the Missensteinjoch up to the idyllic lake Kratzberger See.
Respect for animals and environment
So how do you actually behave when you come across a herd of grazing animals? One thing first: grazing animals are not to be stroked. Therefore, you should always keep a safe distance from the herd and never approach the animals, for example to photograph them or even to feed them. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times; dog bags are taken back to the valley and disposed of properly there. Hikers must stay on marked trails and respect fences and barriers. If you come across a gate, go through it quickly and close it again properly. This is to prevent cows or horses from wandering into the wrong alpine pasture area and the farmer or shepherd possibly having to start an extensive search operation. If you take the necessary precautions and show the necessary respect for people, animals and nature, you can enjoy a carefree mountain experience.
TIP:
St. Oswald's Church Day at Meran 2000
On 5 August, Merano 2000 holds a celebration in honour of St. Oswald, the patron saint of cattle and pasture farming. After the morning procession and field mass at the little mountain church at 2,365 m above sea level, the huts and alpine pastures invite you to celebrate extensively with music and dancing, a cheerful atmosphere and really good culinary delights.
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IVIGNA 4.