Note 10 rules for safe handling of pasture cattle on alpine pastures

There is currently high season on Austria’s mountains and alpine pastures. Hikers are alone, in groups or with dogs and enjoy the nature experience. Unfortunately, there are conflicts with pasture cattle every year. It was not until mid -July 2025 that a tragic incident occurred in Styria: a hiker with a dog was hit and injured by a herd of cows on a forest path in the Liezen district. While thousands of people are already on the alpine pastures, the summer holidays started on August 1st in parts of Germany, which will increase the number of guests on the home alpine pastures.

Agriculture Minister Norbert Tettschnig and Tourism State Secretary Zehetner therefore, holidaymakers urgently indicate the right behavior at the highlight of the season: “Enjoy nature and hospitality on our alpine pastures, but please follow the 10 rules for dealing with pasture cattle. With these 10 simple rules of conduct you can avoid conflicts and enjoy your vacation on the Alm. ”

The interaction of leisure tourism and traditional alpine management is a proven recipe for success: guests get a nature-loving free time experience, tourism increases the added value in the entire region. Many alpine pastures have a bar and offer guests seasonal and delicious refreshments. There are also accommodation on some alpine pastures.

Agriculture Minister Norbert Tettschnig emphasizes the important management of the alpine pastures: “Alpine pastures are not only valuable and beautiful cultural landscapes, but also managed work rooms. Around 8,000 alpine pastures and pastures in Austria are managed by farmers with great commitment. In order for the cooperation of farm animals, farmers and residents to work well, prudent behavior is required.”

Tourism State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner underlines the central role of the alpine pastures for summer tourism and the importance of a respectful coexistence on the mountain: “Our alpine pastures stand for everything that makes summer tourism in Austria: nature, relaxation, originality. But: Alms are not a petting zoo. They are a place where agriculture and tourism have to work in harmony”so Zehetner. “Especially now that many people spend their vacation in the mountains, it is important to raise awareness of safe cooperation on alpine pastures.”

Sure hiking – enjoy sure: 10 rules for the Alm
Where pasture animals and wandering meetings meet, mutual consideration is required. In order to avoid conflicts, ten simple rules of conduct were developed together with agriculture for a safe stay on the Alm – from “keeping a distance” to “Note fences”. The Rules of conduct are in several languages under www.sichere-almen.at available. In addition, there is a folder “Safe alpine pastures“For tourism associations and accommodation companies.

10 simple rules of conduct to avoid conflicts and increase safety on alpine pastures:

1. Keep secure distanceDon’t feed animals.

2. CalmPasture animals do not frighten.

3. Avoid encountering suckler cows and dogs – mother cows protect your calves!

4. Dogs briefly leashturn off immediately in the event of danger.

5. Hiking and bike paths not abandoned.

6. Use animals to be large -scale if they block paths Or push the wheel.

7. When approaching: stay calmTales evade.

8. Restless animals? Leave pasture quickly.

9. Note fences, close gates againCross the pasture quickly.

10. Respect towards humans, animals and nature show!