#schützdenkofel
At eye level with nature on the Patscherkofel
Our Patscherkofel mountain has always towered over Innsbruck, inspiring visitors with its unspoilt nature, plant and species diversity and the natural coexistence between humans, nature and animals. To ensure that this continues to be the case, we are taking a new approach with the #schützdenkofel campaign. It aims to raise awareness in order to further strengthen this incomparable "Kofel.Gefühl.".
The Patscherkofel with its 86 hiking trails and 15 Alpine pastures is a popular local recreation area, a paradise for hiking and biking enthusiasts and, in the summer months, the habitat of up to 200 cows.
"Alpine pasture management is a central pillar of our culture and deserves to be valued accordingly. That is why we have worked together to develop a promising strategy for the benefit of the Patscherkofel and all its users. Out of respect for the natural habitat and its important role for us all," explains the "ARGE Kofel".
Together. Respectfully. Together.
Mutual understanding for each other has resulted in measures that make the Patscherkofel even more harmonious to experience and feel. Based on a common, respectful togetherness, the Kofel.Gefühl. is now to be anchored even more deeply.
Kofel.Gefühl. Let's protect.
The #schützdenkofel initiative is based on three central pillars that ensure a growing understanding and address the issues of waste disposal, the protection of grazing livestock and appropriate visitor guidance.
Stay clean.
The Patscherkofel nature reserve is a real natural jewel. To avoid littering with rubbish left behind, there are rubbish bins in many places on the Patscherkofel. What's more, the simplest "stay clean" rule applies: anything that has made it up the mountain in your rucksack will make it back down the same way.
Give us some rest.
The grazing cattle on the Patscherkofel enjoy the peace and quiet just as much as the visitors to the Kofel. Setting up tents, using a barbecue, building open fires and playing loud music from portable speakers is not permitted in the nature reserve and scares off the grazing cattle and wild animals. Selfies with cows are strongly discouraged. If you still want to capture this animal photo motif, you are welcome to do so from a distance.
Stay on the path.
Visitors spending time on the pastures cut off the migratory routes of the grazing livestock and thus severely disturb the animals. In order to maintain the natural flow, it is very important to stay on the marked hiking trails and only use marked rest areas.
Our Thursday evening trips.
It is always a special alpine experience to witness the natural spectacle of the setting sun at 2,248 metres, high above the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Our legendary Thursday evening trips are a firm favourite and a real summer highlight. In order to continue to create incomparable memories in the future while protecting nature and animals, we have set ourselves the task of focussing more on the multifunctionality of the natural environment. Dedicated areas and zones fulfil two purposes: to give our guests appropriate space and at the same time to give the grazing livestock peace and quiet. We achieve this by labelling designated use and recreation areas for an undisturbed mountain experience against an impressive backdrop.
In harmony with nature, harmoniously alongside and also with each other, as well as mindful in our dealings, the local and natural mountain Patscherkofel thus remains what it is: a place for real exhilaration!
Every Thursday (until 24 October 2024) from 5.00 pm to 11.00 pm last ascent at 22.00
We look forward to your visit.