[nüüs] The Kleinwalsertal Magazine Winter 2019

[nüüs] ON THE TRAIL

NORDIC LOVE

Catherina Zwerger

in Kleinwalsertal

KLEINWALSERTAL NEWS - THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2018/19

From machinery to meditation

AN INTERVIEW WITH MAGDALENA “LENA” MOHR

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CONTENTS

04

FROM MACHINERY TO MEDITATION ON THE HUNT

08

IMPRINT 16

Kleinwalsertal Tourismus eGen A-6992 Hirschegg, Kleinwalsertal Telephone +43 (0)5517 5114-0 www.kleinwalsertal.com DVR: 4010249

EMMA AND ELMI

CRYSTAL GROUND

20

All information has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and is not binding! No claims can be made against any errors.

You can also ямБnd Kleinwalsertal on:

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NORDIC LOVE IN KLEINWALSERTAL TRACKS IN THE SNOW

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GENUSSREGION

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TRUE ENJOYMENT IS A QUESTION OF ATTITUDE

KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 3

Magdalena „ Lena“ Mohr -

FROM MACHINERY TO MEDITATION Magdalena ‘Lena’ Mohr is a machinist and Alpine herder. She yodels, composes music and paints. In winter she keeps the gondolas running; in the summer she meditates while milking. This story is about a young woman with two strong sides to her character and a grandmother who makes the rosary work overtime for her.

She was lucky, Lena says, to find out so early on in life what she wanted to do, and to be able to do the things that fulfil her. The path to her dream jobs was by no means a straightforward one. Lena was training to be an office clerk when she had a conversation with an Alpine herdsman. He had so much work, he puffed. Lena said: Then

I'll help you from now on. The shepherd smiled to himself, but when he saw her standing in front of him the following weekend, his jaw dropped.

“I always keep my word”, says Magdalena Mohr. She is 26 years young, blessed with two impressively thick, almost waist-length pigtails, a wonderfully natural manner, and the most inquisi-

tive eyes you can imagine. Lena grew up in Tiefenbach in the Allgäu, and has lived in Kleinwalsertal for seven years now. She spends her summers on the Alpine pastures, and her winters as a machinist for the Heuberg Arena gondolas. Two absolute dream jobs, she says and beams so widely that I believe her immediately. So the herdsman

let the 19-year-old help him. “He could see that it was what I wanted”, she says. Thus when the summer arrived, she found herself on the Alpe Melköde, in the heart of the fantastically situated Schwarzwassertal plateau, living in a hut on the Ifen mountain. “It couldn’t have been better,” says Lena. And when she came down the valley with

the prize cow on her first “Alpabtrieb” (cattle drive) and saw her parents, she knew that they, too, had made their peace with the path that Lena had chosen: “Papa was so proud, he practically burst the buttons off his shirt.”Previously, her parents had doubted her unusual career choice.

After all, what does an Alpine herder

do in the winter? But Lena is not just a stubborn free spirit; first and foremost she is a go-getter. She sees it as “insanely good luck” that a friend of hers put her in touch with the Heuberg Arena gondola company – and then says: “Or perhaps coincidence.” She sensed that she would enjoy working on the gondolas – above all, she had KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 5

heard how well boss Manfred’s team works together. She met him on the mountain – and 10 minutes later the job was hers. Faster than Manni actually wanted, he tells her later, but he couldn’t hold out any longer.

This year is already her seventh year working on the gondolas in the heart of Kleinwalsertal, nestled perfectly between Walmendingerhorn and Ifen. In this time, she has become a gondola engineer. To achieve this, she went to Innsbruck and learned the basics of electrical engineering, hydraulics, mechanics, as well as law and administration. "I'm interested in everything," she beams, radiating enthusiasm. "I want to know how the system works, how everything works together." And by that she does not just mean the machines, but the whole apparatus – including the human parts. "I'm so happy because it's the friendliest company you can imagine, and you can always rely on it 100%.”

By definition, reliability and being there for others is the primary responsibility of a gondola company. Things have to work every day – in the truest sense of the word. "You know," says Lena, "in the winter my work makes other people happy. And in the summer my work makes me happy.” In other words, she recharges her batteries in the summer for her stressful winter work? Lena thinks about this and shakes her head: “No, I always refuel," she laughs. "I especially like it in the winter when there's a lot

"I'm so happy because it's the friendliest company you can imagine, and you can always rely on it 100%.”

Magdalena Mohr

going on, because then everything runs like clockwork." Then she talks about her tasks: how she checks to see "if everything is working perfectly in the drive station", and how the fun at work arises naturally from the way the team members support each other. What a fitting expression. "We fit together as well as the company’s gondolas. Everyone supports everyone else, all the pieces fit together, and everyone is pulling in the same direction. Every day from about 7.30 in the morning until sometimes as late as 6 in the evening, depending on what maintenance work is scheduled.

Lena doesn’t mind the monthly tests and revision work – on the contrary. She loves to put on her safety harness and radio, moving from pylon to pylon in the open inspection basket, equipped with lubricating grease and a compressor. Then, properly secured, she scrambles over the gondola suspension to the pylon, checks every bearing, every single part – and enjoys “being where no-one else is allowed. You get a unique view of everything.”

At the end of the winter season, she senses that it’s time for a change. She says goodbye to her colleagues and the gondolas "a little wistfully". But she has a growing yearning for calm, solitude, and simplicity. She looks forward to seeing her 27 dairy cows and 35 calves, to those special sunsets on the Mittelalp. There – on an idyllic slope between Riezlern and Söllereck – she has found her "absolute dream pasture".

In the winter, she has a lot going on and she enjoys the bustle. On the Alpine pastures, the contrast could not be greater. "Milking is like meditation to me, it feeds my soul. You are all alone, focusing on just one thing. When I’m milking, I don’t think about anything, I just do it.” At 4:30 in the morning and then 12 hours later, she enjoys her “meditation classes” – with some cows more than others. There are the restless ones who stand on her feet. And the stoics, who simply stand and ruminate.

"There are always a couple who never learn - no matter what. They are always where they shouldn’t be”. And then there are her favourites, “the ones

who watch me milking.” Does she come down from the mountain in the summer at all? “I prefer not to”, she laughs. Although she misses her family, of course.

She plays folk music with her three siblings, her own instrument being the harp. She yodels in a group with her father and little brother. And as if that was not enough, she also has a great talent for painting. Whether it’s acrylics on canvas, or soldering iron on leather or wood – Lena's works are impressive.

She sells some pieces, of course, but mostly she gives them away to special people. “Anyone can buy a piece, but earning one, that takes character."

There it is again: her pleasure in making

others happy. But she herself has been so lucky, she says. To have such an exciting, fulfilling and varied life. At the moment, she feels like nothing is missing: “My life is full of anticipation.” Then, she reflects a little. “Who knows if it's just luck. I do believe in God. And my granny, who’s 97, has her rosary beads doing overtime for me.”

■ Text: Sissi Pärsch Images: Frank Drechsel

KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 7

Catherina Zwerger -

ON THE TRAIL Catherina Zwerger is a hunter, police officer, chef and cowherd.

A portrait of a down-to-earth Walser who loves to break new ground – even though she has to open the path with a chainsaw, wearing red protective trousers.

"Hunting is much more than sitting still, muses Catherina, known as Cathi, and her green eyes sparkle profoundly. She delves into her thoughts, searches for the right words for this difficult topic.

Right at this moment, when things are taking almost a melancholy turn, her

one-and-a-half-year-old son Josef roars at her like a rutting stag. Not a large stag, admittedly, but clearly a wild animal putting on a show for the ladies. We laugh. Josef, quite the young charmer, roars again – if the girls like it so much ..."He always does that", ex-

plains Cathi. Whenever he sees a picture of a deer, an antler or a real live stag. I have just been given a freshly brewed camomile tea – Cathi’s and my favourite – in a teacup with a picture of a deer on it. This deer seems to attract Josef.

He doesn’t really talk much yet, only roars like a great stag. Cathi explains how much her son loves being outside, a fact that I will discover for myself when we go to feed the wildlife. But for the moment, we return to our deer cups, praise the camomile tea, and let

Josef roar while we talk about Cathi’s great passion.

Hobby hunting - a decision based on love I return to the topic of hunting and suggest that it’s a pretty unusual

hobby, even more so if you’re a woman ... Cathi considers this briefly and counters with another question: "You think so?" Once again, the lightheartedness is swept off the table and replaced by a more thoughtful tone. Cathi wants to frame the topic in the right context. It’s KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 9

important to her to find right words.

She knows that hunting does not have a good image. It's very important to her to represent the profession, or in her case her hobby, with all its facets. Far removed from the trigger-happy hunter, often portrayed in the media as nothing more than a killer. And also nothing to do with fanatical big game hunters who only care about trophies. I repeat my original question, and it turns out that her husband Martin introduced her to hunting. It was a decision that came out of love, so to speak.

Love for her husband, wildlife and nature.

Chef, cowherd, police officer, hunter Cathi was always a restless, curious soul, yet at the same time carefree, down-to-earth, and close to her roots.

She has trained as a chef, studied hotel management in Zillertal, and worked for a while in a restaurant in Mallorca.

“It was lovely, I hardly needed any clothes”, because the Balearic island was always warm. One summer Cathi worked as a cowherd in Pettneu am Arlberg. One of her heart’s desires, as she explains: "I really wanted to do it. But in the end, for me the Alpine pastures were almost too far down.” But milking 70 cows twice a day, cleaning them and looking after them was enough work to be going on with. With the occasional snowfall in August, at times it was a truly mammoth task. She also wanted to join the police. When she

“I have red protective trousers, you know - my butt looks great in them!”

Catherina Zwerger

first tried, she was exactly one centimetre too short and her application was rejected. After this, she went to Munich, where for six months she studied forensic medicine – examining corpses. If she had liked it, and if it hadn’t worked out with the police, then she would probably have become a taxidermist. But for some reason the height restriction was lifted, Cathi was no longer too short, and began training to be a police officer. At this time, she also began her hunting education.

Her police and hunting exams were just two days apart. Another mammoth project, but one which the Walser successfully mastered. Cathi passed both her police and hunting exams. Sharp tongues might claim that she has now chosen two professions with problematic images. Because, let's face it, cops are the butt of many jokes, and their work is quickly questioned. It happens slightly less to chefs – if the food is too heavily salted, well, the chef’s probably just in love. Well, in principle she can take her pick – Cathi is not short of vocational training.

Just going for a walk is boring But why train to be a hunter, just because she likes being outside? Because she finds just going for a walk or a hike too boring. She needs a task on top. So Cathi and her husband Martin leased a small hunting ground covering about 235 hectares in Kleinwalsertal. On equal terms, like her husband

treats her. Cathi's eyes sparkle dark green when she describes how much she loves being a hunter, outdoors in nature, responsible for her territory. She doesn’t just walk through nature, she observes, counts, fosters, and nurtures wildlife and the forest. She loves taking her small chainsaw with her. She uses it to cut out paths so that she and her husband can go stalking.

“I have red protective trousers, you know - my butt looks great in them!” she laughs. I take her at her word. Also,

out of principle she only carries pink hunting knives, and she is delighted that women’s clothes are finally available in the hunting catalogues. When she started hunting, she had to make her way through the undergrowth in men’s trousers. Measuring a stately 1.62 metres, the men’s “S” looked like a bivvy bag on her. She also cheerfully points out that the camouflage fleece she is wearing also has a pink label in the corner. Josef roars occasionally at the teacup deer, but is otherwise very happy to listen attentively to his Mama.

Full hunting seminars, few exam candidates There are not many other women in the valley who hunt, perhaps only two. The rest are all men. This begs the question, who is in the seminar room during the training? The answer: Lots of people!

The seminars are always well attended.

This surprises me. I want to know more.

Cathi explains that many people are only interested in having more in-depth information about wildlife and the forest. To be able to read animal tracks

KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 11

properly, to explain the forest and its inhabitants to their children or grandchildren in detail, or out of pure personal interest. Hunting, that is to say the killing of animals, plays a subordinate role.

When it comes to the hunting exam, the field thins out drastically. The exam is difficult, the failure rate is high, and the number of repeat candidates is low. This explains the well-balanced relationship between hunters and wildlife in the country.

Little Josef’s bedtime is approaching. I also take my leave until the following morning. I’m getting to accompany Cathi to a wildlife feeding session with a hunter friend of hers.

Tracking – a hunter in her element

Respect your limits

Wildlife “quiet zones”

This initiative was set up by the Vorarlberg State Government in 2004, and also applies in Kleinwalsertal. The aim of this cross-border initiative is to sensitise sports enthusiasts and nature-loving trekkers to the needs of the local flora and fauna. The campaign relies on three central pillars: information, communication and signposting.

These areas aim to preserve quiet areas for wildlife in particularly hightraffic areas. There is generally no access permitted to these zones.

Snowshoe and ski tours are allowed on designated marked pathways only. A distance of 300 m should be observed from wildlife feeding areas.

Background information

Wildlife quiet zones in Kleinwalsertal

In winter, it is much harder for animals to find food, and due to the cold weather they burn much more energy keeping warm. This means that the inhabitants of Alpine terrain are subject to a permanent stress test. That's why the campaign motto is: Avoid all possible stress. Whether it’s a roe deer, red deer, fox or snow grouse, all wildlife is searching for a way to survive the winter. Established protection zones give them the freedom they need - and respects their limits.

Guided snowshoe and ski tours are run by guides, who of course know and respect all the quiet zones. You can find an overview of all quiet zones on the Alpenverein Kleinwalsertal website.

(Source: respektieredeinegrenzen.at)

www.alpenverein.at/kleinwalsertal/ home/Winter/Schutzgebiet.php

The next morning I am greeted by Josef in a dark green snowsuit the colour of a fir tree. Cathi is also in her best hunter’s togs, including her camouflage fleece with pink accents. And so, in varying shades of green, we drive to the meeting point in Schwende. A sign indicates that the wildlife protection zone begins behind the barrier. Andi Fritz is waiting for us. He is a professional hunter responsible for managing a large territory covering more than 2000 hectares. This includes a wildlife feeding area in winter, which is where we're heading now.

Josef, the small roaring fir tree, is delighted to be outside and claps his hands cheerfully. When we arrive at the feeding area, Andi and his assistant set to work immediately. They begin to fill the mangers with deliciously fragrant hay. Meanwhile Cathi and I chat. Cathi draws my attention to the tracks in the snow.

"Look, that’s the track of a stag", she explains. To me, it just looked like a hole in the snow. It must have been a large beast to make such a deep hole. Cathi also shows me some hare tracks, and points out the elegant track line of a fox.

I'm impressed. Trudging happily through the snow tracks, Josef roars; he has discovered a deer antler.

You get the best sleep in a raised hide I feel like I’m on a presentation plate here. I imagine that behind every tree lurks a doe, a stag, a fox, or a hare, possibly flanked by a black grouse or a

badger. All eyes, so I imagine, are focused on me. Wildlife TV so to speak, only that instead of eating popcorn, the spectators are chewing grass and amusing themselves by watching the bustle of the bipeds.

"No, that's not true," says Andi. They would be too shy, and will wait higher up for us to leave before coming down to nibble on the hay in peace. Cathi agrees with me, however, and says when it gets dark, she always has the feeling that the wildlife is watching her. She feels relieved when she is once more sitting in the safety of her car. What captivating honesty. We share a quiet yet heartfelt laugh.

She tells me that she often falls asleep in the raised hide. She would rather not think about what passes by as she sleeps, and asks herself if any of the animals find the sleeping hunter amusing.

So perhaps hunting isn’t the perfect job for her either.

An act of respect But of course Cathi does not sleep every sitting. After all, she and her husband have to stick to a shooting plan. Because the natural enemies of wild game have been eliminated, and because quiet areas for wildlife are becoming increasingly scarce, especially in winter hunters have to follow shooting plans to stop animals eating all the fresh shoots on young trees as feed replacement.

Meticulously. If hunters don’t follow their plans, they can be fined or even have their hunting licence withdrawn. And thus we reach the inevitable topic: we talk about culling. Cathi only shoots if she is absolutely sure that she has the animal perfectly in her sights and that it will die instantly. No suffering. She would rather have to sit more often than have something go wrong. Martin says that his wife is an excellent shot. She does not respond to his praise. I ask if she can remember the first animal she killed. Of course she remembers. It was a doe goat. For a long time she had the animal in her sights. She waited for the perfect line of fire before shooting. The goat died instantly. Cathi cried. She sometimes still does after shooting an animal.

Because she knows that she has just snuffed out a life. And because the animal is still warm and looks alive. She

shows them all the respect they deserve, and never just steps over a dead animal.

She goes around. Also, she gives Death the necessary time to spread through the animal, allowing its life and its soul to escape. I understand what she means. It is the act of respecting a living being that these days is so often lost, pushed to the periphery as a taboo topic.

Nor would she drag the hunted animal carelessly across the ground on her way down to the valley. She carries it on her shoulder. If she can’t carry it on her own, her husband Martin helps. This often requires bodily strength and plenty of sure-footedness, especially because part of Cathi and Martin’s hunting grounds is located high in the Alps. Just at the right moment, before the melancholy takes hold of us too deeply, Josef roars. He's standing in front of an antler at the hunting lodge, doing an impression of a lovesick stag. Josef will probably grow up to be a fantastic hunter and if he carries on like this, he won’t need a hunting horn to make the right sounds.

We grab our little wildling and retreat, leaving the wildlife to enjoy their fragrant hay in peace. We drive to Cathi and Martin’s house. She has cooked, and it will be amazing because she’s a chef too. The only things we haven’t done are herd some cows or catch a thief, but Cathi would have managed those perfectly too.

By the way: If you should come across a petite hunter in Kleinwalsertal, then stop and talk to her. She will tell you all about the local wildlife, and show you where the chamois, roe deer, red deer, black grouse, hares and foxes frolic. And if you should hear a soft snore in the woods, don’t worry, it’s probably not an aggressive boar, but just a hunter taking a nap in one of the raised hides.

■ Text: Susa Schreiner Images: André Tappe

KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 13

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We all have rights and responsibilities which must be observed to ensure the co-existence of people, animals, plants and the environment. We can only protect the natural diversity of native plants and animals and ensure the safety of people taking part in sport and leisure activities if everyone respects the needs of others.

We ask you not to enter forested areas at dawn or at dusk to avoid disturbing the wild animals that are active at these times. There is no need for animals to panic if we do not stray from the paths. Our behaviour is more predictable for them if we stay on our normal routes.

Thank you very much!

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ANLAGEN

WINTERSPORT

Kabinenbahn Kabinenumlaufbahn

Piste leicht Piste mittel

6er-Sesselbahn

Piste schwer

4er-Sesselbahn

Beschneiung

2er-Sesselbahn

Route mittel

Schlepplift Förderband

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m m kla ch a eit Br

SKIBUS/VERKEHR

Ganzjahres-Rodelbahn

Buslinie

Fun Park/Funslope

Bushaltestellen

Naturschutzzone

Parkplatz GASTRONOMIE NOTRUF

Restaurants/Hütten

Skiwacht/Bergwacht

Bar Aussichtspunkt

KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 15

Elmi und Emma

THE 08.15 PLAN I love challenges, but I think today I might be reaching my limits! I have a good plan in mind, but it won’t be easy be to put into action.

My plan: it's Friday and it has been snowing all afternoon. The mountains are invisible, wrapped in thick clouds.

The weekend is just around the corner and my daughter is with me. As a good father, I should encourage her to get out into nature. It seems unimaginable at the moment, but the weather forecast for tomorrow is for bright sunshine and wonderful winter weather. The perfect conditions for an eventful day in the snow, right?

Right! But there are a few more factors to take into account. My daughter is now eleven-and-a-half years old, and anyone who has a daughter this age

will be grinning right now. For some time, I have noticed how my elevenyear-old girl is turning into an elevenyear-old teenager. A very exciting time.

I often think back to my own teenage years, and I hope that I am able to help her through this life stage, and that she lets me. But what has all this got to do with a great day’s skiing tomorrow? Simple. At the weekend, teenagers want to sleep in, enjoying the security of their cosy bed as long as possible, while ski-loving fathers want to get up early and feel the dusty, icy powder snow slowly freezing in their beards. Our ideas of the perfect Saturday morning probably couldn’t be more different.

At dinner we enter negotiations. Emma doesn’t think my suggestion of going skiing is so bad, just not so early. The

lifts also run in the afternoon, she informs me. But the snow is better in the morning, I counter. We could ski a bit of powder, I try to tempt her. It carries on like this for a while, until we have thrown all our arguments into the ring. In the end, we reach an agreement – instead of 7.45, we’ll leave at 8.15, we’ll finish no later than lunchtime, and we’ll spend the afternoon chilling – or at least at the teenage part of us will. Hooray – we have a plan for tomorrow!

The next morning, I enjoy my coffee in the armchair by window. I can see the Ifen covered in fresh snow. This is how I start every day, but when the summit of the Ifen begins to sparkle in the first rays of sunshine, it’s really something special. I let Emma sleep a little longer.

She has already laid her things out ready so that she can take advantage

“At the weekend, teenagers want to sleep in, enjoying the security of their cosy bed as long as possible, while ski-loving fathers want to get up early and feel the dusty, icy powder snow slowly freezing in their beards.”

Elmar Müller

of every second under the warm blankets. She is not a fan of waking up, and It takes a few attempts to get her drowsily drifting towards the bathroom. The good weather is not quite here yet, and I have to be careful that she doesn’t secretly disappear back to bed. But everything goes like clockwork and, after a bowl of chocolate cereal, less than halfan-hour later we are on our way. It’s 8.15 and we’re bang on time. Apparently not many people expected good weather today. It is amazingly quiet on the slopes. Emma becomes increasingly cheery from one descent to the next, and she also likes the fact that we have the lift practically to ourselves. Time for some funny lift selfies.

again, the piste bashers have done a wonderful job overnight. Perfect corduroy grooves line up one after the other. We almost don’t want to destroy the pattern with our turns, but we savour every single descent.

No queuing in the valley, no crowding on the slopes. On the chairlift we decide to ski every piste in the area at least once. We have a great time and, as we arrive at the mountain station for the umpteenth time, Emma suddenly stops, looks at me and says, "What a brilliant morning Papa – we should go skiing at 8.15 more often!"

■ Text & Images: Elmar Müller

Our

TIP EARLY BIRD SKIING ON THE IFEN From 16 March to 7 April, 2019, you can once again hit the slopes on the Ifen extra early, as the Olympia gondola starts at 7:45. Thus you can make the most of the good ski conditions in the morning.

The pistes are unbelievable. Once KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 17

BURMI’S TIPS Burmi’s Adventure Land Marmots usually hibernate in winter.

However Burmi the Kleinwalsertal mascot makes an exception for his young fans, ensuring exciting family holidays. In winter, you will find Burmi hanging out in the children’s areas of the ski schools, or spot his tracks on the Burmi descent in the Heuberg family ski area, the Burmi crosscountry course, or on one of the toboggan runs.

Valley ski area: For smaller skiers and beginners, Kleinwalsertal offers a selection of lifts with wide, evenly-sloping hills where making your first turns in the snow is easy and stress-free. Valley lifts such as Ahorn, Gaisbühl, Ideal, Jedermann and Moos are perfect for beginners - and often include wave runs, slalom courses, moguls and jumps. Additionally, on the Burmi descent, children are made aware of the FIS rules in a humorous way.

Snow parks: The Crystal Ground Snow Park in Kleinwalsertal has two little brothers - the Kids Ground Fun Park on the Schwand lift and the Funslope with Easy Park at the Fellhorn lift.

Burmi’s Winter World: On the Gaisbühl lift, beginners are in their element with conveyor belts and easy pistes.

Toboggan runs: Four toboggan runs and slopes ensure invite young and old alike to try out a toboggan or a bobsleigh. The Burmi toboggan slopes are ideal for families as the whole length of the slope is visible.

The toboggan lift and the Schützabühl conveyor both include aids to assist users when they climb onto the equipment. The Wädele toboggan run is over one kilometre in length and is perfect for speed fiends!

KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 19

Crystal Ground

GOOD TIMES SINCE 2005 The snow park in the heart of Riezlern remains true to the freestyle scene!

This winter the Crystal Ground Snow Park in Kleinwalsertal is celebrating its 14th season. Over time this unique snow park has become a permanent fixture in the Allgäu scene and the local winter infrastructure. Once again this winter, the freestyle community is looking forward to numerous sessions and cosy events, a constantly changing set-up, and the usual relaxed atmosphere. Since it opened in the winter of

2005/06, the park has been the venue for countless events, ensuring excitement for action lovers and plenty of media coverage. It also offers the perfect location for photo shoots and a chill-out area – in general, a place that holds great memories for lots of riders. The snow park team has always given the highest priority to the freestyle community’s needs, and this is still immediately tangible. The focus, rela-

xed mood and almost monthlychanging park design ensured and continues to ensure its great popularity with freestyle fans, although compared to other facilities in the Alps, the park isn’t necessarily the biggest or best. In addition to the creative, everchanging set-up and the "by riders for riders" atmosphere, the huge sun terrace, night riding every Wednesday from 7 pm, and the park’s location right

BOUNDLESS SKIING ENJOYMENT Enjoy 130 km of snow-sure pistes with a single ski pass. Book your accommodation and ski pass from the comfort of your own home and start your holiday stress-free: when you arrive, your ski pass for 48 gondolas and cable cars will be waiting for you.

Skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of special offers before Christmas, in January, and in the sunny ski month of March.

During offer weeks, participating hosts offer discounted ski passes for the entire ski area.

Book you ski holiday and ski pass online now at: www.kleinwalsertal.com/ski next to the Kessler lift and the town centre make the Crystal Ground a unique and popular meeting place.

A experienced four-headed team of shapers supports Walser snowboarding veteran Roland Matt, ensuring every day that park conditions are always perfect, and forever coming up with new lines and obstacle variations. Over the past 14 years, the

park has also been an important training facility for many riders – snowboarders and freeskiers alike – and has spawned many a future pro.

Information about the park and upcoming events are available at www.facebook.com/crystalground

Book your ski holiday online now www.kleinwalsertal.com/ski KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 21

Why do I love the Scandinavians? No, not for their Swedish meatballs or their furniture stores. Bullerby, Pippi Longstocking and Astrid Lindgren’s many other stories are far higher up my list. In particular I am thankful to the Swedes for smart pop rockers Mando Diao. But above all, I love the Scandinavians for being the inventors of cross-country skiing. I'm just glad that these days

cross-country skiing doesn’t mean powder snow, but groomed trails. And here in Kleinwalsertal, we are spoilt in every way. Not only are the trails always in top condition, they also lead to some beautifully scenic and remote places that are often only reached by crosscountry skiers.

Cross-country skiing is my winter counterpart to jogging. In summer I just run.

No matter where I am, as far as my feet will take me. Apart from my trainers, I need nothing and nobody. In terms of equipment, cross-country skiing involves a bit more, but it’s still pretty lightweight compared to Alpine skiing.

There are three trails to choose from, and each has several entry points, so I have plenty of options. For me, the choice depends on how much I want to

Nordic love in Kleinwalsertal

DENSE FORESTS, RELAXING WIDE-OPEN SPACES AND PLAYING WITH BALANCE

get out of breath and which landscape appeals to me. Because even although all the trails are in Kleinwalsertal, they couldn’t be more different when it comes to backdrop and route.

For me, the Wäldele trail in Hirschegg was not necessarily love at first sight, although or perhaps precisely because the intense ascents and challenging descent really got my heart racing. Ho-

wever, every time I’ve done it, we have got to know each other a little better, and I have to admit it does me the world of good. And this is not just thanks to the numerous positive effects attributed to cross-country skiing. More than anything it’s because it’s a little quieter, a little lonelier, and definitely a little more demanding.

Off to the forest From the football pitch in Au, it’s an easy enough stretch along the Schwarzwasserbach until you reach the fork for the Egg trail. Once over the bridge, you have the option of completing 13 kilometres in one go. I usually choose the smaller loop, officially known as the Küren-Wäldele trail. It’s seven kilometres long and has a KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 23

change in altitude of around 145 metres.

Even if it is freezing cold, from this point onwards I will soon feel warm.

The farms and houses of Au are soon behind me, and thanks to a slightly steeper ascent the Wäldele trail does what it does best. It brings me back to the moment. The trail is challenging today, as in some sections it is icy and slick. It requires me to demand less and to ski with more feel. The ascent leads me into the heart of the forest; the "Wäldele" trail lives up to its name.

The last few days have been chilly, so the firs and shrubs are still shrouded in white. Perhaps Peter Hammerer will cross the path with his sleigh, but usually cross-country skiers have the trail to themselves. The forest clears and one of the most beautiful sections of the trail follows. Old stables and small huts made of sunburnt wood line the path. The trail flattens out. I find a steady rhythm of movement, and with each step I dive a little deeper into the wintry peace.

The "Ladstatt" is a quiet place, but not lonely. Rather, it gives me the feeling of being at one with nature.

Every time I think, I could go on like this forever. But the next ascent awaits and it’s a tough one.

A fairly long S-curve leads up the slope. I try to feel the snow again, and to find the right moment to kick forwards. Even as the length of my glide gets shorter with each step, behind the hill more and more mountain peaks are becoming visible. At the top, the soothing expanse of the mountain panorama is my reward.

Each tree casts a long shadow in the flat February light, and the snow crystals sparkle furiously in the midday sun. For a moment it’s just about the wonder of life. Right next to the trail is the Gschtrüübelhof. Here Isabella and Mathias Büttner are fulfilling their dream, running a visitor farm offering agricultural and gastronomic experiences in harmony with nature. The Gschtrüübelhof opened in summer 2018 and I am already looking forward to my next visit. Most of the ascent is behind me now. The trail continues gently up and down over a small sunny plateau. On particularly beautiful winter days, it’s the perfect place for a rest. Where the trail crosses the

winter hiking trail, I take off my skis and walk the few metres to the Bruder Klaus chapel. The shingled timber construction enjoys a beautifully idyllic location on a small hill. I sit on the protected wooden wall, enjoy the warming sunbeams and letting the world wash over me.

Back on the trail, I immerse myself again in the snowy winter landscape.

With nothing more than a couple of narrow planks on my feet and views of the Ifen, I climb to the highest point of the trail at 1218 metres. As compensation for the demanding ascents, at the end of the trail a long descent awaits. It deserves respect, especially when the snow is hard and the track fast. But what a good feeling, gliding down it! The Wäldele trail is the perfect mix of challenge and relaxation. Precisely the mix that does you the most good. This is probably the source of its special charm.

And every time I think I've found my balance, it reminds me that I cannot maintain it, but must rediscover it with every step. After a few bends, I come to my favourite spot on the Wäldele trail. No matter what time of year, the Schwarzwasserbach always holds a magical appeal. In the summer I often sit here next to the waterfall and enjoy its calming, cooling effects. Today I get to experience it from the other side of the river for a change. It is still partly hidden under a thick layer of ice. Softly babbling, the Schwarzwasserbach accompanies me back to the beginning of the trail. Slightly exhausted and completely satisfied, I get a little cocky and wonder to myself: should I try another loop?

■ Text: Britta Maier Images: Frank Drechsel

KLEINWALSERTAL’S VITAL TRAILS As part of the Walser Omgang movement and vitality programme, the Kleinwalsertal trails cover approximately 50 km and are classified into three stimuli - regeneration, balance and activation. Activating trails (orange) stimulate the cardiovascular system, while regenerating trails (brown) encourage relaxed cross-country skiing. And then there are the balancing trails (green), which include both activating and regenerating sections.

STEINBOCK TRAIL Mittelberg Ahorn to Baad Regeneration & balance Easy to intermediate ↔ 15 km | ↕ 180m 5 km skating stretch | Practice circuit NEW

snow cover over 2.5 km

SCHWENDE TRAIL Riezlern Schwende to Außerwald Balance & activation Easy to intermediate ↔ 12 km | ↕ 150m 2.5 km skating stretch | Practice circuit

KÜREN-WÄLDELE-EGG TRAIL Wäldele to Riezlern Egg Balance & activation Intermediate to advanced ↔ 13 km | ↕ 260m

CLASSIC TOUR THROUGH THE VALLEY: CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING MADE EASY

Our

TIP

Cross-country skiing is one of the healthiest sports: it uses almost every muscle group, movements are easy on the joints, and fresh air is plentiful. Join our guide on the trail and experience the joy of cross-country skiing away from all the hustle and bustle. After a short warm-up and an introduction to the classic technique, the Steinbock trail takes you across the Bödmer plateau, into the beautiful Wiesele and across the Gemstelboden back to the start. En route, there is plenty of time to work on your technique with our guide, and get tips on equipment and preparing your skis.

• Every Thursday, 10.00, approx. 2 hrs.

• € 25, not suitable for children.

20 December 2018 to 4 April 2019

KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 25

Guided snowshowe hikes

Our

TIP Our certified guides know the best routes. At a leisurely pace, there is plenty of time to observe nature accompanied by endless silence.

Footsteps and breathing are the only sounds. We recommend that you only undertake guided tours led by mountain, ski or winter guides who are familiar with the nature of the snow and the local area.

The right "footwear" is available to buy or rent in specialist shops.

Find guided snowshoe hikes an other Winter Adventures at our online shop www.kleinwalsertal.com

Winter hiking

Pure relaxation: regenerative snowshoe tour

Still and magically beautiful. This is how winter presents itself during winter hiking and snowshoe tours.

Many paths pass mountain restaurants and huts, ideal for warming up and refuelling. There are approximately 60 km of well-prepared, easily accessible winter hiking trails.

Corresponding signs show the way.

correct rhythm and movement. Learn some tips and tricks of how to breathe and conserve strength on the mountain.

The snowy winter landscapes and what you can discover in them also play a major role. Nature acts as a natural source of strength and health.

Every Friday at 9:45 Approx. 3 hrs.

On this regenerative snowshoe tour, your guide explains the pillars of vitality and health. Particular attention is given to the

€ 29 incl. snowshoes and poles 21.12.18 – 05.04.2019

Tracks in the snow

SNOWSHOE HIKING When you come across natural powder snow barriers on the winter hiking trails, carry on step-by-step with snowshoes.

Schwarzwassertal snowshoe tour The Schwarzwassertal is a wildly romantic nature reserve. Here, you won’t find your path cut off by gondolas or ski lifts. Our snowshoe tour starts at the Auenhütte (1270 m). From there, the trail leads along the mostly snowy and icy Schwarzwasserbach to its source at the Schwarzwasserhütte (1650 m).

Every Wednesday at 9:45 Approx. 3.5-4 hrs. € 58 incl. snowshoes and poles 19.12.18 – 03.04.2019

During the ascent and descent we cross beautiful, fairytale winter landscapes with frozen waterfalls and deep snowy gorges (canyons).

Even if it’s snowing, this tour is a delightful experience!

Watch the video now and immerse yourself in the Kleinwalsertal snowshow region! www.kleinwalsertal.com/ schneeschuh

KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 27

"Farmers like Bernhard Fritz are the foundation of the GenussRegion Kleinwalsertal.”

When nature shrouds itself in a thick white blanket, it is also time for Kleinwalsertal’s cows to head back to their barns. For organic farmer Bernhard Fritz, this begs the question of whether he has produced enough hay during the summer months to last his livestock through the winter. After all, his ultimate premise is to nourish his animals only with what grows in Kleinwalsertal and what he himself can grow on his land.

"Sure, I could buy high-concentration cereals, corn or soy from South America. But that just doesn’t make

sense to me.” It is many years since Bernhard first came into conflict with the agricultural industry’s constant pursuit of maximum yield. Instead of getting trapped in the spiral of falling milk prices and resigning himself to the pressure from large dairies, he decided to follow a different, more sustainable path.

One of the first steps, around six years ago, was his decision to revert his livestock back to Original Braunvieh cattle.

This all-terrain, significantly smaller

breed of cattle is much better suited to pastures in Alpine regions. While a cow bred for milk production weighs in at 800 kilos, an Original Braunvieh weighs just 500 kilos. This of course is reflected in both its feed requirements and also its milk yield. "A cow that yields 8000 litres of milk per year cannot be satisfied with what grows in Kleinwalsertal.” So when he went back to breeding Original Braunvieh cattle, he also experienced a decrease in milk yield to around 5000 litres. Instead of seeing this as a loss of revenue, Bernhard saw

True enjoyment is a question of attitude

A WINTER VISIT TO BERNHARD FRITZ’S ORGANIC “GENUSS” FARM it as an opportunity to regain some independence with the help of highquality organic regional dairy products.

At the same time, he became a producer of the GenussRegion Kleinwalsertal’s primary product, Walser beef. In contrast to breeds optimised for milk yield, the Original Braunvieh is a dualuse breed. This means that male calves are not simply discarded, as is the case in the industrial dairy sector, but instead are reared for their meat, where they find enthusiastic customers in the form of Walser restaurants.

Having their own dairy and farm shop was the logical next step to greater independence for Bernhard and his family. In 2015 they opened the "Xond". It sells a range of cheeses, dairy products, sausages, ham and eggs – all home-made using ingredients from their own farm production. Large round windows in the shop look onto the maturation room, where rounds of cheese in various sizes are stored. If he’s working, you can even watch over the dairyman’s shoulder as he makes the cheese. At present, they process about KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 29

half of their organic hay milk themselves, although Bernhard wants to increase this proportion in the future.

Hay milk – more than just a marketing trend?

In the EU, just three percent of the total milk volume is now silage-free. Today silage-free milk is better known as hay milk.

In principle, hay milk is the most natural form of milk production. This means not using green fodder which has been conserved through lactic acid fermentation.

Instead, in the summer the animals are fed on fresh grass and herbs, and in the

winter on dried hay and a proportion of coarse grain cereals. Bernhard feeds cattle exclusively on grass and hay from meadows where neither artiďŹ cial fertilisers nor chemical weedkillers or pesticides are used. In fact, hay milk seems to be far more than just a resourceful marketing idea: "Even though the term hay milk is currently in vogue, it's a niche and offers an opportunity to farmers in Alpine regions like Kleinwalsertal. Only small farms with ten to 20 cows can feed their livestock so naturally. Industrial companies with 100 cows or more have to use silage and concentrated feed, otherwise they

won’t get a high enough yield from their livestock.” On top of this, hay milk is healthier for humans: according to studies, it is about twice as high ingoats Everest and Eumel, and 20 omega3 fatty acids as trade milk.

Cows like it cold Last summer the hay harvest was a little smaller, so in Bernhard's stable this winter there are only nine cattle instead of the usual ten to twelve. Even though the days are shorter now and timeconsuming tasks like making hay have been completed, he still gets up at six

o'clock to go to the barn. In addition to the cows, he has ten calves, ten dairy goats, the two chickens waiting to be attended to. During the winter, they will also bear offspring – usually five calves and ten goat kids. While Bernhard has to dress warmly, the frosty temperatures don’t seem to bother the cows in the slightest. Even if the thermometer falls below zero, they remain completely unimpressed, chewing on their hay with stoic serenity. The prolonged freezing temperatures only cause a few issues for the farmer in the form of frozen manure and water pipe issues. "Cows like it cold, they prefer it to the summer heat. They are most comfortable at about ten degrees.” Although they grow winter coats, they mostly heat themselves from the inside out. The colder it gets, the more they eat. The more they eat, the more the food splits and ferments in their various stomach compartments with the help of a multitude of microorganism, like a small heating plant. And as long as it’s not stormy and snowing, they also like to go outside. Bernhard opted for an open barn. Not only do the animals have more space, they also enjoy full freedom of movement, fresh air and sun throughout the winter, all of which has a positive effect on their health.

“Only small farms can offer their livestock a living environment that is as close to nature as possible. That is our strength and that is the future of agriculture in the mountains. In a location as complicated as ours, we have to rely on natural cycles. We can’t just import the methods and processes of the globalised world – that just makes us even more dependent on the big dairies and corporations."

When talking to Bernhard, it becomes clear that the most important key to his success is his independence. It is closely connected to the welfare of his animals, the high regard he has for them, and the food they produce. He sees the development of agriculture in its historical context. "It’s understandable that in the post-war period no one wanted to suffer from hunger, and that excessive production methods stem from this time. But today we live in abundance and we have the opportunity to adapt our lives and economies to nature and the environment. Today, we can pay attention to quality and regionality, thereby maintaining a certain autonomy.”

Who dares, wins...

Farmers like Bernhard Fritz are the foundation of the GenussRegion Kleinwalsertal. After all, even top-level cuisine can only conjure up true enjoyment by using natural ingredients.

The Fritz organic farm is more than just a supplier of one of Kleinwalsertal’s primary products, Walser beef. In 2016 he was honoured by GenussRegion Austria as a “Genuss” farmer. The award acknowledged the Fritz family’s courage in accepting the challenge of direct marketing and their commitment to preserving the natural cycles behind Kleinwalsertal’s landscapes and to making them tangible.

■ Text: Britta Maier Images: Frank Drechsel

KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 31

GenussRegion

KLEINWALSERTAL GAME AND BEEF

The enjoyable art of living and healthy diversity in Kleinwalsertal

GenussRegion Kleinwalsertaler game & beef

“Genuss” begins with the ingredients.

Kleinwalsertal relies on regionality, seasonality, and close cooperation between farmers, hunters, producers and restaurateurs. In addition to the Walser Buura (farmers’) regional specialties and products, there are two main products in the foreground of the GenussRegion: Kleinwalsertal game and beef.

In Kleinwalsertal’s farm shops and dairies, you will find a range of high-quality beef and game products, as well as various cheeses, Alpine butter, yoghurt and fresh milk.

FARM SHOPS

The mountain pastures sometimes stretch far beyond the tree line and, thanks to the harsh climate, contain nutrient-rich grasses and healthy herbs. Together with the livestock’s freedom to move in nature, this special diet has a positive effect on the quality of meat, resulting in a high proportion of healthy unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. Quality that you can taste.

•

Abler Spezialitätenverkauf im Stall in Mittelberg

•

Biohof Feurstein in Mittelberg-Höfle

•

Hoflaada in Mittelberg-Stütze

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Käsestadl in Hirschegg

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Räucherkammer (smokehouse) in Riezlern

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s’Hirscheck in Hirschegg

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Walser Buura sales kiosk in Café Baad Grund in Baad

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Walser weekly market every Friday in Hirschegg

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Letzebuurhof in Riezlern-Zwerwald

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Berchtold Bura Lädele in Riezlern

•

Xond in Riezlern

•

Dies & Das und iKuh - pretty gift ideas in Hirschegg-Dürenboden

•

Waldhaus in Riezlern

•

and directly from many farms

....it’s not just milk and dairy products that are produced in Kleinwalsertal: SWEET TREATS Achim Schneider and his hobby bee-keeping friends provide Walser honey made from mountain flowers, dandelions and Alpine roses. Find home-made pralines and truffle specialities in Confiserie Behringer.

HERBAL PRODUCTS

Snowshoe tours through the GenussRegion

Bodycare oils, hay bath bombs, balms and soaps, energising fragrances,tinctures, syrups, preparations and brandies, liqueurs, teas, marmalades, pesto, mustard, vinegar& oils, jellies and spreads are all available from herbal expert Lydia Fritz in Alchemilla Montana, Christine Keck in Alpenkräutergarten am Hörnlepass and Herbert Edlinger in Einfach gut hergestellt.

Dive into the “Kleinwalsertal Game and Beef” Genuss Region on a stress-free snowshoe hike. On this hike, Herbert Edlinger will give you an insight into the world of farming and hunting in Kleinwalsertal’s remote corners. What is the difference between an organic barn and one from 150 year ago? What hasn’t changed? How does a regional farm make money? Naturally, you can refuel along the way by tasting some of the region’s local delicacies.

Every Thursday, 9.30, approx. 3.5 hrs. € 29 incl. snowshoes & snack 20.12.2018 – 04.04.2019

KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 33

r rgen Pfeiffe Ulrike & Jü

Siegfried & Inge König

Barbara Rüger

Das Kleinwalsertal says thanks!

PREMIUM AWARDS Premium Awards in Winter 2017/18 Stays

Schrottke Lothar..................................................................................Erlangen Pfeiffer Jürgen & Ulrike....................................................................Daaden Post Bruno & Irmgard........................................................................Korschenbroich König Siegfried & Inge .....................................................................München Guschwa Peter & Jutta....................................................................Mönchengladbach Hestermann Wolfgang.....................................................................Fallerselben Nowroth Petra.......................................................................................Stuttgart Körner Hans-Rolf & Marianne ......................................................Köln Horne Helmut & Gerti .......................................................................Limburg an der Lahn Freitag Manfred...................................................................................Mörs Rüger Barbara......................................................................................Erlangen Nowroth Frank ......................................................................................Stuttgart Knoll Manfred & Waltraud ............................................................Puhlheim-Sinnersdorf Wellhöfer Rainer & Renate ............................................................Mannheim Preuss Olaf & Isolde...........................................................................Grasellenbach

100 100 93 80 80 65 56 53 50 50 45 41 41 40 40

. . . . . . we look forward to your next visit!

Stays

Wirtz Klaus & Eva ..............................................................................Hürth Scheidel Hans & Heike .....................................................................Lindau Buchner Wolfgang & Jutta............................................................Emmerzhausen Horne Martin .........................................................................................Limburg an der Lahn Lübbers Johannes & Edeltraude ................................................Hemmingen Rüger Friederike..................................................................................Erlangen Wienke Jürgen.....................................................................................Wendelstein Mey Reinhard & Brigitte ..................................................................Essen Faber Herbert .......................................................................................Schweinfurt Reinnarth Dieter..................................................................................Ahrweiler Rupp Gerhard.......................................................................................Karlsbad Kratz Heinrich & Ursula....................................................................Darmstadt Hlawaty Klaus & Heidi......................................................................Fronhausen Panhaus Walter ...................................................................................Erkelenz Freitag Brigitte.....................................................................................Mörs

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In the Kleinwalsertal Oberstdorf hiking region, six gondolas and two chair lifts make your ascents easier. In summer, many hosts include the cable car ticket in the price of their accommodation.

SUMMER FORECAST When you spend your summer high up in the mountains of Kleinwalsertal, the summits are always within easy reach. Whether strolling along the riverbanks, hiking on the high mountain trails or conquering one of the 2,000-metre peaks, in Kleinwalsertal hikers will ďŹ nd everything their hearts desire. You can take your pick from eight mountain lifts which will take you to lofty heights on glorious summer days

“Walser Omgang” vital routes The eight Walser Omgang routes - divided into three different characters: activating, regenerating and balancing - don’t just lead you from A to B. Our “Bööchle” (benches) and “Güütschle” (chairs) repeatedly invite you to relax and enjoy nature. With us in Kleinwalsertal, the journey is the destination.

Hiking without boundaries Hiking trails and mountain paths at three altitudes is what characterises Kleinwalsertal. Romantic walks alongside mountain streams or cultural routes through the village, easy hikes through the side valleys or challenging mountain tours invite you to explore the scenic and sometimes rugged mountains.

Mountain biking The Kleinwalsertal is the perfect place for those who want to escape everyday life on the mountain. Challenging tours, varied descents, and some easier stretches, the whole surrounded by a gigantic mountain panorama - in Kleinwalsertal every mountain biker will find the perfect route.

Mountaineering and climbing Mountain and climbing tours (from easy to challenging) will take you into mountain landscape of Kleinwalsertal and beyond. Three fixed rope routes offer secured climbing fun in degrees of difficulty B to D. The Bergschule Kleinwalsertal offers courses in rock climbing, safety technology, and knowledge of materials.

Burmi’s Adventure Land During the spring, summer and autumn holidays, there is plenty to discover with Burmi the Walser groundhog. From Monday to Friday, children are supervised by mountain guides and wilderness educators in programmes including climbing, mountain adventures, wilderness days and other adventures.

KLEINWALSERTAL THE MAGAZINE // 37

ARRIVING BY CAR

ARRIVING BY PLANE

Most routes lead to Ulm before carrying on along the A7. Take the Allgäu junction over a section of the A980 to the Waltenhofen junction, then take the 4-lane B19 via Sonthofen and Oberstdorf to Kleinwalsertal. A motorway vignette is not required to reach the valley.

Memmingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Friedrichshafen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Augsburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167 Zürich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187 München . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205 Stuttgart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .224

km km km km km km

AIRPORT TRANSFERS ARRIVING BY TRAIN The nearest train station is 10 km away in Oberstdorf in Allgäu. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi. In the high season, buses run from approximately 7.00 to 21.00. The trip to Kleinwalsertal takes approximately 25 minutes. Taxis wait at the station around the clock.

Kleinwalsertal Tourismus eGen A-6992 Hirschegg · Walserstraße 264 Telephone +43 (0)5517 5114-0 www.kleinwalsertal.com

- Walsertaxi: Tel. +43 5517 5460 oder 5464 - Taxi Beranek: Tel. +43 676 955 5995 - Allgäu Walser Express from Friedrichshafen: www.allgaeu-walser-express.com

You can also find Kleinwalsertal on:

WALSERBUS - YOUR PLUS On holiday, why don’t you simply leave your car behind. The Walserbus will transport you quickly, conveniently and comfortably to your destination.

And the best part – with Advantages with your guest card, travel guest card on the Walserbus is free throughout the valley. Even your ticket down to Oberstdorf (Germany) is discounted with your guest card.

Enjoy countless advantages 1. Short waiting times (10 to 20 minutes).

2. No looking for spaces or parking fees 3. No stress 4. Less traffic 5. More peace and quiet, and a cleaner environment Please note that the frequency of buses is reduced in the low season, and that routes 2 - 5 cover a limited route only.

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