National Park Rangers
and Rangers

Additional qualification
Wilderness educator, mountain and nature ranger

About me
I came, saw and fell in love with Kalkalpen National Park. From then on, I wanted to know more about this magical area and explore every nook and cranny, recognize every trace and discover every little detail. And I'm far from finished because so much is moving, changing and constantly impressing me.

Why did I become a ranger?
I enjoy immersing myself in the wonder of nature with guests to carefully perceive the forest with all my senses. With every step you take, your closeness to nature strengthens as your attentive discoveries become a memorable experience. It gives me great pleasure when I realize what effect my guided tours have on people, when, like me, their affection for life in the national park has increased even more. And perhaps we will be lucky enough to discover the shy lynx, my favorite animal of the forest, together. Who knows?

• Family Camp "Wilderness Adventure"
• Torchlight hike

Additional qualification
Teacher

About me
Immediately after my teacher training, I was transferred to the Kalkalpen National Park team. In the field of environmental education, I can really contribute my teaching heart here and feel very comfortable. I live with my husband and our daughter in Leonstein on the edge of the forest. I love to be outdoors and prefer to make music with a small music group on our beautiful alpine pastures.

I'm particularly interested in
the return of nature in the national park and the cultural-historical past.

Why did I become a ranger?
I just like to inspire people with something interesting - just a teacher :-)

Additional qualification
National Park Ranger in the Gesäuse National Park, state-certified hiking and snowshoe guide, Upper Austrian Nature Watch Organ, Styrian National Park Organ, Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG)

About me
I live in the Upper Austrian "Auenland" region near Eferding. I've been drawn to the mountains from an early age, which is why my favorite hobbies include several ball sports such as soccer, beach volleyball and table tennis as well as typical mountain sports such as hiking, mountaineering, ski touring and via ferrata.

I amparticularly interested in
hikes and national park crossings on old or partly unmarked trails, snowshoe tours, all kinds of adventures.
My favorite plant is the Swiss stone pine, my favorite animals are fish (probably due to my residence in the Danube Valley).

Why did I become a ranger?
Nature is my second living room. Both in my free time with family and friends and in my work as a national park ranger, I spend a lot of time outdoors. The many wonders of nature inspire me anew every day and are my drive and motivation to work intensively for nature education and nature conservation.

I particularly like it when our National Park visitors can also feel and experience this passion for nature during a guided tour or joint tour and take unforgettable impressions home with them. With this in mind - off to new adventures!

Nationalparks Austria Blog: 2-day snowshoe tour to the Ebenforstalm by Heimo Emmerstorfer

Additional qualification
Hiking and snowshoe guide

About me
From my apartment in Steyr, it's just a few steps down to the nature and landscape conservation areas around the "Untere Steyr". I like to go for walks there and watch woodpeckers, butterflies, birds, snakes and other animals. For me, this is an important balance to my work as a project manager and consultant for business software.
I love going off the beaten track and am always amazed at the variety of small and large surprises that can be discovered, perceived and experienced.  

I am particularly interested in
native butterflies and orchids. It can happen that I don't reach the planned summit on a hike or mountain tour because I get too "distracted".

Why did I become a ranger?
I became a ranger because I can share my enthusiasm for nature and our beautiful landscape with other people.

• Butterflies - Flying gems
• In the realm of the lynx
• Snowy valleys, ponds and other gems
• With snowshoes through the winter forest
• Fun and games in the snow
• Family WinterTime

Additional qualification
Wilderness educator, nature and landscape guide, nature guard, hiking guide, packhorse guide

About me
I am a full-time mother of four children, and together with my family I run a small farm in Roßleithen on the edge of Kalkalpen National Park. We produce a lot of our own food and are also involved in the conservation and maintenance of species-rich flower and mountain meadows.

I am particularly interested in medicinal herbs, ancient plant knowledge, nourishing landscapes, being creative in and with nature, old domestic animal breeds

Why did I become a ranger?
I was lucky enough to grow up in the area that is now Kalkalpen National Park . These many wonderful experiences have shaped me. That's why I want to bring other people closer to nature in a variety of ways with all my senses, because you are only prepared to protect what you know and appreciate.

• Winter torchlight hike
• From alp to alp
• On the Nature Traces Trail to the Wurbauerkogel Panorama Tower
• National Park adventure tour for children and families

About me
I live with my family on the edge of Kalkalpen National Park. I have a large garden, sheep and chickens there and try to be as self-sufficient as possible for our food. In my main job, I work in care for the elderly.

I am particularly interested in
the healing powers of plants and trees and their processing, for example into teas or ointments.

Why did I become a ranger?
I prefer to spend my time in nature, which is a source of strength and inspiration for me. People are part of nature and it is the basis of our existence. Nature conservation and respect for nature are therefore important to me, and I particularly want to convey this to young people. As a ranger, I enjoy discovering, observing and sensing new things together with others. It's a wonderful job!

• National Park adventure tour for children and families
• From alp to alp

Additional qualification
Hiking and snowshoe guide, mountain bike guide, FNL herbal expert, pilgrim guide, certified interpretive guide, nature watch organizer

About me
I am a special kindergarten teacher and also self-employed in the field of outdoor coaching. I live in Kremsmünster and am therefore active in all areas of Kalkalpen National Park .

I am interested in
I enjoy all seasons in nature, whether with winter sports equipment, on a mountain bike or on foot. Nature is a precious source of energy for me, where I can recharge my batteries. Plants and herbs are very important to me.

Why did I become a ranger?
I became a ranger because I want to share my enthusiasm for and with nature with people and accompany them into untouched winter landscapes on snowshoes!

Nationalparks Austria Blog: On the trail of primeval nature by Elisabeth Humer

• E-biking in the national park
• In the realm of the lynx
• With snowshoes through the winter forest
• Fun and games in the snow

Additional qualification
Wilderness educator, National Park Ranger in the Gesäuse National Park  

About me
I am a sales engineer and live in Linz. Family-nature-friends, these are the three most important pillars in my life.  

I'm particularly interested in
originality, wilderness, indigenous peoples

Why did I become a ranger?
Because I want to share my love of nature and promote independence and joie de vivre.

Additional qualification
Wilderness educator, hunter

About me
I live on the south-easternmost mountain farm in the municipality of Ternberg, I am a farmer and trained agricultural machinery mechanic.

I am particularly interested in
animal tracks, because you can learn a lot about the way animals live from their tracks.

Why did I become a ranger?
I became a ranger because nature has been my hobby from an early age. The Kalkalpen National Park has given me the opportunity to pass on my knowledge of nature to interested people. I travel with school classes as well as adult groups - the national park crossings lasting several days are always particularly exciting.

• UNESCO World Heritage Tour: Through the Hintergebirge mountains
• National park crossing
• UNESCO World Heritage Tour: Wildnistrail Buchensteig
• In the realm of the lynx
• From the seabed to the alpine pasture
• Canoe tour on the Enns

About me
I live in Molln and was lucky enough to grow up right next to the Krumme Steyrling and Steyr gorges. When I'm not working for the national park, I work as a freelance canyoning and climbing guide.

I am particularly interested in
the topic of water.

Why did I become a ranger?
I became a national park ranger because I really enjoy working with children. I want to show the children that you can have fun without a Playstation, cell phone or computer.

Additional qualification
Foresters and hunters

About me
I work in the national park operations of Österreichische Bundesforste AG as a division manager/forester. My main area of responsibility is forest management in the entire national park. I am particularly interested in the natural, dynamic processes in the forest and its development without human intervention.

Why did I become a ranger?
I became a ranger to bring people closer to nature and the forest and to inspire them.

• Cool waters, wild forests
• National Park adventure tour for children and families

Additional qualification
certified nature and landscape guide, alpine guide, wilderness educator, Upper Austrian nature watch organizer

About me
I am grateful and feel very lucky to be surrounded by wilderness. I am extremely impressed by the diversity here in the national park and love the language of the trees, plants and animals. I really see my strengths in looking, observing, marveling and letting myself be affected and then recognizing myself in the middle of nature as part of what surrounds me.

I am particularly interested in
the hidden and mysterious sides of water, and I am also curious about the nature of trees. I am amazed and moved by the characteristics that we humans share with water and trees, for example. I enjoy collecting herbs, am interested in their healing properties and also love my creative side with and in nature.

Why did I become a ranger?
I think it's nice to lead people to what's next to us, what's around us - to draw attention to what nature does to itself and also to us when we are mindful of it and because I sometimes see happy, carefree people as a result.

• UNESCO World Heritage Tour: In the Bodinggraben
• National Park adventure tour for children and families
• Water-life-spaces experience day, children's program
• Family Camp "Wilderness Adventure"
• In the footsteps of Marlen Haushofer

Additional qualification
Management consultant in the field of personnel and organizational development, geographer and economist (teaching degree), academ. Trainer and consultant, academ. Supervisor and coach, academ. Change manager, dual snow sports instructor (ski and snowboard), Wilderness Guide for Rites of Passage, wilderness educator, mountain hiking and scout guide, Upper Austrian nature guard organizer

About me
I have been traveling in the Northern Limestone Alps since my earliest youth and am particularly interested in the secret corners and old paths in the area, the exciting stories about the historical use and the amazing large and small connections in our nature.

Why did I become a ranger?
The opportunities to share this knowledge with my guests in appropriate doses, thereby contributing to an increased understanding of nature, a greater enthusiasm for nature and active nature conservation, are the most important reasons why I became a National Park Ranger.

Nationalparks Austria Blog: Forest bathing - when the soul is allowed to dangle by Claus Lackerbauer

• National park crossing
• Forest bathing - recharge your batteries in the forest wilderness
• UNESCO World Heritage Tour: To the Siebenbrünn
• UNESCO World Heritage Tour: Through the Hintergebirge
• On the way to the forest wilderness
• WildernessCamp for adults
• With snowshoes through the winter forest

Additional qualification
Wilderness educator, nature watch organ

About me
Even before there were national parks in Austria, I visited many national parks on my travels around the world. I have always been magically drawn to them. I have been a ranger myself since 2000, preferably in "my" beloved Hintergebirge. I live with my family in Reichraming: a garden, sheep, chickens and a meadow orchard are part of the house and the quality of life.

I am particularly interested in
botany, geology and feathered aerial acrobats. I am also fascinated and moved by observing natural processes in the forest wilderness of the park. I am also happy to give guided tours in English.

Why did I become a ranger?
For me, being a ranger is as varied and creative as nature itself. Every guided tour is a new challenge and I am constantly developing new methods and tour concepts. I enjoy interacting with my guests. Exquisite moments, such as special views on the mountain, sightings of rare birds, butterflies or botanical treasures, also make this job unique for me. I also have the opportunity to encourage people to treat nature with appreciation, respect and awareness. That makes life happier and puts a lot of things into perspective. And nature benefits from it too.

The distance that diminishes objects for the eye enlarges thoughts. (Arthur Schopenhauer)

Nationalparks Austria Blog: Magical moments in the beech forest by Maria Laussamayer

• UNESCO World Heritage Tour: Through the Hintergebirge mountains
• UNESCO World Heritage Tour in winter
• Poisonous plants, medicinal herbs and other natural beauties
• From the seabed to the alpine pasture
• In the realm of the lynx
• Wilderness camp for young people
• Forest Yoga - Balance in the Beech Forest

Additional qualification
Hunting examination; agricultural and forestry worker

About me
I come from the National Park community of St. Pankraz and run a farm as a sideline. In summer I work as a ranger in the National Park and in winter as a ski instructor in Hinterstoder and Molln. My hobbies are road biking and ski touring. If that's not a perfect change of pace!

I am particularly interested in
As I passed my hunting exam 30 years ago and my training in agriculture and forestry was very intensive, my knowledge is very broad. Geology, water habitats, orientation in nature, to name a few, were added later.
I would describe myself as an all-rounder.

Why did I become a ranger?
Because I am out and about in nature every day and come directly from the region, I naturally know a lot about what happens outside and I would like to pass this knowledge on. If I can get children or young people interested in nature, I'm happy!

Nationalparks Austria Blog: On the trail of the lynx by ranger Ernst Lichtenwöhrer

• From alp to alp
• On the way to the forest wilderness
• In the realm of the lynx
• With snowshoes through the winter forest
• National Park adventure tour for children and families

Additional qualification
Natural guard, emergency physician and intensive care physician

About me
I live out my interest in medicine and nature as a doctor at Steyr Hospital and as a national park ranger in the Reichraminger Hintergebirge.

I am particularly interested in
observing the amazing abilities of animals and plants and the question of diagnostic or therapeutic use in human medicine, for example lower energy consumption in animals with reduced bodily functions and body temperatures in winter. Reducing human intervention in the national park ecosystem and allowing natural processes to take place is also very important to me. I also like to deal with historical topics in the national park, such as mining, timber drift or the former forest railroad.

Why did I become a ranger?
I became a ranger because I enjoy teaching children about the idea of national parks in a fun way. My aim is to set an example of respect and appreciation for the special features of our protected area, and thus make them understand the importance of the sustainable protection of national parks.

Additional qualification
Intoxication and risk educator, burnout prevention trainer

About me
I live with my family in Großraming and enjoy the wildness of nature all around us. In addition to my work in the national park, I work as a trainer in addiction prevention and teach biology and chemistry at the ROSE grammar school in Linz.

I am particularly interested in
the interrelationships in ecological systems and the effect of nature and wilderness on us humans.

Why did I become a ranger?
I want to bring people closer to the treasures that our national parks protect.

• With snowshoes through the winter forest

Additional qualification
I am a professional hunter and forest warden.

About me
I work as an area supervisor in the Kalkalpen National Park of Österreichische Bundesforste AG. My tasks are forest and wildlife management, area supervision and visitor tours.

I am particularly interested in
wildlife and the forest and its development in Kalkalpen National Park without human intervention.

Why did I become a ranger?
I became a ranger to bring visitors closer to local nature and its beauty.

• Into the Gamsgebirg'
• Hirschlos'n in the National Park
• The fascination of the chamois rut
• In the realm of the lynx
• On the way to the forest wilderness
• UNESCO World Heritage Tour: To the Siebenbrünn
• Gamsg`layers

Additional qualification
Forest protection officer and master's degree in forest sciences

About me
I work as an area manager in the Kalkalpen National Park of the Austrian Federal Forests. My tasks here are to look after the Bodinggraben ensemble as well as forest and wildlife management.

I am particularly interested in
the interactions between forest and wildlife and how the long-lived forest ecosystem changes with the seasons and yet remains constant.

Why did I become a ranger?
As a ranger, I can share my enthusiasm for this unique natural jewel in the Limestone Alps and its history with people.

• In the valley of the red deer
• Hirschlos'n in the National Park
• Princes in the wilderness - tour of the Bodinggraben forester's lodge
• Augmented reality in the Bodinggraben forester's lodge

Additional qualification
Forest educator, state-certified ski tour guide  

About me
I used to work in the security sector. Now, as a pension apprentice, I am increasingly concerned with natural processes. I live in my own home in an idyllic location at the highest point of Neuhofen/Krems. Visits from deer, foxes and rabbits are not uncommon in my garden.   

I am particularly interested in
birds and animal tracks, as well as the biological processes in the forest.

Why did I become a ranger?
Because imparting knowledge about nature to schoolchildren and adults is important to me and the need to preserve nature is very important to me.

Additional qualification
Outdoor trainer, canoe guide, hiking guide, hunting training

About me
I am a self-employed trainer and author and I live with my wife Helga and our dog Terry in Molln directly on the Krummen Steyrling at the entrance to the National Park.

I am particularly interested in
animals and their tracks. I also have a passion for nature skills.

Why did I become a ranger?
I became a ranger because I enjoy exploring the beautiful natural surroundings together with visitors and showing them the special features of our national park.

Additional qualification
Nature guard, forest warden, professional hunter

About me
I work full-time as an area supervisor at the National Park Authority of Österreichische Bundesforste AG. My main area of responsibility is forest and wildlife management, area supervision and ranger work, where I mainly supervise wildlife observation and children's tours.

I am particularly interested in
wild animals and the forest wilderness that has been developing for some years now at Kalkalpen National Park. The mountain forest in particular always offers me interesting things to discover!

Why did I become a ranger?
I became a ranger because I enjoy bringing people closer to nature!

• Black grouse balz on mountain heights
• On the way to the forest wilderness
• In the realm of the lynx
• The abandoned valley - from mining area to World Heritage Site
• Immerse yourself in rustic forests

Additional qualifications
Mechanical engineer, environmental technician, European energy manager, agricultural technician, Upper Austrian nature conservation officer

About me
I have always had a wide range of interests and have trained in many areas. One thing is central to this: our actions must be compatible with nature. I would like to pass this idea on. I provide climate, energy and sustainability advice for municipalities and businesses, run a very ecological smallholding with an old breed of livestock and enjoy being out in nature.

Why did I become a ranger?
What could be better than spending time with people who are eager to learn? That's why I became a national park ranger. It gives me the opportunity to share my ecological concerns. Children are particularly important to me. If you avoid fast food bags from an early age and don't throw them on the street, you will certainly not do the same as an adult, or in other words: "nature-loving children are the conservationists of the future".

Nationalparks Austria Blog: The "Wastefreaks" in action by Robert Pröll

• In the realm of the lynx
• On the way to the forest wilderness
• From alp to alp
• UNESCO World Heritage Tour: To the Siebenbrünn

Additional qualification
Mountain and ski guide

About me
My passion is the mountains and that in all seasons. I enjoy being out in nature and observing it. It gives me strength. Professionally, I am fully on the sporting track.

I am particularly interested in
nature and how it is currently changing due to the climate.

Why did I become a ranger?
I became a ranger because I am particularly interested in the interrelationships in nature and would like to awaken this interest in other people.

• With snowshoes through the winter forest

Additional qualification
Nature and special needs teacher

About me
Mountains, horses, mountain biking, gardening and books define my life. But also relaxing with friends over a good coffee or wine.

I am particularly interested in
living in and learning from nature, transferring principles of ecological relationships and natural processes to people in the form of tasks and exercises (experiential education)

Why did I become a ranger?
I became a ranger because I would like to share my knowledge about the fascination of nature with others.

• National park crossing
• Wilderness hiking for women - on lonely paths

Additional qualification
Experiential and wilderness educator

About me
Director of the Camp Sibley Sports and Leisure Centre, Head of the Laussa Climbing Competence Centre

• National park crossing
• Wilderness camp for kids
• Wilderness camp for young people
• Canoe tour on the Enns
• UNESCO World Heritage Tour: Through the Hintergebirge mountains
• UNESCO World Heritage Tour in winter
• 2-day snowshoe hike with overnight stay in a hut

Additional qualification
Forester

About me
I live in Molln and am happy to introduce visitors to the beauty of the National Park.

I am particularly interested in:
Plants and wildlife

Why did I become a ranger?
Because I have been traveling in the area that is now a national park since I was a child.

• Orchids and other spring bloomers

Additional qualification
Biologist (botany), hiking and snowshoe guide, wilderness education, nature guard, wellness trainer

About me
Growing up in a family of foresters in the idyllic Brunnental valley near Steyrling, I was almost born to study biology. After studying in Vienna, I returned to Upper Austria and took part in the very first Kalkalpen National Park supervisor course in 1993. I have been working at Kalkalpen National Park in various roles since 1995, including being responsible for education and visitor services, national park ranger training and further education, exhibitions, themed trails and printed matter/publications.

I am particularly interested in
the behavior of wild animals, the forest wilderness and of course the flora of the area, especially orchids.

Why did I become a ranger?
I spend as much time as possible in the forest and on the mountain with my eyes wide open, where I can relax and recharge my batteries. As a national park ranger, I like to share my enthusiasm for nature with others, encourage people to observe and impart knowledge about interrelationships.

From alp to alp
Native orchids

Additional qualification
Trained youth guide (ÖAV), hiking and snowshoe guide

About me
I have been "outdoors" since I was 4 years old. As a youth guide for the Alpine Club, I accompanied young people in the forest and on the rocks for many years. Since then, my love for the mountains has always been present, which is also reflected in well over 100 undertakings a year.

Why did I become a ranger?
My aim is to inspire people of all ages for nature and, above all, to make them aware of the little things along the way that are all too often overlooked. If my passion and enthusiasm as a national park ranger and nature educator spreads to others, then I will have achieved a lot.

Nationalparks Austria Blog: FamilyTime - Nature adventure in winter by Peter Übleis

• On the way to the forest wilderness
• From alp to alp
• UNESCO World Heritage Tour: To the Siebenbrünn
• National Park adventure tour for children and families

Additional qualification
Ornithologist, nature guide, meditation leader

About me
I live with my family in Schlierbach and work in the fields of bird conservation, nature education and educational work. As a trained social worker, my vocation has become my profession.

I am particularly interested in
the relationship between man and nature - and in ornithology

Why did I become a ranger?
I became a national park ranger because I like to pass on some of my enthusiasm for this unique nature conservation experiment on my doorstep. I like an expression by Bernd Lötsch best: "National parks are sacred groves of the 20th century".

• Woodpeckers and other stealthy creatures

Additional qualification
Forester, snowshoe guide

About me
A Styrian who has lost his heart to Upper Austria Kalkalpen National Park .

I am particularly interested in
anything to do with mountains and forests.

Why did I become a ranger?
I became a ranger because I was working in this area when the national park was created.

With snowshoes through the winter forest