When the forest comes to rest

When the days grow shorter and the first frost covers the landscape, Kalkalpen National Park special time begins in the forest wilderness of the Kalkalpen National Park : winter hibernation.

Preparations for winterization begin as early as the beginning of November. In cooperation with employees of the Austrian Federal Forestry Office and the National Park Society, themed trails are dismantled, bases are winterized, and infrastructure work is largely suspended. Winter is an important recovery period for nature, and visitors are also asked to give animals and plants space to rest. Whether red deer, roe deer, chamois, snow hares, or capercaillies—they all reduce their activities, conserve energy, or retreat to protected areas. Any disturbance to wild animals during the cold season means increased energy consumption, as they lower their body temperature, breathing, and heart rate to reduce energy expenditure. If this state of rest is disturbed, it often takes days for them to return to "rest mode" – which can sometimes be crucial for their survival. Many plants also enter a kind of "hibernation" and wait for the warmer months to bloom again. "Winter dormancy is a sensitive phase in the cycle of nature. Anyone visiting the national park at this time of year should be particularly considerate," explains National Park Director Josef Forstinger. This includes staying on the marked trails, keeping dogs on a leash, and avoiding loud noises.

As no infrastructure maintenance work takes place during the winter months, particular caution is advised. Snow is not cleared and dangerous trees are not checked. For your own safety, you should therefore exercise extreme caution when using the hiking trails. Ski tourers in particular are asked to behave considerately. To protect the flora and fauna, you should not stray from the main routes.

Consciously experiencing the winter landscape

Despite, or perhaps because of, its tranquility, the national park also offers impressive nature experiences in winter: tracks in the snow tell stories of animals that we rarely get to see. For anyone who wants to experience the wonderful winter landscape in the national park, winter ranger tours—such as snowshoe hikes—are offered. More information and all tour offers are available at www.kalkalpen.at or at the visitor centers.

Press release: Federal Forestry Office Kalkalpen National Park
For further information, please contact Ms. Daniela Wurmböck-Wittwehr, Daniela.Wurmboeck@bundesforste.at