The mountain forest around Reit im Winkl

Have you ever noticed that Reit im Winkl is surrounded by mighty forests on all sides? It is not without reason that the local coat of arms also contains tools for woodwork, because living and working with the forest has a long tradition in Reit im Winkl. But how is the forest doing today and how does the game behave in winter? We want to clarify these questions and have found a real expert for this.

After just a few meters he sees a group of young fir trees that have found space to grow in a clear spot in the forest. Carefully, almost deliberately, he digs free the tops of the fir trees. Meanwhile, he explains that for him, forest, game and people are one big system that has to be in balance. Only then can you manage the forest sustainably.

Now Andreas takes a close look at some pine tips and looks for signs of browsing by game. He smiles contentedly, since many young fir trees show no signs of being bitten. If there were too much game, every fir would be bitten and a fir would not have a chance to really grow. On the other hand, nobody wants a mountain forest without deer, roe deer or chamois. It just needs a balance and suitable habitats.

We continue our walk and reach the game reserve of Gut Steinbach. Andreas precisely analyzes the movements of the animals as they make their way through the deep snow. "Deer and stags are bad walkers in winter," he says, pointing to a stag lumbering through the snow, sinking almost waist-deep with every step. Therefore, the animals always go the same way to create a kind of road.

This behavior goes well until humans cross the animal paths in the forest. Because when humans and animals meet, the instinct to flee sets in and the animals rush through the deep snow. "An escape costs the game a lot of energy," explains Andreas. "And the animal must absorb this energy again in order to survive".

Here, too, a good balance is needed, prohibitions lead to nothing for Andreas. Everyone should enjoy the wonderful nature in Reit im Winkl. But you need to be aware of the impact you have on nature.

Important points for correct behavior when hiking in winter

• Do not leave the marked paths
• Keep dogs on a leash
• Don't be out late at night or at dusk

This alone creates a balance here, too, because the animals can adapt to the behavior of humans.

We continue upwards, onto the Schusterwald snowshoe trail. The forest is very dense and dark, making it difficult for young trees to grow. In the forests around Reit im Winkl there is a need for action to make the forest fit for the future. Pure spruce stands are susceptible to pests and the changing climate.

What Reit im Winkl needs are healthy and species-rich mixed forests. But that doesn't happen overnight, for Andreas it's a generational project. Fortunately, beeches and firs grow by themselves through natural regeneration. If he also plants larches, it will take many decades before these trees can be felled. Good things sometimes take time.

In all measures, Andreas follows the philosophy of “protection through use”. Also because he manages the forest and therefore cannot simply accept windthrow and infestation by bark beetles. But the measures must be considered and must not be arbitrary. A major task, because the forests characterize the townscape of Reit im Winkl to this day and play an important role as a water reservoir, protection against erosion, temperature regulation and protection against avalanches. “The forest is our living space”, Andreas sums up the meaning in a few words.

After the tour we come back to Blindau. Andreas hopes that the forests around Reit im Winkl will continue to be managed in a sustainable manner. And now we know that as hikers, snowshoe hikers and nature lovers, we also have an influence on keeping it that way.

Immerse yourself in the forest region of Reit im Winkl - an experience for the senses.