Wildfütterung im Klausbachtal

Wildfütterung im Klausbachtal is a nearly level 4.2 km (2.6 mi) out-and-back from Klausbachhaus to a raised gallery overlooking the red-deer feeding enclosure. It follows the valley between Hochkalter and Reiteralpe; allow about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk and spend time at the gallery. It is a good fit when you want a gentle valley walk with a winter wildlife stop at the end.

Start at the National Park information center at Klausbachhaus and take the narrower path left a few metres farther on. The firm-sand track follows the Klausbach, stays nearly level, and has benches about every 200 metres. It passes the eagle observation point, where timber loungers face up the slope, then meets paved Hirschbichlstraße; turn left a short way to the feeding gallery. Retrace the same path, or use the paved road back if you would rather not walk the valley twice.

The winter enclosure is used December through April, when up to about 50 red deer may gather at the troughs. Sightings depend on luck. Later in the day often gives a better chance, but no fixed public feeding time is posted; ask at Klausbachhaus when you arrive. From the gallery, a feed trough in the foreground helps show the deer against the clearing and wooded slope.

Red deer once moved down to the snow-poorer foothills in winter. Roads and settlements now block much of that migration, so the park feeds them here to limit browsing and bark damage in the mountain forest. In spring, rangers open the enclosure gates and the deer return to the wild. A board on the back of the building also tells the local tale “Der Teufel im Klausbachtal.”

Use the paid lot beside Klausbachhaus; there is a public toilet at the information center, while the gallery has no accessible toilet. The Auzinger bus stop is about 500 metres away on foot. The route and gallery are barrier-free only when snow conditions allow, and dogs must stay on leash in the National Park.