Behavior in nature Your contribution to an intact mountain environment

Aussicht auf das Ensntal vom Hauser Kaibling | © Mathäus Gartner

Guidelines for respectful enjoyment of natur

Our mountains in Styria / Austria are a unique habitat - for animals, plants and people as well. Anyone who spends time in nature takes on responsibility. Because every action leaves its mark. Whether hiking, biking or simply enjoying the view - consideration, respect and mindfulness are the foundations for living together in harmony in the Alps.
🌲 Forest & wild camping

Wild camping in nature or forests is generally prohibited. This activity is only permitted if you have the owner's permission. Otherwise, please use the official campsites.

🏞 Swimming in mountain lakes

Our mountain lakes are crystal-clear natural treasures - sensitive ecosystems. Please keep your distance from the shore areas, avoid using soap or sunscreen in the water and pay attention to local bathing bans. Enjoying nature requires consideration.

🐶 Holidays witg dogs

Dogs are very welcome - as long as certain rules are observed: Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the region - especially on alpine pastures and near grazing livestock. Please use dog waste bags and dispose them in the bins provided.

🐄 Cows

Cows roam the alpine pastures during summer. Please do not feed the animals, do not touch them and always keep a safe distance. In general: keep dogs on a leash and cross pastures calmly and quietly.

🦌 Wild animals

Wild animals need undisturbed areas - especially at dawn and dusk. Stay on the marked paths, avoid resting and protected zones and keep noise to a minimum. Observe animals from a distance to prevent unnecessary stress.

🗑 Rubbish

What you bring to the mountains should return with you to the valley. Even seemingly "harmless" items like tissues or fruit peels ecompose very slowly and harm nature. Please take your waste back with you - for a clean and intact mountain environment!

On the road with dogs

How it works in nature

Questions and answers

The Schladming-Dachstein region offers a selection of beautiful mountain lakes – some suitable for swimming, others strictly protected.

If you want to swim:

Check in advance whether the lake is suitable for swimming or is protected.

Be mindful of nature: be quiet, respect the shore areas, do not use soap or oil, and be careful when entering the water.

Help preserve the purity of the lakes – for future generations.

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Not permitted without the consent of the forest owner:

Camping after dark

Tent camping

Camping with caravans

Spending the night in a vehicle

Alpine wasteland

Freely accessible to tourists (above the tree line).

Exception: agricultural areas such as alpine pastures – no free access there.

Nature reserves

Camping and bivouacking are prohibited by law in nature reserves such as the Riesach Valley, Seewigtal Valley, or Klafferkessel.

Outside forests and alpine pastures

The same applies here: camping is only permitted with the consent of the landowner.

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When hiking in Schladming-Dachstein, you will often encounter cows. To ensure that everything remains relaxed, please observe the following rules:

Keep your distance

Remain calm

Do not run

Do not provoke the animals

Do not stroke the animals

Travelling with a dog?

Always keep it on a short leash and lead it calmly.

In case of danger: let go of the dog immediately, never pick it up – this will protect both you and your pet.

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Many hiking trails are dog-friendly, but there are exceptions—there may be restrictions, especially in nature reserves or on farmed alpine pastures with grazing livestock.

Dogs are not allowed on the following hikes:

Alpinsteig Höll to Riesachsee

End of the Obertal valley from Eschachalm (Duisitzkarsee / Keinprechthütte)

Gumpental (Moaralmsee)

Ramsauer Almengebiet (Neustattalm to Bachlalm)

Sölktal (Trogermühle in Mössna towards Knallalm)

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