The Alps from spring to winter!
The cycle of nature in the Tyrolean Alps.
“Live each season as it comes! Breathe the air, drink, taste the fruit and surrender to its influence.” The flora and fauna in the Alps also live by this guiding principle of Henry David Thoreau. With a mosaic of habitats, the mountain ecosystem is home to numerous animals and plants. As the seasons change, the flora and fauna have developed their very own strategies to adapt to the changing conditions in nature.
The Big Five: animals in the Alps
You don’t have to travel to Africa to encounter the Big Five. Attentive hikers can also discover fascinating fauna in Tyrol. Ibex, chamois, marmots, golden eagles and alpine salamanders – with a bit of luck, you can encounter them all in the mountains of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena.
With an absence of up to 9 months in winter, the marmot is nevertheless one of the most frequently observed wild animals. In summer, they draw attention to themselves with their bellowing whistle and can be seen mainly in the morning and evening hours. During hibernation, they reduce their breathing to two breaths per minute. The ibex and chamois also switch to economy mode in winter. Similar to reptiles, they slow down their metabolism and burn body fat very sparingly as a result. It’s worth getting up early in summer if you want to watch the “King of the Alps” climbing in the morning. The territory of the Alpine ibex is located above the tree line at an altitude of up to 3,500 meters. The chamois’ range is slightly below the tree line, where it forages mainly in the early morning or evening hours. The color of the animals’ fur changes with the seasons, from reddish-brown in summer to dark brown in winter.
A look through binoculars can be worthwhile to marvel at the king of the skies on his soaring flights. In winter, it can also be observed at lower altitudes, while in summer it mainly hunts above the tree line. As early as mid-January, the golden eagle is on the lookout for its bride and can be observed during the perfect “garland flight” of its marriage proposal. Between April and October, damp mountain forests are an ideal place to meet an Alpine salamander. While the small animals hibernate in underground hiding places during the remaining months, the crepuscular amphibians can be observed at an altitude of 800 to 2,000 meters.
Cycle of nature: plants in the Alps
The Ehrwald basin is enclosed by the municipalities of Ehrwald, Lermoos and Biberwier. These remnants of an ancient moorland landscape are home to endangered animal and plant species. Together with an oxbow of the Loisach in the north of the basin, this valuable moor forms the “Ehrwalder Becken” nature reserve. It is home to orchids, irises and rare insect species. The diversity and beauty of the alpine flora and fauna on the Grubigstein can be experienced on the explorer trail. Numerous walking and cycling paths throughout the valley basin offer a fantastic all-round panorama including the Zugspitze, the Wetterstein massif, the Sonnenspitze and the Grubigstein.
Whether on a walk, a bike ride, a run or a round of golf: The lush green plant world is the ideal leisure and recreation area for young and old explorers. In winter too, the Ehrwald basin offers wonderful cross-country skiing routes, idyllic winter hiking trails and opportunities for horse-drawn carriage rides. Small pine and spruce groves form the transition to the surrounding damp meadows. The nature reserve is also home to 51 bird species. From the lush green Ehrwald basin in summer to snow-covered mountain peaks in winter, the region around Zugspitze offers various opportunities to marvel at the diverse fauna.
Experience nature at the Hotel Post
Spring, summer, fall and winter: The joy of discovery in the middle of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena nature paradise never stops and nature experiences in all seasons not only ensure variety, but also pure diversity at the pulse of nature. On Moosle’s explorer trail, children can playfully discover the beauty and diversity of the alpine flora and fauna of the Grubigstein. Starting at the middle station of the Grubigstein cable car, the young explorers discover nature at seven stations on the forest and meadow trail down to Lermoos. The moss between Ehrwald, Lermoos and Biberwier not only offers wonderful views of nature in summer, but also invites you to go hiking in winter.
Keep up with the times and enjoy the unique natural surroundings at the Hotel Post in Lermoos all year round. From skiing on the doorstep to winter hikes in untouched natural landscapes and bike and summit tours in the Zugspitz Arena. That’s the nature experience at Hotel Post. Up close and personal!
