Austrian guidelines aim to manage mountain crowds
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Officials in Lofer, Austria, presented guidelines for respectful behavior in mountain areas on Thursday, as part of a broader initiative called the “Peak Charter.”
The charter already includes over 100 mountains and seeks to educate both locals and tourists on how to share the space responsibly. Josef Aichhorn, managing director of Almenwelt Lofer, explained that they aim to communicate positive behaviors to visitors and residents.
The initiative addresses increasing use of mountains for recreation and as a retreat, and aims to prevent conflicts between people, animals, and the natural environment. Salzburg will spend 60,000 euros on information and awareness campaigns, sharing guidelines via websites, signs, and staff. Agrarlandesrat Maximilian Aigner noted that mountains bring together many different groups, landowners, farmers, restaurateurs, tourists, and locals, and that reminding everyone of the rules is important.
The guidelines include taking trash with you, closing pasture gates, leashing dogs, and behaving appropriately around livestock and wildlife, especially after recent dangerous cow attacks in other regions of Austria.
