Future of the Zwieselalm in danger: closure threatens!

Future of the Zwieselalm in danger: closure threatens!

Bad Reichenhall, Deutschland - The financial difficulties of the popular Zwieselalm near Bad Reichenhall accept threatening dimensions. The family -run alpine pasture, which is enthroned at a height of 1386 meters at the foot of the Zwiesel, is faced with a possible way to close due to increasing operating costs and falling visitor numbers. Andi Potschacher und seine Familie versuchen derzeit, die Situation mit reduzierten Öffnungszeiten in den Sommermonaten zu retten, berichtete Rosenheim24 .

The supply of the ALM is extremely complicated due to the remote location. There is no direct route, which is why the delivery of food and goods mostly takes place by helicopter, which causes high costs of 400 euros for a return flight. In addition, support is provided by volunteers and mountain hunters of the Bundeswehr by bringing supplies to the Alm.

challenges of alpine pasture

The family's stress is diverse: high investments for photovoltaic systems, power units and the preparation of the water add up. Since 2024, the wastewater has also been removed using a helicopter. These high operating costs are in contrast to the decreasing willingness of the guests to spend money, a trend that has been observed in particular since pandemic. The demands of the visitors have also changed, and numerous guests expect more than the dishes currently offered.

The ALM has so far benefited primarily from families as a hiking destination. The accessibility from the “Jochberg” parking lot is feasible for children with a walking time of about 1.5 hours. From the Zwieselalm, hikers have a clear view of Bad Reichenhall and the Berchtesgaden Alps. Nevertheless, new requirements make a modernization of the ALM and overnight accommodation almost impossible.

The future of the Zwieselalm

The family's plans to preserve the alpine pasture are shaky. With the restriction of opening times to only Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays, they hope for saving costs, although this could also reduce the number of visitors. Andi Potschacher and his family have already increased their working hours to manage the loads. The golden times of alpine pasture in the 1970s and 1980s seem to be finally over. If the situation does not improve, you could seriously consider to give up the alp.

In order to illuminate the challenges of alpine pasture, illuminates our alpine pastures the cultural meaning of this tradition. According to the research approaches, alpine pasture is not only an economic model, but also a symbol of resistance and the connection to nature. The challenges of alpine pasture, which are often ignored today, urgently need more media attention and support from the European public.