The Geigelstein area, known for its centuries-old alpine farming and diverse geological features, today offers ideal conditions for an impressive biodiversity of flora and fauna. The more than 3,000-hectare area has been designated a nature reserve since 1991.

Approximately 720 fern and flowering plant species have been recorded on the Geigelstein, of which 111 are protected under the Habitats Directive (FAH). Therefore, the Geigelstein is also known as the "Flower Mountain of the Chiemgau." Traditional alpine farming, characteristic of the Chiemgau Alps, is an essential component of the protected area. Grazing livestock prevents scrub encroachment and thus contributes significantly to the preservation of the flower meadows on the Geigelstein.

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A total of 15 farmers in the municipality of Schleching still operate active dairy farming. The majority of them operate according to the organic guidelines of the organic farming associations Demeter and Naturland. Together, they keep around 215 cows and a similar number of young cattle and calves for breeding. They supply around 1.9 million kilograms of milk annually to the Berchtesgadener Land dairy. The young cattle, in particular, spend the summer on the alpine pastures, keeping them open – a prerequisite for preserving the flowers and herbs.

The alpine meadows in the Geigelstein region are extremely species-rich. Numerous flowers line the hiking trail, particularly on the ascent from the Wirtsalm to the Sattel, on the high plateau to the Rossalm, and on the descent to the Haidenholzalm. Depending on the season, a colorful display of alpine flowers can be seen: stemless blue gentian, small sedgewort, rich yellow globeflowers on wetter areas, pale blue globeflowers, yellow kidney vetch, white hellebore, and alpine roses, also known as alpine roses. Scabiosa, the purple scabious, orchid, alpine bellflowers, wild thyme, silver thistle, and many other species enrich the alpine meadows. Around 40 different orchid species and 16 different gentian species can be found here.

An intrigued amateur florist will find a very comprehensive description of the flora in the Geigelstein Nature Reserve. See also: Roberge (roberge.de/tour.php?id=343).

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Distance 2.22 km

Uphill 480 m

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Friday 19 December

6°C

-2°C

0 %

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Max wind speed: 1.0 km/h

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Location: Schleching, Chiemgau, Traunstein, Upper Bavaria, Bavaria, Germany

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Farming and alpine pasture management go hand in hand in Schleching.

1. Geigelstein Summit Cross – Priener Hütte loop from Ettenhausen

2. View from Wirtsalm – Geigelstein Summit Cross loop from Ettenhausen

3. Priener Hütte – Geigelstein Summit Cross loop from Ettenhausen

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