Etiquette for the Alm: Please, no jiggery with the cow!

The first Austrian "Alpine meadows summit," was held virtually in a meeting room in the attic of the Ministry of tourism in Vienna – from practical considerations. Perhaps it would be like for the participants is also difficult, in the air Almhöhe in Corona-times attached to the safety distance to be complied with. Because of Austria are Alpine meadows is currently overrun.

Andreas Mihm

Economics correspondent in Vienna.

The advertising slogan "pastures instead of palm trees" shows its dark side. Where usually 100 walkers of the day were on their way, come today, "thousands", complained recently Johann Feßl, the Chairman of the Association of upper Austrian Alm and pasture. This season, he must not resist the wolves, the only Problem, but also problematic visitors to take care of.

The latest plague of guests, the turn beautiful mobile videos with animal. For example, children are set back to Calves, to post the photos on Instagram or Tik Tok. Another Motto was: cows scare, run away and shoot it can. Tik Tok had recently deleted the Videos of the "Kulikitaka Challenge". We will not tolerate any content that were unnecessarily shocking and cruel.

"pastures are not petting zoos"

Not only Alpine farmers are confused about such grossly negligent "challenges". "Pastures are not a petting zoo", was tourism Minister Elisabeth Köstinger (ÖVP), because even after the Meeting spread. Visitors were invited", the rules of conduct". The aims not only in the direction of the foreign tourists. "What I was not previously aware of, is that many of the Locals keep to the rules," the Minister said.

In the worst case, the numbers Careless with life and limb. This spring, several hikers from mother cows were attacked and injured in 2014, a 45-year-old German dog owner had been trampled on a pasture of cows to death. The highest Austrian court gave the farmer back then to blame. A change in the law now is clear that the visitors have a responsibility; the Almwirte can insure himself against the damage from the risk. Wegsperr should be prevented.