Haymaking

Haymaking

Haymaking · Außerfern & Zugspitz Arena

The Haymaking
on Steep Slopes

Where winter fodder is still harvested by hand – an ancient cultural heritage.

The colorful mountain meadows around Ehrwald, Lermoos, and Außerfern tell a story of hard work: where the slopes are too steep for grazing livestock, the grass is still mown, turned, and brought in as precious mountain hay – the winter fodder for the animals.

This method of hay harvesting on the steepest locations – known as Bergmahd – is still largely done by hand today, ensuring the unique biodiversity of the mountain meadows.

45° Slope Inclination & Steeper
July Main Hay Harvest Time
2× Cuts per Summer
100+ Plant Species per Meadow
Wild Haymaking in the Mountains

What is
Bergmahd?

Bergmahd refers to meadows located on very steep slopes in the high mountains. They are too dangerous for grazing livestock – yet for mountain farmers, they represent an important additional area for hay production. This work is known as "Wildheuen," with the act of mowing simply referred to as "Mahd."

In the past, this was a perilous adventure: all available hands wielded sickles and clung to steep slopes with nailed shoes. Today, specially designed machines facilitate the work on steep terrains – yet even today, hand labor is still necessary in the steepest areas.

From Blade to Hay

Step by Step

I.
Mowing

The grass is cut with a sickle or scythe – in the steepest areas, this is done early in the morning while the dew keeps the blades tender.

II.
Turning & Drying

The grass is repeatedly turned with a rake to ensure it dries evenly in the mountain sun – true handwork.

III.
Harvesting

The dry hay is gathered and transported to the hay barn using a loader or hay cart – a supply for the long winter.

Hard Work, Yesterday & Today

From Sunrise
to Sunset

Haymaking used to start before sunrise and lasted until dusk. An exhausting daily routine – yet songs, sayings, and "a good harvest" accompanied the work, for joy lightens even the heaviest toil.

Even today, Bergmahd remains a heartfelt handwork – a commitment to home and a contribution to preserving an ancient cultural landscape.

Blooming Diversity

A Hotspot
of Biodiversity

Regularly mown mountain meadows are a paradise for butterflies, wild bees, and countless insects. Without mowing, they would become overgrown – but with it, rare plants and their floral splendor are preserved.

✓Over 100 plant species per meadow
✓Habitat for insects & rare blossoms
✓Valuable, aromatic mountain meadow hay
Experience & Appreciate

Cultural Landscape
to Touch

When you see the fragrant, freshly mown mountain meadows on your summer hikes, you will now know the work and tradition behind them. Enjoy this unique cultural landscape – and the delicacies that arise from it.