The Unesco Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal is a protected nature reserve in the Alps in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, the valley covers an area of 19,200 ha. There are 3,420 inhabitants and around 180 farms (40% of which are organic). Farmers have a big impact on creating traditional mountain landscape as a mosaic of alpine pastures, meadows full of beautiful flowers, mountains with high-alpine summits, rivers and forest. The region was included by UNESCO on 10/11/2000 in the list of model global regions for sustainable livelihoods and economies. In a biosphere reserve, humans and nature should interact with each other and only positively complement the other. In summer, the varied mountain landscape with 230 km of marked hiking trails, 40 mountain peaks and 47 managed alpine pastures is perfect for enjoyable hiking and quality time in nature. In winter, familiar skiing areas as well as skitouring and snowshoeing through silent winter landscape are part of nature experiences.
Credits
Location
Vorarlberg, Austria
Photos
Biosphärenpark Großes Walsertal
