Visit to the Alpine Bird Hot Spot

From Schlegeis to the Research Station at Pfitscher Joch

Pfitscher Joch is a gentle pass connecting the Zillertal and Pfitscher Valley in South Tyrol. Countless migratory birds also use this route when flying south to their wintering grounds in the fall. For several years now, a team of researchers has been operating a small observation station at the pass. After a “soft landing” in the nets that have been set up, migratory birds are identified, examined, and banded before continuing their journey south. On the way to the Joch, many fascinating stories await us, such as those about smuggling between Austria and Italy or the Stone Age. Even back then, people had already discovered and utilized the landscape around the Joch plateau. This and more is explored in the exciting exhibition “pfitscherjoch grenzenlos” at the Lavitzalm. After a leisurely stop at the Pfitscher Joch-Haus, we hike back to the Schlegeis Reservoir.

Good to know:

Character: Moderate hike on mountain trails through alpine pastures (approx. 600 meters of elevation gain)

Duration: approx. 6 hours; of which 5 hours are pure walking time

Dates: 11.08, 15.09, 29.09, 06.10

Meeting point: 9:30 a.m. | Schlegeis bus stop

Costs: Adults €15.00 – guests of the Nature Park partner businesses, as well as Nature Park members are free of charge.

General information:

Refreshment stops: Pfitscher Joch-Haus, Lavitzalm

Number of participants: Maximum 9 | Registration required

Directions (Bus Line 4102) on 11.08, 15.09: Departure 7:35 a.m. Mayrhofen Train Station – Arrival 8:25 a.m. Schlegeis Reservoir

Return trip (Bus Line 4102): Departure 3:40 p.m. Schlegeis Reservoir – Arrival 4:23 p.m. Mayrhofen Train Station

Directions (Bus Line 4102) on 29.09, 06.10: Departure 8:05 a.m. Mayrhofen Train Station – Arrival 8:55 a.m. Schlegeis Reservoir

Return trip (Bus Line 4102): Departure 4:10 p.m. Schlegeis Reservoir – Arrival 4:53 p.m. Mayrhofen Train Station