Affentalalm, Mountain pasture in Sankt Jakob in Defereggen, Austria
This mountain pasture sits at about 2,200 meters elevation between several peaks and overlooks the surrounding high-altitude terrain. It forms a meadow area in the middle of steep slopes where livestock grazes during the warm months.
The name comes from old hunting language of the region, where young marmots were called 'Affen' by local hunters. This linguistic trace shows how people historically understood and named features of the mountains.
Local herders work this pasture following methods passed down through generations, moving their animals across the high meadows. The way livestock graze here shapes how the land looks and keeps old Alpine traditions alive in daily practice.
Access comes through rural roads via the Klammljoch pass, which connects the valley to the neighboring region. Visitors should prepare for high-altitude mountain conditions and allow enough time for walking uphill.
This area borders the outer zone of Hohe Tauern National Park, where marmots and mountain wildlife roam in their natural home. It offers rare chances to watch high-altitude animals going about their daily lives without disturbance.
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