Encounter with giants: experience deer up close in Garmisch!

Encounter with giants: experience deer up close in Garmisch!

What's going on in Garmisch-Partenkirchen? Wintertime is show feeding time for the impressive red deer! The Oberammergau forestry company invites all nature lovers to experience the majestic red deer up close. The event takes place both in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and in picturesque Graswang. Here you have the opportunity to observe these largest wild animals in Germany under the expert supervision of professional hunters. With a shoulder height of up to 160 cm and a weight of around 200 kg, the red deer are not only impressive, but also offer an exciting spectacle that should not be missed.

The show feeding in the “Almhütte” is open daily from Friday to Sunday from December 27th to February 28th. Visitors can enter from 3:30 p.m. before feeding begins at 4 p.m. A short ten-minute walk from the “Maximilianshöhe” hiking car park leads to this experience, which lasts about an hour. The same dates apply for feeding in the “Schattenwald”, but access is a little more challenging: This is followed by a 15-minute walk from the “Schattenwald” car park. Fees are moderate, at 3 euros for adults and 1 euro for children aged 6 and over. When it comes to animals, dogs are not allowed.

Feeding details and behavior of red deer

When it comes to feeding, visitors need to know that red deer visit specific feeding areas during the winter months. To observe these animals, which like to stay in undisturbed areas, a winter gate is an excellent option. Red deer have decided to increasingly search for food at night, which makes daytime observations all the more valuable. Their diet is varied and includes grasses, herbs and even beets - an adult animal eats up to 20 kg of food every day!

In winter, these impressive animals often travel in smaller groups made up of deer and hinds, led by a strong leader. However, the density of human settlement in the Alps has affected their migration routes and forces red deer into flatter areas to find sufficient food. Nevertheless, the forestry company attaches great importance to helping these magnificent creatures get through the harsh winter with winter shelters.

Rules and behavior in the forest

Markus Achhammer, the forestry manager, emphasizes that the entry prices remain stable and the feedings continue to take place on the weekend. However, visitors are asked to use the defined paths and routes and to remain quiet in the forest at dusk and at night. This simple rule will help avoid disturbing the majestic red deer.

It is a great joy and a real experience to see these animals in their habitat. A visit to the show feeding is the perfect opportunity to learn more about red deer and their way of life while having a great time in nature. If you have the chance, you definitely shouldn't miss this event! For detailed information, the Kreisboten website is available or the Wintergatter page, which offers comprehensive insights into the project. There is also the Rothirsch website, which provides information about interesting facts about red deer.