Former biathlete brings Krüner Alm to life – a new adventure!

Former biathlete brings Krüner Alm to life – a new adventure!

In the picturesque setting of the Karwendel Alpine world, Magdalena Rieger and Hans Kriner have made a lifelong dream come true. The two have been working on the Krüner Alm and Finzalm since May 2025, enjoying everyday life in one of the most beautiful regions of Bavaria. As a former biathlete, Rieger has taken on a new challenge and is taking care of the hut life, while Kriner has taken on the role of community shepherd after his uncle Max had to step down due to health problems. Full of energy and joy, Hans Kriner describes how he immersed himself in his tasks.

Alpine farming has a tradition in the region and represents an important aspect of the cultural heritage. The Krüner Alm and the Finzalm are popular places to stop not only for locals, but also for hikers and cyclists. On warm summer days, Rieger attracts her guests with home-baked cakes and hearty snacks. Although the two of them work without vacation for the five months, they find the time on the mountain pasture to be enriching and beautiful.

Mountain idyll and sustainable agriculture

The idyllic location of the Krüner Alm is framed by majestic mountains such as the Soier, the Karwendel and the Zugspitze. The region offers breathtaking viewpoints and numerous hiking trails for nature lovers. Highlights such as the Isar Nature Adventure Trail and the Stone Museum ensure that both the natural experience and the culture remain alive. Tradition is very important in Krün, festivals such as carnival, the setting up of the maypole and the cattle drive testify to a lively custom that strengthens the community, as alpenwelt-karwendel.de reports.

Alpine farming is not only a return to the roots, but also a challenge that is closely linked to ecological issues. In all of this, it is important to maintain a sustainable approach to the region's pastures and waters. Excessive livestock treading can lead to problems in the clear lakes, so it is crucial to create a balanced habitat through responsible management, as the Bund-Naturschutz emphasizes. The climate crisis is contributing to increasing the challenges of alpine work, which is why a rethink in livestock farming is necessary.

The look into the future

After the intensive time on the mountain pasture, Magdalena Rieger has already made plans to find a new professional home in the office of the Partenkirchen Ski Club. Kriner's future plans, however, are still in limbo. But one thing is certain: the experiences you have gained in this wonderful setting will stay with you for the rest of your life.

The Krüner Alm and the Finzalm not only expand the local gastronomic offering, but also increase awareness of the region's natural and cultural diversity. The doors are open every day until mid-October, and anyone who wants to visit the alpine pastures should plan a walk of around one and a half hours to the Finzalm and three hours to the Krüner Alm. It's definitely worth it!