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Cattle tragedy in Garmisch: concerns about safety on the Kämialm!
In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the death of 15 cattle at the Kämialm caused a stir. Discussions about causes and solutions begin.
Cattle tragedy in Garmisch: concerns about safety on the Kämialm!
In August 2023, a tragedy occurred on the Kämialm in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district when 15 cattle died under circumstances that are still unclear. This caused a huge outcry among livestock owners and the local population. The Mercury reports that the Partenkirchen pasture cooperative suspects possible causes in this context to be military helicopter maneuvers. The increasing tourist pressure in the form of hikers and cyclists could also lead to stress for the animals.
Joseph Grasegger, the first chairman of the pasture cooperative, has already submitted several complaints to the Lower Nature Conservation Authority. He is particularly concerned about Bundeswehr exercises, which, although they have not increased significantly in recent years, can still be a burden. According to the records so far, there were a total of 12 exercises in 2022, 14 in 2023, and 13 exercises had already been registered by October 2025. However, no military aircraft movements were recorded on the crucial days of the cattle accident.
Serious incidents are increasing
The incident on the Kämialm is not an isolated case. Loud Agricultural today The Partenkirchen pasture cooperative has already reported four serious incidents this summer. These occurred at Schachen and Oberaibla. Grasegger makes it clear that the number of incidents has been at a record high in the last 30 to 40 years. This shows that the pasture cooperative has reached its limits.
Concerns about cattle farming are only heightened by current events. Even with the best fences and most experienced shepherds, the challenges are great. People's disrespect and careless behavior are difficult to control and represent a constant threat. Grasegger describes the situation as extremely unpleasant. “I no longer want to answer the phone when it rings during the Alm season,” he admits Mercury.
The role of training flights
Another point in the discourse is the increasing number of non-military flights, which already took place on 26 days in 2025 - compared to only 13 days in 2022. The increased activities of ADAC, as well as 36 training days for mountain rescue services, police and air rescue, could also contribute to the negative impact on the animals. These circumstances raise questions: How long can humans and animals endure these challenges?
Josef Glatz, chairman of the Upper Bavaria Alpine Association, emphasizes the need for a round table to discuss practice times and locations. This could help defuse the situation on site and reduce the pressure on grazing animals. At the 78th Alpine Farmers' Day in Ruhpolding, support was already offered for the injured animal owners, as not all damage is often covered by insurance.
The discussion about cattle farming is complex. The area includes not only the keeping of cattle for milk and meat, but also important aspects of animal care and nutrition, as in the Bavarian State Institute for Agriculture described. The Animal Welfare Animal Husbandry Ordinance plays a central role and ensures that the animals receive the necessary attention and care.
The events on the Kämialm not only call for mindfulness with regard to the treatment of animals, but also for urgently needed cooperation between the various actors on site in order to organize grazing in harmony with the interests of people and animals.