A close-up of delicate alpine rose blossoms, with the warm rays of the sun shining through their petals.

Through rose-tinted glasses: Alpine rose in bloom in Warth-Schröcken.

When the mountains glow pink.

There are those special moments in summer when the mountain landscape around Warth-Schröcken is transformed into a unique sea of flowers. When the scent of fresh grass hangs in the air, the morning sun gently illuminates the peaks and bright splashes of colour suddenly appear amongst the rocks and mountain meadows, the alpine rose blossom season begins.

A landscape photograph shows Lake Kalbele in the morning light, with vibrant alpine roses in the foreground, lush greenery all around, and the first rays of sunshine glinting off the shimmering lake.

Alpine rose in bloom at Lake Kalbele

Bright pink alpine roses stand out in the foreground, whilst the Biberkopf can be seen in the background.

Alpine rose blossoms at the top station of the Steffisalp Express

Lush green meadows and bright pink alpine roses dominate the foreground, whilst in the background the mountains can be seen bathed in the warm evening light.

Alpine rose in bloom at the Hochtannberg Pass

A sharply focused alpine rose is positioned to one side of the frame, whilst behind it, the Körbersee, with its trees and mountains, can be seen blurred in the evening light.

Alpine rose in bloom at Körbersee.

The deep red to pink flowers of the Alpine rose – botanically known as Rhododendron ferrugineum – are among the most beautiful sights in the Alpine flora. At altitudes of between around 1,500 and 2,200 metres, they adorn the mountain slopes, adding splashes of colour amidst lush meadows and striking rocks, and lending the landscape its unmistakable summer charm.

Anyone hiking through the Alps at this time of year will experience the mountain world through rose-tinted glasses.

Sunrise on the rocky Karhorn, with a view of the Biberkopf. The first rays of sunlight hit the rocks, whilst alpine roses on the hillside glow in warm colours.

A family come across a rhododendron bush together. The mother shows the children the distinctive flowers of this alpine plant.

A profusion of flowers at every turn.

The alpine rose blossoms usually reach their peak between June and early July – precisely the time when Warth-Schröcken comes alive. On leisurely walking trails around the Hochtannberg Pass or during relaxing high-altitude walks, the colourful blossoms can be wonderfully combined with impressive mountain panoramas.

Lake Steinmandl, with the Widderstein reflected in the background. In the foreground, colourful alpine flowers spring from the meadow, lending the picture added depth.

The flowering mountain meadows are also a special experience, displaying their full diversity right up until the first mowing. Gentian, bellflowers, daisies and numerous other alpine flowers transform the meadows of Warth-Schröcken into a colourful natural masterpiece.

Anyone visiting at this time of year will witness a small miracle: the full diversity of alpine flora concentrated in a very small area – framed by imposing peaks and the tranquillity of the mountains.

A tip for food lovers: the numerous fields of chives lining the paths turn a simple buttered sandwich into a special culinary experience.

A man and a woman are walking through the mountainous landscape and looking out over a vast flower-filled meadow dotted with numerous yellow blossoms.

Hiking in Auenfeld

A vast flower-filled meadow dotted with yellow blossoms stretches out in the foreground, whilst a small cottage can be seen on the horizon beneath a brilliant blue sky.

Flower meadows in Warth-Schröcken

A man and a woman are walking from behind through flowering yellow and green mountain meadows, whilst the outlines of the mountains are visible on the horizon.

Hiking in Auenfeld

A hut stands bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, surrounded by a lush green mountain meadow with purple and pink flowers in bloom in the foreground.

Flower meadows at the Hochalp Pass

A bird’s-eye view of Johannes and Hubert Strolz making hay. The picture shows a freshly mown mountainside with a loaded tractor, a mower and two people carrying out the traditional manual work with hay rakes.

Did you know …?

… that the extraordinary plant diversity of our mountain meadows is preserved through farming practices that are particularly close to nature?

On the meadows of Warth-Schröcken, no artificial fertilisers are used and over-fertilisation is avoided. Many of these areas are still maintained today by local farmers, with a great deal of manual labour. This gentle management creates valuable habitats for numerous plant and animal species and preserves the natural character of our cultural landscape.

Take a look now: join Johannes & Hubert Strolz as they make hay.

Tips for the perfect Alpine rose walk.

Best time to visit: late June to early July. The early morning or late afternoon, with their soft light, are particularly atmospheric.
The most beautiful spots: Hochtannberg Pass, Lake Kalbele, Lake Körber, the Steffisalp-Express mountain station (towards the Hochalphütte), Auenfeld and Widderstein.
What to bring: Sturdy footwear, a water bottle, a snack, sun cream, weatherproof clothing, and a camera or mobile phone to capture those unforgettable moments in the mountains.
A special tip: Combine your hike with a leisurely stop at an alpine pasture or mountain hut and enjoy regional specialities produced on the premises.

Please note: Wild plants must not be wilfully damaged or destroyed. Picking or collecting alpine roses is not permitted. These plants are a protected species and their leaves and nectar contain substances known as grayanotoxins.

Three cows in a flowering mountain meadow. The first rays of the sun bathe the landscape in warm light, whilst the silhouettes of numerous mountain ranges become visible in the background.

Geführte Kräuterwanderung durch die alpine Pflanzenwelt. Ein Guide zeigt besondere Kräuter und erklärt ihre Bedeutung für Natur und Mensch.

Guided herb walks.

Anyone wishing to explore the mountain meadows in even greater depth can discover the little treasures of the alpine flora on the weekly herb walks led by experienced guides. During these walks, visitors learn interesting facts about native herbs, rare flowers and the unique interconnections within nature.

An experience for all the senses – packed with knowledge, fascinating stories and fresh perspectives on the mountain world.

Details

When the Alps come to life.

From July onwards, the cows return to the alpine pastures. The mountain meadows, which were still in full bloom during the first weeks of summer, now become a habitat for grazing cattle. The animals graze amongst colourful flowers, whilst the ringing of bells echoes along the hiking trails – an unmistakable sound of the mountain summer.

Two walkers are making their way along a mountain path, with Lake Kalbele, a mountain range in the distance and grazing cows visible ahead of them.

Hiking around Lake Kalbele

Two walkers pass an alpine hut, from which there is a sweeping view of Schröcken.

Trail running in Warth-Schröcken

A close-up shows a cheese platter on a table, surrounded by several drinks.

A stop at a mountain hut in Warth-Schröcken

Two hikers are sitting at a table in the barn of an alp, enjoying coffee and buttermilk.

A visit to an alpine pasture

A family is walking along a mountain path. In the foreground, a colourful meadow in full bloom shines out, whilst behind it a sweeping view of the imposing mountain landscape unfolds.

More than just flowers.

The blooming of the alpine rose is far more than just a colourful natural spectacle. It symbolises the vitality of the mountains, the rhythm of the seasons and the special bond between people and nature.

Anyone walking through the blossoming slopes can feel the tranquillity of the Alps, the power of the landscape and the joy of consciously savouring the moment.

Because sometimes it is precisely these colours that make a moment unforgettable – and bring a smile to your face.

Ein Spaziergang durch den Kräutergarten des Kulturraum & Stuba Lädele im Ortskern von Warth. Zwischen duftenden Pflanzen lassen sich selbstgemachte Produkte aus heimischen Kräutern entdecken.

Cultural Centre & Stuba Lädele.

A visit to the herb garden at Kulturraum & Stuba Lädele is the perfect opportunity to discover the diversity of the region’s flora, even off the beaten track. Discover lovingly crafted products and experience the region’s herbal culture with all your senses.

Details

Stimmungsvoller Sonnenuntergang bei einer geführten Tour zum Hochalpsee. Die letzten Sonnenstrahlen tauchen die Berglandschaft in warme Farben.

Live in the mountains.

Discover the alpine rose in bloom in Warth-Schröcken.

Now wander through the sea of colours.