Scenic nature site: Hühnerspiel Round trip 1

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High up beneath the Brenner summit, lies an open, overgrown plateau with alpine roses and cranberry bushes. The glistening white Stubai Ice Caves can be seen in the distance. This scenic nature site is, however, the annual gathering place for black cockerels to mate, scuffle and ‘play about’ together. The peak mating season for roosters falls between late March and early June - which runs alongside the start of the hiking season. The roosters begin their courtship displays at dawn, as they try to impress with their posturing and chest thrusts, diverse sounds and exuberant leaps. They always take a break before sunrise, which hunters describe as morning prayer. Sunrise sees the start of the so-called ‘sun courtship’, which, including interludes of scuffling, lasts all day. Hühnerspiel therefore gives a whole new meaning to the concepts of nature and drama.

The tour starts at Oberegg car park (€ 4.00/day), above Krössbach. The car park can be reached by crossing the bridge opposite Gasthof Sportalm in Krössbach which heads towards Unteregg/Oberegg and then following the road for around 700 metres. If travelling by public transport, you go as far as the centre of Krössbach bus stop and the car park is approx. 15 minutes’ walk from there.

The starting point is the car park in Oberegg, above Krössbach. The forest path climbs sedately for approx. 1 ½ hours up to Milderaunalm. From there, it is a further 1 ½ hour’s hike to the Hühnerspiel scenic nature site. The climb up runs directly from the mountain pasture to a grassy plateau, namely the Hühnerspiel. A swivelling seat at this natural beauty spot makes it possible to enjoy the panoramic views from every angle. The descent leads you down the same path for around 2 hours, via the Milderaunalm and back to Oberegg.