We would like to introduce you to places whose greatest potential lies in their originality, tradition and culture. The following points, which are closely linked to the objectives of the Alpine Convention, are particularly important to us: tourism philosophy, townscape and Alpine flair, mountain farming and mountain forestry, nature and landscape conservation, environmentally friendly mobility / transport, communication and information exchange.
Strict criteria are applied for the inclusion of new municipalities.

The Mountaineering Villages are fully committed to implementing the protocols of the Alpine Convention. The Alpine Convention is an international treaty concluded between the eight Alpine states and the European Union. Its signatories believe wholeheartedly in the sustainable development and protection of the Alps.

The philosophy of the Mountaineering Villages encompasses the following themes, from which the strict criteria for selecting municipalities are drawn:

Duties and role of the Mountaineering Villages

Mountaineering villages are exemplary regional development centres in sustainable Alpine tourism with a corresponding tradition. They guarantee a tourism offer that is geared towards mountaineers, have an excellent landscape and environmental quality and are committed to the preservation of local cultural and natural values. As alpine competence centres, mountaineering villages focus on personal responsibility, ability and sovereignty as well as environmentally aware and responsible behaviour of their guests on the mountain.

Mountaineering villages also set an example by striving to achieve the goal of sustainable development in the Alpine region in harmony with and in self-evident compliance with the relevant legal provisions and programmes.

The philosophy of tourism

The focus is on alpinism in all its forms and the conscious, holistic experience of nature with the following components: physical exertion, overcoming alpine difficulties, expertise and risk management on the mountain, enjoying the natural beauty of the Alps, slowing down.

For local tourism providers, this means particular restraint in the technical development of the mountain region.
Guest accommodation is limited to small businesses and providers anchored in the region are promoted.

The mountain huts will be preserved in their capacity as high-altitude accommodation facilities with a base character and as a functional supplement to the accommodation facilities in the valley in the long term.

Read more about the Alpine Convention’s position on tourism here …

Visual impact and image

Mountaineering villages pay attention to the quality of the building work. In particular, they are keen to ensure that the size, choice of materials and design of buildings and facilities match the typical local appearance.

Mountain farming, mountain forestry

Mountain farming and the management of the mountain forest are of the utmost importance for the function and image of the Mountaineering Villages. The aim is to achieve a balance between modern farming techniques, sensible yields, an ecologically stable overall condition and a cultural landscape that is harmonious for tourism.

The goal is a close connection between producers and consumers at a local and regional level as well as the long-term preservation and maintenance of typical cultural landscape elements.

The touristic use of alpine pasture buildings must not jeopardise their main agricultural function. Particular care is taken to ensure that no additional motorised traffic is generated in the alpine pasture area.

Read more about the Alpine Convention’s position on mountain agriculture here …, and about moutain forests here …

Nature and landscape conservation

The Mountaineering Villages aim to secure the lasting preservation and renewal of conservation areas. To achieve this it is expected that the municipalities act as active partners in the care and maintenance of these areas.

Read more about the Alpine Convention’s position on biodiverstiy and nature conservation here …

Mobility / traffic

Mountaineering Villages make a special effort to cater for those guests who wish to reach the village without their own motorised vehicle. The municipalities are actively committed to maintaining and improving public transport, paying particular attention to the needs of guests.

Read more about the Alpine Convention’s position on transport here …

Communication and information exchange

Mountaineering Villages regularly exchange their experiences with each other and discuss all internal and external suggestions that they receive.