My favourite place: Obere Hemerach Alm
Peter Falkner
As a passionate hunter, Peter is drawn to the best places for observing game – without being observed himself. He is particularly fond of a high spot. The fact that his best-kept secret to date is a fantastic vantage point now also benefits other mountain hikers.
Everything connects. His favourite place – the upper Hemerach Alm. His wife Steffi’s favourite place – the lower Hemerach Alm. If Peter Falkner wants to go to his hunting platform, he has to climb via the lower to the upper alpine pasture which are only separated by a wide forest belt and are about an hour’s walk apart. It is a steep climb, so you need to be in good shape.
Reaching my favourite place before daybreak ...
“Even for me it is surprising how appearances are deceptive every time!” confesses the early riser who often reaches his favourite place before daybreak. Seen from the valley, the rocks above the tree line look rugged. If you are not familiar with them they appear dangerous, the steep walls look unconquerable. But as soon as we enter the terrain on the unmarked paths, we discover lovely bright clearings, similar to the lower Hemerach Alm. An unbelievable number of “Bödelen” where the game stays.
Sometimes Peter climbs up with friends, most of the time he is alone. “You learn to appreciate the little things, that’s what observing nature is about.” He explains. “You learn to look at things differently and take a step back into your carefree childhood. It’s like playing Indians for big boys.”
No tall story…
His retreat is the hunting platform, leaning against a rock. “The special location makes me feel protected and safe enough to spend the night up there”. So well hidden is the platform that no-one except him could find it. “It offers an unobstructed view of the valley, like a priest’s pulpit, and has a special aura.”
Animals seem to be attracted to this aura. “The black grouse is normally a shy bird, which is said to have an eye on every feather. Once, Steffi and I were perched on the platform in silence, as hunters should be. All of a sudden a black grouse came flying and just sat down next to us as if it hadn’t even noticed us. “This amazing experience is no tall story”, the huntsman assures us.
