OUR PROJECT

The "Mountaineering Villages Alpine Club" initiative is a project of the German Alpine Club (DAV) and its partner associations in Austria and South Tyrol. The aim of the initiative is to promote and support authentic, sustainable and nature-loving mountain villages, which are aimed in particular at mountaineers, hikers and climbers.

The mountaineering villages are characterized by a special alpine atmosphere, where guests are surrounded by nature and in close proximity to the mountains. The villages offer a wide range of mountain sports such as hiking, climbing, skiing or mountain biking, but also cultural and culinary experiences.

In order to be recognized as a mountaineering village, the villages must meet strict criteria. This includes, among other things, comprehensive environmental management, a sustainable and regional economy, a wide range of activities and the promotion of traditional handicrafts and customs.

There are currently 24 mountaineering villages in the Alps that are selected and regularly checked by an independent jury. The aim of the initiative is to promote sustainable and nature-friendly development in the mountain regions and thus to preserve a unique landscape and cultural landscape in the future.

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Our project aims to compare villages with each other using surveys and interviews in order to be able to draw any conclusions about favorable conditions. We work closely with the Alpine Club and the MCI.