Rabenkopf, 1555 m

Via Orterer-Alm and Staffel-Alm: The trail initially leads through the Flysch zone, whose rocks weather easily and form rather soft surface features. In contrast, the summit areas of Rabenkopf and Schwarzeck are composed of platy limestone alongside main dolomite. This limestone is very permeable and supports only shallow soils, which also affects alpine farming. Most of the alpine pastures were likely created through slash-and-burn clearing since the 16th century and are relatively large, as the less productive forest pasture also makes up a considerable portion. Recently, former forest pasture areas on the Rabenkopf are being reforested with site-appropriate species to protect against erosion. Most of the alpine pastures are grazing rights, meaning that they – having belonged to Benediktbeuern Abbey for centuries – are now state property. However, the right to manage them has often been granted to the same farm for a very long time, with precise regulations specifying the number of livestock, grazing season, and duration. Due to their proximity to farms, most of the Jachenau alpine pastures are still grazed today, but only with less labor-intensive young cattle.