Winter deer feeding
in Klausbachtal

Start at Klausbachhaus, the national park information point beside Hintersee, and follow signs to the Wildfütterung, the deer feeding area. The path climbs gently, with rock faces opening up on either side. In good conditions, allow about 35–45 minutes to reach the observation point.

Depending on the route, the return walk is roughly four kilometres, with around an hour and a half of walking plus time watching the deer. Ask at Klausbachhaus about that day’s route and feeding arrangements before setting out.

You watch from a viewing platform. The number of animals and the time they come out of the woods vary from day to day. Binoculars help you see deer at the far edge of the clearing.

We suggest aiming for early afternoon, roughly 1–2 pm, then checking the day’s arrangements at Klausbachhaus. Stay on designated paths and at the observation point, keep quiet and don’t feed the animals yourselves.

The winter enclosure covers about 45 hectares. Roads and settlements have blocked many of the deer’s former routes to lower, less snowy winter ground. Feeding also protects young trees from browsing. In spring, the gates open and the animals move back into the mountains.

Reserve by phone if you’d like to travel from Klausbachhaus by horse-drawn carriage. A sleigh is used when snow conditions allow. Confirm your meeting place and return journey when booking.

Call +49 177 7230010 to reserve. These are carriage departure times, not three scheduled deer feeding times. The viewing platform is freely accessible; a walk does not require a reservation.

If you arrive in the morning, walk beside Hintersee first. The boulders along the shore frame changing views across the lake and mountains. The Prinzregent-Luitpold-Weg circuit takes about forty-five minutes in good conditions, longer in winter, leaving the early afternoon for the deer.

The suspension bridge lies farther into Klausbachtal. The return walk to it is about seven kilometres and is a separate winter outing, requiring a check of trail conditions, daylight and any need for snowshoes. For a straightforward winter walk, stay with the route to the feeding area.

When we visited in sunshine and minus four degrees, there was still time before the feeding, so we continued to the suspension bridge. The peaks were still in sunlight while the valley path was already in shade. Later, around forty stags and hinds gathered at the feeding troughs, along with the other visitors at the viewing area.

Allow around twenty-five minutes by car from Lampllehen to the start at Klausbachhaus, Hirschbichlstraße 26, Ramsau. Beyond the barrier, continue on foot or with your booked carriage. A warm drink is welcome for the time spent standing at the platform.

As of 30 October 2026, building work closes the walking path between Lahnwald-Diensthütte and Ragert-Alm, provisionally until December. A diversion follows Hirschbichlstraße. Check the signs and ask at Klausbachhaus for the right route on your visit day.