22.02.2023 Llama and Alpaca Walk in the Reutte Nature Park Region

Who wouldn’t want to stroll through beautiful nature with an alpaca by their side, enjoying the peace and quiet?

An alpaca walk was first introduced as part of our Aktiv Card Programme in summer 2019. Due to the high demand, it didn’t take long to decide to include this experience in the winter programme as well.

Upon arriving in Hinterbichl, next to Hotel Tannenhof, I can already spot the enclosure and the stable of the alpacas and llamas. It doesn’t take long before Layla – the owner of the alpacas and llamas – warmly welcomes and greets me.

We walk over to the enclosure and open the gates. The alpacas are already waiting eagerly for my visit and give me a very warm welcome – they probably sense that food is coming soon. First, Layla brings a cup of concentrated feed, which we are allowed to give to the alpacas from the flat of our hands.

While we feed them, Layla shares lots of interesting facts about the alpacas and llamas and introduces each animal to me by name. She also gives me a few quiz questions to keep in mind during the walk.

It’s hard to believe that alpacas weigh between 60 and 70 kilograms and are bred for their wool. Alpaca wool is widely known and highly valued. Llamas, on the other hand, are different: they were bred as pack animals, and their wool is therefore not as fine as that of alpacas. Llamas are also noticeably heavier, weighing up to around 190 kilograms. Both species originally come from South America.

Now it’s time for me to choose the animal I would like to lead on a leash. Of course, I pick the smallest alpaca. Layla accompanies me with a llama. After a brief goodbye to the other animals, our relaxed walk begins.

The route leads toward Frauensee, right into the forest. After a short while, a beautiful view opens up over the enclosure and the valley basin. This spot is a popular photo location with an alpaca or llama. After a short break, we continue our walk through the woods and then head back to the stable.

It’s important to walk on the left side of the alpaca or llama throughout the entire hike, as this is what the animals are used to. The alpaca also sets the pace – if you pull too much, it will simply slow down. During the walk, I keep thinking about the quiz questions Layla asks along the way, such as how these small camelids move or how long their gestation period is. Once we return to the enclosure, we talk about the questions, and Layla clears up any remaining uncertainties.

Many guests mistake alpacas for cuddly toys, but these animals are not really meant for cuddling. You may gently touch their necks, but they are not particularly fond of being cuddled.

After getting to know the animals, feeding them, and enjoying this wonderful introductory walk, I say goodbye to Layla and head home. An experience you won’t forget anytime soon. Whether young or old – this kind of walk is sure to delight everyone.

Good footwear is required for the tours. Please note that shoes and clothing may get dirty in the enclosure and during the walk. Children aged 10 and over can lead an animal on their own. Children between 6 and 10 years walk together with an adult, with each person holding their own lead. Children under 6 years are welcome to join the experience but are not allowed to lead an animal. Up to the age of 16, an adult companion must be present.

The tour usually takes place in all weather conditions, except in cases of strong storms, hail, or thunderstorms.

Outside of the Aktiv Card Programme, Layla also offers a wide range of experiences. In addition to the introductory walk, guests can book trekking tours of various lengths in summer – even including a traditional snack along the way. A tour with a romantic picnic is also part of her program. In winter, besides the introductory walk, she also offers a special mulled wine hike.

Layla furthermore provides a variety of seminars and training sessions. Photoshoots with alpacas and llamas are available, and the animals can also be booked for special events such as weddings.

Of course, visitors can also purchase alpaca wool products made from the fleece of her own animals. In Hinterbichl, Layla has set up a small sales corner, and she also runs an online shop at www.alpakas.at. In addition, you can find her at Christmas markets, autumn markets, and similar events with her product stand.

Layla’s goal is to build a new facility in Hinterbichl in the near future, including a large farm shop and an event space. She is also planning to expand her stable and add large camels – Bactrian camels – to her herd. Furthermore, she would like to offer additional seminars and courses, for which she will need more space. For this reason, these plans will take a little more time.

I wish Layla all the very best on her journey with her alpacas and llamas and would like to thank her for the open conversation and the wonderful walk.

Written by:

Theresa