
“They are simple, tame animals that you
quickly take into your heart.”Martin Mathies
Together with the breeder Peter Kasper, who has another occupation besides working in agriculture, Martin Mathies has come up with something to create awareness for the much loved fluffy animals. With a lot of perseverance, commitment and in cooperation with other breeders and regional partners, the two created the best conditions for the successful future of the great Vorarlberg breed.

On former pack train routes to the cultural heritage of the Montafon
guided hike in Gargellen
Via Valtellina and Montafon Steinschaf (stone sheep)
In Gargellen, the highest village in the Montafon, the walk leads past impressive Maisäss landscapes and the former Via Valtellina pack train route to the Montafon stone sheep, an unusual breed of Austrian sheep. On the way there, you learn more about the valley’s pack train and smuggling past.
Did you know that...
the “Montafon Steinschaf” initiative was founded in 2011?
Nevertheless, at the start there was some convincing to be done in order to get other farmers interested in sheep farming. After a tricky start during which the two successfully combated many reservations about the animals, their work now enjoys widespread recognition. The awareness and interest of the population has noticeably increased, many people recognise the value of the local breed and are seeking contact with the breeders and their animals.