Counting sheep in the Montafon - insight into life on the mountain pasture

If you are out and about in the Montafon, you are sure to come across them: white, brown and black sheep whose characteristic "moo" echoes across the pastures. But these fluffy animals with their soft coats are not just any sheep. They are Montafon stone sheep - an old breed that would already be extinct if it weren't for the commitment of two passionate Montafon sheep breeders.

Saving initiative

Measuring a maximum of 75 cm and 60 kg, Montafon stone sheep are a particularly small and light breed. Under their fluffy coat, which can be either plain or spotted, they put on very little meat and have a slender build. These loyal four-legged friends had almost disappeared in the decades since the post-war period. They were displaced in sheep farming by larger and more fattening breeds and were only occasionally found in the farthest reaches of the Montafon. Martin Mathies and Peter Kasper were determined not to let this happen. They invested a lot of time in breeding this very breed and founded the "Montafon Steinschaf - the breed of diversity" initiative in 1989.

At home in the Montafon

One of the reasons why the tradition of Montafon stone sheep breeding is so worth preserving is the deep connection between the sheep breed and the Montafon region. Thanks to their robust physique, the sheep can cope well in the rough landscape and penetrate slopes that could not otherwise be farmed. They reliably bite through bushes and shrubs, preventing steep terrain from becoming overgrown. The unique maize meadow landscape of the Montafon is therefore dependent on the stone sheep.

Your own favorite sheep

"Rent a sheep" is the motto of a very special part of the Steinschaf initiative: the sponsorship program. The project focuses on contact between humans and animals. Interested sheep lovers can adopt a fluffy friend, visit it regularly and learn a lot about sheep farming and the characteristics of the Montafon stone sheep. In addition to the sponsorship certificate and lots of information material about the traditional breed, all sponsors also receive great wool products. Become a stone sheep sponsor now!

Stylish living with stone sheep wool

Since 2019, there has even been a special stone sheep quality mark. It is based on the drooping ears of the faithful animals and can be found on the numerous products made from stone sheep wool. The natural wool is characterized by its high quality and durability and is not dyed - so depending on the color of the shorn sheep, you get truly unique pieces when you buy Steinschaf products. In addition to classic wool products such as gloves, socks and slippers, there are also modern placemats, key rings and coasters made from the high-quality gray wool. Unusual furnishings such as sheep's wool lamps or rugs add a special ambience to the home - the products have a balancing effect on the room climate and regulate temperature and humidity. Montafon wool can also improve the quality of sleep: Comforters lined with pure new wool ensure a healthy, restful sleep.

The stone sheep products are available at the tourist offices in the Montafon and online.

Image rights: Bewusstmontafon