Travel guide Osttirol
The mountains are calling in East Tyrol!
The region of East Tyrol in Austria, which is identical to the political district of Lienz, belongs to the state of Tyrol. In the southwest, it borders Italy, and in the other directions, the Austrian states of Carinthia and Salzburg. A large part of East Tyrol is claimed by the mountains of the Hohe Tauern National Park and the Carnic Alps. Some of the most beautiful valleys include the Hochpustertal, which is partly located in South Tyrol. You can find affordable holiday apartments and houses with or without Wi-Fi for a vacation with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains throughout East Tyrol. Private accommodations around
Obertilliach and
Innervillgraten, as well as Matrei, Kals, and Defereggen, are particularly popular. Depending on where you live in Germany, the best way to get to your house is by car. Alternatively, you can fly to Munich, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, or Salzburg. From there, you can continue with a rental car. Buses and trains will take you to Lienz. Having a car is advantageous during your vacation in Tyrol to easily reach all excursion destinations from your accommodation.
Lots of sun, little rain, and plenty of snow in winter!
East Tyrol enjoys the reputation of being the sunniest region in Austria. The district of
Lienz owes its low rainfall to the mountains of the Hohe Tauern, which keep the gray clouds at bay. This means that you can look forward to the best weather during your vacation in a private accommodation - whether your holiday apartment or house is in the Lienzer Dolomites, the Hochpustertal, the National Park region, or the Defereggental. The best climatic conditions for hikers are from May to October. In summer, the Mediterranean influence is clearly noticeable, and it can get quite hot. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the snow-covered mountains from December to April at their best. In a fantastic setting, snow lovers can ski, snowboard, or toboggan. One of the largest ski areas is located in the municipality of Matrei. After an eventful day in the fresh air, a cozy house awaits you in the evening, offering you every comfort. East Tyrol is an attractive destination all year round.
Sights in an idyllic location
In East Tyrol, picturesque valleys alternate with majestic peaks. In between, you will come across historical mountain villages that invite you to take a break. The untouched nature with its unique landscapes is, of course, one of the greatest treasures in this corner of Austria. But in addition to valleys and mountains that accompany your
hiking vacation in East Tyrol, there are other interesting sights. You will notice a large number of churches. In Matrei alone, there are about 40 places of worship. One of the most beautiful sacred buildings in East Tyrol is the pilgrimage church Maria Schnee in Virgen, which you should definitely visit. Another impressive building is Heinfels Castle. It sits on a hill and is not only called the "Queen of the Pustertal" because of its elevated location. Other popular sights include the Rabenstein Castle ruins, the Machlkammer in Hopfgarten in Defereggen, where creative handicrafts are created, the Glocknerhaus in Kals, Weißenstein Castle north of Matrei, the Guardian Angel Church in the mountain village of Iselsberg-Stronach, and the Zedlacher Paradies with its network of paths through a 600-year-old larch forest. You can reach the sights in a short time from your holiday apartment or affordable holiday home.
The Romans had already discovered East Tyrol for themselves
Spending the whole day in the breathtaking nature of East Tyrol makes you want more: All important information about the Hohe Tauern National Park and natural history can be found in the National Park House
Matrei. The interactive exhibition extends over six experience rooms and will amaze you more than once. Art lovers should also visit Schloss Bruck in Lienz, which houses numerous works by East Tyrolean painter Albin Egger-Lienz and changing exhibitions. Did you also know that many sculptors come from Matrei? Virgil Rainer is one of the most famous artists. He became famous for his large sculptures. If you prefer history, visit the Museum of the Roman City Aguntum in the municipality of Dölsach. Here you can learn everything about the former settlement and how its inhabitants lived during Roman times. Excavations are still ongoing, attracting archaeologists from near and far. By the way: With the purchase of the Glockner-Dolomiten Card, you can save money during your stay in a holiday apartment or house. It includes numerous excursion destinations, various activities, as well as rides on nine mountain railways and admission to six swimming pools.
Hearty dishes with fresh ingredients from the farm
Hiking and other outdoor activities make for a healthy appetite. It's a good thing that East Tyrolean cuisine is a feast for all the senses. Whether Schlipfkrapfen, Käsespätzle, Kaiserschmarren, or the Tyrolean Gröstl - the rustic Jausen and inns serve all Tyrolean specialties in a warm atmosphere. Often, a fantastic view of one of the peaks is included during the meal, as many of the houses and restaurants are in a beautiful location. East Tyrolean chefs focus on high-quality ingredients when preparing their dishes. Meat, eggs, vegetables, and more usually come from local agriculture or a farm. The INSIDE in Matrei is one of the many award-winning gourmet restaurants, for example. If you prefer to cook for yourself, you can use the well-equipped kitchens in the private holiday apartments and houses.
Attractive excursion destinations for families
In a
vacation in the mountains in East Tyrol, the whole family gets their money's worth, as there is a lot on offer for children. Even the youngest can take climbing courses under expert guidance. On family-friendly hiking trails in the National Park, even the youngest can enjoy fantastic views of the Grossglockner or the Lienzer Dolomites. Numerous farms also invite you to take a break and provide insights into traditional agriculture. The Assling Wildlife Park is also an absolutely worthwhile destination for families. Over 100 animal species live in the large wildlife enclosure, including marmots, wild boars, ibexes, and chamois. A summer toboggan run and an adventure playground complete the visit. In the Wichtelpark Sillian, children can also