On the sunny side of the Virgen Valley in the Venediger Group, this medium-difficulty mountain bike tour takes you from Prägraten am Großvenediger in East Tyrol to the Bodenalm at 1,954 meters.
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Mountain sports for body and mind
Climbing Mecca Osttirol
High up between granite, limestone and gneiss
With its 266 three-thousand-metre peaks and the Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak, Osttirol has long enjoyed cult status among mountaineers and climbers. Far from the beaten track, mountaineers in the region south of the main Alpine ridge experience a combination of Dolomite flair and mountain farming culture. From granite to limestone and gneiss to quartzite - there are 27 via ferratas, eight climbing gardens, five family-friendly high ropes courses and several hundred alpine multi-rope routes. The enclave between the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Lienz Dolomites and the Carnic border ridge has long been an insider tip in the climbing scene. This extreme sport is not just about thrills and adrenaline, but also about self-confidence, mindfulness and responsibility towards nature.
Unlimited hiking diversity
Head off, nature on
Großvenediger, Granatspitze or Carnic border ridge - in the "Land of Mountains", hikers can find a retreat in the midst of partly untouched nature. Whether a moderate tour around the Lienz valley floor or high alpine routes such as the Hoch-Tirol-Trail: Osttirol scores with over 2,500 kilometers of hiking trails. Nature lovers can experience biodiversity, meditative tranquillity and mountain wilderness on 21 long-distance hiking trails. New this summer is the Höfe Trail, the first family long-distance hiking trail in Osttirol. An overview of all routes and an interactive map with information on route lengths, altitude and difficulty levels can be found at osttirol.com/hiking
For beginners to professionals
Get on the pedals and get going!
Whether on a road bike, mountain bike or family excursion: East Tyrol's natural and cultural landscape, mild climate and infrastructure are ideal for a cycling vacation with or without "E". There are currently 35 e-bike charging stations in East Tyrol. The season starts at the beginning of May and lasts until mid-October. For mountain bikers, there are routes of various levels of difficulty through the wild "Land of Mountains". A new single trail route network comprises 120 different marked sections between the Lienz Dolomites, Hohe Tauern National Park and Carnic Alps. Some are also drawn south towards the Adriatic, while downhill and enduro fans are drawn to the Lienz and Kals bike parks.
Miscellaneous from Osttirol
From hut cuisine to gourmet cuisine
In addition to 266 three-thousand-metre peaks, the region south of the main Alpine ridge is also home to many culinary highlights. Hikers can indulge in regional delicacies, traditional values and warm hospitality. Local specialties such as Käsespätzle, Kaminwurzen and strudel are prepared with love and tradition. In addition to down-to-earth inns, East Tyrol also impresses with a particularly high density of gourmet restaurants: eleven restaurants awarded by Gault Millau have been awarded 22 toques in 2024. The Gannerhof in Innervillgraten is even Osttirol's first four-toque restaurant.
More traditional associations than summits
Maintaining and preserving their cultural heritage has always been an important concern for the localsl. No wonder that there are perhaps more traditional associations than peaks in the land of mountains: From traditional costume, shooting, folk dance, local heritage, cultural and alpine associations to the community of bell founders, embroiderers and traditional costume guardians. The "Alpinkompetenz Zentrum Osttirol", for example, is dedicated to promoting exercise and mountain sports. The offer includes children's climbing courses, glacier camps, mountain tours and mountain sports with senior citizens, young people and people with disabilities. The "Osttiroler Kulturspur" network, which consists of several institutions, aims to improve and develop the cultural offer and make it visible to both guests and locals. In addition to exhibitions, museum afternoons, poetry slams, cabaret and concerts, village tours with the Obertilliach night watchman or the craftsmen's trail also fill the colorful calendar of events of the active community.
Alpine expedition: In the footsteps of the Big Five and Lord Gods carvers
Regarding sustainability, the Austrian vacation region can afford the luxury of relying on its natural resources. Osttirol holidaymakers can go on a safari without a long-haul flight in the Hohe Tauern National Park, for example. There, in the north-west of the region, experienced wildlife rangers guide you individually or in a group through the realm of the bearded vulture, golden eagle, ibex, chamois and marmot - also known as the "Big Five of the Alps". If you are looking for genuine, authentic products, you will find them in the villages of Hopfgarten, St. Jakob and St. Veit, among others. The locals there still live up to centuries-old traditions - such as Johann Planer, one of the region's best-known woodcarvers, who only uses wood from the surrounding forests. And in the East Tyrolean farm stores, you will only find regional, home-produced food.
Pause button for the brain
Alpine oases of peace: East Tyrol's waters
The extraordinary landscape in the Hohe Tauern National Park is characterized by water: around 160 mountain lakes, cascades, mountain rivers, glaciers, moors and even a healing spring make their way from the depths of the earth. East Tyrolean water is one of the region's treasures and you can drink from every stream. Lake Tristach at the foot of the Lienz Dolomites invites you to take a dip in the refreshing water. Other destinations such as the Umbal Falls, the Frauenbach waterfall, the Celar waterfall in the Kristeinertal valley or Lake Bödensee with the Neue Reichenberger Hütte are popular but never overcrowded. The positive effects of water on the body can even be scientifically proven: Dr. Arnulf Hartl, head of the Institute for Ecomedicine at Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, has proven the power of the alpine element with extensive, independent studies: "Just visiting waterfalls reduces stress and burnout symptoms," says the scientist.
Starry skies instead of a sea of lights
Stargazers are finding it increasingly difficult, as street lighting, flickering advertising signs and building spotlights are increasingly bathing cities in a sea of light. A study published by the Geo Research Center in 2018 shows that this constant development is also having a negative impact on the sleep of humans and animals in Germany. The people of East Tyrol cannot complain about a lack of darkness at night. In a region where every person has around six soccer pitches to enjoy nature and there are more marmots than people, the air is extremely clear and light pollution is a foreign concept. The 266 three-thousand-metre peaks guarantee deep insights into the firmament with over 6,500 shining stars. Mountaineers who set off very early in the morning or spend the night in one of the many cozy mountain huts have the best views.
Top events in the land of 266 three-thousand-meter peaks
Tour of the Dolomites from June 8 to 9, 2024
The Tour of the Dolomites is a 112-kilometre cycling marathon and is taking place for the 36th time. With an altitude difference of 1,870 meters, the ride is challenging but manageable. It leads through romantic villages, along the valley floor of the Lienz Dolomites and is accompanied by bands.
Tour Transalp from June 18 to 19, 2024
Long distances, high passes, famous stage towns, a professional event structure and participants from over 30 countries make the Tour Transalp a special experience. Over the past 19 years, the stage race has developed into one of the best-known amateur cycling events and is the highlight for amateur cyclists. The starting signal for stage 1 is given in Lienz. The competitors fly along the Pustertaler Höhenstraße to Sillian. From there, the first mountain stage to Moena in the heart of the Unesco World Heritage Site begins the next day.
Deferegg dragon boat race from June 28 to 29, 2024
"In the thick of it, not just in it" is the motto of the world's highest dragon boatrace in East Tyrol. The competition in St. Jakob in Defereggen Valley will enter its 16th round in 2024 and will be held as the Fun Dugout Cup. The teams have to cover a distance of 250 meters. On Friday evening, after training, there will be a warm-up with a DJ and live music on the festival grounds at the Zollwirt in Maria Hilf. The heats will start on Saturday morning, followed by the final in the afternoon. In addition to a place on the podium, paddling and drumming is all about fun and team spirit.
73rd TOUR OF AUSTRIA from July 3 to 7, 2024
The Tour of Austria is one of five UCI competitions in Austria with a total of five stages. Since its first editions, the tour has produced numerous professional racing cyclists such as Patrick Konrad and Felix Großschartner. Preparations for the 73rd edition are already in full swing. On July 6, a stage will once again lead from St. Johann im Pongau to Kals am Großglockner.
OLALA International Street Theater Festival from 23 to 27 July 2024
Every year, the East Tyrolean provincial town is transformed into an open-air stage for the Olala street theater festival. Groups of artists from different countries present performances such as acrobatics, artistry, music, street circus and fairytale light installations in the alleyways and on the stages of Lienz.
Lienz Summer Festival from August 9 to 11, 2024
Under the motto "All of Lienz celebrates a festival", Austria's sunniest town is transformed into a big summer festival for families, locals and guests. The program promises a varied music program from traditional folk music to international acts as well as a colorful range of regional delicacies, craftsmanship and local products. Win-win for everyone: the proceeds from the clubs involved benefit their work with young talent.
37th Red Bull Dolomitenmann on September 7, 2024
The ultimate challenge for extreme athletes: 400 participants take on the challenge of what is probably the toughest team competition in the world - the Red Bull Dolomitenmann. Four specialists per team tackle the route around Lienz in the disciplines of mountain running, paragliding, kayaking and mountain biking. The mountain run alone is one of the most demanding in the world. Over a distance of twelve kilometers, 2,000 meters of altitude have to be overcome. The start is in the center of the East Tyrolean capital at 674 meters, the finish is on the 2,441 meter high Kuhbodentörl. Participants should not need more than two and a half hours to cover this distance.
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