East Tirol

From Austria’s highest mountain, the mighty Großglockner, to palm trees growing on the sunny town square in Lienz, the region's largest town, there are few places which offer such a diverse landscape as East Tirol. The towering peaks of the Hohe Tauern and the Dolomites have given this enclave set apart from the rest of Tirol a reputation as a haven for hiking and mountaineering.

Home to the country’s highest mountains, it is little wonder that East Tirol is known as The Roof of Austria. This small region has no fewer than 266 peaks over 3,000m, many of which are to be found in the Hohe Tauern National Park. The king of them all is the Großglockner (3,798m), followed by the Großvenediger (3,666m), and the region has been a magnet for hikers and mountaineers for over 200 years.

East Tirol comprises 33 municipalities, stretching from the craggy summits of the Hohe Tauern to the Dolomites overlooking the regional capital Lienz. Many villages are to be found on the sunny side of the Alps; with its palm trees and flowers in bloom, Lienz radiates an almost tropical flair more commonly found in Mediterranean climes. Attractions in the pretty town centre include the Liebburg and the Antoniuskirchl as well as many charming cafés and shops. During the summer months the main activities are mountain biking and hiking, while in winter there are many ski resorts, including at the foot of the Großglockner in Kals-Matrei and in the town of Sillian.

Roman remains and idyllic valleys

Just a few kilometres east of Lienz lies Dölsach, home to the Museum Aguntum. The museum is named after the only Roman town ever established in the region today covered by Tirol. Teams of archaeologists have been working for many years to excavate the remains of this valuable site. Another popular destination is the Defereggental with its thick carpet of alpine roses as well as the peaceful Villgratental Valley where time seems to have stood still for centuries.

Home to the country’s highest mountains, it is little wonder that East Tirol is known as The Roof of Austria. This small region has no fewer…

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Holiday activities in East Tirol












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This long-distance hiking trail runs for 155km, mostly at around 2,000m altitude, and takes in seven mountain huts (including the Filmoorhütte shown in the photo) where hikers can stay the night. The main ridge of the Carnic Alps offers magnificent views of the Dolomites., © Galbavy
The Carnic Alps High Trail

This long-distance hiking trail runs for 155km, mostly at around 2,000m altitude, and takes in seven mountain huts (including the Filmoorhütte shown in the photo) where hikers can stay the night. The main ridge of the Carnic Alps offers magnificent views of the Dolomites.



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With its pretty old town, lively arts scene and Mediterranean flair, Lienz is well worth a visit. One must-see attraction is Schloss Bruck, a castle over 750 years old perched above the Isel river and home to a museum which regularly hosts exhibitions., © Tirol Werbung/Aichner Bernhard
Lienz and Schloss Bruck

With its pretty old town, lively arts scene and Mediterranean flair, Lienz is well worth a visit. One must-see attraction is Schloss Bruck, a castle over 750 years old perched above the Isel river and home to a museum which regularly hosts exhibitions.



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Comprising 16 wooden huts, many of which were built in the 19th century, the Obstalleralm in the Villgratental Valley is a natural gem. A number of the huts are available for hire as holiday homes. A visit to the Klapfbachwasserfall is recommended., © Tirol Werbung
Oberstalleralm and Klapfbachwasserfall

Comprising 16 wooden huts, many of which were built in the 19th century, the Obstalleralm in the Villgratental Valley is a natural gem. A number of the huts are available for hire as holiday homes. A visit to the Klapfbachwasserfall is recommended.



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Starting from the Moosalm, the Osttirodler summer toboggan run measures 2.7km in length and offers visitors excellent views of Lienz as they whizz through the forest, over bridges and round banked corners all the way down to the edge of the town., © Tirol Werbung/Michael Gams
Toboggan fun in summer

Starting from the Moosalm, the Osttirodler summer toboggan run measures 2.7km in length and offers visitors excellent views of Lienz as they whizz through the forest, over bridges and round banked corners all the way down to the edge of the town.



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The majestic Galitzenklamm gorge near Leisach enchants visitors with its thundering waterfalls. As well as hiking paths through the gorge there are also several via ferrata fixed rope climbing trails and a high rope adventure park. Children will enjoy the large water-themed playground., © Tirol Werbung
Galitzenklamm: wonderful world of water

The majestic Galitzenklamm gorge near Leisach enchants visitors with its thundering waterfalls. As well as hiking paths through the gorge there are also several via ferrata fixed rope climbing trails and a high rope adventure park. Children will enjoy the large water-themed playground.



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Ihr Ziel: Europaplatz 1, Lienz, Österreich

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