Destinations
East Tyrol
Großglockner, Großvenediger and Co: these are the highest peaks in the country that make East Tyrol the roof of Austria. The exclave of Tyrol stretches between the Hohe Tauern and Lienz Dolomites.
An impressive 266 three-thousand metre peaks rise into the sky here, especially in the Hohe Tauern National Park, around the Großvenediger and the Großglockner. At 3,798 metres, it is the highest mountain in the Alpine republic. It has been a real magnet for mountaineers and hikers since the pioneering days of alpinism over 200 years ago.
East Tyrol, which stretches from the rugged cliffs of the Hohe Tauern to the Lienz Dolomites as an exclave of the federal state of Tyrol, has 33 municipalities, many of which are located on the sunny side of the Alps. The southern flair is particularly noticeable in the district capital of Lienz, not least because of the palm trees that exude a touch of tropical summer everywhere. The beautiful old town with the Liebburg castle, the Antoniuskirchl church, the many small cafés and shops offer a welcome change from hiking days, mountain bike tours and winter skiing fun at the Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei or the Sillian ski centre.
A few kilometres to the east, in Dölsach, you will come across the Aguntum Museum, named after the only Roman town that ever existed on Tyrolean territory. Its excavation has kept archaeologists busy for many years. Some very unspoilt regions such as the Defereggen Valley, whose alpine rose blossom enchants hikers every year, and the Villgraten Valley, where nature lovers can find peace and quiet in tranquil seclusion, are still real insider tips. Far away from any luxury, they let you feel the essentials.
