Osttirol region
Holidays in Osttirol: the quiet side of Tyrol
The Großglockner and Großvenediger, the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern and villages where life is still quiet – Osttirol is mountain Tyrol without the bustle.
What is Osttirol known for?
What defines Osttirol
Osttirol is the quiet part of Tyrol: secluded behind the Felbertauern, with the highest mountains in Austria, the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern and valleys where the nights are still dark and the paths empty. In summer you go hiking, cycling and marvelling at waterfalls; in winter skiing, tobogganing and ski touring are part of it.
After the day outside, an inn, an Alm or your own kitchen await: with Schlipfkrapfen, Osttirol bread, Alm cheese and a Brettljause.
Mountains and national park
Großglockner · Großvenediger · Nationalpark Hohe Tauern · quiet valleys
Water and waterfalls
Umbalfälle · Iseltal · glacier streams · mountain lakes
Culture and places
Matrei · Lienz · mountain villages · churches and chapels along the way
This is how Osttirol tastes
Schlipfkrapfen · Osttirol bread · Alm cheese · Brettljause
The main part
Our holiday region in Osttirol
Here the destinations are only briefly placed in context – you will find the full excursion texts on the holiday region page.
Matrei in Osttirol
Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, Großglockner views, the Umbalfälle and the Europa-Panoramaweg – in the middle of mountain Tyrol.
Discover Matrei →
Further Osttirol valleys
The Virgental, Defereggental and the Lienz basin – further region pages will follow; you can already find our accommodations now.
View accommodations →
Here it begins
Here your holiday in Osttirol begins
Accommodations we especially like to recommend in Osttirol.
Travelling sustainably
By train and bus to Osttirol
By train you reach Lienz via the Pustertalbahn – or you travel to Kitzbühel or Mittersill and take the bus over the Felbertauern to Matrei. On site, regional buses and hiking taxis help. With each accommodation we say honestly how the last stretch works.
Train to Lienz
Bus over the FelbertauernRegional buses & hiking taxiHonest last mile
Farming in Osttirol
Osttirol has the steepest mown areas in the country. What happens there and when – and when it really is quiet up top:
- Alm, Alpe, BergmahdThe same, something different – and the most widespread misconception about the tree line.
- Seasonal calendarWhat happens on the farm and when it really is quiet up top – month by month.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know for your Osttirol holiday
What distinguishes Osttirol from the rest of Tyrol?
Osttirol lies behind the Felbertauern, away from the big transit routes – with the highest mountains in Austria, the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern and noticeably less bustle. If you are looking for calm, this is the right place.
What are the best-known excursion destinations?
The Großglockner and the Großvenediger, the Umbalfälle in the Virgental, the Europa-Panoramaweg on the Goldried above Matrei and the sun town of Lienz with Schloss Bruck.
Which Osttirol dishes should you try?
Schlipfkrapfen – the Osttirol answer to Carinthian Nudeln –, Osttirol farmhouse bread, Alm cheese and a Brettljause after the hike.
Is Osttirol suitable for families?
Yes – with ranger programmes in the national park, the Goldried mountain lifts, easy Alm hikes and toboggan runs in winter. Everything is just a notch quieter than elsewhere.
Can I travel to Osttirol without a car?
Yes – by train to Lienz or by train and Felbertauern bus to Matrei. On site, regional buses and hiking taxis help. We are happy to recommend an accommodation that works without a car.
Where do I find all accommodations in Osttirol?
In our accommodation list – or you choose the Matrei holiday region above and see the matching houses there.
Together for the region
For hosts, tourist boards and regional partners
Your accommodation is in Osttirol?
We do not just show beds and amenities. Your accommodation is connected with its holiday region, matching excursion destinations, regional shopping options, sustainable travel and your personal tips.
Present your accommodation and personal tipsYou work for a tourist board or a regional business?
We link to official information on mountain lifts, museums, castles, farm shops, markets and other excursion destinations. We are happy to include notes, additions and up-to-date details after editorial review.
Review the region page togetherYour holiday in Osttirol
Pure mountain experience – rent an Alm hut or mountain hut in Osttirol
Osttirol entdecken – ursprünglich, still und voller Naturwunder
Osttirol is the heart of the Hohe Tauern: 266 three-thousanders, the Großglockner as the highest mountain in Austria, thundering waterfalls, crystal-clear mountain lakes and extensive Alm landscapes shape this unique region. Whether in the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, in the Villgratental, Virgental, Defereggental or around the Lienz Dolomites – here you experience mountain holidays in their most original form.
We – Pauline, Julia and Daniel from urlaubshuetten.com – know Osttirol personally and show you where to find your perfect Alm hut or mountain hut. Sustainable, mindful and in the middle of nature – that is our way of holidaying.
We currently have a real Osttirol mountain jewel for you:
- Zarze Almhütte - hut in Matrei in Osttirol at 1,880 m: secluded location | panoramic views | dogs welcome | hiking hut | 4 people
Our Zarze Almhütte at 1,880 m – dog-friendly, reachable only on foot and perfect for everyone seeking true peace and seclusion.
The hut lies in a wonderful secluded location in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by Alm meadows, summit panoramas and untouched nature. The approach is part of the experience: you hike at an easy pace to the hut, leave everyday life behind and arrive up at your very own personal retreat.
Perfect for couples, small families, hikers and all who want to enjoy original hut life with their four-legged friend.
Frequently asked questions: hut holidays in Osttirol
What makes Osttirol special for hut holidays?
Osttirol is the quiet side of Tyrol: less bustle, original mountain villages and the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern at the door. Ideal if you are looking for true stillness.
When is Osttirol most worthwhile?
In summer for solitary hikes and Alms, in winter for skiing and snow-covered hut romance away from the big ski circuses. Spring and autumn, too, are wonderfully quiet.
How do I get to Osttirol?
By car over the Felbertauern or through the Pustertal, by train via Lienz. The exact directions – also without a car – are described concretely with each hut.
Which huts do you have in Osttirol?
Personally visited Alm huts, for example around Matrei. You will find all Osttirol accommodations in the accommodation list with the region filter.
Summer in Osttirol – rent an Alm hut and experience mountain nature
- Hike to the legendary Jagdhausalmen in the Defereggental – the oldest Alm huts in Austria with 15 rustic stone houses and a unique photo motif
- Explore the thundering Umbalfälle in the Virgental on the water trail – a natural spectacle with crystal-clear glacier water and rainbows in the spray
- Start your mountain tours directly from the Alm hut towards the Großglockner, Großvenediger or one of the 266 three-thousanders – Osttirol is a paradise for summit collectors
- Enjoy your breakfast on the hut terrace with a view over the Lienz Dolomites or the gentle Nockberge, and plan the day over coffee and fresh farmhouse bread
- Discover the quiet valleys: hike through the Villgratental, Virgental or Kalser Dorfertal – past Alms, Alpine roses and ibexes
- Relax after the day on the Alm meadow, listen to the cowbells and let the Osttirol mountain sun work on you – simply switch off and breathe deeply.
More hut choice in Osttirol soon
Regionality and sustainability are close to our hearts. We know our hosts personally, recommend regional products and are steadily expanding our offer in Osttirol.
Soon you will find even more Alm huts, mountain huts, chalets and holiday houses with us – in the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, in the Lienz Dolomites or in the quiet side valleys.
Tell us what you are looking for – we will stay on it and get in touch as soon as there is news.
Favourite hut in Osttirol
Your Osttirol mountain summer is waiting for you!