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.
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 together