Hiking in the Defereggen Valley
Experience nature and enjoy the mountains, pastures and traditional huts while hiking in the Defereggen Valley in east Tyrol.
The Defereggen Valley offers numerous hiking possibilities. From high-up pastures over vista trails all the way to romantic climbs, there is something for every hiking enthusiast. Discover the Defereggen Valley at its most beautiful.
JAGDHAUSALMEN
Like a mountain town from the Himalayas, the huts stemming from the 1300s function at 2000m above sea level. Unimaginably, this pasture made up of stone huts was actually inhabited for 40 years, all year round. The path to the solitude of the Jagdhausalm leads via the slightly uphill narrow road to the pasture (sometimes a nature trail) through the Patscher valley in which there is also the biggest continuous Swiss stone pine forest in the eastern Alps.
INNER- & AUßERGSCHLÖSS
At the foot of the Großvenediger is what is acknowledged to be the most beautiful valley end in the eastern Alps. The Innergeschlöß can be walked to from Matreier Tauernhaus via the flat forest road or on the other side of the sub-glacial stream via a romantic climb. There are also lovely energy-saving ways of reaching the end with the horse-drawn carriage. The “picture book” Alpine town of Außergschlöß is located by the route and there’s a chapel built into the rock which is worth a visit. You will find a snack stop in Innergschlöß (1691m). Starting point for the breathtaking glacier vista trail
UMBALFÄLLE
Water vista trail at the back of the Virgen Valley
Especially during late spring and high summer, when the melting water from the glacier flows into the valley, you can experience a gigantic natural spectacle at the famous Umbalfälle (Umbal waterfalls). Waterfalls that have been ground into deep canyons due to the constant water flow and viewing points upon which, in the middle of the roaring, you are able to experience the forces of nature up close. The walkabout is an easy hike which is also well suited to children and older people. Two pleasant snack stations (also reachable by horse-drawn carriage) see to your physical wellbeing. The starting point is the Ströden bei Hinterbichl/Prägraten car park.
