“Silence is perhaps the greatest luxury these days,” says Franz Theurl, chairman of the tourism association. “Osttirol offers spaces to pause and reflect: as a retreat, but above all as a source of strength and clarity.” In the summer of 2026, the region south of the main Alpine ridge will deliberately highlight a selection of special places that stand out not for their spectacular presentation, but for their atmosphere. The following five locations demonstrate just how differently this Alpine silence can be experienced:
In the Defereggental valley, for example , a mountain bike trail winds its way slowly uphill from the valley floor through alpine meadows and Swiss stone pine forests. The final meters of the Bike & Hike Tour are covered on foot. After a short climb, those seeking peace and quiet reach Geigensee. Its dark surface acts almost like a natural sound absorber. Those who arrive there often hear nothing—except perhaps the wind rustling through the Swiss stone pines. Thus, the small high-mountain lake becomes a place where silence is not the absence of sound, but rather the conscious perception of nature. Press contact: AHM Kommunikation www.ahm-agentur.de Ariane Husung +49 8807 21490-16 [email protected] Lisa Mang +49 8807 21490-12 [email protected] Images and further information available at www.ahm-agentur.de / Customers / Osttirol
Further east, above the Isel Valley, the Schlaitner Panorama and Adventure Trail gently winds along the slopes of the landscape. Amid meadows and forests, sweeping views of the valley open up time and again before the trail leads to the Daberer Waterfall . There, silence becomes a paradox: the roaring water drowns out everything else, and in doing so, quiets other thoughts. This interplay of movement and the sounds of nature offers a respite from the loud, stressful world.
In the Kristeinertal valley near Anras, on the other hand , you can truly feel just how meditative hiking can be. A shaded trail winds through forests and over small bridges to the Celar Waterfall, constantly accompanied by the steady murmur of mountain streams flowing over stones and rocks. Parents with children, in particular, experience here just how relaxing nature can be for young and old alike—with no set destination, no time pressure, and far away from the hectic pace of everyday family life.
The Froßnitztal valley near Matrei leads even further into the alpine landscape. The vast alpine meadows of the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern open up like a stage set in the High Alps. Hiking trails wind through meadows and past traditional huts, while the ringing of cowbells, the murmur of a stream, and the vastness of the valley blend into a symphony of sounds. There, time suddenly seems to pass more slowly, and watches become unnecessary.
Even while climbing, silence becomes palpable. In the Lienzer Dolomiten , the “Verborgene Welt” (Hidden World ) trail winds through striking rock formations, offering spectacular views time and again of iconic peaks such as the Große Sandspitze, the Spitzkofel, and the Hochstadel. With every grip, everyday life recedes a little further into the background, until finally only your own breathing and your focus on the next step matter.
About Osttirol. “Osttirol is, of course, different. “Natural, in the sense of nature”—that is the credo of this vacation region south of the main Alpine ridge. Nestled between the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, the Lienzer Dolomiten, and the Carnic Alps, it stands out for its unspoiled beauty, authenticity, and living traditions. With a total of 265 three-thousand-meter peaks and the Großglockner, Austria’s highest summit, Osttirol rightly calls itself “Mountain Tyrol.” Nature lovers will find unspoiled landscapes and plenty of open space there. Active travelers appreciate the ideal conditions for outdoor sports, and Osttirol has long enjoyed cult status among mountaineers and climbers. Gourmet travelers particularly appreciate this southern part of Austria for its culinary diversity, featuring down-to-earth cuisine of the highest quality: from rustic snack bars to sophisticated, award-winning restaurants. In addition, rural traditions play a special role: centuries-old rituals, authentic craftsmanship, and a gently evolved, genuine culture of customs shape the lives of the people in Osttirol—then as now.
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