Fall in Osttirol is not only a spectacular natural spectacle, but also a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture and vibrant traditions. Among the Alpine customs, for example, is the annual sheep drive down from the alpine pastures in September and October. In this mountainous region, raising these “living lawnmowers” has been a tradition for centuries.
More than 22,000 sheep spend the summer at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters before being led back down to the valley to the sound of loud bells. On church holidays and harvest festivals, local restaurants serve mountain lamb specialties such as the classic roast lamb with “Oskar,” the aromatic Osttirol potato.
Away from the hiking trails, exciting journeys through time await culture enthusiasts: Visitors can follow in the footsteps of the Romans when they visit the Aguntum archaeological site in the municipality of Dölsach, four kilometers east of Lienz. In the Middle Ages, Osttirol was strategically important and characterized by castles and fortresses. Bruck Castle in Lienz and Heinfels Castle in the Pustertal are two outstanding examples of this era. The former castle of the Counts of Gorizia towers majestically over the district capital and houses the municipal museum with impressive collections by local artists. The “Queen of the Pustertal” has been extensively restored and can be explored on guided tours. The Villgratental Valley is one of the most unspoiled natural and cultural landscapes in the Alpine region.
On the Innervillgraten artisans’ tour, visitors can see
how local raw materials—such as sheep’s wool, Swiss stone pine, and willow—were processed using traditional methods.
