Defereggental

With its villages Hopfgarten i. D. at 1.107 m above sea level, St. Jakob i. D. at 1.389 m above sea level and St. Veit i. D. at 1.495 m above sea level, the Defereggental is one of the least populated areas in the Austrian Alps.

This can be seen and felt in Defereggental at every turn, because the hustle and bustle and the big party life happen elsewhere.

But this place provides something else, which rest and relaxation seekers will highly appreciate: peace, unspoiled nature and originality. You will hardly find another place in Tirol that is more authentic and genuine.

The Defereggental is located in the heart of Nationalpark Hohe Tauern and is perfectly framed and surrounded by mountains of the “Deferegger Gebirge”, the “Rieserfernergruppe”, the “Lasörlinggruppe” and the “Schobergruppe”. In addition to the scenic attractions, this has essential and characterising consequences. The protection of the National Park Hohe Tauern makes the Defereggental one of the most untouched high mountain valleys in the Alps. With our webcams you can take a direct look at the unspoilt Defereggental.

Ein Mensch steht rechts auf einem Hügel und fotografiert von oben die Jagdhausalmen im Defereggental.

Ein Pärchen steigt über einige Steine am Gritzer See in St.Veit in Defereggen an einem herrlichen Sommertag.

The Defereggental in the summer

Experience the summer in Defereggental, a true Mountain-Water-Paradise in Osttirol. Nestled in a breathtakingly beautiful and tranquil landscape, the valley offers ideal conditions for an unforgettable family holiday. Crystal-clear mountain lakes and bubbling streams invite you to refresh and relax, while well-marked hiking trails and cycle routes allow you to explore the unspoilt natural surroundings. Cosy mountain huts offer regional specialities and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The mild climate and pure mountain air make Defereggental the perfect destination for a relaxing summer holiday close to nature.

Hiking

Mountainbike

Eine junge Familie schaut gespannt in die Ferne auf der Kindermeile Obertilliach

Family

Nationalpark Hohe Tauern

Defereggental: A Mountain Water Paradise

In the Defereggental, the crystal-clear water defines the unique alpine landscape. High-mountain lakes, waterfalls, mountain rivers, glaciers, springs, marshes, and even healing waters from the depths of the earth—a legacy of the primordial oceans—all bring this natural area in the heart of the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern to life.

Only the finest spring water flows from all the drinking water pipes here. The Nationalpark Hohe Tauern’s educational center, the “House of Water, ” is located in the Defereggental Valley, and this is also where the Defereggen healing water originates. Whether on the beautiful St. Jakob Water Adventure Trail in Defereggen, the spectacular Stallerbach Waterfall Trail, or the Hopfgarten Water Hiking Trail —everywhere offers unforgettable experiences by the water.

You’ll find these and many more “water highlights” for young and old on the Water Treasure Map!

Learn more

Der Pavillon und der Teich beim Haus des Wassers in St. Jakob i. D.. Das Bild wurde hinter dem kleinen Wasserfall gemacht, da man diesen am Bildrand wie einen Vorhang erkennen kann.

Der Bödensee bei der Neuen Reichenbergerhütte in St. Jakob i. D..

Der Blick von etwas oberhalb auf den Geigensee in Hopfgarten i. D., der seinen Namen seiner geigenförmigen Form zu verdanken hat. Das blaue Wasser hebt sich eindeutig von der grün-grauen, felsigen Umgebung ab. Links vom See steht eine kleine Hütte.

The Defereggental in winter

Enjoy the winter in the Defereggental, a real insider tip for winter sports enthusiasts. Surrounded by a picturesque snow-covered landscape, this idyllic valley in Osttirol offers ideal conditions for an unforgettable family holiday. The Skizentrum St. Jakob i. D. attracts visitors with perfectly groomed pistes and a peaceful, family atmosphere. Away from the pistes, perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails, fantastic snowshoe hikes and ski tours through unspoilt nature await you.

Cosy accommodation, from traditional inns to comfortable holiday flats, ensure restful nights and invite you to linger. After a day in the snow, you can enjoy regional specialities in the various restaurants and unwind. Lots of snow and a breathtaking mountain backdrop make the Defereggental the perfect destination for a relaxing winter holiday.

Zwei Skifahrer:innen bei der sonnigen Abfahrt im Großglockner Resort

Family

The next top events

Deferegger Bauern- und Kunsthandwerksmarkt

03. Jul. to 04. Sep. 2026

"DEFEREGGER BAUERNMARKT"

Center of St. Jakob

- St. Jakob i.D.

more details

19. Weltweit höchstgelegenes Drachenbootrennen

26. June 2027

Worldwide downtown Dragon Boat Race

Obersee / Staller Sattel

- St. Jakob i.D.

more details

25. July 2027

Celebration - "Jakobi-Kirchtag"

Sander Ebene, Center of St. Jakob

- St. Jakob i.D.

more details

15. August 2027

Celebration - "Waldfest"

Sander Ebene, Center of St. Jakob

- St. Jakob i.D.

more details

all events

To the accommodation in the Defereggental

Cozy hotels and beautiful vacation apartments as well as private rooms in Defereggental invite you to escape from everyday life and unwind. The warm hosts welcome their guests with open arms and create an immediate feel-good atmosphere.