St. Jakob im Defereggental

Unique encounters with nature

Only a few valleys are as rich in water treasures as Defereggen Valley in Osttirol, which has preserved much of its originality. All around these riches of water, Defereggen Valley offers more options for enjoyment, experiences and recreation than most other valleys in the Alps. Nestled among the unique Alpine scenery lies the main township of this beautiful valley – St. Jakob in Defereggental. The unspoiled state and nature around the idyllic community which is home to 891 residents, ensures guests and locals alike slow down – the unique mountain world around St. Jakob takes care of the rest. The wonderfully located township with a municipal area of 185.96 km² is the second largest municipality in Lienz district. An impressive 123 km² of the municipal area is located in the Hohe Tauern National Park and is under conservation, unique encounters with nature are guaranteed here. Adventure and recreation options are also seemingly endless in idyllic St. Jakob, far away from the hustle and bustle. It's not for nothing that the motto here – as in the entire holiday region – is "Here I'm human, here I can be so".

 

This humanity, as well as the feeling of security and well-being, is also a top priority for the hosts in St. Jakob im Defereggental. Whether in a hotel, in an inn, in an apartment, on a farm or even in an alpine hut - you will feel at home everywhere!

St. Jakob in summer

Summer or winter? Defereggen Valley offers countless reasons year-round in favour of visiting this idyllic valley. No matter if in summer or winter, Alpine meadows in full bloom or snow-covered winter landscapes – here every season knows to impress in its very own way. In the warm months, the beauty of nature unfolds its true glory, such as the the Oberhauser pine forest. The alpine climate in and around the largest closed pine forest in the Eastern Alps let's St. Jakob and its visitors literally breathe easily and liven up. Located a little higher – at 2,009 m – the Jagdhausalm settlement, the oldest in Austria, clings to the sloping hillside, surrounded by lush alpine meadows. High above Defereggen Valley, 17 unique stone houses and a chapel bear witness to the events of many decades ago here, when the Alpine herdsmen and dairy men still lead Arcade lives. Thanks to its special ambience, the Jagdhausalm is also called "Little Tibet in Osttirol".

 

Not to forget are the picturesque scenic features around Lake Obersee, which make for wide-eyed faces and shining photographers' eyes on a drive across the Staller Saddle into neighbouring Antholzer Valley. And what better to do in all these fabulous scenic features than hiking? Defereggen Valley offers hiking and summer tours on which you can get to know the region and its people better with the help of a ranger from the Hohe Tauern National Park. Be it walking and winding down on the 2-Valley-Trail, the Alpine flower panoramic trail or high above the treetops on the observation tower in Oberhauser pine forest – the natural gems of Defereggen Valley make for unforgettable impressions. In addition to all the beautifully shaped mountains and their impressive summits, in Defereggen Valley much also revolves around the element of water, seeing that the valley is rightly known as a mountain water paradise.

 

Multifaceted in the natural water playground St. Jakob, eventful on the interactive water trail St. Jakob, restorative with the Deferegger healing water or intense in the mist of the Staller waterfall – encounters with the source of life are always something special here. For families, the new play and excursion arena "Aqua adventure playground Ochsenlacke", sitting at lofty heights at the Mooseralm Lodge in the Brunnalm ski area, is a rewarding destination. And when in Defereggen Valley the alpine roses flower and the Alpine meadows shine in bright pink, that's when the annual Alpine Rose Festival is celebrated in St. Jakob. The festival regularly attracts numerous visitors from near and far to the idyllic community.

Winter in St. Jakob

When winter sets in and transforms East Tirol's valleys into wild and romantic landscapes, winter and winter sports fans from across the world head for idyllic St. Jakob. In the St. Jakob skiing centre and on the many kilometres of cross-country ski tracks you'll find optimal conditions during the entire winter season. Freeriding fans will get their money's worth on the Bruggeralm-routes with 10 different downhill runs. In St. Jakob there is of course also champagne on the mountain. Champagne on the mountain. Not just in a glass, however, but also on the slopes in the form of Champagne Powder – a type of snow found only in particularly cold conditions, such as in the American Rocky Mountains.

 

Particularly conducive to winding down is a ski tour through the pristine nature of Defereggen Valley or a fun toboggan ride on one of the many, optimally groomed toboggan runs. But passionate ice-skaters also need not miss out, in the main town of Defereggen Valley there are attractive natural ice skating grounds. In winter, the Nationalpark Region Hohe Tauern around St. Jakob also makes for a wide range of rewarding destinations. In addition to snowshoe tours and torch-lit hikes on snowshoes, full moon tours on snowshoes are also on offer in the national park.

Accommodations in St. Jakob

Weather and Webcam in Defereggental

Forecast:

The cold front that arrived here yesterday is moving away now, but at a snail’s pace! Therefore, clouds will only clear slowly in the morning and it is not before midday that the sun will gain the upper hand.

Tendency:

On Wednesday, a ridge of high pressure will dominate our weather; it will be bright and warm. Then, a low will follow on Thursday bringing quite a few showers and thunderstorms. On Friday, sunny and warm weather will return!

St. Jakob im Defereggental
forecast for Tuesday, 19.03.2024
Sonne-04.png

morning

3°C/37°F
fair weather: 30%
frost line: 2300m
Sonne-02.png

afternoon

6°C/43°F
fair weather: 60%
frost line: 2300m
forecast for Wednesday, 20.03.2024
Sonne-01.png
 
12°C/54°F
fair weather: 90%
frost line: 2900m
forecast for Thursday, 21.03.2024
Gewitter-00-04.png
 
9°C/48°F
fair weather: 50%
frost line: 2400m
Skizentrum St. Jakob

Im Defereggental erwarten dich nicht nur gute Pisten, sondern sogar ausgezeichnete! Mit dem Pistensiegel von Tirol ausgestattet, wartet das Skizentrum St. Jakob mit freien Sonnenhängen, flotten Talfahrten und freien Pisten auf.



Contact and inquiries

Tourist information St. Jakob
Unterrotte 44
9963 St. Jakob i. D.
F. +43 50 212 600 2

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