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 im 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

Mountain water paradise Defereggental

In Defereggental, crystal-clear water characterizes the unique alpine landscape. High mountain lakes, waterfalls, mountain rivers, glaciers, springs, moors and even healing water from the depths of the earth - a legacy of the primordial oceans - all enliven the natural area in the middle of the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern.

Only the best spring water comes from all the drinking water pipes here. The educational center of the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, the "House of Water", is located in Defereggental and the Deferegger healing water has its origin. Whether on the beautiful St. Jakob in Defereggen water adventure trail, the spectacular Stallerbach waterfall trail or the Hopfgarten in Defereggen water hiking trail - there are unforgettable experiences by the water everywhere.

These and many more "water highlights" for young and old can be found in the Water Treasure Map!

find out more

Die Bachaufweitung Schwarzach in Maria Hilf in St. Jakob im Defereggental. Kleiner Steinhaufen am Ufer der Schwarzach.

Eine Skizze des Beobachtungsturms im Oberhauser Zirbenwald. Das naturnahe Design lässt die Sonnenstrahlen durch das Gerüst blitzen.

Der Talfluss im Defereggental die Schwarzach

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

Skiing

Da staubt der Pulverschnee, als der Rodler die Kurve einer Rodelbahn nimmt. Ein natürlcher Schneewall begrenzt die Bahn.

Snow sledding

Eine rot gekleidete Langläuferin im Defereggental. Die Sonne verschwindet hinter dem Berg.

Cross-country skiing

Ein Pärchen wandert auf perfekt präparierten Winterwanderwegen durch Osttirols Winterlandschaft.

Winter hiking

Eine Frau fährt mit ihrem Sohn am Zettersfeld Sessellift

Family

The next top events

01. March 2026

Oberseetrophy - Skitourenrennen am Staller Sattel

Staller Sattel / Obersee

- St. Jakob i.D.

more details

18. Weltweit höchstgelegenes Drachenbootrennen

27. June 2026

Worldwide downtown Dragon Boat Race

Obersee / Staller Sattel

- 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.