Außervillgraten: Winkeltal, the Sacred Heart tradition and winter
Accommodation in Außervillgraten
Winkeltal is a 12-kilometre-long side valley of the Villgratental. It stretches from the village of Außervillgraten past individual farms and hamlets to extensive alpine pastures at elevations of 1,600 to 1,800 metres. This sequence of settlements and alpine pastures shapes the landscape for a stay, complemented by cultural attractions and activities that vary with the season.
Hiking and nature in Winkeltal
The first stage of the Herz-Ass Villgratental route follows an alpine pasture trail from Außervillgraten to the Reiterstube in Winkeltal. The Winkeltal Alpine Kneipp Facility is also located near the Reiterstube in Außervillgraten: at an elevation of 1,517 metres, it offers water and foot treatments. The facility was built using local materials and designed to blend with the natural surroundings. For hikers, there is both a named route and a dedicated place offering specific treatments.
Church, Sacred Heart celebration and Wurzerhof
A late Gothic Pietà dating from 1400 is preserved in St. Gertraud Parish Church. The date identifies when the work was created, while the term “late Gothic” describes its art-historical classification. The Sacred Heart Sunday celebration in June is a recurring event in the church calendar: the 1796 pledge of the Sacred Heart League is renewed in the church, followed by a procession. The celebration also includes the illumination of the mountain and houses, as well as a concert by the Außervillgraten Music Band in the church square. If you plan to visit for the celebration, check the exact date for the relevant year.
The Wurzerhof farmstead ensemble offers a different cultural perspective. It consists of a single-farmhouse complex and several outbuildings, including a washhouse or smokehouse, a chapel, a grain mill and a sawmill. The ensemble also includes a small forge, a hearth, a bread oven and a workshop with tools and traditional craft objects from the region. Alongside the buildings, the focus is also on local crafts and objects.
Winter trails and seasonal activities
The Tilliachalmweg is illuminated every evening until 10 p.m. A toboggan rental is available at the start of the toboggan run near the Reiterstube. The “Außervillgraten Reiterstube” stop is served by bus route 966 and provides access to the Tilliachalmweg. There is also a car park for the trail near the Reiterstube in the Villgratental. Before visiting in winter, check the current timetable and information about lighting and rentals.
A valley descent and a four-person chairlift provide direct access from Außervillgraten to the Hochpustertal ski area. The Sillian Hochpustertal ski area’s piste list also includes a run called “Talabfahrt Außervillgraten.” This is separate from the high-alpine Hochgrabe ski tour via Außervillgraten; safe avalanche conditions are essential for both of its variants.
Seasonal activities also vary in nature. In summer, you can explore the countryside in and around Außervillgraten by mountain bike. Discover the Villgraten mountains on a snowshoe hike. In winter, you can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride in Winkeltal; availability may vary from one winter to the next. When looking for a hotel, you can choose your travel dates according to what you would most like to experience: Sacred Heart Sunday in June, a summer activity or winter activities.
For the broader travel overview: Lienz.
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