Erlsbach: Hiking and Swiss Pine Forest

If you are looking for a hotel in Erlsbach, you can start planning your trip by considering the activities you have in mind: hikes to alpine pastures, a steep climb to a mountain hut, or a winter tour that depends on suitable conditions each offer a different focus. The Oberhauser Swiss Pine Forest in the upper Defereggen Valley is another natural attraction. The route details below can help you distinguish between destinations and plan your trip around your own interests.

Oberhauser Swiss Pine Forest and Birdwatching

The Oberhauser Swiss Pine Forest in the upper Defereggen Valley covers more than 170 ha and is the largest contiguous stand of Swiss pine in the Eastern Alps. More than 30 bird species can also be spotted in the forest.

Hikes to Jagdhausalm

One hike goes via Seebachalm to Jagdhausalm, which is described as Austria’s oldest alpine hamlet. A hiking trail leads from Erlsbach to Jagdhausalm in about four hours. Seebachalm marks the route, while the estimate of about four hours provides an approximate guide to the journey from Erlsbach. Describing the destination as Austria’s oldest alpine hamlet also gives it a cultural connection.

Routes to Barmer Hut and Arventalalm

It is important to distinguish between these similarly named places: the hike to Barmer Hut starts at the Patscherhütte car park, first leads into the Patschertal, and then climbs steeply to the hut. The hike to Arventalalm starts from Erlsbach and follows the toll road to Alpengasthof Patsch, where parking is available. The routes therefore have different practical features: the steep climb to Barmer Hut, and the toll road and parking at Alpengasthof Patsch for the hike to Arventalalm. Check road and parking conditions before setting off. The starting points are also different: for Barmer Hut, use the car park at Patscherhütte; for Arventalalm, start from Erlsbach.

Winter Tours and Getting There

In winter, there is another activity to consider: when conditions are suitable, experienced ski tourers can descend through the Patschertal and skate along the closed road to Erlsbach. This option depends on suitable conditions and experience. If you include it in your plans, take both requirements into account and check in advance that conditions are right.

Travel by Postbus can also be part of your plans: the service between Huben and Erlsbach connects the village of St. Veit. Check the current timetable before travelling. This is a separate planning consideration alongside the hiking destinations: the route descriptions cover starting points and trail characteristics, while the Postbus service connects places. If you are looking for hotels in Erlsbach, you can treat the timetable and planned activities as separate parts of your trip planning.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Leonhard, Schlaiten, Matrei in Osttirol, Innergschlöß, Innervillgraten, Assling, Kals am Großglockner, Amlach

Return to the overarching travel guide: Lienz.