Matrei in Osttirol: Trails, Nature and Culture

Matrei in Osttirol is a destination for stays where mountain scenery, trails and cultural history play a role. The market town is the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park. When planning your trip, you can start by choosing a focus: alpine trails in the Gschlösstal, the scenery of the Proßegg Gorge, historical sights or winter sports. Whether you focus on nature, local history or skiing, this also gives your search for a hotel in Matrei a clear direction.

Mountain Scenery and Trails

The Gschlösstal can be reached on foot from Matreier Tauernhaus and is considered the most beautiful valley head in the Eastern Alps. Its ancient, unspoilt natural landscape provides a habitat for many rare animal and plant species.

From Matreier Tauernhaus, you can reach the Gschlösstal; the Innergschlöss Glacier Trail starts at the head of the valley. With an ascent of around 500 metres, it leads to Lake Salzboden and on to the glacier gate of the Schlatenkees at the foot of the Großvenediger. Alpine conditions and seasonal access may change; check current route conditions before setting out. Matreier Tauernhaus is accessible from Matrei by public bus. Services and timetables are subject to seasonal changes; plan your journey using the timetable applicable to your travel dates.

The Matrei Valley Trail is just under 15 kilometres long and provides historical information about the market town of Matrei in Osttirol. Trail signage and maintenance may change. Check the latest route information before setting out.

From the district of Proßegg, a red-marked mountain trail with a gentle ascent leads into and through the Proßegg Gorge. Its steep walls drop more than 120 metres; the gorge was carved by the Tauernbach. Along the way, you can see the Steiner Waterfall, which is just under 100 metres high. Conditions on the mountain trail may change seasonally; check current information before setting out.

Culture, Art and Architectural History

In Matrei’s town centre, the Klaubauf Museum displays 126 Klaubauf masks carved by more than 20 woodcarvers. The interior paintings in St. Nicholas Church date from around the year 1200. The scenes are considered unique in the Osttirol area; moreover, the church contains almost the only depictions in the Romanesque style that still retain their vivid colours.

The Außergschlöss Rock Chapel was built into a natural cave in 1870, after earlier chapels had been destroyed by avalanches.

Weißenstein Castle is around 900 years old. The walk there, rated easy, starts at Rauterplatz and follows Proßeggweg to the castle grounds. Weißenstein Castle is privately owned and cannot be visited. As visiting arrangements may change, check before you go.

Winter Sports in Matrei

The base station of the Großglockner Resort Kals/Matrei connects the market town of Matrei in Osttirol directly to East Tyrol’s largest ski area. Lift operations and operating conditions are seasonal. If skiing is important to your trip, check the latest operating information for your travel dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Raneburg, Sankt Leonhard, Erlsbach, Prägraten am Großvenediger, Sillian, Lavant, Moos, Heinfels

Return to the broader travel overview: Lienz.