East Tyrol (Osttirol) is a district in the Austrian state of Tyrol, separated from North Tyrol by a strip of land belonging to the province of Salzburg. Its history is deeply intertwined with the Habsburg Monarchy and the historical region of Tyrol, which was once a unified entity until the early 20th century.
After World War I, the Treaty of Saint-Germain in 1919 caused South Tyrol and Trentino to be ceded to Italy, leaving East Tyrol geographically isolated from North Tyrol. Despite this separation, East Tyrol retained its strong cultural ties with the rest of Tyrol and Austria. Over the centuries, the region has been influenced by Bavarian, Roman, and Alpine cultures, contributing to its unique heritage.
Description
East Tyrol is characterized by stunning alpine landscapes, dominated by the Hohe Tauern and the Lienz Dolomites. It is home to Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner (3,798m), and the Hohe Tauern National Park, one of the largest nature reserves in Europe. The district capital is Lienz, a charming town with a Mediterranean feel due to its relatively mild climate.
The region is known for its traditional alpine villages, deep valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and vast forests, making it a paradise for outdoor lovers. It has a relatively low population compared to North Tyrol, which helps maintain its untouched natural beauty.
Typical Food
East Tyrol’s cuisine is heavily influenced by traditional Tyrolean and Austrian alpine cooking. Some typical dishes include:
Schlipfkrapfen – Similar to ravioli, these pasta pockets are filled with potatoes, cheese, or meat and served with melted butter and chives.
Tiroler Gröstl – A hearty dish made of fried potatoes, bacon, and onions, often topped with a fried egg.
Kasspatzln – Soft egg noodles mixed with local mountain cheese and caramelized onions.
Osttiroler Kiachl – A deep-fried pastry, sometimes served with powdered sugar or filled with sauerkraut.
Speck (Tyrolean Bacon) – A high-quality smoked and air-dried ham, commonly eaten with bread and cheese.
Strauben – A crispy, deep-fried funnel cake, often served with lingonberry jam.
Zirbenschnaps – A local specialty schnapps made from pine cones of the Arolla pine (Zirbe), known for its unique herbal and woody flavor.
Activities
East Tyrol is an outdoor paradise, offering activities year-round:
Summer Activities:
Hiking & Trekking: Over 2,000 km of hiking trails, including routes in Hohe Tauern National Park and the Lienz Dolomites.
Climbing & Via Ferrata: Popular rock climbing and via ferrata routes at Großglockner and the Dolomites.
Mountain Biking & Cycling: Scenic routes like the Drau Cycle Path and challenging mountain trails.
Paragliding & Gliding: Stunning aerial views over the Alps.
Wildlife Watching: Explore Hohe Tauern’s diverse wildlife, including ibex, marmots, and golden eagles.
Winter Activities:
Skiing & Snowboarding: Resorts like Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei, Lienzer Bergbahnen, and Sillian Hochpustertal.
Cross-Country Skiing: Over 400 km of well-maintained trails.
Ski Touring & Snowshoeing: Explore untouched winter landscapes.
Ice Climbing: Frozen waterfalls in the Lienz Dolomites attract ice climbers.
Tobogganing: Family-friendly runs, such as the Hochstein toboggan track in Lienz.
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