Iseltal

The Iseltal is one of the main valleys in East Tyrol. The Isel river flows through it, with the Defereggen range on its western side and the Schobergruppe on the east. It begins near Matrei in Osttirol, where the Virgental and Tauerntal valleys meet. The valley first appears in written records between 1065 and 1077 in the Brixen bishopric’s register. From Matrei it runs south to Huben, where the Defereggental and Kalser Tal branch off. The Isel continues southeast, passing through St. Johann im Walde, Schlaiten, Ainet and Oberlienz before reaching Lienz. Visitors find a broad valley floor framed by high mountain walls. The Isel winds through meadows and small villages, offering quiet walks along its banks. The surrounding peaks of the Defereggengebirge and Schobergruppe rise steeply on either side. At the valley’s southern end, the landscape opens into the Lienzer Becken.