Virgen

Altitude: 1,200 metres a.s.l.

The beautiful holiday village of Virgen lies at the entrance of the Virgental, embedded between the Nordkette mountains and the Lasörling mountain range in the Hohe Tauern National Park. Because of its mild climate it is often called "Merano of East Tyrol“.

Thanks to its favourable position Virgen is the perfect starting point for many different hiking tours varying from easy walking tours in the valley to challenging hiking tours to the high peaks of the High Tauern mountain range. Particularly well-known is the “Weg der Sinne“ (literally: the path of the senses) which leads through the Virgener Feldflur, a natural landscape characterised by meadows and hedges at the foot of the Hohe Tauern mountain range. At the different interactive installations along the path, visitors can put their hearing, sight, olfaction and taste of the test.

In winter Virgen features 21 km of cross-country ski tracks, including a FIS homologated track, an illuminated natural sledge run, a ski lift for children and beginners, as well as an extensive network of winter hiking and walking paths. Ski mountaineering enthusiasts will definitely enjoy the unspoilt landscape and the stunning panoramic views. The Grossglockner Resort Kals-Matrei skiing area lies only 7 km from the village and is easily accessible by ski bus.

If you are into culture you can visit the ruins of Castel Rabenstein, formerly known as Burg Virgen. It is one of the most extensive mediaeval castle complexes of Tyrol and stands on a hill north of the village of Mellitz. The castle houses a precious fresco cycle.