To the Jagdhaus Hut in the Defereggen Valley

Our hike starts from the car park at the Alpengasthaus Oberhaus in St. Jakob in Defereggen. To get there, we take a toll road (summer 2025: 9 euros) that turns off from Erlsbach in Defereggen. Our destination is the Jagdhausalmen, an alpine village consisting of 15 huts and a chapel. The buildings are all made of stone, and the collection of buildings is also known as "Little Tibet".

We follow the wide forest path, which is also very popular with cyclists. Alternatively, the first section can be covered on path no. 111, which branches off to the left. Both paths run parallel to the Salzach River, which accompanies us almost all the way to our destination. Those who wish can make a short detour to an impressive wildlife observation tower, located not far from the forest path. After an hour's walk through an unspoilt mountain world, we reach the Seebachalmen.

Dry-stone walls border the alpine meadows and characterise the landscape. Shortly afterwards, the path begins to climb, but the hike as a whole only has a moderate elevation gain. After another hour of walking, we reach the Jagdhausalmen, which are managed by farmers from the South Tyrolean Valle Aurina. They are located in the High Tauern National Park. In summer, a few herders look after the cattle here, and an alpine hut serves food and drink to visitors.

However, cyclists and hikers should be prepared for a bit of a wait, as the snack stop is small and very popular. Information boards along the path and at the Jagdhausalm explain interesting facts about the area and its origins. Another special feature awaits above the Jagdhausalm: the Pfauenauge (Peacock's Eye) biotope, a mountain pond that can be reached in a 15-minute walk. The return journey follows the same path - below the Seebachalm, we take path no. 111 for a change from the forest path.

Author: AD

Experienced: August 2025