In Assling, you can choose between observing nature, outdoor activities and architectural history. One concrete measure for a visit to the wildlife park is the approximately 1.5-hour circular walk; the churches, meanwhile, tell quite different stories through their construction phases and works of art. The Vitalpinum also connects nature with insights into the production of essential oils.
Discover Nature and Wildlife
The Assling Wildlife Park covers 80,000 m² of meadows and woodland. A total of 35 different animal species live there. A walk of about an hour and a half gives you the chance to observe deer, marmots, lynx and other Alpine wildlife; along the way, you can learn about their distinctive characteristics. If you would like to feed the animals, you can buy suitable feed at the ticket office or from vending machines. Check this visitor information before your visit if feeding the animals is part of your plans.
The Pustertal Alpine Pasture Trail also offers a connection with nature: Along the route, you will encounter rare plants and animals as well as numerous alpine huts. Local people call these huts “Kasern”. This is a local term you can look out for as you explore the alpine landscape.
Outdoor Activities and Special Views
The Assling summer toboggan run combines an uphill ride on a small drag lift, a fast descent and views of the Lienz Dolomites. The Compedal Ski Hut is a popular destination for ski touring. Its southwest-facing terrace has room for about 70 people. There are different reasons to get active here, from the summer toboggan run to a ski touring destination.
For cycling, head to Thal: The ViTHAL leisure centre is located right on the Drau Valley Cycle Route. Its location is a useful reference point if you are exploring Assling in connection with the cycle route.
Churches and History in Assling
The parish church of St Justina brings together several historical periods. It was first mentioned in a document in 1177; the present-day church was built around 1500. Its interior was given a Baroque makeover in 1633, and the church was reconsecrated. The north wall features a Gothic winged altarpiece attributed to the Master of Barbara, a pupil of Friedrich Pacher. Archaeological excavations on the church rock suggest that there may once have been a significant and extensive castle complex here—a historical interpretation, not a confirmed description of a surviving castle.
The branch church of St Korbinian also has a well-documented construction history: It was built in 1460/1465 during the rule of Count Leonhard of Gorizia-Tyrol and consecrated in 1468 by Auxiliary Bishop Kaspar of Salzburg. The church is open only during services; visits can be arranged by calling parish coordinator Christa Czopak in advance on +43 681/20424350. Register your interest in a visit beforehand and check that a visit is possible before you travel.
In Oberthal, the branch church of St Ulrich has Gothic features that may indicate it dates from around 1400. Its high altar painting depicts the church’s patron saint, St Ulrich, and the Fourteen Holy Helpers. If you are more interested in archaeological finds than church art, the Assling Archaeology Room has important artefacts from excavations in the municipality.
Oils and Medicinal Plants at the Vitalpinum
The Vitalpinum covers 6,500 m² and shares information about the extraction and production of essential oils, the effects of medicinal plants and essential oils, and the history of Brüder Unterweger, the first larch oil distillery in Tyrol. At the Vitalpinum, you can experience nature with all your senses. The site connects nature with insights into the processing of plant-based raw materials and the company’s history.
Discover more destinations: Lienz, Erlsbach, Bichl, Moos, Oberrotte, Obertilliach, Arnbach, Leisach.
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