The Isel shapes the choice of trails around Hinterbichl: the riverside route, gorge and Umbal Falls sit alongside cycling, cross-country skiing and cultural tours. For your planning, it is worth first checking the start and end points. The Auenweg ends at a bus stop, the hike to the Clarahütte begins at the Ströden car park, and seasonal connections lead to other destinations.
Gorge, water and hiking destinations
Along the Umbal Falls Nature Power Trail, information boards and viewing platforms are located both high above the gorge and right by the water. Along the trail, you will encounter interpretive stops and different views of the gorge and the water.
A good two kilometres beyond Hinterbichl, the Isel plunges down several cascades through the deeply cut Glo Gorge. The hike to the Islitzeralm also takes in the river: it includes a small viewpoint overlooking the Isel and a water-themed nature trail along the riverbank leading to the Umbal Falls. If you are heading to the Clarahütte, start at the Ströden car park, walk via the Islitzeralm and follow a trail beside the Umbal Falls to the hut. This makes one distinction clear when choosing your destination: one hike centres on the Islitzeralm, while the other leads to the Clarahütte.
Riverside trails and winter destinations
The Auenweg to Hinterbichl follows the left bank of the Isel through Unterfeld and past the Taxer farmstead. It crosses a bridge to Hinterbichl and ends at the Prägraten a. G. Hinterbichl bus stop.
In winter, a 2.5 km cross-country skiing connection links Hinterbichl with Ströden. It connects the Ströden Panorama Trail to the other cross-country ski trails in Prägraten. Ski tours around Prägraten can start at the Wiesenkreuz car park in Hinterbichl. Before setting out on a ski tour, check the current winter and route conditions.
Cycling to different destinations
The Johannishütte mountain bike route No. 131 starts in Prägraten-Hinterbichl at 1,335 m and ends at the Johannishütte at 2,121 m. It is 16.1 km long, climbs 780 m and is rated moderately difficult.
The Virgental Cycle Route No. 132 follows a different course: south of Prägraten, it continues to Hinterbichl and the Ströden car park. The final climb to the Umbal Falls begins from there. You can choose between the mountain bike tour to the Johannishütte and a cycle route connection that goes as far as Ströden.
Mill tours and seasonal connections
On guided tours of the Islitzer Mill, you can watch the miller at work and hear stories about the mill and the milling trade. Check the tour dates scheduled for 2026 before your trip.
During the summer months, the Umbal Shuttle runs daily from 10:00 to 16:00 from the Ströden car park to the Islitzeralm and back; check seasonal service before your trip. Alternatively, the Venediger Taxi takes guests from the village to the Johannishütte and back. Check booking requirements in advance. The two services go to different destinations: the shuttle connects Ströden with the Islitzeralm, while the taxi connects the village with the Johannishütte.
For example, you can take into account Ströden as the starting point for the hike to the Clarahütte or the shuttle to the Islitzeralm, while mountain bike route No. 131 starts in Prägraten-Hinterbichl. This lets you plan the named destinations and connections individually, rather than treating them as one combined excursion.
Discover more travel destinations: Raneburg, Dölsach, Amlach, Assling, Gsaritzen, Matrei In Osttirol, Huben Im Ötztal, Nußdorf-Debant.
Back to the main travel overview: Lienz.
