Remote hiking paradise: Außervillgraten is a traditional village in the Villgratental Valley, a small side valley branching off the Upper Pustertal Valley.
Up until the 1960s the village of Außervillgraten in East Tirol was a small, remote settlement almost entirely cut off from the outside world. Today this municipality, home to 760 residents and several centuries-old farmhouses, has managed to maintain its rustic, isolated charm while at the same time gaining popularity as a base for hiking and mountaineering. Its position at 1,286m altitude in the picturesque Villgratental Valley, a side valley branching off the larger Hochpustertal Valley, makes it the ideal starting point for long walks towards the Defereggen Mountains and the Dolomites of South Tirol. Some of the most popular hikes are around the 2,404m Thurntaler mountain overlooking the village. During the winter months this area is part of the Sillian-Hochpustertal ski resort, with one cable car leading from Außervillgraten up onto the slopes. Fans of ski touring and cross-country skiing will also find plenty to see and do. A highlight not to be missed is the Wurzermühle mill in the Winkeltal Valley. Built in 1882, it originally had three separate milling wheels: one for flour, one for barley and one for animal feed.
Up until the 1960s the village of Außervillgraten in East Tirol was a small, remote settlement almost entirely cut off from the outside world…
