St. Jakob in Defereggen

Few American tourists venture into the Defereggen mountain range, although its craggy slopes are sprinkled with unspoiled villages. The small resort of St. Jakob in Defereggen is one of the most charming in East Tirol. Sports enthusiasts flock to the area for hiking, climbing, rafting, and fishing in summer and skiing in winter. There are also sulfur baths at nearby St. Leonhard and a waterfall at Mariahilf. To reach St. Jakob from Lienz, head northwest on Route 108, following the Isel Valley, and turn left at the village of Huben, about 19 km (12 mi) out of Lienz, onto a scenic side roadway that takes you up the valley, the Defereggental. St. Jakob is 21 km (14 mi) from Huben.