Hinterbichl: Isel, Umbal Falls and Trails

Around Hinterbichl, the Isel and the trails to the Umbal Falls feature in various ways: as a riverside path, a water nature trail, a hiking destination, and a point of reference for cycling and winter tours. When planning, it helps to keep the starting and finishing points of each outing in mind. This lets you distinguish between a riverside walk, a hike to a mountain hut, and a cycling route.

The Isel and the Umbal Falls

The riverside path to Hinterbichl runs along the left bank of the Isel through Unterfeld and past the Taxer farmstead. The path crosses a bridge into Hinterbichl; its endpoint is the Prägraten a. G. Hinterbichl bus stop. Just over two kilometres beyond Hinterbichl, the Isel plunges over several steps through the deeply cut Glo Gorge. This provides a specific description of the route and a striking stretch of river to consider when planning different kinds of outings.

The Umbal Falls Nature Trail has information panels and viewing platforms high above the gorge and right by the water. A hike to the Islitzeralm also includes a small viewpoint overlooking the Isel and a water nature trail along the river leading to the Umbal Falls. The viewpoint and water nature trail are part of the same hike, but describe different stops along the route.

Hiking and mountain-hut trails

The hike to the Clarahütte starts at the Ströden car park, passes the Islitzeralm, and follows a trail alongside the Umbal Falls to the hut. Compared with the hike to the Islitzeralm, the difference is the destination: this route continues past the alm to the Clarahütte. When comparing the trails, you can therefore consider not only the watercourse but also where each hike leads.

Cycling and seasonal services

The Johannishütte No. 131 mountain bike route starts in Prägraten-Hinterbichl at an altitude of 1,335 metres and ends at the Johannishütte at 2,121 metres. It is 16.1 kilometres long, climbs 780 metres, and is rated moderate. The start, destination, distance, and elevation gain give you specific points of reference for distinguishing this route from hiking trails.

The Virgental cycle route No. 132 continues south of Prägraten to Hinterbichl and the Ströden car park; the final climb to the Umbal Falls begins from there. During the summer months, the Umbal shuttle runs daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. between the Ströden car park and the Islitzeralm, in both directions. Check that it is operating for the season before you travel. The Venediger Taxi takes visitors from the village to the Johannishütte and back; it is best to check booking requirements in advance.

Winter trails and mill tours

The 2.5-kilometre cross-country skiing link between Hinterbichl and Ströden connects the Ströden panoramic trail with the other cross-country ski trails in Prägraten. For ski tours around Prägraten, you can start at the Wiesenkreuz car park in Hinterbichl. Check current winter conditions and route safety before setting out on a ski tour. The cross-country skiing link and the possible ski tour starting point offer two different points of reference for planning winter activities.

Tours of the Islitz Mill are announced for 2026. You can watch the miller at work and hear stories about the mill and the milling profession. Check the specific dates before travelling so you can plan your visit around a suitable tour date.

Virgen, Leisach, St. Veit in Defereggen, Gsaritzen, Hopfgarten in Defereggen, Niedermauern, Huben in the Ötztal, Gaimberg

For the main travel overview: Lienz.