Hidden gem St. Oswald
Our location: St. Oswald in Kartitsch, East Tyrol
St. Oswald is a small, idyllic hamlet in Kartitsch, offering expansive views and an almost uninterrupted panorama of the surrounding mountains. Kartitsch is one of the few official Alpine mountaineering villages, recognised for gentle, nature-focused tourism away from the major crowds. No hustle and bustle, no oversized resort complexes—just mountains, trails and a village that has stayed true to itself.
And because the Carnic Alps, the Dolomites and the Pustertal Valley meet here at an altitude of 1,360 metres, Oswalderhof is also an ideal base for exploring the wider region, both in summer and winter.
Mountains right outside your door
Your holiday begins right outside the door. The Carnic Alps and the Dolomites are right on your doorstep, with the Carnic High Trail running above the village. Beautiful hiking routes lead to every altitude—from leisurely valley walks to summit tours, in every season and for every level of fitness.
Cycling & Biking
Cyclists and bikers will find an entire riding territory here, with countless routes for road bikes, e-bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes across mountain passes, valleys and high roads. The Drau Cycle Path can be accessed directly from the property. For motorcyclists, the Kartitsch Saddle, the Gail Valley and the Dolomite passes offer some of the finest twisty roads in the Alps.
Winter Sports
Winter is the perfect time to visit us. The Kartitsch village lift is just a few steps away—ideal for a relaxed day on the slopes and for children. Our tip: night skiing every Thursday evening.
The Hochpustertal–Thurntaler ski area in Sillian, the Golzentipp ski area in Obertilliach and the 3 Zinnen Dolomites are all within easy reach. You will also find cross-country ski trails and toboggan runs directly in Kartitsch. As Austria’s first certified winter hiking village, Kartitsch additionally offers beautiful winter walking trails.
Well Supplied Locally
Guests staying in our holiday apartments will find everything they need close by. Kartitsch has a local grocery shop, while larger supermarkets and stores—including Hofer, BILLA and dm—are available in Heinfels and Sillian.
Excursion destinations
If you would like to explore the surrounding area, the entire region is yours to discover. Lienz, East Tyrol’s sunny town, is perfect for a day of historic streets and cafés. Innichen (San Candido) brings a touch of Italian flair, pizza and dolce vita. The medieval Heinfels Castle impresses with its historic walls, while the Loacker Genusswelt in Heinfels is a sweet day-out destination for families and anyone with a sweet tooth.
Our hidden gem: At the Cinema Museum in Sillian, you can step into an original cinema from a bygone era.
Our favourite places
We know the most beautiful spots around Kartitsch and the Puster Valley—and we are happy to share them.
Heinrich’s tip: Obergail – Mühlenstüberl – Steineckenalm
From Obergail, the trail leads past the Mühlenstüberl and continues up to the Steineckenalm. This is a relatively quiet hike away from the well-known routes, with beautiful views and a cosy refreshment stop along the way.
Elisabeth’s tip: Thurntaler Lakes and circular hike
This approximately 9.3-kilometre route starts at the Thurntaler mountain station and leads through the alpine landscape to the Thurntaler Lakes. Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Villgraten Mountains and the Sexten Dolomites. With a little luck, you may even spot marmots.
