Assling: Nature Experiences and Church Culture

Assling combines alpine nature experiences with wildlife observation, regional history and excursion destinations for a variety of holiday days.

Nature and wildlife between the alpine trail and wildlife park

On the Puster Valley Alpine Trail, you will encounter rare plants and animals. Numerous alpine huts line the route; the local population calls them “Kasern”. The alpine trail therefore provides a tangible insight into the landscape and a regional term that is part of the character of the area.

The Assling Wildlife Park is a particular highlight. It covers 80,000 m² of meadows and woodland and is home to a total of 35 different animal species. A circular walk lasting around 1.5 hours allows visitors to observe deer, marmots, lynxes and other Alpine wildlife. Visitors also receive information about their distinctive characteristics. Species-appropriate food for feeding the animals can be purchased at the ticket office or from vending machines.

Cultural history with specific visiting conditions

Assling can also be explored through its churches and archaeological evidence. The filial church of St. Korbinian was built in 1460/1465 during the reign of Count Leonhard of Gorizia-Tyrol and consecrated in 1468 by Auxiliary Bishop Kaspar of Salzburg. It is open only during services; church visits are possible by prior telephone arrangement with parish coordinator Christa Czopak at +43 681/20424350.

The parish church of St. Justina was first mentioned in documentary records in 1177. The present parish church was built around 1500, its interior was given a Baroque makeover in 1633, and the church was subsequently reconsecrated. The north wall features a Gothic winged altar attributed to the Barbarameister, a pupil of Friedrich Pacher. Archaeological excavations on the church rock suggest that an important and extensive castle complex once stood there.

Further insights are offered by the filial church of St. Ulrich in Oberthal and the Assling Archaeological Room. The high altar painting at St. Ulrich depicts the church’s patron saint, St. Ulrich, and the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Gothic features may indicate that it dates from around 1400. The Archaeological Room displays important finds from archaeological excavations in the municipality of Assling.

Excursions for active and varied holiday days

The Vitalpinum extends over 6,500 m² and provides information about the extraction and production of essential oils, the effects of medicinal plants and essential oils, and the history of the Brüder Unterweger company, the first Tyrolean stone pine oil distillery. At the Vitalpinum, nature can be experienced with all the senses.

For a more sporty day plan, the Compedal Ski Hut is a popular destination for ski tourers. Its southwest-facing terrace offers space for around 70 people. The ViTHAL leisure centre in Thal also has a direct connection to cycling: the centre is located directly on the Drau Cycle Path.

The Assling summer toboggan run combines an uphill ride with a small drag lift, a fast descent and views of the Lienz Dolomites. This makes it possible to combine peaceful days focused on nature and culture with an excursion, without treating the travellers’ different interests as identical.

Choose accommodation according to your preferred travel itinerary

When looking for a holiday apartment in Assling, it is worth considering your personal daily rhythm. The Puster Valley Alpine Trail and the wildlife park are the focus of nature-oriented days, while the churches, Archaeological Room and Vitalpinum offer different points of focus. This allows you to choose accommodation based on whether you want to include hikes, wildlife observation, cultural history or varied excursions in your travel plans.

More places to include in your travel plans

If you would like to compare other places besides Assling, you can find Raneburg, Untertilliach, Innergschlöß, St. Veit In Defereggen, Obertilliach, Sillian, Tristach and Niedermauern here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lienz.