Sillian

Welcome to the chief city of the Hochpustertal valley.

Altitude: 1,103 m asl

Featuring some 2,000 m inhabitants, this market town (see pic) is located at the foot of the Thurntaler mountain and enchants its visitors thanks to its Tyrolean charme and cosy atmosphere. However, it is also the birthplace of numerous personalities, as for example knight Blasius Hölzl (15th century), royal counsellor of Maximilian I, and Adam Purwalder (born in 1588), who wrote the “Jedermann” trilogy. The local historian Ignaz Paprion is also from Sillian, and likewise Josef Schraffl (1855-1922), joint founder of the local farmers’ association and first governor of Tyrol. All of them are really prominent Tyrolean citizens!

As great starting point for hikes along the “Karnischer Höhenweg” high path and its proximity to the Drau cycle path, Sillian has also got much to offer from a cultural point of view. There are numerous religious celebrations, e.g. Sacred Heart, the day when fires light local mountains. Beside there is much to see: the parish church which was built in 1431 AD and has been “baroquised” later on, as well as numerous monuments, like the only preserved pillory column of Tyrol. In 1690 AD the wooden pillory tumbled over and has been replaced by a stone.

However, winter stands for snow and fun in Sillian. Usually the market town is covered by a mantle of snow, which makes visitors think of skiing, powder snow and hot punch! The lift facilities take you on the well-groomed slopes of the Ski Center Hochpustertal. If the weather is not fine enough to spend the day in the open, you can still decide to visit the the sauna in Sillian, which is open the whole year round.

Our tip: The Hochpustertal valley farmers’ shop and its considerable offer can be found at the market place in the centre of the city. Enjoy it!