On the eastern outskirts of St. Jakob in Defereggen, a water-themed trail begins. It runs along the valley floor, always following the Schwarzach River, and therefore has no significant inclines. Here, in the heart of the High Tauern National Park and surrounded by towering mountains with their snowfields and glaciers, water is a vital habitat and a significant theme.

The Water Theme Trail leads you to various ponds and springs. The walk is an experience for the whole family and can be combined with a visit to the Deferegger Healing Water bottling plant, including a guided tour about the myths surrounding the healing water.

Numerous information boards along the path provide interesting facts about precious water, its influence on the landscape, and its effects. A theme here, at an altitude of 1,400 metres, is also natural events such as the 1966 flood. The trail then continues to Maria Hilf, if you wish to do the longer, complete version of the walk.