On the Anras village trail, historic buildings and traditions meet views of the surrounding mountains. Five stops with information panels make the walk a gateway to the history of the municipality; at the same time, striking peaks and churches shape the character of Anras. If you are planning a trip, you will find a range of highlights here: village history along the trail, sacred buildings and routes into the Kristeinertal landscape.
Village History on the Trail and at the Castle
The Anras village trail illustrates the municipality’s historic buildings and traditions at five stops. The information panels give the walk a historical context, rather than focusing solely on the landscape. Along the way, the trail offers views of Spitzenstein, Anras’s local mountain, as well as Breitenstein, Golzentipp, Dorfberg and the western group of the Lienz Dolomites. The route thus brings together two distinct aspects of the village: its architectural and cultural heritage and the mountains that surround it.
Anras Castle also offers a glimpse into history. The Anras Castle administrative court building served as the summer residence of the bishops of Brixen from 1200 to 1809. The court museum at Anras Castle includes an exhibition on the penal system dating from 1499 onwards. The history of the residence and the exhibition highlight different aspects of the past: one focuses on the building’s former function, the other on the history of the penal system. Together with the stops on the village trail, they offer a cultural experience that is not limited to a single building.
Gothic Churches and Pilgrimage History
Several sacred buildings each highlight different aspects of local history. The Maria Himmelfahrt branch church in Asch is an original Gothic building dating from the end of the 15th century. It became a popular pilgrimage church; the granting of a papal indulgence is considered a likely major reason. The Gothic Church of St. Anthony lies west of Anras village centre and also became a popular regional pilgrimage site. A nature trail with Stations of the Cross, laid out in 1815, is located north of this church.
In Ried, the branch church of the Holy Spirit dates from the Late Gothic period. Comparing the churches illustrates the breadth of the religious heritage: at Maria Himmelfahrt in Asch, the original Gothic building and pilgrimage history are the main focus, while the location of St. Anthony west of the village centre and the nature trail with Stations of the Cross provide additional points of reference. The Church of the Holy Spirit in Ried adds another Late Gothic building to the selection. Visitors can therefore tailor their visit to their interest in architectural history, pilgrimage or religious routes, without combining the different locations into a single walk.
Hiking Trails, Mountain Views and Winter Activities
Near Anras, a hiking trail in the Kristeinertal leads through a quiet stream-and-forest landscape to the Gölbnerblickhütte. Route Kristeinertal No. 123 reaches the staffed hut and the Celar Chapel after a fairly steep climb. This high-altitude route offers a different kind of experience from the Anras village trail: the village trail centres on information panels, historic buildings and views, while in the Kristeinertal, the stream-and-forest landscape and steep climb to the hut shape the character of the hike.
For mountain bikers, the Kristeinertal No. 123 mountain bike tour starts at the Anras-Mittewald fire station. This is a separate starting point for a different activity and should not be confused with the hike described above. Activities are also available in the colder months: the landscape around Anras offers opportunities for ski touring and snowshoeing. You can choose according to the activity, from a themed walk to hiking and mountain biking, as well as tours in the snow. These descriptions refer to different options, not a single itinerary or a set combination of activities.
Practical Information
Anras Municipal Office is listed as a stop for the Anras village trail. Check the latest travel information before setting off, as this listing does not provide information about departure times or frequency. The Anras Pfleghaus is wheelchair accessible. This information applies to the Pfleghaus; it does not indicate the condition of the village trail or other routes.
Discover more destinations: Iselsberg-Stronach, Erlsbach, Niedermauern, Thurn, Heinfels, Dölsach, Hinterbichl, St. Veit In Defereggen.
Back to the main travel overview: Lienz.
