The Power of Water - The Umbal Falls

The rearmost part of the Virgen Valley from the mountaineering village of Prägraten is called Umbaltal. At around 2,400 m altitude, the Isel springs here as a glacial stream from the Umbalkees on the Großvenediger, then flows through the Virgen and Isel Valley and flows into the Drau near Lienz. The Isel is a typical glacial stream, i.e. it is significantly shaped by the melting processes on the glacier. The largest amounts of water occur here in the summer months when the glacier melt is strongest. The water level also changes during the day, as the melting is greatest around noon. The whitish-cloudy color of the water on warm summer days is also characteristic. This "glacier milk" is created by the finely ground rock flour from the glacier.

The Umbalfälle are located about 5 km west of Prägraten and can be reached from the parking lot in Ströden. The forest road leads comfortably and without significant incline to the Jasuen stations Islitzer Alm and Pebell Alm. For those who prefer, this route can also be covered even more comfortably by horse-drawn carriage.

Behind the alpine pastures, you can already see the spray of the Großbachfall. This is where the water experience trail branches off from the forest road. This educational trail was created in 1976 as the first water experience trail in Europe. In 1985, it had to be rebuilt after a devastating flood wave. In the 1980s, the Umbalfälle also made headlines due to plans to build a large hydroelectric power plant here. Fortunately, this project, which would have destroyed the waterfalls, failed due to the resistance of environmentalists and nature lovers. Today, no one seriously considers sacrificing this unique natural monument for a power plant.

Since then, the Umbalfälle have become a true crowd puller, with around 50,000 visitors coming annually to admire the cataracts. In 2012, the water experience trail was completely redesigned as a "Nature-Power-Path". The existing platforms and viewpoints were renewed and supplemented with additional locations. A platform brings the visitors so close to the roaring masses of water that you can feel the spray directly on your skin. The Isel has eroded the rock into various formations. Wave-like abrasions, basins, kettles, and whirlpools are clearly visible. Rarely does the power and landscape-forming force of water show itself as clearly as here.

After 30 to 45 minutes, you reach the upper end of the water experience trail. You can either return the same way or take the forest road. The continuation of the hike to the Clara Hut is also extremely rewarding (total duration 2.5 to 3 hours). After a somewhat strenuous ascent, you will – always further along the Isel – reach a beautiful high valley, which turns into an incredibly colorful sea of flowers, especially in early summer.

A tip from environmental activist Moni from South Tyrol. She is an absolute nature freak and tries to spend her free time in the fresh air as often as possible.
More Tyrolean tips from environmental activist Moni