Telfes stretches on the north-western slopes of the lower Stubaital, 100 m above the Ruetz River. Additionally to the scattered village of Telfes with its decorated farmhouses, the hamlets of Gagers, Kapfers (which form together with Telfes a settlement unit) and Plöven also belong to Telfes. Telfes was founded in the early Middle Ages and used to be the first parish in the entire valley. Between 1754 and 1755 the parish church was rebuilt by the parish priest, architect and building contractor Franz de Paula Penz, who is also buried in Telfes. Since the opening of the Stubaital Tramway in 1904 tourism has become a leading factor in the village. The hiking area around the Telfer pasture lands with their old larch trees is one of Telfes main attractions.