Lienz is the vibrant center of the region, a small town with great history and an ideal starting point when it comes to eventful excursions, hiking or ski touring in the unique mountainscape, biking trips as well as twisty motorcycle trips.
Lienz is the capital of the district East Tyrol. The town, which is surrounded by mountains, Lienz Dolomites in the south and Zettersfeld in the north, lies 673 m above sea level. Due to the numerous hours of sunshine as well as the mild alpine climate the city has become known as “Sonnenstadt Lienz”, the Sun City, which is underlined by the southern flair.
Approximately 12.000 inhabitants are living in this cultural, economic and social center of the region. Two rivers, Isel and Drau, do not only characterize the townscape, but also path the ways for the main routes into the valley. Thus, Lienz can easily be reached from the Pustertal (Italy), the Drautal (Carinthia) as well as the Iseltal (Felbertauern).
The area has an exciting history going way back as the first settlements were established around 2000 B.C. followed by Celtic and Roman establishments later on. The excavation „Aguntum“ bears witness to the only ancient roman city in Tirol and its archaeological park and museum are worth a visit.
Lienz itself was built, where the church St. Andrä is found today. In the 11th century, a fortress was built on the modern-day main square. Soon the city flourished under the reign of the lords of Götz who built the castle Schloss Bruck using it as their residence. In 1608, the Liebburg, which was used for various purposes throughout the centuries and now is used as the city hall, was built by the brothers Wolkenstein as a modern residence.
Crucial events for the development of Lienz can be found in the separation of East Tyrol from North- and South Tyrol in 1919, as well as in WWII which brought great destruction to the town. Eventually, Lienz was reconstructed and tourists began to come back, and with them the revival creating a lively town with parks and flowers, coffeehouses, small boutiques and a wonderful market.
Lienz can be explored playfully by using the Locandy App which leads one to special places. Additionally, exciting stories are being told. The combination of virtual and realistic elements paths the way to experience the city with family and friends. Download the app and get started.
Schloss Bruck was built in the years 1252-1277 by the Earl of Görz as a residential castle and has a moving history as rulers castle, domicile of the jurisdiction, the imperial field hospital, military barrack, brewery as well as hosting company. Today it is a museum where art is displayed, many of which is from the local artist Albin Egger-Lienz. Archeological objects and folk art can be found and certain special exhibitions. Even open-air concerts take place in the castle courtyard.
Throughout the year, a multifarious program of concerts and theatrical performances is organized by “Stadtkultur Lienz”.
Additionally, a variety of events such as the traditional brass band music concerts -performed by local orchestra – or the international roadshow festival Olala of several days’ duration are organized by different promoters.
The vivid city market located in the Messinggasse offers regional products of the highest quality. The opening hours are Friday between 1 pm and 6 pm as well as Saturday between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Unhurried taking the bike along the river Drau or Isel and stopping for a bite to eat, seeking a sporty challenge at the mountain path, experiencing the beautiful landscape on some of the mountain bike trails in East Tyrol (which reach a total length of 500 kilometers) or romping on the single trails – Suggestions for tours and informations:
Due to scenic roads and various alpine passes East Tyrol can be perceived as a paradise of bends and curves. Yet, it’s still an insiders’ tip in the biker scene. Here you can find our tips and tour-recommendations:
Whether hiking combined with a good snack in the hut, guided hike tour in the national park “Hohe Tauern”, experiencing the sunrise from up above, a family tour along the Isel or challenging mountaineering high-Alpine terrain – a mountain lovers´ heart beats faster. Hiking holiday in East Tyrol:
Enthusiastic climbers of various skill levels find in East Tyrol what their hearts desire. In the last couple of years, many fixed rope routes, high rope courses, multi rope routes and several climbing parks have been established. Whether more or a little bit less skilled – routes for everybody can be found at “Galitzenklamm”.
Klettern in Osttirol | Osttirol Tourismus
PS: East Tyrol can be a thrilling place during the winter period for (ice) climbers!
Eisklettern in Osttirol » Eisfälle & Eispark | Osttirol Tourismus
Against the backdrop of the impressive Lienz Dolomites mountain scenery, on pleasantly level terrain at an altitude of 650 m, the Golf Club Dolomitengolf Osttirol welcomes you with its unique 36-hole golf course, the larges course in Tyrol.
Whitewater rafting may be seen as one of the most adventurous water sports – water, waves and group paddling. There are many options to give it a try with trained guides:
Rafting in Osttirol | Osttirol Tourismus
But of course, taking the kayak or the canoe is an equally great way of moving on water.
Whether by paraglider, hang-glider or even by sailplane – the Lienz Dolomites offer a great view from above.
Best conditions for skiing or snowboarding as well as fun on the slopes can be found at the top of Zettersfeld, which lays almost 2000 meters above sea level, including a special fun area especially for kids and younger athletes.
Hochstein, the backyard mountain, attracts people with its vast slopes which leads all the way down into the city, the slope where the female skiing world cup takes place as well as the kids area found at Moosalm.
These and many other skiing regions in East Tyrol and Carinthia have agreed on a united lift ticket system, allowing people to not being restricted to one mountain only. Beneficial are also the facts that there is plenty of space on the slopes and almost no queues at the ski lifts, preventing boredom to rise.
The Großglockner and Großvenediger are known to enthusiastic ski-tourers. With its 266 mountains higher than 3000 meters, East Tyrol still offers many more and diverse ski tours and nature experiences the unaffected mountain landscapes. Here are some classics and insider tips:
400 kilometers of cross-country ski trail are waiting to be used. Whether beginner or pro, a slope is to be found for every skill level. Annually, the traditional Dolomitenlauf (part of Worldloppet) takes place here.
Exploring the winter wonderland in snowshoes – a fascinating experience. For those who want to wander with like-minded people: Park rangers offer guided tours such as moonlight tours or tours at sunset at Zettersfeld.
Geführte Schneeschuhwanderungen in Osttirol | Osttirol Tourismus
Winter fun can be found while sledging together with family or friends on one of the 30 sledging tracks. Some of which are illuminated.
When it is cold enough for the lake to freeze, a beautiful surrounding is created for ice skaters to enjoy. Additionally, an artificial ice rink for young and old can be found in Lienz.
Urlaubsparadies Osttirol | Osttirol Tourismus – Tristacher See
Urlaubsparadies Osttirol | Osttirol Tourismus – Eislaufplatz Lienz
The pre-Christmas period is something very special in Lienz. People meet at the atmospheric advent market, stroll through the small shops, have a warm drink and marvel when one of the windows of the local advent calendar at the city hall is opened. Traditionally, a night guard patrols in order to make sure that there is no fire outbreak.
A good holiday starts with a congestion- and stress-free journey and makes local mobility easy and sustainable. Here you will find the best connections.
City bike, mountain bike or e-bike – East Tyrol offers a wonderful variety of cycling tours. If you do not have your own bike with you, you can contact a bike rental company.
Probike, Amlacher Straße 1a, 9900 Lienz
Telephone: +43- 4852-73536 oder +43-664-5171419,
Email: office@probike-lienz.at
Website: Fahrrad-, Mountainbike und Rennradverleih in Lienz
If you need a car for a trip, there is the car sharing „Flugs“.
Website: FLUGS eCarsharing
A path, starting at the Matreier Tauernhaus in the middle of the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, leads into the Gschlößtal at heights between 1500 and 1700 meter above sea level offering a great view at the Venediger group. Depending on the season, many different alpine flowers and animals can be found alongside the river. When passing a rock chapel straight after the Wohlgemutalmen (Außergschlöß) the outstanding mountain village Innergschlöß isn’t far away. Some may now have reached their destination while it’s the starting point for others for their tour into the Großvenediger glacier world.
The trail works perfectly for families (with a baby buggy) and unhurried hikers, is about 4 kilometers long/way and takes approximately 2.5 hours back and forth. Additionally, one can also take horse-drawn carriages or a special cab.
How to approach: Head north from Lienz and take a left turn towards the Matreier Tauernhaus right before the Felbertauern tunnel.
The drive through the valley of Virgen ending in Hinterbichl already is impressive. Starting there and hiking along the river closing in on the natural fount one can – especially during the summer in times of the snowmelt – experience the power of the water first hand. Various information can be found on seven different information boards and observation decks allow people to witness the brawling water in the canyon.
The trail is 7.2 kilometers long and it takes approximately 2.5 hours to walk.
How to approach: Head north from Lienz towards Matrei. In Matrei take a left turn and head towards Virgen, Prägraten and Hinterbichl. Parking can be found at the end of the valley in Ströden.
The Jagdhausalmen, which are mountain pastures, are some of the oldest mountain pastures in Austria and are listed as part of the preservation of sites of historic interest.
The 16 buildings and the chapel are built out of stone. This is due to the fact, that they are located high up in the mountains (more than 2000 meters above sea level) and no wood was available. Back in the days, butter and cheese was produced on these pastures while nowadays young cattle from Italy are being brought up for mountain-grazing.
Starting point for the hike is the alpine guest house Oberhaus. Through woods full of atolls pines and over pasture region you reach the so called “little Tibet”. The hike takes approximately 5 hours back and forth and is 16.5 kilometers long. Still, it can be described as an easy, family friendly hike.
How to approach: Head north from Lienz to Huben. then take a left turn towards St. Jakob/Defereggental. Continue towards Staller Sattel until you reach Alpengasthof Obersee where the car can be parked.
The Pustertaler Höhenstraße leads from Leisach to Anras. Even if the road is not to compare with the famous Großglockner high alpine road, being a bit smaller and less crowded, one still gains an impression of the height, the steep mountain pastures and the life in the mountain villages while cruising along the sun-side curvy mountain route. Many beautiful and interesting stops can be made along the way at places such as the “Wildpark Assling”, the chapel St. Justina, the “Pfleghaus” in Anras, the “Aigner Badl” or the newly renovated castle Heinfels.
Newly renovated the castle Heinfels enthrones the Pustertal. Legend tells the story that it was built after a fight between the giant Haunold and the Huns. A guided tour at the museum is highly recommendable where one is taken on an interesting journey through time and space.
With this slogan, the Villgratental was promoted some time ago, pointing out the pristine and nativeness of the valley. Even though the various development hasn’t stopped, one can still find beautiful silent places; for example the Unterstalleralm and the Oberstalleralm, also referred to as little Canada. In the 300-year-old build called “Wurzerhof” one can have a look at the mill, the blacksmiths’ shop and the Machlkammer. Also, the pilgrimage church Maria Schnee in Kalkstein is worth a visit.
Sehenswertes & Ausflugsziele im Villgratental – Osttirol Tourismus
The first Tyrolean “Latschenkieferölbrennerei”, a place where oil is won out of mountain pines is led by the Unterweger brothers who have created a special kind of adventure park on their premises where the effects of herbs and the processing of those into essential oils are demonstrated. One walks the path barefoot which leads to the arnica fountain where the “Latschenlift” brings one’s shoes, then one rests at the Zirbenkraftplatz and takes a deep breath in the thyme breathing hut. In the show distillery one can find out how the production of the oils worked back in the days and how it does now. Children can playfully gain further experience in the small play park.
Whether as a pilgrimage on foot over the “Bichl”, a sporty tour by bike or comfortably by car / motorcycle – the Lesachtal is a recommended destination. Driving from Lienz towards Italy one has to take a left turn in Tassenbach towards Kartitsch. Already in Obertilliach, a town known for its biathlon slope, one can admire the beautiful hillsides with their hay stalls, just a typical sight in the Lesachtal. In the pilgrimage site of Maria Luggau, one can find the known basilica and the “old mills” including five water mills which still are operational as well as a museum that are worth a visit. One gets back to Lienz via Kötschach-Mauthen, the Gailberg and Oberdrauburg.
Lamas are considered extremely sensitive animals. A hike with them is a special kind of natural experience. For all people, simple (family-) try-out tours as well as multi-day alpine tours are offered.
On the local mountain in Lienz called Hochstein, the Moosalm, a petting zoo with a forest playground next to the high ropes course, is found. Animal lovers can pet and watch sheep, goats, miniature horses, rabbits, guinea pigs and other animals there.It is accessible by foot (walking time approx. 1 hour uphill) or with the Lienzer Bergbahnen / Hochstein. If one wants, one can then dash down into the valley with the Osttirodler.
Schlossberg 24, 9900 Lienz
The ride on the year-round toboggan run called “Osttirodler” is a lot of fun. It is one of the longest alpine coasters. With 2.7 kilometers of length, it meanders along the Schlossberg with roundabouts, curves and waves down to Lienz. Children from the age of 8 are allowed to drive alone, from 3 to 8 years of age they need a supervisor.
Iseltaler Straße 27, 9900 Lienz
The largest high ropes course in Tyrol, found on Hochstein, offers 18 varied courses from being classified as easy to being classified demanding, from close to the ground to lofty heights and require skills, courage and strength from the climbers. The Kids Park is available for children beginning from the age of 2 together with their parents.
It is accessible by foot (walking time approx. 1 hour uphill) or with the Lienzer Bergbahnen / Hochstein. If one wants, one can dash down into the valley with the Osttirodler afterwards.
Iseltaler Straße 27, 9900 Lienz
The “Berggeist Steiner Mandl” leads with his imaginative story through 15 adventure play stations on the Zettersfeld, the sun terrace of Lienz, where children and adults can have fun and play miniature golf.
It is accessible with the Lienzer Bergbahnen, Zettersfeldstraße 38, 9905 Gaimberg.
It is easily accessible from Lienz by bike. One can conquer climbing routes of various difficulty levels on the rock faces or experience powerful waterfalls on the water viewing path. For children there is a water playground to splash around, a nature playground and also a climbing park with a flying fox across the “Klamm”. If the visit takes longer than expected: there is also a snack station for refreshments in between.
Galitzenklamm 3, 9908 Amlach
The Association of Railway Friends in Lienz runs a museum in the listed boiler house from 1871, which is largely in its original state. Those who are interested will find lovingly cared for railway history with steam, electric and diesel locomotives, snowplows, a Märklin model railway system, tin toys and an old Austrian signal system.
The Lienz indoor swimming pool offers barrier-free access to the 29 ° C warm water. Children can let off steam in the 25m sports pool, the multi-purpose pool, the toddler pool and the long slide. The sauna area is located in the upper space.
In summer, the outdoor pool offers a 50m sports pool, a diving pool, a family pool, a children’s adventure pool, a playground, water slides and beach volleyball courts in addition to spacious sunbathing areas.
The Tristacher See is the only lake with a lido in East Tyrol and is idyllically located at the foot of the Rauchkofel, which is about 6 kilometers away from Lienz. There is a lido with a diving board, a playground, a volleyball court, a sunbathing lawn and a beach café. Via Tristach one drives up to the Seewiese, where a parking lot is found. In the summertime, a bus line is set up from Lienz to the lake.
Dolomitenbad, Rechter Drauweg 1b, 9900 Lienz
Tristacher See, 9907 Tristach
The extensive Wildlife Park in Assing is home to more than 150 wild animals and 35 different species: one can watch the cute raccoons being fed, the lynx and their cubs playing, the majestic deer, marmots, chamois, birds of prey, snakes, sheeps and capricorns as well as golden jackals and many more. Climb the steps of the observation tower and let yourself be fascinated by grandpa’s model railway. The tour in the wildlife park takes about 1.5 hours. The area also includes a summer sledding run and the “Bärenwirt” with a beautiful playground.
Oberassling 58, 9911 Assling
A very popular excursion is the family-friendly bike tour on the Drau cycle Path: One can take the train from the Lienz train station to either Sillian (28 km) or Innichen, Italy (44 km) and from there on cycle down the largely sloping area towards Lienz.
In Sillian a side trip to the Wichtelpark, right next to the bike path, is always fun with children! There’s also a racing circuit called “Autodrom” for smaller children, tubes and various other slides, family swings, seesaws, climbing walls, mini golf, a sand mine, a barbecue area and a high ropes course, so everybody should find something fun!
Travel time on the bike path: approx. 3 hoursA bike rental can be found in Lienz, Sillian and Innichen (it’s best to book in advance) PS: The Galitzenklamm is also located right next to the bike path.
Lamas are considered extremely sensitive animals. A hike with them is a special kind of natural experience. For all people, simple (family-) try-out tours as well as multi-day alpine tours are offered.
A path, starting at the Matreier Tauernhaus in the middle of the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, leads into the Gschlößtal at heights between 1500 and 1700 meter above sea level offering a great view at the Venediger group. Depending on the season, many different alpine flowers and animals can be found alongside the river. When passing a rock chapel straight after the Wohlgemutalmen (Außergschlöß) the outstanding mountain village Innergschlöß isn’t far away. Some may now have reached their destination while it’s the starting point for others for their tour into the Großvenediger glacier world.
The trail works perfectly for families (with a baby buggy) and unhurried hikers, is about 4 kilometers long/way and takes approximately 2.5 hours back and forth. Additionally, one can also take horse-drawn carriages or a special cab.
How to approach: Head north from Lienz and take a left turn towards the Matreier Tauernhaus right before the Felbertauern tunnel.
Wandern und Bergsteigen im Gschlösstal
The drive through the valley of Virgen ending in Hinterbichl already is impressive. Starting there and hiking along the river closing in on the natural fount one can – especially during the summer in times of the snowmelt – experience the power of the water first hand. Various information can be found on seven different information boards and observation decks allow people to witness the brawling water in the canyon.
The trail is 7.2 kilometers long and it takes approximately 2.5 hours to walk.
How to approach: Head north from Lienz towards Matrei. In Matrei take a left turn and head towards Virgen, Prägraten and Hinterbichl. Parking can be found at the end of the valley in Ströden.
Winter fun can be found while sledging together with family or friends on one of the 30 sledging tracks. Some of which are illuminated.
When it is cold enough for the lake to freeze, a beautiful surrounding is created for ice skaters to enjoy. Additionally, an artificial ice rink for young and old can be found in Lienz.
Urlaubsparadies Osttirol | Osttirol Tourismus – Tristacher See
Urlaubsparadies Osttirol | Osttirol Tourismus – Eislaufplatz Lienz
If one wants to put the whole variety of East Tyrol in one´s pocket, the Glockner-Dolomiten Card is ideal. The card combines numerous excursion destinations on one handy keycard. For three and up to seven days, one can use ski lifts, swimming pools and various natural & cultural offers once a day at no additional cost. The card is available at the Lienzer Dolomiten Tourist Office, Mühlgasse 11, 9900 Lienz. Price according to season. Here is a list of the participating companies:
