Ruqayyah Snyder
Lienz is a town in the Tyrol region of Austria, with a population of around 12,000. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, including the Lienz Dolomites, the Drau and Isel valleys, and the River Isel. The old town of Lienz stretches along the banks of the River Isel, with the 16th-century Liebburg Palace overlooking the main square. There are also several museums and art galleries in the town, including Schloss Bruck. For those looking for adventure, Lienz offers white-water rafting, paragliding, and hiking trails in the nearby Hohe Tauern National Park.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Tyrol region of Austria |
| Population | 11,903-12,000 |
| Transport | Trains from Innsbruck, Italy |
| Scenery | Towering peaks of the Lienz Dolomites, Drau and Isel valleys, alpine pastureland, meadows, valleys, and lakes |
| Activities | White water rafting, paragliding, walking trails, cable cars, climbing park, bike park, swimming, skiing, and more |
| Attractions | Liebburg Palace, Church of St. Andra, Bruck Castle, Kletterpark Schlossberg Lienz, Schloss Bruck museum, Osttirodler Alpine Coaster, Hohe Tauern National Park |
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The Lienz Dolomites
The mountain range is located in the south of Lienz, with the city at its foot, and lies at the western side of the wider Gailtal Alps, containing its highest peaks. The range lies between the Drau Valley in the north and the Gail Valley to the south. The Lienz Dolomites are separated into distinctive subgroups by a small number of short but very deep valleys, and its summits are not impressively high—Große Sandspitze, the highest peak, is 2,770 metres high. However, their base starts at around 650 metres, and from the tops of the mountains, you can look down into the Drau River Valley 2,000 metres below.
The central part of the Lienz Dolomites, as seen from the base of Eggenkofel in the southwest, is the largest of the subgroups. It is defined by the valleys rather than the mountains, though the summits are impressive. The northern and southern boundaries are the Drau and Gail River Valleys again. To the west, the combination of Eggenbach and Leisacher Almbach bound the group, while to the east it is the combination of the lower Wildensenderbach Valley to the south and the Kerschbaumertal Valley to the north, which are connected by the beautiful Zochenpass. The group is composed of three ridges, which all run roughly west to east.
The Eggenkofel Group, seen from Gumriaul in the northwest, is the westernmost part of the Lienz Dolomites. It is located in the wedge between the Drau and Gailbach Valleys (the latter is called Tyrol Gailtal). The eastern border is the Eggenbach Valley, which meets the Leisacher Almbach Valley in the centre of the Lienz Dolomites.
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Bruck Castle
Over the years, Bruck Castle has served various purposes, including a residence for the Counts of Gorizia, an administrative seat for the Lords of Wolkenstein-Rodenegg, a weapons stockpile, a military hospital, and a brewery. In 1500, the last Count of Gorizia, Count Leonhard, passed away, and the castle was bequeathed to King Maximilian I through an inheritance contract. King Maximilian I then handed the castle over to Baron Michael von Wolkenstein-Rodenegg. During the French Revolutionary Wars in 1796, the castle was occupied by French troops under General Barthélemy Catherine Joubert.
Today, Bruck Castle houses the Regional Museum of Lienz, showcasing the works of the renowned East Tyrolean painter Albin Egger-Lienz (1868-1926). The museum also exhibits contemporary art in its western wing and hosts various cultural events such as theatre performances, concerts, readings, and soirées. The castle is surrounded by a park that is home to about 15 different species of bats, and a theme trail with five stations provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about these nocturnal creatures.
The castle is open to the public from May to mid-October and offers a unique blend of history, art, and culture. Visitors can enjoy the impressive architecture, admire the artwork on display, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area, including the entire basin of Lienz and the lower Iseltal valley.
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White water rafting
Lienz, a town in the Tyrol region of Austria, is known for its towering peaks, lush valleys, and fast-flowing rivers—a perfect setting for outdoor adventures like white water rafting. The River Isel, which runs through Lienz, is a glacier river with sections of white water that create an exhilarating rafting experience. Adventure seekers can take on the challenge and navigate through turbulent rapids, narrow rock gorges, and big waves.
Rafting on the River Isel is suitable for a range of skill levels, from beginners to advanced rafters. Trips can be tailored to your experience and comfort level, with options for Class II to Class V rapids. The basic requirement for participation is knowing how to swim. The rafting trips usually last for about 2 hours and cost around €30, making it an affordable and thrilling activity.
If you're looking for a more relaxed water activity, Lienz also offers tubing on the river, which provides a calmer and more leisurely experience. For those who prefer to stay on land, there's the Galitzen Gorge Waterfall trail, which follows a boardwalk down the river and offers stunning views of the crashing waters and beautiful waterfalls.
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Paragliding
Airtime Austria has received numerous positive reviews on TripAdvisor, with many praising the company's professionalism, kindness, and patience. Some reviews specifically mention Manfred, a paragliding pilot with Airtime Austria, for his ability to ensure safety and provide excellent communication.
Adventure Austria also offers white water rafting excursions in Lienz, so you can combine paragliding with another exhilarating activity. The River Isel, a glacier river, provides the perfect conditions for white water rafting, and Adventure Austria offers various rafting excursions to suit your needs.
Lienz is located in the Tyrol region of Austria and is known for its stunning natural scenery, including the Lienz Dolomites and the Drau and Isel valleys. The town is easily accessible by train from Innsbruck, and its old town stretches along the banks of the Isel River, with the 16th-century Liebburg Palace overlooking the Hauptplatz (Main Square).
With its breathtaking landscapes and adventure sports opportunities, Lienz is an ideal destination for those seeking an unforgettable paragliding experience in a picturesque setting.
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Drava Cycle Path
The Drava Cycle Path is a route that begins in the Dolomites, with views of the world-famous Three Peaks. The route takes cyclists through the narrow Pustertal valley, with lush meadows on one side and rugged mountain flanks on the other. The path runs along the shore on independent paths and sometimes on side roads with little traffic. It is either asphalted or has a well-passable unpaved surface.
The route takes you through villages, past castles and Gothic churches, nestled in beautiful nature. The Drava, fed by numerous torrents, soon becomes a stately river. From Lienz, you cycle through a floodplain landscape, where rare animal and plant species have made their home, along with mountain forests and alpine pastures.
There are many lakes along the way, including Lake Klopeiner, Lake Osiacher, and Lake Faaker in Carinthia. The town of Villach is also a highlight, with its charming small streets and restaurants. The route also passes through the town of Spittal an der Drau, with the glittering Millstätter See nearby.
The Drava Cycle Path can be travelled in both directions, starting in Lienz and heading towards Carinthia and Slovenia, or beginning in San Candido, Italy, and ending in Lienz. The way back to San Candido can be done via special trains that carry bicycles.
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Frequently asked questions
Lienz is a small town in the Tyrol region of Austria, surrounded by natural beauty and plenty of attractions. Here are some must-see spots:
- The Lienz Dolomites: These towering peaks offer spectacular scenery with their wooded ridges and unique summit formations.
- Hohe Tauern National Park: This monumental national park is the largest nature reserve in the Austrian Alpine region, boasting glaciers, alpine lakes, and mountain panoramas.
- River Isel: A glacier river with white water sections, perfect for rafting and other water sports.
- Drava Cycle Path: A leisure cycling path that leads through the south of the city, offering a relaxing ride.
- Schloss Bruck: A castle with a rich history and beautiful artwork, located near the city centre.
Lienz has plenty of adventurous activities to offer, including:
- White water rafting on the River Isel: An exhilarating experience offered by Adventure Austria, based in Tyrol with offices in Lienz.
- Paragliding: Soar through the Austrian Alps and enjoy the sublime scenery from above.
- Osttirodler Alpine Coaster: A unique attraction with over 2.5 km of track, reaching speeds of up to 40 kph.
- Galitzen Gorge Waterfall trail: An invigorating walk through a well-maintained boardwalk that passes by beautiful waterfalls and the crashing river below.
Lienz has a rich cultural heritage and offers various cultural experiences, such as:
- Liebburg Palace: A 16th-century building that now serves as the seat of the local government, overlooking the Hauptplatz (Main Square).
- Church of St. Andra: The largest church in Lienz, featuring a decorated interior with gold accents and artwork.
- Woodcarving: A traditional pursuit in East Tyrol, practised in tranquil chalets during the winter months. You can shop for woodcarved pieces as souvenirs.
Lienz offers several attractions suitable for families, including:
- Cable cars: The Lienzer Bergbahnen Hochstein and Lienzer Bergbahnen Zettersfeld cable cars provide easy access to the adventure mountain Hochstein, which has the largest climbing park in Tyrol and a petting zoo nearby.
- Family Park Zettersfeld: This family-friendly area offers 15 play and adventure stages for children and families to enjoy.
- Drau Valley: Explore the scenic valley along the Drau River, with its beautiful lakes and alpine pastureland.
Depending on the season, there are various activities to enjoy in Lienz:
- Winter: Visit the winter markets, such as "Osttirol de Luxe," with its gourmet pavilions offering delicious cuisine. Go skiing on the slopes of Hochstein and Zettersfeld, or enjoy the romantic winter wonderland atmosphere in the city during the Advent season.
- Summer: Take a dip in the cool waters of Lake Tristacher See or Lake Laserzsee, or explore the hiking trails in the surrounding mountains. Lienz also has a Mediterranean flair during the summer, with plenty of sunshine.
