Things To Do
in Lienz
Lienz is a picturesque town located in the East Tyrol region of Austria, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. The town is known for its charming old buildings, cobblestone streets, and traditional Austrian architecture. Lienz offers a blend of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, as well as cultural attractions like museums and art galleries.
Visitors can also enjoy the local cuisine, including delicious Austrian dishes and pastries.
- "Servus" - Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Tschüss" - Goodbye
- "Wie geht's?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Then, take a stroll through the picturesque streets of Lienz to admire the historical architecture.
Visit the Lienz Castle for stunning views over the city and the surrounding mountains. Explore the beautiful gardens and take some memorable photos.
Enjoy dinner at a traditional Tyrolean restaurant, sampling local dishes. Wrap up your day with a leisurely walk along the river.
After breakfast, head to the Dolomites for an exciting hike. Choose a trail that suits your skill level and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at a scenic viewpoint during your hike. Spend some time taking in the breathtaking views and wildlife around you.
Return to Lienz and relax at your accommodation. Consider visiting a local market or bakery for some evening snacks.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning Alpine scenery with beautiful mountain views
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Access to a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking
- Charming town atmosphere with local shops and cafes
- Excellent transportation connections to nearby cities and attractions
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities
- Higher cost of living due to tourist demand
- Winters can be harsh and cold
- May be less accessible for international travelers without a car
- Small population may feel isolating for some
Best Activities in Lienz
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the breathtaking trails of the Dolomites, with various paths suitable for all skill levels, offering stunning views and encounters with local wildlife.
Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Drau River, a flat and well-marked cycling route that showcases beautiful landscapes and charming villages.
Experience an adrenaline rush with paragliding opportunities in the Lienz Dolomites, providing an aerial view of the stunning alpine scenery.
During winter months, Lienz offers fantastic skiing and snowboarding opportunities at the nearby skiing areas such as Zettersfeld and Hochstein.
Take a day trip to the Hohe Tauern National Park for wildlife spotting, nature trails, and breathtaking views of Austria's highest mountains.
Join a river rafting tour on the Isel River for an adventurous way to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying a fun and thrilling experience.
Challenge yourself with spectacular via ferrata routes in the surrounding mountains, combining hiking and climbing for a unique outdoor experience.
Tours
Uncover the best of Lienz with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Lienz
Visit one of these nice places.
The historic center of Lienz offers picturesque streets and charming architecture, making it a perfect spot for photography.
This medieval castle provides breathtaking views of the valley and the surrounding mountains, ideal for both day and sunset photography.
An overlook that offers panoramic views of the Dolomites and is a popular spot for capturing the stunning landscapes.
Offers scenic views of the town and the river, along with historical architecture, perfect for capturing both nature and history.
Numerous trails lead to elevated viewpoints where photographers can capture sweeping landscapes of the surrounding mountains.
Known for its stunning natural beauty, this valley offers numerous spots for landscape photography, especially during golden hours.
A gondola ride provides access to elevated locations with breathtaking vistas, ideal for wide-angle photos of the mountains.
An excellent viewpoint that allows for stunning panoramic photos of the entire region and is particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Food in Lienz
Lienz Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Austrian dish featuring breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet, usually served with parsley potatoes and lingonberry sauce. One of the best places to try this is at Gasthof Gribelehof.
Must-Try!
A delectable and rich meal consisting of dumplings and melted cheese, often topped with fried onions. Head to Gasthof Schlosswirt for an authentic preparation.
Indulge in a warm and flaky apple strudel, a popular dessert in Lienz. Cafe Lutschounig is renowned for its delicious strudel offerings.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Lienz better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Lienz Market, open on Fridays, is a great place to sample local produce, cheeses, and meats. Look for the food stalls offering freshly prepared local snacks such as bratwurst and pretzels.
This market showcases a variety of street food options, including traditional Austrian sausages, grilled meats, and freshly baked bread. Don't miss the chance to try the local specialty, 'Schlipfkrapfen,' a delicious filled dumpling.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Lienz, a warm greeting is important. A firm handshake accompanied by a friendly smile is the standard. Always greet people with their titles, such as 'Herr' or 'Frau', followed by their last name.
When dining, it's polite to wait for the host to start the meal before you begin eating. Keep your hands on the table (but not your elbows), and remember to say 'Guten Appetit' before starting.
Austrians, especially in smaller towns like Lienz, have a deep respect for nature and local traditions. It's important to practice environmentally friendly behaviors and show appreciation for local customs and events.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Lienz with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Lienz
Ensure a smooth experience
In Lienz, Austria, tipping is generally expected in the service industry. It is customary to round up the bill at restaurants or leave a tip of around 5-10% for good service. In bars and cafes, leaving small change when paying is also common. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is appreciated but not mandatory.
Payment methods in Lienz are similar to those in many parts of Austria. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, although it is advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller shops or rural areas. Contactless payments are also common. In tourist areas, foreign currencies may be accepted, but it's best to pay in euros for convenience.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Lienz.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is a beautiful time to visit Lienz as the temperatures begin to rise and the flowers bloom. Expect mild weather, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The surrounding mountains are accessible, and the scenery is breathtaking with vibrant greenery.
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Lienz. Expect warm weather, perfect for exploring the Dolomites, enjoying outdoor sports like mountain biking and rafting, and attending local festivals. This time offers long daylight hours and plenty of sunshine.
Autumn (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage, making it a picturesque time to visit. Expect fewer crowds and a tranquil atmosphere. It's also a great time for hiking and enjoying local wine and harvest festivals.
Winter (December to February) transforms Lienz into a winter wonderland, ideal for skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains. Expect cold temperatures and snowy landscapes. The holiday season brings festive decorations and local Christmas markets, creating a charming atmosphere.
Lienz at Night
Hiking in Lienz
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Lienz Dolomites offers breathtaking views and a variety of trails suitable for different skill levels, making it a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts.
Zettersfeld is easily accessible from Lienz and provides several hiking routes with panoramic views over the valley and surrounding mountains.
The Osttiroler Almenweg features a scenic route that connects various alpine pastures and is ideal for both leisurely walks and more challenging hikes.
Located at the junction of Austria, Italy, and Slovenia, Dreiländereck offers unique hiking experiences with diverse landscapes and rich cultural insights.
This stunning valley showcases beautiful alpine scenery and is perfect for longer hikes, leading to impressive mountain lakes and glaciers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Lienz through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Lienz by plane.
Innsbruck Airport is located approximately 170 km from Lienz and serves both domestic and international flights.
Klagenfurt Airport is situated about 110 km from Lienz and offers a range of flights to various destinations.
Salzburg Airport, located around 200 km from Lienz, serves as a hub for many international airlines.
Located approximately 150 km from Lienz, Trieste Airport provides services to various international destinations.
Venice Marco Polo Airport is about 220 km away from Lienz and is one of the largest airports in Italy, offering numerous international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Lienz consisting of individuals who hold Austrian citizenship.
A significant portion of the population speaks German, reflecting the linguistic heritage of the region.
Lienz attracts many tourists, particularly from Germany and neighboring countries, contributing temporarily to the demographic mix.
Includes various ethnic groups, such as Italians and Slovenians, who have settled in the area.
A growing demographic of elderly residents, reflecting broader trends in aging populations in rural Austria.
Households with children, contributing to the local culture and community activities.
The Soul of Lienz
Discover the essence of Lienz through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Lienz is well known for its ski resorts, particularly in the winter months. The nearby Dolomites offer excellent skiing opportunities for both beginners and experienced skiers.
The region around Lienz features numerous cycling paths, making it a popular destination for mountain biking and road cycling enthusiasts, especially during the summer.
With stunning mountain landscapes, hiking is a popular activity in Lienz, providing trails suitable for all levels of experience and offering breathtaking views.
Lienz is also known for paragliding, attracting adventure seekers who enjoy flying over the picturesque valleys and mountains.
Football is a popular sport in Lienz, with local clubs and teams actively participating in regional leagues and competitions.
Ice hockey has a significant following in Lienz, especially during the winter, with local teams competing in various leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lienz.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Lienz offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, with options like stuffed peppers, vegetable strudel, and hearty salads. Check out Gasthof Goldener Fisch for a great selection.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can enjoy gluten-free selections at various eateries and cafes. Cafe Central is known for its gluten-free pastries and bread.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Lienz with these cultural adventures.
