Lienz, Austria

DATE OF VISIT

I have visited Lienz in Austria several times prior to the COVID pandemic and most recently in 2022.

WHERE DID I STAY?

When visiting Lienz, I stay in an apartment which is located just outside the town. Apartment Lilly (https://www.apartment-lilly.com/) is a very nice, comfortable and well appointed apartment located very close to a very large Interspar shopping centre. Christian is an excellent host who is extremely responsive and will do all that he can to help and assist guests. Because the apartment is very popular I recommend that you try to book as early as possible. Apartment Lilly is also available for booking through the Airbnb website/app.

If the apartment is not available there are many other hotels, guest houses and Airbnb listed apartments in and around Lienz - please see TripAdvisor for more details and local tourist information sites like: https://www.osttirol.com/en/places-and-valleys/all-places/lienz/.

PERSONAL FEEDBACK

My visits to Lienz have been in the main to participate in kayaking on the river Isel, rafting and cycling as well as exploring the area. The town is a very nice place to relax and is a great place to break any car journey en route by car to Italy from other countries in Europe.

The town of Lienz is located on the confluence of the rivers Isel and Drava in the Eastern Alps between the Hohe Tauern mountain range in the north and the Gailtal Alps in the South. Some of the photos that I have posted illustrate the beauty of this area.

This area of the Tirol lends itself to outdoor pursuits and together with members of the family, we have participated in cycling, kayaking, rafting and canyoning activities. The companies that we have used in Lienz are: Cool's (https://www.cools-lienz.at/) and Kajak Osttirol (http://www.kajakosttirol.at/). The staff are extremely professional and helpful with all activities.

For cycling we chose one of the easiest and most scenic bike trails in the Dolomites. The San Candido/Innichen (German) to Lienz path is highly recommended when visiting the Puster Valley of the South Tyrol. The distance of the ride is approximately 50km but it is almost entirely downhill or a gentle gradient and therefore the ride is suitable for all ages but for experienced cyclists looking for a challenge, this route may prove to be rather boring! However, for cyclists such as myself, (and I would classify myself as an "occasional cyclist), there is much to see en route and many places to stop to drink and eat. 

The best way to get from Lienz to San Candido/Innichen without a car, is to take the train which takes 1 hour and costs approximately €8 - €11. Once arriving in San Candido/Innichen it is then possible to hire a bicycle at the railway station and there a large variety of bicycles available. Once arriving at Lienz you then simply hand the bicycle back in at the Lienz railway station. 

PLACES TO SEE & ACTIVITIES

• National Park Hohe Tauern
• Kletterpark Schlossberg
• Hauptplatz Lienz
• Schloss Bruck
• Tristachersee

ACTIVITIES

• Cycling
• Canyoning
• Rafting
• Kayaking
• Walking

PLACES TO EAT

I have eaten in the following restaurants in Lienz and I can recommend them all:

• Hotel restaurant Goldener Fisch (https://www.goldener-fisch.at/) - very nice local cuisine and very friendly staff
• Kirchenwirt (https://www.kirchenwirt-lienz.at/) - very nice local cuisine and very friendly staff
• da Leonardo (https://www.daleonardo.net/) - very good Italian menu with excellent pizzas - very good if you have children
• Gasthof Albergo Aue (https://www.gasthof-aue.at/) - very nice local cuisine and very friendly staff