East Tyrol | 10 Recommended Attractions

East Tyrol – General Information

The East Tyrol region borders Carinthia to the east, Salzburg to the north, and Italy to the south. It is completely separated from North Tyrol due to the defeat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in World War I. After the loss in the war, the southern territories of the empire were divided and came under the control of the Italian army. This led to a situation where the Tyrol region was split into two areas separated by Italy. After World War II, this area was under British control.

East Tyrol is considered a single administrative area called Lienz (not Linz), and its capital is the city of the same name. The entire region has only about 60,000 inhabitants.

The area boasts several wonderful natural sites: the Puster Valley, Iseltal Valley, Kalser Tal Valley, and of course, very high mountain ranges such as the Glockner Group, the Hohe Tauern, and more.

There is a regional road with a long tunnel connecting East Tyrol to North Tyrol.

If you are looking for good accommodation in this area, it is worth checking the hotels and guesthouses around Lienz. You can see a list of recommended places in the area (opens in new tab) according to Booking.com.

Weather in East Tyrol

The weather in East Tyrol, like in all other parts of Austria, can be quite volatile throughout the day, so it’s not really possible to rely on the weather conditions before your arrival to predict what the weather will be like during your trip. It is recommended to check the forecast on the morning of the day itself to be prepared for any scenario.

Generally, the best months for a summer trip are June to September. In these months, temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 19-25 degrees Celsius during the day. The warmest month is July, with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius during the day. It’s important to remember that temperatures can drop significantly at night, so you should also bring warmer, long-sleeved clothing just in case.

The rainiest months are actually the summer months from May to August. In June and August, the most rain falls, with an average of about 11 rainy days per month.

Winter is characterized by low temperatures. In the winter months, temperatures hover around -5 to -10 degrees Celsius during the day. The coldest month is January, where temperatures can reach -10 degrees Celsius in extreme cases. The driest month is February, with an average of 4 days of precipitation.

When preparing for a trip to East Tyrol (or any other part of Austria), it’s advisable to dress in layers. Wear thin layers close to your body and warmer clothing on top. You should bring outerwear that is rain and windproof. An umbrella is always good to carry in your bag or car, as even sunny days can turn rainy within a few hours.

You can check the updated forecast here (opens in new tab).

10 Recommended Attractions in East Tyrol

East Tyrol Mountain Coaster (Sommerrodelbahn Hochstein Lienz / Osttirodler)

On the hill overlooking the town of Lienz, there is a particularly fun attraction: the East Tyrol Mountain Coaster. To reach it, you need to take the Schlossbergbahn cable car up to the summit of Schlossberg hill, and from there, embark on an exciting ride. The winding track on the hillside is 2.7 kilometers long, making it one of the longest in the world! Whether alone or in pairs, you can glide down at speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour. The ride takes between 5 to 6 minutes, during which you can enjoy the wonderful scenery and the cool breeze.

This mountain coaster is advanced and safe. The seats are large and provide back support, and of course, there are brakes and a special system to prevent overturning.

Essential Additional Information about the Mountain Coaster

Operating Hours:

Summer: May 10 to October 21.
Outside summer months – on weekends from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
June 19 – September 7: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Detailed additional operating hours.

Cost: One ride on the mountain coaster:

Adult: €15
Youth: €11
Child (3-5): €6

One ride + Ascent and Descent by Cable Car:

Adult: €23
Youth: €17
Child (3-5): €6

You can purchase tickets for more rides. Extended information on prices.

Official Website
Address: Hochstein, Lienzer Schlossberg, Iseltalerstrasse 27, A-9900 Lienz
Map:

Ropes Course – Tyrol’s Largest Park (Kletterpark Lienz)

If you love high ropes courses, you’ll find one of the best parks in Austria right here in East Tyrol. The park is a short distance from the previously mentioned mountain coaster on the hill near Lienz. You can start your day by taking the cable car up the hill, enjoying the ropes course, and then having an exciting descent on the mountain coaster.

The ropes course park has about 18 courses of varying difficulty levels and heights up to 20 meters. The different courses are suitable for the whole family, and even children from the age of 2 have a cute and easy course.

Essential Additional Information for Visiting the Ropes Course Park

Operating Hours:

May 10 to October 21:
- May 10 to June 19: Friday to Sunday, holidays, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- June 19 to August 31: Daily from 9:30 AM to 4:45 PM.
- September and October: Friday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM (weather permitting).

Cost:

Adult (from 16 years old): €27
Youth (6-15): €25
Little Ones Park (ages 2-5): €17

Please note: Children aged 6-14 must be accompanied by an adult. Credit card payments are not possible.

Official Website
Address: Schloßberg
Map:

Assling Wildlife Park (& Assling Adventure World / Deer Park)

In the wildlife park in the small village of Assling, there are about 100 wild animals enjoying themselves in vast natural areas covering 80,000 square meters. You’ll probably need to be patient to see the animals, but when they emerge from their hiding places, it’s a wonderful sight!

The park is home to deer, raccoons, lynxes, eagles, owls, wild boars, bison, wild cats, marmots, mongooses, and more! In total, about 40 types of animals are in the park.

Within the park area, there’s a small mountain coaster (Fun Alpin Osttirol) and an educational hiking trail. At the end of your visit, you can relax and enjoy the local Bärenwirt restaurant.

Essential Additional Information for Visiting

Operating Hours: April 21 to November 2:

Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. From late September, from 10:00 AM.

Cost:

Adult (from 16 years old): €14.50
Child (6-16): €9
Child up to 6 years old: Free
Official Website
Address: Oberassling 58, 9911 Oberassling
Map:

Wichtelpark Amusement Park

The children’s park in the town of Sillian offers many fun activities for kids! The park has activities such as mini-golf, a ropes course, a winter wonderland, ice skating, and more.

Essential Additional Information for Visiting

Opening Hours: July to October from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Cost:

Adult (from 17 years old): €12.50
Child (4-17): €7.50
The ropes course has a separate fee.
Official Website
Address: Sillian 143a, 9920 Sillian
Map

Umbal Waterfalls (Umbal Waterfall)

The Umbal Waterfalls are a direct result of glacial meltwater flowing from the mountain peaks down into the green valleys. This trail is considered Europe’s first water trail and is also suitable for families.

The trail starts from the parking lot in the village of Ströden (there’s also a bus stop there). From there, you continue towards the Islitzer Alm – Pebell Alm hikers’ huts with an easy walk of about half an hour. Afterwards, the educational trail begins with information boards along the way explaining the power of water and how it shaped the rock formations in the area. The trail leads to the waterfalls, and at its end, there’s a stone bridge and a small hut. From there, you return.

Starting Point: Hinterbichl, 9974 Ströden
Map

Galitzen Gorge

The natural Galitzen Gorge is a wonderful display of the immense power of water. Trillions of gallons of water have stubbornly flowed between the massive rock formations, creating a spectacularly beautiful trail. Besides the raging river that flows with great force between the rocks, there are also impressive waterfalls that add even more to the trail. In this area, you can also try ropes courses (via ferrata), and you can rent climbing equipment near the gorge entrance.

The trail takes about an hour.

Trail Opening Hours: May to September from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Admission Cost:

Adult: €9
Child (6-14): €8
Child (4-6): €6
Official Website
Address: Galitzenklamm 3, Amlach
Map:

Aguntum Museum

This archaeological site is located about 4 kilometers east of the town of Lienz in the Drautal Valley. Archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered the ruins of an ancient Roman city, likely built for mineral and gemstone mining.

A small museum operates on-site, displaying the findings from the archaeological excavations. Among the exhibits, you can see tombs, copper artifacts, and coins. Additionally, you can see impressive remains of the city’s houses, its defensive walls, and more.

History lovers will find great value in the findings at this site.

Essential Additional Information for Visiting the Museum

Opening Hours:

January – April: Every Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
May 1 to October 26: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Cost:

Adult: €7
Child from 6 years old: €4
Child under 6 years old: Free
Official Website
Address: Stribach 97, 9991 Dölsach
Map

Bruck Castle

This castle was built in the 13th century and served as the residence for the Counts of Gorizia. The castle is located in the heart of a forest on a hill near Hochstein Mountain, adjacent to the town of Lienz. The castle is situated in a strategic and protected location overlooking the entire area.

Over the years since its establishment, the castle has changed hands between rulers and noble families. In 1942, the castle came under the ownership of the city of Lienz, and today it serves as an exhibition venue for the East Tyrol Regional Museum. The museum features various artworks, primarily by local artists.

There is a short 5-minute walk from the castle’s parking lot. In addition to the castle, there is a surrounding nature park with a short hiking trail. Many types of bats live in the park, and you can learn about them along the trail.

Essential Additional Information for Visiting the Castle

Opening Hours:

May and June: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
July 1 to August 31: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
September and October: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Cost:

Adult: €10
Child: €2.50

It is possible to purchase a combined ticket that also includes admission to the Aguntum Archaeological Museum.

Official Website
Address: Schloßberg 1, 9900 Lienz, Austria
Map

Pustertal Valley Mountain Road

This road is considered one of the most beautiful in Tyrol! The breathtaking views from the window will make it hard for you not to look around.

The road starts slightly west of the city of Lienz and reaches the high mountain peaks. This is a quiet road, and generally, not many cars drive on it. Picturesque villages are scattered along the road, and high mountain peaks jut out from all sides. You can also find history along the road, such as Anras Castle from the 12th century and Antonius Chapel. Nature lovers can stop at the Assling Wildlife Park. Towards the end of the road is the large Heinfels Fortress. Free admission to the road. Open all year round.

Map

Zettersfeld – Ski Resort

This ski resort is located near the town of Lienz and is especially suitable for families with children. You can travel to the ski resort within 15 minutes from the center of Lienz and enjoy skiing down the snowy slopes. There are a variety of activities for children, so parents can relax and enjoy the area at their leisure.