Lienz

On approach, the town looks like a modern, uninteresting city. Cross the river and park at the car park near the center of the town, then walk into the heart of Lienz and you will be well rewarded. Although war destroyed much of the town’s periphery, the core has been restored to its former picturesque self. A pedestrian mall is framed by colorful buildings. There are many cafés in the square—a great suggestion for lunch would be the outdoor restaurant of the Romantik Hotel Traube. After lunch and exploring the old town, visit Bruck Castle, which sits on a hill above the city. This 16th-century castle, formerly belonging to the Counts of Gorz, has a museum with artifacts discovered in nearby excavations of Roman settlements, Austrian folklore and handicraft displays, and paintings by Tyrolean artists. From the castle you can look down into the city of Lienz and appreciate its lovely setting with mountains rising almost at the edge of the town.