Culture and Local Tradition of Lienz

Artistic Heritage

Rich in a creative heritage, Lienz has galleries, monuments, museums and many historic structures. Additionally, the birthplace or residence of some well-known artists, including:

Albin Egger-Lienz (1868-1926), Considered one of the most influential examples of Austrian expressionism, Albin Egger-Lienz (1868-1926) was a painter and graphic designer. His works show the Tyrolean environment and way of life as well as social injustice and war atrocities. Some of his paintings are on display at Bruck Castle, a medieval fortification with views of the city, at the East Tyrolean Regional Museum.
Jos Pirkner (born 1927), Born in 1927, Jos Pirkner is a sculptor and painter known for his bronze reliefs and statues. From the hand pointing to the city center to the fountain in the main square to the monument honoring Red Bull Dolomitenmann, an annual extreme sports event he started in 1988, his works abound in Lienz.
Franz Defregger (1835-1921), The painter Franz Defregger (1835-1921) focused on historical settings and genres. His influence comes from the realist movement and the Munich school of painting. His works show the rural life and customs of Tyrol as well as the events of the Tyrolean Rebellion against French and Bavarian rule in 1809. The Defregger House, his former home and workshop in Dölsach, a region of Lienz, exhibits several of his paintings .
Hans Salcher (born 1940), Born in 1940, Hans Salcher is a sculptor and wood carver known for his organic and abstract forms. He works, among other things, with wood, stone, metal and glass. Inspired by spirituality and the environment, his works reflect A public art venue in Gaimberg, a region of Lienz, the Salcher Sculpture Park presents some of his works.

Musical Tradition

Lienz has a rich musical heritage consisting of various groups, choirs, orchestras and events. Many famous musicians, were born or resided there:

Gustav Mahler (1860-1911), Considered one of the most influential late Romantic composers and conductors, Gustav Mahler (1860-1911). Emotional intensity, complexity and inventiveness define nine symphonies and various song cycles that he wrote. He wrote parts of his Third and Fourth Symphonies while spending many summers in Lienz. A memorial sign marks his residence and a hiking trail connects the cabin where he worked.
Hubert von Goisern (born 1952), Born in 1952, Hubert von Goisern is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for blending contemporary rock, pop and world music with traditional folk music. He chose among other instruments the accordion, the guitar, the trumpet and the harmonica. He is also a strong advocate for social and environmental issues. Originally from Goisern, a town in Upper Austria, he moved to Lienz in 2003 where he lives and works.
Elisabeth Leonskaja (born 1945), Born in 1945, Elisabeth Leonskaja is a pianist considered among the best performers of the classical and romantic repertoire. She studied at the Moscow Conservatory after being born in Tbilisi, Georgia. She has performed with prominent orchestras and directors and won various international competitions. She left for Austria in 1978 and became a citizen in 1982. Living in Lienz, she trained young musicians and led seminars.
Udo Jürgens (1934-2014), The singer, songwriter and pianist Udo Jürgens (1934-2014) is among the most successful and powerful performers on the German-speaking music scene. He wrote more than a thousand songs and sold a hundred million records. With “Merci, Chérie”, he won first place in the Eurovision Song Contest of 1966. He also wrote books, film scores and musicals. His last days before his death were spent at his vacation home in Lienz.

Culinary Delights

Tyrolean, Italian and Slovenian cuisines all find influence in Lienz’s diverse gastronomic culture. Lienz offers markets, cafes, bars and restaurants where guests can enjoy regional specialties as well as foreign dishes. Typical Lienz food and drinks include:

Melted butter and parmesan accompanied the Schlipfkrapfen, a type of ravioli stuffed with potatoes, cheese and herbs. Often served at festive events, they are a classic East Tyrolean meal.
Kaiserschmarrn is a kind of soft pancake cut into pieces and garnished with raisins and powdered sugar. Usually presented with applesauce, plum jam or cranberry compote, they are served. Named in honor of Emperor Franz Joseph I, who loved them, they are a common dessert or snack in Tyrol.
Made from pork belly or back, Speck is a type of raw and smoked ham. Seasoned with salt, pepper, juniper, garlic and other spices, it ages for several months. Often eaten with bread, cheese and pickles, it is a mainstay of Tyrolean cuisine.
Zirbenschnaps, a type of schnapps made from the cones of the umbrella pine, a mountain species. Said to provide therapeutic benefits, it has an unusual resinous and pungent taste. Often presented as a digestive or welcome drink, it is a popular drink in Tyrol.

Festive Occasions

Lienz enjoys an active holiday calendar with many celebrations throughout the year. Another point to note are the customs and traditions of Lienz, which reflect its history and culture. Some of the most memorable holiday events hosted by Lienz include:

From the end of November to the end of December, the main square of Lienz hosts the spectacular Christmas market. As well as a carousel, nativity scene and huge Advent wreath, it features a range of stalls offering food, drinks, handicaps and gifts.
On January 5, the eve of Epiphany, the Perchtenlauf, a folk procession, takes place. The Perchten, masked and costumed characters representing the spirits of winter and spring, are one of them. Making noise and scaring away evil spirits, they wander the streets of Lienz. They also bless homes and individuals with water and incense.
Celebrated every year, the Osttiroler Schützenfest honors the Tyrolean militia, a volunteer army defending Tyrol against foreign invaders. This occurs in July and includes a Schützen march carrying guns and flags while wearing traditional clothing. They accompany groups, dancers and riders. The celebration requires a liturgy, a concert and also a fair.
An international street theater festival called Olala takes place in late July or early August. It attracts artists and spectators from all over the world who enjoy different shows and acts, including comedy, circus, acrobatics, music and dance. The celebration also features events, exhibitions and workshops.