First, a few facts about Lienz – it is a medieval Austrian town located in East Tyrol at the confluence of the Drau and Isel Rivers. The town sits at the foot of a mountain range commonly referred to as the Dolomites of Lienz. However, this range is not part of the Dolomites but rather is the western section of the Gailtal Alps. Whatever the nomenclature, I found the range to be a stunning backdrop to a delightful town with both a German and Italian flair.
I had planned two days in Lienz, without a set agenda of what I wanted to do or to see. If I was feeling energetic, there was the possibility of cycling up to Matrei in Osttirol, or maybe a ride up the Lienzer Bergbahnen tram. But I really needed a rest day. My choice was conflicted by the fact that it was a brilliant, sunshine day perfect for outdoor activity. I decided to listen to my body and eschewed the bike ride for a day of more modest activity.
I spent the morning catching up a bit on the journal and other sundry correspondences. Around midday I crossed the small bridge over the Isel River to the main part of Lienz in search of lunch and a walk about town. The things that left the biggest impressions were its vibrancy - reflected in color and enjoyment of life - and the beauty of its mountains and the river. The photos are organized loosely around the themes of color, life's enjoyments, and river and mountains.
Color
My search for ibuprofen lead me to this bright red apothecary - unfortunately closed
The Isel is Austria’s last glacier-fed river, running uninterrupted from the Umbalkees glacier in the Hohe Tauerns to where it joins with the Drava in Lienz, just downstream of where this picture was taken
