Sillian between Thurntaler, the Drau Cycle Path and culture

Sillian offers several distinct points of interest to consider when planning your stay: Thurntaler as the local mountain, a high-altitude hiking area, the Drau Cycle Path along the riverbank and cultural sites with their own history. There is also the Wichtelpark, which you can reach in several ways. This lets you decide whether you want your trip to focus more on time in the mountains, a bike ride, a specific destination or cultural experiences.

Thurntaler and the hiking area

Sillian lies directly at the foot of Thurntaler, which rises to 2,400 metres and is regarded as the local mountain of the people of Sillian. Thurntaler has an extensive hiking area at an altitude of 2,100 metres. These elevations refer to different points: 2,400 metres describes the height of the mountain, while 2,100 metres is the altitude of the hiking area. Sillian’s location at the foot of the mountain and the high-altitude hiking area connect the town with the mountains, without referring to the same thing.

Drau Cycle Path and Wichtelpark

The Drau Cycle Path runs along the riverbank through the market town of Sillian. This offers a different kind of outdoor option alongside the hiking area on Thurntaler: a designated cycle route along the river. The points of reference differ: for hiking, it is the elevation on Thurntaler; for cycling, it is the route along the riverbank through the town.

You can reach Wichtelpark Sillian on foot from the railway station, by bike via the Drau Cycle Path, or by car via the B100. This lets you choose how to get there based on your preferred mode of transport. Before travelling, check road and traffic information as well as transport details relevant to your journey.

Cinema and Photography Museum

The Sillian Cinema and Photography Museum is a cultural attraction in its own right. In 2021, the former Grenzlichtspiele cinema became this museum. The transition from the former cinema to the Cinema and Photography Museum connects local cinema history with film and photography culture.

On display are old finds from the Grenzlichtspiele, technical equipment from bygone eras and film posters. The finds relate to the former cinema, the equipment highlights historic technology, and the posters showcase the visual design of films. As the exhibits may change, check what is currently on display before your visit.

Church and pillory column

The parish church of the Assumption of Mary in Sillian was first mentioned in a document in 1326 and has been renovated several times over the centuries. The date refers to its first documented mention, not necessarily the year it was built. This makes it possible to distinguish the early written record from the later structural changes as separate stages in the church’s history.

The pillory column in Sillian is described as the only surviving medieval pillory column in Tyrol. Sillian’s cultural history therefore brings together different historical references: the church’s early documented mention and repeated renovations, and the survival of the medieval pillory column.

Discover more destinations: Gsaritzen, Heinfels, Oberlienz, Untertilliach, Obertilliach, Lienz, Außervillgraten, Virgen.

Return to the main travel overview: Lienz District.