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Sillian - Sillian 160
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Sillian is a picturesque mountain town in Austria’s East Tyrol, a perfect blend of Alpine tradition and modernity. With its 2,100 inhabitants, this municipality lies in a sunny valley surrounded by the majestic Lienz Dolomites and the Karnische Kamm mountain range, offering a breathtaking panorama at an altitude of 1,100 metres.
The village is distinguished by its perfectly preserved Tyrolean architecture, characterised by traditional houses with carved wooden balconies and decorated facades. The old town centre retains its old-world charm, while the modern tourist infrastructure guarantees comfort and high-quality services for every type of visitor.
Sillian is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing, natural holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the big tourist cities. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible and perfect as a base for exploring both the Austrian Tyrol and the nearby Italian Dolomites.
The village offers a perfect balance of outdoor activities and local culture, with traditions that have been handed down for centuries and an authentic alpine gastronomy that conquers every palate.
Sillian transforms itself during the winter months into one of the most popular ski destinations in East Tyrol, offering a perfect balance of Alpine tradition and modernity. The Hochstein ski area has 8 pistes for all levels, served by 4 modern and efficient lifts. The pistes, located between 1,100 and 2,407 metres above sea level, guarantee safe snow from December to April thanks to the northern exposure and the artificial snow system.
The local ski school boasts qualified instructors who speak several languages, perfect for families with children approaching skiing for the first time. The ski resort is particularly appreciated for its family-friendly atmosphere and low prices compared to more renowned Alpine destinations. The snowparks and freestyle areas attract even the most experienced young skiers.
During the winter, Sillian also offers 90 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails that wind through the snow-covered valley, connecting the village with the neighbouring resorts. The tracks are marked for both classic and skating style, and run through enchanting forests and breathtaking views of the Lienz Dolomites. The cross-country centre has heated changing rooms, equipment rental and a cosy hut where you can enjoy Tyrolean specialities after your sporting activity.
The small size of Sillian should not be misleading: this alpine village contains numerous attractions ranging from local history to natural wonders, from traditional handicrafts to modern recreational facilities. Every corner of the village tells a thousand-year-old story of Tyrolean culture and mountain life.
The Parish Church of St Joseph represents the spiritual and architectural heart of Sillian. Built in the 17th century in Alpine Baroque style, the church is distinguished by its 47-metre-high onion-shaped bell tower, which dominates the village’s urban skyline. The interior houses precious 18th-century frescoes depicting episodes from the life of St Joseph and scenes from the local Christian tradition.
The religious building is famous for its historic organ dating back to 1756, still in perfect working order and used during Sunday celebrations and concerts of sacred music held during the summer. The church is also an important landmark for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago through the Alps.
The Heimatmuseum in Sillian offers a fascinating journey into the history and traditions of East Tyrol. Located in a historic building in the town centre, the museum exhibits more than 1,500 objects that bear witness to Alpine everyday life from the 16th century to the present day. The collections range from traditional agricultural tools to folkloric costumes, from woodworking equipment to ancient musical instruments.
A special section is dedicated to the Pustertal Railway, which connected Sillian with South Tyrol and was an important trade route. The museum regularly organises educational workshops for children and families, where they can learn ancient crafts such as wood carving and traditional weaving.
The Hochstein Fun park is a modern attraction combining fun and nature, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Located on the slopes of the Hochstein mountain, at an altitude of 1,680 metres, the park offers a panoramic cable car that provides spectacular views of the Lienz Dolomites and the valley below.
During the summer, the park hosts an adventure course with Tibetan bridges, cableways and platforms suspended in the trees. In winter, it turns into a family ski area with slopes suitable for beginners and children. The 1,350-metre-long summer toboggan run is one of the most popular attractions, allowing visitors to descend to the valley in complete safety and fun.
The Thurntaler Panoramaweg is considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails in East Tyrol. This 8-kilometre loop trail runs at an altitude of between 1,200 and 1,600 metres, offering panoramic views of 13 peaks over 3,000 metres. The trail is well signposted and suitable for medium-level hikers, with a total height difference of 400 metres.
Along the way, you will encounter traditional alpine huts where you can sample local products such as alpine cheese, speck and typical Tyrolean sweets. The trail crosses various alpine ecosystems, from flower-filled meadows to larch forests, offering excellent opportunities for observing local wildlife, including ibexes, marmots and golden eagles.
Just 3 kilometres from the centre of Sillian stands Heinfels Castle, a 13th century medieval fortress that is one of the best preserved in eastern Austria. The castle, built on a rocky spur at an altitude of 1,100 metres, offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Drava Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Today, the castle houses a multimedia museum that tells the history of the region through interactive installations and historical reconstructions. During the summer, cultural events such as classical music concerts, theatre performances and medieval markets bring the atmosphere of the time back to life.
The Acquarena is Sillian’s modern spa and recreation centre, opened in 2018 and quickly becoming a benchmark for wellness in the region. It features thermal pools fed by natural springs at 36°C, rich in minerals beneficial for the skin and circulation.
The centre also offers an Alpine spa with traditional Tyrolean saunas, aromatic steam baths and panoramic relaxation rooms with mountain views. The children’s area includes water slides and water games, making the Acquarena perfect for the whole family.
Sillian offers a wide range of accommodation from traditional mountain hotels to modern holiday flats, all characterised by typical Tyrolean hospitality. The centre of the town concentrates most of the accommodation facilities, allowing you to reach the main services and attractions on foot.
Family pensions are an authentic choice for those who want a genuine experience, often run by local families who have been handing down the business for generations. Panorama hotels on the surrounding heights, on the other hand, offer spectacular views and top-notch spa services, ideal for a relaxing wellness holiday.
Sillian is located in the Drau Valley and can be easily reached via the A10 Tauernautobahn motorway to the Spittal-Millstätter See exit, then continuing for about 45 kilometres on the B100 state road. Lienz, the capital of East Tyrol, is only 20 kilometres away and can be reached in 25 minutes by car.
The nearest airport is Klagenfurt (90 kilometres), which is connected by direct flights from major European cities. Alternatively, Innsbruck airport is 180 kilometres away and can be reached in about 2 hours and 30 minutes through breathtaking Alpine scenery. For those who prefer to travel by train, the Lienz railway station is connected to the main Austrian cities, from where you can continue by bus or taxi.
The surroundings of Sillian offer endless possibilities for excursions and day trips, ranging from the Dolomite peaks to crystal-clear Alpine lakes. Car hire is the ideal solution to comfortably explore the region, easily reaching attractions that would otherwise require long walks or complicated public transport connections.
The proximity to the Italian border makes it possible to visit the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo (30 kilometres), one of the icons of the Dolomites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park is only 40 kilometres away and offers excursions between turquoise lakes and imposing peaks. For those seeking a spa experience, the Merano Thermal Baths are 90 kilometres away and are one of the most renowned wellness destinations in the Alps.
What's the weather at Sillian? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Sillian for the next few days.
Sillian is located in East Tyrol, at an altitude of 1,100 metres in the Drava valley, just 5 kilometres from the Italian border. The town is 20 kilometres from Lienz, the regional capital, and 180 kilometres from Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol. Its strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring both the Austrian Alps and the Italian Dolomites.
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