Bruck Castle

Bruck Castle (Schloss Bruck) was built in the 13th century as residence castle of the Counts of Gorizia. Its name derives from the bridge (in German "Brücke") at its foot. From the donjon you can look on the entire basin of Lienz and the lower Iseltal valley. A great view on the surroundings has been crucial for the defensiveness and representation.

In the course of time, Bruck Castle had different roles to play: residence castle of the Counts of Gorizia, administrative seat of the Lords of Wolkenstein-Rodenegg, weapons stockpile, military hospital, and brewery. The Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity occupies a special place: The two-storey Romanesque building is decorated with beautiful Gothic fresco cycles by Simon von Taisten and Andrä Peuerweg. Today it is the showpiece of the castle tour, and a venue for civil ceremonies.

The venerable building, in possession of the town of Lienz, houses the Regional Museum of Lienz with its gallery of the East Tyrolean expressionist Albin Egger-Lienz (1868-1926). In the western wing you can admire contemporary art. From the parking space at the foot of the castle hill, a 5-minute walk takes you to the museum: The castle park is known to host about 15 different species of bats. A theme trail with five stations will let you know better these interesting nocturnal animals. Unfortunately, the museum and the castle are not barrier-free. Dogs are not allowed.