Linz isn’t a city that shouts loudly – it quietly shares its stories as you stroll along the Danube or savor a slice of the famous Linzer Torte in a cozy café. Here, baroque facades blend seamlessly with futuristic architecture, the past flirts effortlessly with the digital future, and creativity lingers in the air. Whether you’re watching the sunset from Pöstlingberg, exploring interactive art at the Ars Electronica Center, or wandering through the charming alleys of the old town, Linz isn’t just a place to discover – it’s one to experience.
Top Highlights of Linz
Largest church in Austria
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St. Mary's Cathedral Linz (New Cathedral)
Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Linz, often simply called The Cathedral or Mariendom, is the largest church in Austria and a stunning masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture. Since its foundation stone was laid in 1862, the cathedral has dominated the cityscape with its immense size and its elegant tower, which stands just shy of the height of Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The vibrant stained-glass windows, including the famous Linz Window, depict stories from the city’s history, while the viewing platform at 112 meters offers breathtaking views of Linz and the surrounding area.
Experiment with the Future
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Ars Electronica Center
Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
The interactive Museum of the Future brings the future into the present. It explores the intersection of art, technology, and society, inviting visitors to engage with cutting-edge innovations. You can, for example, test artificial intelligence, train self-driving cars, program robots, or experiment with 3D printing. The motto is: Try it out and join in!
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Linz main square
Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
The Main Square in Linz is the heart of the city and, with an area of approximately 13,200 m², one of Austria’s largest enclosed squares. It is surrounded by historic buildings with impressive façades, including the Old Town Hall, which houses the Mayor of Linz and the Linz Tourist Information Center. Another notable building is the Feichtinger House with its carillon, playing different melodies depending on the season. At the center of the square stands the 20-meter-high Baroque Trinity Column, crafted from white marble and erected in 1723 as a gesture of gratitude for protection from fire, war, and plague.
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Music Theatre Linz
Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
The Musiktheater am Volksgarten is one of the most modern opera houses in Europe and a cultural highlight that captivates many visitors. Located by the Volksgarten and close to the central Landstraße, it offers world-class performances of opera, operetta, ballet, and musicals in a building designed by British architect Terry Pawson. Since its opening in 2013, the theater has impressed audiences with its outstanding acoustics, contemporary design, and diverse programming. Regular tours provide a behind-the-scenes look.
Dragon ride to fairyland
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Grotto Railway at Pöstlingberg
Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
The Grottenbahn on Linz’s Pöstlingberg transports families to a fairy tale paradise. This historic attraction, delighting generations since 1906, offers children and adults a magical ride on the Dragon Express through a sparkling grotto filled with scenes of dwarfs. Afterwards, visitors can explore a meticulously crafted miniature version of Linz’s Main Square at the turn of the 20th century, featuring scenes from classic fairy tales that captivate young and old alike.
Petting Zoo, Tropical House, and More at Pöstlingberg!
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Zoo Linz
Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
The small yet charming paradise for animal lovers and families is located halfway up the Pöstlingberg. It offers not only a glimpse into the world of around 600 animals from approximately 110 species (such as meerkats, zebras, red pandas, and kangaroos) but also a stunning view over Linz. Since its establishment in the 1980s, the zoo has continually expanded and modernized, staying true to its motto: “European animals, domestic animals, and their wild ancestors.”
Botanical Garden Linz
Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
This green oasis lies in the heart of Linz and ranks among the most beautiful botanical gardens in Europe. Spread across 4.2 hectares, it showcases over 10,000 plant species, including one of Europe’s largest cactus collections. The alpine garden and rose garden invite exploration, offering fascinating insights into plants from around the globe.
Experience magnificent sound art on the Danube
Brucknerhaus
Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
The Brucknerhaus, named after the renowned composer Anton Bruckner, is a central cultural venue in the city. Built between 1969 and 1973 based on designs by Finnish architects Heikki and Kaija Siren, the concert hall may not impress with its aging exterior, but much more importantly, it boasts exceptional acoustics and comfortable seating. This makes the Brucknerhaus one of Europe’s leading concert and conference centers.
Universal Museum of Upper Austria
Castle Museum Linz
Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
The Schlossmuseum overlooks the old town of Linz and offers you a wonderful view of the Danube. Combining Renaissance architecture with modern design, the museum spans over 18,000 m² and features permanent exhibitions on the natural, cultural, and technological history of Upper Austria, from prehistoric times to the 21st century. Basically, you can find everything here, from archaeology and music to technology and medieval weapons.
voestalpine Stahlwelt - Ausstellung & Museum - aktuell nur Werkstouren nach Voranmeldung
Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
Location
Best Activities
The Old Town
Just a short walk away from the main square, you’ll find the futuristic Ars Electronica Center, where art and technology merge in an inspiring symbiosis – the perfect place to dive into the world of media art.
The Pöstlingberg
Tip: If you have the time, catch the sunset from here – it’s a beautiful setting!
Modernity & Technology
Danube Experiences
Savor Like a Local
In Linz, you should really try the legendary Linzer Torte, the world’s oldest known cake, with a recipe that dates back to the 17th century. But don’t overlook Upper Austrian cuisine: from hearty dumplings to comforting rustic dishes that, it’s sure to win you over.
Travel Information
Best Travel Time
Highly recommended: May to September.
Spring (March to May)
- Weather: Mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C; occasional rain showers
- Activities: Ideal for city sightseeing and strolls along the Danube
Summer (June to August)
- Weather: Warm temperatures between 20°C and 27°C; higher rainfall is possible
- Activities: Perfect for open-air concerts, festivals, and cycling along the Danube
- Highlights: Peak travel season with many tourists
Autumn (September to November)
- Weather: Pleasant temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C; less rainfall
- Activities: Hiking, wine tasting, and cultural events
Winter (December to February)
- Weather: Cold temperatures between -1°C and 4°C; frequent snow and rain
- Activities: Visiting Christmas markets and museums
Getting There
By Plane
Linz Airport (LNZ) is located about 12 km southwest of the city in Hörsching. It offers connections to European hubs such as Frankfurt and Düsseldorf, as well as seasonal charter flights.
The transfer to the city is well-organized:
- The Bus Line 601 takes you directly to Linz Central Station in around 22 minutes.
- Alternatively, a free shuttle service connects Hörsching Train Station with the terminal.
By Train
Linz Central Station is one of the most modern train stations in Austria and offers excellent connections. There are regular services to cities like Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, and Munich. International trains such as the Railjet and ICE stop here, making Linz a central railway hub.
By Car
Linz is easily accessible via the A1 West Motorway, which connects Vienna with Salzburg. The A7 Mühlkreis Motorway also leads directly into the city, providing access to northern Upper Austria.
Getting Around Linz
Within the city, Linz Linien operates a well-developed network of trams and buses. For regional connections, the Upper Austria S-Bahn links Linz to the surrounding areas.
Fancy a roadtrip?
Be inspired by our hand-picked road trips.
Culinary Delights
Traditional Specialties
- Linzer Torte: The world’s oldest known cake is a must-try in Linz. With its shortcrust pastry, roasted nuts, and red currant jam, it’s a true classic.
- Erdäpfelkäs: This creamy potato spread is a staple on farmer’s bread and a typical Upper Austrian delicacy.
Modern Gastronomy
- Rossbarth: Creative cuisine featuring regional ingredients and innovative preparation. Perfect for gourmets.
- Muto: Austrian classics reimagined, served in a stylish and modern setting.
Culinary Experiences
- Häppchen Pass: For €14.90, you can sample typical Linzer dishes at selected venues – a delicious journey through the city.
- Picnic by the Danube: With a basket full of local delicacies, the Danube riverbank transforms into a relaxed gourmet haven.
Recommended Restaurants
- Josef: A modern tavern offering small tapas, house-brewed beer, and a diverse menu.
- Glorious Bastards: A young, creative restaurant with a casual vibe and innovative cuisine.