Linz The Danube Valley, Austria Travel Guide
Hauptplatz (Main Square): Austria's largest enclosed square. It serves as the lively heart of Linz, featuring the ornate Holy Trinity Column (Pestsäule) and the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). This area is a central meeting point and venue for many events.
New Cathedral (Mariä-Empfängnis-Dom or Mariendom): Austria's largest church by capacity, able to hold 20,000 people. This stunning neo-Gothic masterpiece displays impressive stained-glass windows, some depicting scenes from Linz's history. Its construction reflects the ambition of its builders.
Book tickets online for Ars Electronica Center to save time upon arrival. The Nibelungen Bridge offers excellent photo opportunities.
On Hauptplatz, this column was erected as a thanksgiving for deliverance from plague, war, and fire, representing the city's endurance.
Approximately 30 km east of Linz, this former Nazi concentration camp now serves as a powerful memorial and museum. A solemn experience.
Limited visible Roman ruins within the modern city center. Schlossmuseum offers comprehensive details on Linz's Roman past and archaeological findings.
The sites offer insights into different eras of Linz's past, from ancient times to more recent history.
Mauthausen provides a profound historical lesson, important for understanding a dark chapter of history.
Linz's connection to the Danube and its surrounding hills has pleasant natural escapes.
This extensive garden features a wide collection of plants, greenhouses, and themed gardens, creating a peaceful escape.
A wide promenade along the Danube, popular for walks, cycling, and relaxation. It also features modern sculptures and serves as a venue for events.
A smaller, pleasant park located in the city center, offering a green space for a short break.
The main waterway, used for cruises, cycling, and some recreational activities. Note: no designated swimming beaches within city limits.
A popular swimming lake located just outside Linz. Easily reachable by public transport (bus line 33) for a refreshing swim during warmer months.
Pöstlingberg is the main viewpoint, offering sweeping vistas. Freinberg, a hill on the south side, provides different city views and a quieter perspective.
Pöstlingberg offers sweeping vistas of Linz and the Danube. Freinberg hill has different city views, often less crowded.
No specific wildlife viewing areas exist within Linz city limits. However, the Danube River attracts various bird species, suitable for birdwatching along its banks.
The Pöstlingberg and Freinberg hills are part of the Bohemian Massif, marking the boundary of the Danube Valley. This geological context shapes the region's unique landscape.
A striking modern glass building located directly on the Danube riverbank. It houses a prominent collection of modern and contemporary art, spanning from the 19th century to the present day.
Beyond the well-known sights, Linz holds several lesser-known attractions that offer unique experiences.
These off-the-beaten-path locations and local favorites often escape the typical tourist itinerary, presenting a more intimate side of the city.
Explore Linz's lesser-known, yet captivating, spots that highlight urban renewal and art.
Uncover authentic Linz, where locals gather and hidden perspectives await.
Capture memorable images of Linz's unique urban and natural landscapes.
Beyond the main attractions, Linz still offers interesting spots worth a visit.
Linz continually evolves, offering new ways to experience its blend of history, art, and nature.
Discover lesser-known pathways around the city's hills and along the Danube for tranquil walks with varying viewpoints.
Visit local markets or independent cafes to observe daily routines and interact with residents, beyond tourist areas.
Beyond Ars Electronica, look for smaller galleries and public art installations that pop up throughout the city.
Consider a guided walking tour of the Old Town or a specific themed tour to deepen your understanding of Linz's history and culture.
Book City Tours on GetYourGuideDanube River cruises offer a different perspective of Linz, passing by landmarks and showing the city from the water.
Find Danube Cruises on GetYourGuideMany museums, including Ars Electronica and Schlossmuseum, offer audio guides or guided tours. These enrich your visit with detailed context.
Check the official Linz tourism website or local event listings for temporary exhibitions, concerts, or festivals during your stay.
Familiarize yourself with the tram and bus network. It is an efficient way to travel between attractions, especially those further afield.
Explore Linz's rich history through its city streets and historical areas at your own pace.
Dive into the future of art and technology at this interactive museum.
The Pöstlingbergbahn is one of Europe's steepest adhesion railways. It is an experience in itself, offering panoramic views on the ascent.
Combined with the Grottenbahn (fairy tale cave railway) at the summit, it creates a family-friendly excursion.
Immerse yourself in Linz's cultural fabric through its historical sites, artistic venues, and community spaces.
Linz's past comes alive through its historical districts and architecture.
Linz's spiritual heritage is present in its impressive religious buildings.
Linz is an UNESCO City of Media Arts, showing innovation.
These sites display Linz's commitment to digital innovation and contemporary artistic expression.
Linz's connection to the Danube River and surrounding hills offers beautiful panoramas.
These locations invite you to appreciate the city's natural beauty and its relationship with the river.
Explore Linz's past through its castle and significant monuments.
These sites display the city's endurance and offer a profound look into its diverse heritage.
Begin your day with a visit to the New Cathedral for its stained glass, followed by a stroll through Hauptplatz.
Dedicate an afternoon to the Ars Electronica Center or Lentos Art Museum for contemporary insights, or a trip up Pöstlingberg.
Return to Ars Electronica Center at night for its lighting, or enjoy a sunset from Pöstlingberg for spectacular cityscapes.
