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Statutory city in Upper Austria, Austria
Photo: Photo: Andreas Praefcke, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Linz is the third largest city in Austria. It sits on the banks of the Danube (Donau) river. It is the capital of the federal province of Upper Austria (Oberösterreich) and forms the heart of Austria's second strongest economic region. Though it was primarily known as a major industrial centre, it also has a very picturesque historical old town including Austria's largest central square, surrounded by an impressive ensemble of Baroque architecture.
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Mariendom
The construction of the neo-Gothic cathedral was already initiated in 1855 by F.J. Rudiger, then Bishop of Linz, and the foundation stone was laid in 1862. The building was designed by the Cologne cathedral builder Vinzenz Statz. The cathedral was consecrated in 1924. The height of the tower was limited to 134 m (as it was not permitted to surpass St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna). The cathedral can accommodate 20,000 worshippers and is also notable for its stained glass windows, including the famous Linz Window with scenes from the history of Linz (left front). At Christmas the crypt church contains one of the largest nativity scenes, measuring 12 m in length.
Alter Dom
Designed according to drawings by Pietro Francesco Carlone, the cathedral was built between 1669 and 1678. It was the cathedral church of the diocese of Linz from 1785-1909. The single-nave Baroque church has lateral chapels and galleries, as well as a closed choir and stucco work by J.P. Spaz and G.B. Mazza. The marble high altar is by Colomba and Barberini with a picture by Antonio Bellucci. The Aloisian altar picture is by Bartolomeo Altomonte. The choir pews originate from the former monastery church in Garsten, while the organ by Franz Xaver Krismann derives from Engelzell monastery. From 1856-1868 Anton Bruckner served as the cathedral organist.
Wallfahrtsbasilika
This pilgrimage church, dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary and perched high above the roofs of the city, is the landmark of the Upper Austrian capital. It was built in 1748 according to plans by Matthias Krinner. The church is popular for weddings because of the unique location. From the mountain Pöstlingberg you have a beautifil view of Linz and to the Alps.
Martinskirche
This is regarded as the oldest original church still in existence in Austria. It was first documented in 799. A rectangular building that is no longer visible, partially extending into the nave, probably dates from the Agilofingian period (before 788). During the Carolingian period (after 788), the central structure was erected using debris from Roman buildings. This can be seen on the inside and outside, while the ground plan is marked by stone slabs. The building was redesigned as a bay church in the 11th century and the pillar arches were filled in. There are Romanesque and Gothic door and window arches dating from later alterations. Inside the building, Roman stone inscriptions and a furnace can be seen. The first bay contains a copy of the Volto-Santo picture by Lucca (around 1440). The interior of the church can be viewed through a glass door. Entrance into the church is only permitted with a tourist guide.
Friedenskirche
Modernist church built in the 1950s.
Dreifaltigkeitssäule/Pestsäule
One of Austria's most attractive closed squares, there stands the 20-m-high Baroque Trinity Column (completed in 1723). Carved in white marble by Sebastian Stumpfegger according to a model from Antono Beduzzi, the column bears three inscriptions. These announce the dedication of the column to the Holy Trinity by the guilds, the Emperor and the people of Linz in gratitude for deliverance from the dangers of war (1704), fire (1712) and plague (1713). The column is flanked by the patron saints Sebastian, Florian and Carlo Borromeo.
Linzer Schloß / Schlossmuseum Linz
The Linz Castle is first documented in 799. It was entirely rebuilt in 1477 by Emperor Friedrich III, and there are partial remains of the defensive walls, the bastions and the west entrance (Friedrichstor). The latter is adorned by a stone coat-of-arms (1481) bearing the inscription "AEIOU" ("The whole world is subject to Austria") and the imperial initials. Around 1600, during the rule of Rudolph II, the castle was redesigned and expanded according to plans by the Dutch master builder Anton Muys. The powerful four-story block with two inner courtyards and the main gate to the city (Rudolfstor 1604) date from this time. During the Napoleonic wars the building served as a military hospital, and it was here that the great city fire of 1800 broke out (destruction of the south wing and a part of the transept). Beginning in 1811, the remaining buildings were used as the provincial prison and from 1851 until 1945 as a barracks.
Between 1953 and 1963, the fortress was rebuilt and restored as the Schlossmuseum Linz. It contains permanent exhibitions of art from the Middle Ages to the present day, historical weapons and musical instruments, coins, folklore and technical history, as well as the Kastner collection. There are special exhibitions each year.
Bischofshof
The bishop's residence is the most important secular Baroque building in the city. Commissioned by Kremsmünster Monastery (1721–26), it was built by Michael Pruckmayr according to plans by Jakob Prandtauer, who was also responsible for the monasteries in Melk and St. Florian. The impressive lattice gate on the staircase is by Valentin Hoffmann (1727).
Lentos Kunstmuseum
Houses a large collection focusing on modern art, with representative works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka, as well as current contemporary art.
This cutting-edge museum serves as a venue for art which explores the creative potential of the latest technology. Multiple child-friendly expositions are available, as well as hands-on expositions of various technical topics (sound and music, virtual reality, robots etc.).
Landesgalerie Linz
The museum has a large collection of modern and contemporary art, with rotating special exhibits of works by Upper Austrians.
Nordico Stadtmuseum Linz
This former monastery now houses the civic museum, with rotating exhibits focused on regional history and ecology.
City History in Fast Motion
A branch of the Nordico Museum with displays dedicated to the history of Linz and its famous residents.
Linzer Museum für Geschichte der Zahnheilkunde und Zahntechnik
A one-room museum dedicated to the history of dentistry, from the 17th century until the present.
Upper Austrian Literature Museum
The 19th-century Austrian writer Adalbert Stifter lived in this house for many years. It is now a museum devoted to Austrian literature, with exhibits of manuscripts and multimedia.
Offenes Kulturhaus Oberösterreich
Hosts contemporary art exhibits and festivals, with a focus on installation and multimedia art.
Biologiezentrum Dornach
Has science exhibits with a focus on botany and zoology.
Schloß Ebelsberg
Exhibits a large collection of historic firearms, as well as items from the former Austrian Imperial Navy.
An unusual museum founded by Austrian entertainer Hans-Jörg Ratzenböck. It houses displays illustrating American cowboy life, with a replica rancher's room, sheriff's office, and gambling room.
The voestalpine steel works run an impressive museum and experience centre devoted to the manufacturing and processing of steel, as well as applications thereof. One can visit on their own, or join an organized tour with a guide (1.5 hours), which can be expanded with a tour of the manufacturing facilities (3 hours in total). The Panorama Cafe atop the building offers views over Linz, drinks and light snacks. Groups can pre-order lunches there.
Botanischer Garten
One of the most beautiful and extensive botanic gardens in Europe, with more than 10,000 plants and five greenhouses. Particularly noteworthy is the cactus collection. Special exhibits and presentations are hosted throughout the year.
Tiergarten Linz
Over 800 animals await you on your visit to the local and exotic fauna. There are cuddly animals to hold, a selected collection of mammals (llamas, pygmy cows, sheep, goats), a variety of birds (parrots, ostriches) and reptiles (crocodiles, iguanas, snakes). As an excursion destination the children’s zoo is always popular with the little ones.
A 5,000-m² sculpture garden, with works by more than 20 artists.
KZ-Gedenkstätte Mauthausen
Memorial to the notorious Mauthausen concentration camp, where predominantly political opponents of the Nazi regime were worked to death quarrying granite for the government's monumental buildings. The camp had one of the highest death rates for Nazi camps other than extermination camps. Not recommended for children under 14. The "Steps of Death" stairway into the quarry is open April-Oct only for safety reasons and may be closed within those months in the event of rain or high winds.
Pöstlingbergbahn
The "Pöstlingbergbahn", Europe’s steepest mountain railway without rack or cable assistance, is no longer the museum piece it once was, but operates from Hauptplatz through Urfahr and through the neighborhoods up the Pöstlingberg itself. A mixture of new low-floor tramcars and rebuilt original cars (the old cars run only on weekends between March and October) are now used. Additionally, you can take bus 150 from Landgutstraße (the northern destination of tram 3 and 4) to the top of Pöstlingberg.
Located in fortifications built by emperor Maximilian. Riding on the "dragon express", a mini-train in the shape of the mythological beast, the visitor travels through a brightly lit landscape of fairy tale scenes. A 1:7 scale model of the Linz "Hauptplatz" at the turn of the century is situated in the cellar of the citadel’s tower. In the side passages, there are depictions of episodes from famous fairy tales. Lift for handicapped visitors!
Touristy fun little train that takes you around downtown. Good chance to get off your feet and warm up in the winter.
The cultural town Linz~Danube is the ideal starting point for a ship tour. Everyone will find his individual ship adventure in the large variety of cruise line offers. Whether you are looking for a round trip, a scheduled tour or a cruise for a special occasion, e.g. Christmas party on the Danube, your captain and his crew is already waiting for you on board of the ship.
Aquapulco - die Piratenwelt
Five fantastic waterslides, a pool with wave machine, flow channels and an own mini water world.
Designed by the architect-duo Heikki and Kaija Siren, this is the venue for the annual Brucknerfest and Ars Electronica Festival.
Has modern music, dance and comedy performances, which is located near the port.
Popular meeting point for young people with an alternative lifestyle. It started out as punk bar. They often have gigs with unknown bands. Nirvana played at the KAPU about one year before they became world-famous. The texta hip hop concerts are legendary too.
Theater Phönix
Shows modern plays that are also suitable for teenagers.
You can get Leberkäse pretty much in every supermarket, but it's hard to find a place that serves as tasty and as various ones as here. It is a bit more expensive than in supermarkets, but the bread roll with Leberkäse is still low-priced. There is another store in the central train station.
Serving tasty falafel sandwiches. The other food of the menu is terrific too. In addition, the operators are super nice.
Classic Austrian dishes like Beuschel, roast pork and schnitzel. The host very friendly.
Very good sushi restaurant. Also has other good Chinese food. The portions are quite large.
Rustic restaurant with good home cooking. Choice to eat either outdoors and inside the restaurant. Nice guest garden with a large chestnut tree.
Great Japanese and Chinese food. Simply furnished, pleasant place. The service is fast and kind. The menu is delicious.
Great vegetarian and vegan dishes. Gluten-free options. High quality slow food ingredients. A breakfast here is special because it explicitly has oriental influences. Very nice, green guest garden in the backyard. Such a relaxed vibe.
A pastry shop serving the local speciality Linzer Torte (a cake).
The Yellow Crocodile is next to/a part of the Moviemento Cinema, downstairs below street level. It has special vegetarian plates.
The name ("Old World") suits this restaurant and bar perfectly. The entrance is in a small courtyard, with seemingly uncontrolled growing plants. The inside reminds of an inn from former times. The often changing menu ranges from typical Austrian dishes to mediterranean cuisine, at a reasonable price. A variety of cultural events take place in the wine cellar.
Traditional Austrian cuisine, big beer garden
A large bar/burger restaurant. Games room and occasional live music. Good breakfast menus. Great burgers.
In 2006, it came second in "The Best Irish Pub" competition in Austria. An English-named Irish pub that serves Guinness, and has a friendly atmosphere for Austrians and English native-speakers. Large open-sandwiches and occasionally has English or Irish crisps. Shows sports programmes on a daily basis.
Large and airy, on two floors, with enough "hip/cool" clientele to satisfy the needs of people with enough money to spend.
Has a nice cafe and live DJ's (reggae,house ,world music,hip hop) in the evening (daily starting at 22:00) Local bands (rock, punk, hip hop) appear at weekends. Concerts take place in a stage area upstairs (away from the bar) and are around €10. DJs in the bar.
Regular live-concerts in the dance cellar and a beer garden on the street in summer.
You shouldn't miss Upper Austria's best Italian ice cream store. They have a multiplicity of ice cream flavours, something for every taste. You will also get coffee and Austrian specialities like Apfelstrudel or Topfenpalatschinken. Smoke-free.
A small hard rock pub. Books and posters lining the walls. Be prepared for cigarette haze and talkative, not-always-sober regulars of all ages. Mike, the friendly owner, occasionally serves a hearty meal for a reasonable price.
Cosy cafe and bar. Sit outside in the summer until 23:00, or walk down the stairs into a large room. You'll notice typical (for Austria) coffee house tables and stools, and classic movie posters covering the walls. You get a good selection of beers and wines, and the usual long drinks/cocktails. They serve burgers and snacks, including some vegetarian. For dessert, there's a delicious chocolate cake.
Austria is famous for coffee but this small shop serves astonishingly good tea in many shapes. Split in a shop and a teahouse right beside to each other the menu offers tons of teas of excellent quality.
Grand Hotel Café zum Rothen Krebsen
Founded and run by artists, frequented mostly by students from the nearby art school.
It's a lovely hotel with good rooms and a nice view, and there is a bus stop about 100 meters away between St. Isidor and Hart.
Completely automated concrete drain tubes with beds inside, you book (through website) and you're given a code for the door. From May through October.
Graben 24-26.
Business hotel direct in the city center with modern and well furbished rooms.
Direct at the Danube and close to the A7/E55 Autobahn this four star hotel is good located in the industrial area of Linz. Rooms are spacious and breakfast is good.
By train
By bus
By car
Linz is connected with Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich via the A1 Autobahn/motorway; the Muehlviertel and the Czech Republic via the A7 Autobahn and the B310 regional road, and the south of Austria…
By boat
The website of the city of Linz lists all cruises departing from the city. There is regular passenger boat service on the Danube from and to Vienna and Passau, Germany.
Linz has very good public transport. A map of the tram and bus lines as well as an online time table are available on the website of the network operator Linz AG.
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