Exploring Linz, Austria: Size And Allure

Linz is the third-largest city in Austria, with a population of around 200,000-220,000 people. It is the capital of the federal state of Upper Austria and is situated on the banks of the Danube River. The city is known for its rich cultural offerings, including museums, galleries, and festivals, as well as its industrial heritage.

Population

Linz is the third-largest city in Austria and the capital of Upper Austria. It is located on the River Danube in the far north of the country, about 100 miles (160km) west of Vienna. As of 1 January 2024, the city had a population of 212,538.

Linz's population has grown significantly since the 1800s, when the city was recorded to have a population of 16,000-17,000. The city's population continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with 188,407 people recorded as living in the city in 2006.

Linz is part of the Linz-Wels-Steyr metropolitan area of Upper Austria, which is home to around one-third of the state's population (460,000 people) and is the second-largest urban area in Austria. The urban area of Linz includes parts of 13 other municipalities, with a combined population of 271,000 inhabitants.

Linz is a diverse city, with people from 140 nations calling the city home. The largest groups of foreign residents as of 1 January 2022 were from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Geography

Linz is the third-largest city in Austria and is the capital of Upper Austria. It is located on the River Danube, about 100 miles (160 km) west of Vienna. The city is known for its rich cultural offerings and modern mindset.

Linz is situated on the River Danube, about 30 km (19 mi) south of the Czech border. It is the seventh-largest city on the Danube and acts as an important economic centre for Austria. The city is known for its steel and chemical works.

Linz is characterised by its attractive landscape, including the Danube and delightful hills. The city is also known for its sizable "Altstadt" (old town), which lies directly at the foot of the castle. The old town features charming alleyways and splendid town residences. The spacious, baroque main square, known as Hauptplatz, is always bustling with activity, especially on weekends.

Linz is also known for its numerous churches. The New Cathedral, or Mariendom, is Austria's largest church, with a tower that reaches a height of 134 meters. The Old Cathedral, or Alter Dom, was built in the 17th century and features Baroque architecture. Another notable church is St. Martin's Church, which is regarded as the oldest original church still in existence in Austria, first documented in 799.

The city is also home to the Pöstlingberg, a hill that dominates the city at a height of 537 meters. At the top of the Pöstlingberg is the Basilica of St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows, a popular site for weddings.

Linz also boasts an impressive botanical garden, known as the Botanical Gardens on the "Gugl". The gardens feature over 8,000 types of plants and five greenhouses with exotic specimens.

Linz has a very good public transport system, with hourly Intercity and Eurocity connections to Salzburg and Vienna. The city also has a central railway station on Austria's main rail axis, which connects Vienna with western Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

History

Linz, the third-largest city in Austria, has a rich and eventful history. The city originated as a Roman fort named Lentia, established in the first century. The name "Linz", in its present form, was first documented in 799.

Linz flourished in the Middle Ages as a trading centre and important hub on the Danube. In the 13th century, it was elevated to the status of a city and quickly gained importance as a trading town. The construction of Linz Castle and St. Martin's Church dates back to this era.

During the 16th century, Linz experienced a boom under Habsburg rule. It became the seat of administration and the military. The city continued to grow and gain economic relevance in the 19th century, becoming the industrial heart of Austria.

The 20th century saw a dark period in Linz's history, with the establishment of a concentration camp during the time of National Socialism. After World War II, the city was rebuilt and transformed into a modern cultural and economic centre. Today, Linz combines its rich history with contemporary innovation and is known for its vibrant festivals, such as the Linz Bruckner Festival and the Ars Electronica Festival.

Linz has a diverse range of cultural offerings, including museums, galleries, and performance venues. It is also known for its lively old town, with historic buildings, cafes, and shops. The city's main square, dating back to the 13th century, is one of the largest converted squares in Europe.

Linz has a long tradition as an industrial city, largely due to the presence of voestalpine, one of Europe's largest steel companies. The city is also known for its annual festivals, such as the Ars Electronica Festival, which draws international attention.

Economy

Linz is one of the main economic centres of Austria. It is the capital of Upper Austria, which is the country's leading industrial region, accounting for about a quarter of the country's exports as of 2009.

Linz has a long tradition as an industrial city, mainly due to Voestalpine, one of Europe's largest steel companies, which was founded as "Reichswerke Hermann Göring" during World War II. The company is now known for its basic oxygen steelmaking technique.

The city is also an important retail trade centre for Upper Austria, with 13 shopping malls, including three in the city centre, and busy shopping streets. It is a large centre of employment, and as the capital of Upper Austria, many people work in public administration.

Linz is also an important cultural centre, with the Johannes Kepler University, schools of art and music, a seminary, scientific institutes, museums, art galleries, libraries, archives, an opera house, and theatres.

Culture

Linz is a city rich in history and culture, with a diverse range of attractions for visitors. Here is an overview of the cultural offerings in Linz, Austria:

Cultural Institutions

Linz is home to several notable cultural institutions, including:

• Ars Electronica Center: A renowned centre for media arts, attracting national and international guests. It is often referred to as the "Museum of the Future" and features interactive exhibits on artificial intelligence, robotics, and other future-oriented fields.
• Lentos Art Museum: Houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Klimt, Schiele, and Kokoschka. The building is illuminated at night with different colours due to its plastic casing.
• Brucknerhaus: A concert and congress hall named after composer Anton Bruckner. It is known for its excellent acoustics and hosts the annual Bruckner Festival, celebrating classical music.
• Landestheater music theatre: One of the city's most important cultural institutions, presenting operas, operettas, ballets, and musicals.
• Stadtwerkstatt: An independent cultural association located near the Danube River, hosting music events and other artistic activities.
• Posthof: One of the largest event centres in Linz, featuring contemporary art, music, theatre, and literature.

Historical Buildings and Landmarks

Linz also boasts a wealth of historical buildings and landmarks, including:

• St. Martin's Church: First mentioned in 799, this church is one of the oldest in Austria.
• Main Square: Built in 1230, it is one of the largest converted squares in Europe. It features a high "Pestsäule" or "plague column" in the middle, commemorating the victims of the plague epidemics.
• Old Town Hall: A historically significant building with a carillon that changes its melody with the seasons.
• Castle Museum: Housed in a 15th-century castle built by Frederick III, offering insights into the history of nature, culture, and technology.
• New Cathedral (Mariendom): The largest church in Austria, with a tower offering stunning views of the city.
• Pöstlingberg: A natural oasis providing panoramic views of the city and the Danube River. It is also home to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows.

Cultural Events

Linz also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year:

• Ars Electronica Festival: A world-famous celebration of art, technology, and society, featuring exhibitions, concerts, performances, and symposia.
• Bruckner Festival: An annual classical music festival honouring composer Anton Bruckner, featuring performances at the highest level.
• Linzfest: An open-air festival held annually since 1990, featuring music, theatre, dance, art, literature, and culinary delights.
• Pflasterspektakel: An international street art festival held annually in July, featuring musical acts, acrobatics, fire dancing, and more.
• Crossing Europe Film Festival: A celebration of international cinema, featuring films from over 37 countries, along with exhibitions, talks, and live music.

Culinary Specialties

Linz also offers a variety of culinary delights, including the famous Linzer Torte, said to be the oldest cake recipe in the world. Visitors can enjoy both traditional restaurants and modern cuisine, influenced by the diverse cultures of the 140 nations represented in the city.

Frequently asked questions