Exploring Linz, Austria: Size, Scope, And Surroundings

Linz is the third-largest city in Austria, with a population of around 200,000. Located on the river Danube, it is the capital of Upper Austria. The city is home to the biggest church in Austria, the Mariä Empfängnis Dom or New Cathedral, and the Wasserwald, a large park in the south of the city.

Population: Linz is the third-largest city in Austria with a population of around 200,000

Linz is the third-largest city in Austria with a population of around 200,000. It is the capital of Upper Austria and is located on the river Danube, 30km south of the border with the Czech Republic. The city was first founded by the Romans, who named it Lentia. The name reflects its location at a bend in the Danube (the Celtic root 'lentos' means 'bendable'). This strategic position made it the first Roman fort in the Noricum region, protecting a vital transportation route.

Linz is home to the biggest church in Austria, the Mariä Empfängnis Dom or New Cathedral. The historic centre is characterised by its medieval architectural style, while the architecture in the areas bordering the historic centre is neoclassical, neo-baroque and neo-renaissance. The city also features the Wasserwald, a large park in the south of Linz, and the Stadtpark, the second-largest inner-city park.

Linz is known for its local food and drinks, including a variety of German and Austrian beers, as well as Most, an un-carbonated cider. The city is also the residence of mathematical genius Johannes Kepler, who taught at the Landhaus, the 16th-century country house that is now the headquarters of the governor, the upper Austrian parliament and the government of Upper Austria.

Location: Linz is located on the River Danube in the far north of Austria, 30km from the Czech border

Linz is located on the River Danube in the far north of Austria, 30km from the Czech border. It is the third-largest city in Austria and the capital city of the state of Upper Austria. The city has a population of around 200,000, although one source gives a more specific figure of 212,538 as of 1 January 2024.

Linz is known for its dazzling array of local food and drink, including German and Austrian beers, and Most, an un-carbonated cider. The city is also home to the Botanical Gardens, which are among the largest in Europe, with more than 8,000 types of plants and 43,000 square metres of space.

The cityscape of Linz is characterised by small and sacred buildings. The Mariä Empfängnis Dom or New Cathedral is the biggest church in Austria by capacity, although it is roughly 2 metres shorter than the St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. The historic centre of Linz is characterised by its medieval architectural style, while the areas bordering the historic centre feature neoclassical, neo-baroque and neo-renaissance styles.

History: The city was founded by the Romans as a fort named Lentia

Linz, Austria is the third-largest city in Austria and the capital of Upper Austria. It is located on the river Danube, 30km south of the border with the Czech Republic. As of 2024, the city has a population of 212,538.

Linz is home to the country house Landhaus, which was built in the 16th century and is the headquarters of the governor, the upper Austrian parliament and the government of Upper Austria. The city is also known for its botanical gardens, which are among the largest in Europe, with more than 8,000 types of plants and 43,000 square metres of space. The historic centre of Linz is characterised by its medieval architectural style, while the areas bordering the historic centre feature neoclassical, neo-baroque and neo-renaissance styles.

Architecture: The city's architecture is characterised by small, sacred buildings, including the Mariä Empfängnis Dom, the biggest church in Austria by capacity

The cityscape of Linz, Austria, is characterised by small and sacred buildings. The city's architecture is a mix of medieval, neoclassical, neo-baroque and neo-renaissance styles. The Mariä Empfängnis Dom, also known as the New Cathedral, is the biggest church in Austria by capacity, though it is roughly 2 metres shorter than the St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. The cathedral was built in the style of Belgian-Dutch High Gothic, with the Utrechter Dom as its model. It has 142 windows, 54 columns and 17 altars. The Mariä Empfängnis Dom was consecrated as a Marian church in 1924, though the building was not completed until 1935.

Linz is a city of art, with an innovative cultural scene. It is a UNESCO City of Media Arts, and home to the Ars Electronica Centre, which promotes digital arts. The city's industrial heritage and the nearby harbour cranes are said to contribute to its rugged charm. The Brucknerhaus, a famous concert hall in Linz, is named after Anton Bruckner. The Upper Austrian forum for architecture in the house of architecture attracts about 6,000 visitors annually.

Parks: Linz is home to the Wasserwald, a large park of around 1km2, and the Stadtpark, the second-largest inner-city park

Linz is the third-largest city in Austria and the capital of Upper Austria. It is located on the river Danube, 30km south of the Czech Republic border. The city has a population of around 200,000 and is known for its medieval architecture and large botanical gardens.

Linz is home to two large parks: the Wasserwald and the Stadtpark. The Wasserwald is located in the south of the city, in the district of Kleinmünchen, and covers an area of approximately 1km2. It is a popular spot for walkers, joggers, and dog owners, who enjoy the park's idyllic atmosphere and well-maintained facilities. The Wasserwald offers a range of amenities, including playgrounds, toboggan hills, a fitness trail, a running track, and a senior park with chess.

The Stadtpark, or Linz City Park, is situated in the heart of the city and spans 10,807 square metres, making it the second-largest inner-city park in Linz. It was officially opened in 2003 and provides a green oasis for residents and visitors seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

Both the Wasserwald and the Stadtpark offer a wealth of recreational opportunities for Linz's residents and contribute to the city's overall appeal as a vibrant and livable urban centre. With their lush greenery and array of amenities, these parks enhance the quality of life for locals and serve as popular gathering spaces for the community.

Frequently asked questions