Exploring Linz: Must-See Attractions In Upper Austria

must see in linz austria

Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, is a city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. Located on the banks of the River Danube, it is known for its churches, museums, and artistic endeavours. Here are some must-see attractions in Linz, Austria:

- St. Martin's Church: The oldest church in Austria, this 8th-century structure boasts stunning 15th-century frescoes and unique Roman architecture.

- Linz Old Town: Stroll through the quaint pastel-coloured buildings, grand churches, and charming shops of the Old Town.

- Ars Electronica Center: Also known as the Museum of the Future, this centre showcases digital art and technology with exhibits on robotics, biotechnology, and climate change.

- Linz Castle: Perched above the Danube, this castle houses the Castle Museum, featuring art and historical collections, as well as prehistoric and Roman artefacts.

- Pöstlingberg: Take a pilgrimage to this prominent hill, accessible via the narrow-gauge electric railroad, and visit the exquisite Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Church.

- Lentos Art Museum: Housing over 1,500 pieces of artwork, this museum showcases Austrian and international artists, including Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.

- Mural Harbour: Explore one of the world's most extensive outdoor galleries, where urban development meets street art along the Danube.

- Danube Park: Recharge amidst nature in this lush green space by the river, offering walking paths and stunning views.

- St. Mary's Cathedral: Admire the modern art stained glass windows in Austria's largest church.

- Voestalpine Steel World: Learn about Linz's steel industry through hands-on exhibits and discover the many uses of steel.

Characteristics Values
Churches St. Martin's Church, St. Ignatius (Alter Dom), St. Florian Augustinian Abbey, New Cathedral (Mariendom), Old Cathedral, Trinity Column
Museums Ars Electronica Center, Lentos Art Museum, Linz Castle Museum (Schlossmuseum), St. Florian Art Collection, Voestalpine Steel World, Linz Museum of the History of Dentistry
Art Mural Harbour, Höhenrausch, Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Design Center Linz, University of Arts and Industrial Design Linz
Transport Pöstlingbergbahn, Hafentour (Harbour tour)
Squares Hauptplatz, Hauptplatz, Landstrasse, Stadtplatz
Gardens Linz Botanical Gardens, Danube Park
Food Linzer Torte, Cafe Meier, Exx, Café Traxlmayr, k.u.k. Hofbäckerei, Los Mayas, Front Food, Beer Buddies, die Marktbrauerei, Chelsea Pub
Accommodation Hotel zum Schwarzen Bären, Hotel Am Domplatz, ART-INN Design Self-Check-in Hotel

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Explore the Old Town

Linz's Old Town is a delightful mix of the historic and the contemporary. On one side of the Danube River sits the historic railway line that takes you to the fairy-tale castle on the Pöstlingberg Mountain and the Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Basilica, which overlooks the city. On the other side, you'll find the pastel hues of the Old Town's soft blues, minty greens, butter yellows and delicate pink facades, with avenues of flagstones and archways.

The Hauptplatz, or main square, is a great place to start your exploration. Here, you'll find colourful houses, a decorative marble column, and plenty of cafes. From here, it's easy to wander and admire the architecture, step into charming shops, and watch the world go by.

Just a short walk from the Hauptplatz, you'll find the Danube. Stroll along the riverbank and enjoy the simple pleasure of a romantic walk, or stop at one of the charming cafes for a drink and a bite to eat.

The Old Town is also home to the Trinity Column, a 20-metre-high marble column that dates back to 1723. It was erected in thanks for the town's preservation from the plague and Turkish attacks.

For a unique view of the Old Town, head to Höhenrausch, an annual art event and creative space. It offers over 30 indoor, outdoor, and rooftop artworks, with fantastic views across the city.

If you're interested in history, the Old Town has plenty to offer. The Landhaus, or Linzer Landhaus, was built in 1571 on the site of an earlier convent. It features a magnificent doorway bearing the coats of arms of the original Austrian provinces, and an octagonal Planet Fountain from 1582 in its arcaded courtyard. From 1612 to 1626, the scientist Johannes Kepler taught at the college that once occupied this building.

Another historic highlight is the Old Cathedral, or Alter Dom. This twin-towered Jesuit church is famous for its rich Italian decorations, including a high altar dating from 1683 and a pulpit from 1678.

For a glimpse into the past, take a theatre costume guided tour. These interactive group tours bring the Old Town's streets and their stories to life through drama and performance.

Finally, don't miss the chance to try the famous Linzer Torte, one of the oldest cakes in the world. The Jindrak Café has been serving this buttery almond pastry with redcurrant jam since 1929, and it's well worth a visit.

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Visit the Ars Electronica Centre

Linz is a beautiful city in Austria, and the Ars Electronica Centre is a must-see when visiting. Here are some reasons why you should visit the Ars Electronica Centre:

Museum of the Future

The Ars Electronica Centre is also known as the Museum of the Future. This is because the centre is at the forefront of exploring the interlinkages between art, technology, and society. The centre is a permanent showcase for Ars Electronica's activities and houses a multidisciplinary media arts R&D facility known as the Futurelab.

Innovative and Interactive Exhibits

The centre features innovative and interactive exhibits that are sure to delight both young and old. You can interact with exhibits such as Musicbottles, containing different types of music, or play Pingpongplus, a table tennis game with a twist of virtual water on its surface.

Fascinating Exhibitions and Events

The Ars Electronica Centre offers fascinating exhibitions and events that explore a range of topics, including artificial intelligence, neurobionics, autonomous systems, robotics, genetic engineering, and biotechnology, as well as the profound global changes of our time. You can watch artificial intelligence "think", train self-driving cars, program robots, and much more.

Stunning Architecture and LED Lights

The centre is housed in a modern complex of buildings by the Danube River. The building's exterior is just as impressive as the exhibits inside. It is covered in 5000 square meters of glass skin, consisting of 1100 glass panels, each equipped with LED lights that allow the entire building to act as a giant display. Artists can create their own visualizations, which are showcased on various occasions, especially during the Ars Electronica Festival.

Amazing Views from the Sky Media Loft

The Sky Media Loft is located at the top of the Ars Electronica Centre and offers a marvelous view of the Nibelungenbrücke and the main square of Linz on the other side of the Danube. It is usually used as a coffee house or bar but can also be rented out for meetings or events. The bar has been used as a studio for newscasts, providing a stunning backdrop for viewers.

So, if you're looking for a unique and captivating experience in Linz, Austria, be sure to visit the Ars Electronica Centre. With its blend of art, technology, and interactive exhibits, it's sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Discover the street art at Mural Harbour

Linz is a city that has truly embraced its artists and the idea of brightening up its city walls. Mural Harbour is one of the city's top attractions, and it is easy to see why. The city started inviting famous graffiti artists from around Europe and the world to come to the harbour and leave their mark. Each year, new murals are added, all aimed at brightening up city life for residents and visitors alike.

Mural Harbour can only be visited as part of a guided tour. There are different ways to visit all the artworks in the area, such as by boat or on foot. A professional guide will take visitors through the open-air gallery, pointing out the important things about the artworks. Every tour ends with a graffiti crash course for each guest.

The Mural Harbour Gallery has no set opening hours. A visit is only possible as part of a booked tour and is accompanied by a guide. The gallery is located in the city's main harbour district on the walls of the industrial buildings surrounding the Handelhafen. It is a 30-40 minute walk from the main square, or Hauptplatz, along the banks of the Danube. Alternatively, you can access the mural harbour by car or bus.

The artworks at Mural Harbour vary in size and style. Some are a little graphic, some have distinct messages, and some are whimsical and cute. All are professional and noteworthy. One of the most notable pieces is a cat chasing mice in one of the port warehouses. The mural is so large that it cannot be captured in one image. The artist, Size Two, is from Graz, another popular Austrian city.

Another notable piece is called 'Real!'. This artwork is done by the artist Stohead and spans two parts of a warehouse wall. It depicts a demonic anglerfish tantalising another with its lighted bait.

Mural Harbour is a must-see for anyone interested in street art. It is a unique and thought-provoking outdoor gallery that showcases the talent of artists from around the world.

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Take a pilgrimage to Pöstlingberg

Pöstlingberg is a must-see when visiting Linz. This pilgrimage site, dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, is perched high above the roofs of the city and offers breathtaking views of Linz. It is a popular site for weddings due to its unique location and beautiful architecture. The pilgrimage church was built in 1748 according to the plans of Matthias Krinner and is the landmark of the Upper Austrian capital.

The Pöstlingbergbahn, or Pöstlingberg tram, is the steepest adhesion railway in Europe and takes you from the Hauptplatz to the top of the mountain in just 20 minutes. The historical carriages have been gently modernised and are accessible for disabled people. The Grottenbahn, or Grotto Train, takes you through a magical fairy-tale world with scenes from famous fairy tales and a miniature model of the main plaza of Linz at the turn of the century.

The pilgrimage church is a short walk from the Pöstlingbergbahn stop and is free to enter. It is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm, and from 7 am to 8 pm from May to October. The mass times are Monday to Saturday at 10 am, Thursday at 7 pm (not during holidays), and Sunday and public holidays at 9.05 am, 10.30 am, and 4.30 pm.

The Grottenbahn is a great excursion destination for families and is situated halfway up Pöstlingberg. It was built in 1906 in one of the seven fortress towers built by Maximilian on Pöstlingberg. The Grottenbahn will enchant both children and adults with its scenes from fairy tales and its miniature model of Linz Hauptplatz.

In addition to the pilgrimage church and the Grottenbahn, Pöstlingberg also offers a photo gallery, a zoo, and several restaurants. The "Hartlauer image gallery" showcases national and international photographic art from early April until the end of November. Zoo Linz, which is accessible by the Pöstlingbergbahn, houses over 600 native and exotic animals, including apes and boas. The restaurants on Pöstlingberg provide a pleasant break and offer culinary delights with stunning views of Linz.

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Stroll through the Hauptplatz and Landstrasse

Hauptplatz is the main square of Linz and a great place to start exploring the city. It is surrounded by handsome Baroque buildings and is close to the Danube River. The square features the impressive New Town Hall and the beautiful St. Martin's Church. An imposing white marble column dedicated to the Holy Trinity stands in the middle of the square and was built in the early 18th century to give thanks for the city's survival of disasters and to demand protection from fire, war and epidemics.

The Landstrasse is the heart of Linz's shopping district and stretches from the Promenade towards the main railway station. It is home to historic buildings, churches and museums. The Landstrasse is also where you'll find the Ursuline Church, dating from 1772, and the Carmelite Church, built between 1674 and 1726.

Frequently asked questions

Some free things to do in Linz include visiting St. Martin's Church, the Johannes Kepler University of Linz, the Old Cathedral, and Danube Park.

Recommended things to do in Linz include visiting Ars Electronica Center, St. Martin's Church, the Old Cathedral, and the Brucknerhaus Congress Centre.

Some things to do in Linz with kids include the Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn, and the Grottenbahn, a nostalgic ride through a world of evil dwarves, taxidermied animals, and dragons.

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