Damon Mcknight
Linz, Austria's third-largest city, is a cultural hub situated on the banks of the Danube River. Known for its Old Town charm, pastel hues, and artistic flair, Linz offers a plethora of attractions for visitors. From its historical significance as Emperor Frederick III's residence to its modern identity as a student city, Linz has something for everyone. Here, we will explore the top attractions and experiences that make Linz a unique and memorable destination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | Easily accessible by train from other Austrian cities. |
| Travel Time | 1 hour and 40 minutes from Vienna, 3 hours from Graz. |
| Best Time to Visit | Mid-seasons (spring or autumn) for mild temperatures, or winter for the Christmas atmosphere. |
| Attractions | Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Basilica, Old Town, Danube River, Pilgramage Church, Flea Market, Linz Academy, St. Peter's Abbey, Brucknerfest classical music festival, Jindrak café, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the historic Old Town, with its pastel hues and quaint architecture
- Visit the Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Basilica, a landmark church offering wonderful views of the city
- Take a tram ride from Linz Hauptplatz to the pilgrimage church and park on the hill
- Sample the Linzer Torte, a famous Austrian cake with a recipe dating back to 1653
- Discover the city's creative arts scene, including modern art and LGBT+ events
Explore the historic Old Town, with its pastel hues and quaint architecture
One of the most famous religious landmarks in Linz is the Old Cathedral, or Church of Ignatius, located near the Hauptplatz. It is a Baroque church with two domed towers. A few streets away stands the New Cathedral, or Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which boasts stunning and detailed architecture. With space for approximately 20,000 people, it is the largest cathedral in Austria.
The South Wing of the Linzer Schloss (Linz Castle), which was rebuilt after burning down in 1800, now features modern architectural construction. It houses the Schlossmuseum, which documents the early history of Linz. Nearby, you can find St. Mary's Cathedral (Mariä-Empfängnis-Dom), the tallest church in Austria, standing at 134.8 metres (442 feet) tall.
For a unique perspective of the city, head to Pöstlingberg, a mountain north of the city centre. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Linz, particularly from the platform near the pilgrimage basilica Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows. Getting to Pöstlingberg is an adventure in itself, as you can take the Pöstlingbergbahn, an electric railway, to reach the top.
Along the waterfront, you'll discover a blend of social culture and nature. Riverside green spaces coexist with independent enterprises, such as the "pay as you like" cafe and crazy golf by the Danube River. The Leonding Bridge, designed by Josef Binderschütz, offers a picturesque view of the river and the city beyond.
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Visit the Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Basilica, a landmark church offering wonderful views of the city
Linz, Austria, is a city with plenty to offer. One of its top attractions is the Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Basilica, a must-see for any visitor to the city. This landmark church, dedicated to Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, stands tall on the Pöstlingberg, Linz's local mountain, offering breathtaking views of the city and the colourful Danube River.
The basilica, completed in 1748, is characterised by its twin towers and can be reached by a short walk from the mountain station of the Pöstlingbergbahn or directly via a stairway from the viewing plateau. The extraordinary location and the beautiful architecture make the Pöstlingberg Church a popular choice for weddings and an important pilgrimage site.
The church has a rich history, with the Jesuits constructing it in the 17th century. It later became a cathedral when Emperor Josef II appointed a bishop for Linz. The famous composer Anton Bruckner worked here as the cathedral organist from 1856 to 1868, and the organ was built according to his plans, preserved to this day.
In addition to the basilica, the Pöstlingberg offers other attractions for all ages. The viewing platform provides a different perspective of the city and the river. There is also the Grottenbahn Linz, a fairy tale and dwarf kingdom with a little railway shaped like a dragon, as well as a zoo, ensuring that a trip to the Pöstlingberg is an unforgettable experience for both children and adults.
A visit to the Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Basilica is easily accessible and offers a wealth of experiences, from stunning views and religious significance to historical insights and family-friendly attractions. It is a highlight of any trip to Linz, providing a unique blend of culture, nature and enjoyment for all.
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Take a tram ride from Linz Hauptplatz to the pilgrimage church and park on the hill
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Linz, Austria, is to take a tram ride from Linz Hauptplatz to the pilgrimage church and park on the hill. The Pöstlingbergbahn tram ride is a beautiful and harmonious combination of nostalgia and modernity through its design. The tram ride is also one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world, climbing 255 meters in altitude over a distance of 4.14 km in just 20 minutes. The historical carriages have been gently modernised and are accessible for disabled people. The tram ride offers lovely views of the city and the river Danube, and you can also see the zoo halfway up the mountain.
Upon arrival at the mountain station of the Pöstlingbergbahn, it is only a short walk to the pilgrimage basilica, Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows. Built between 1742 and 1747, the church on the Pöstlingberg has become one of the landmarks of the city and an important pilgrimage site. The church offers wonderful views of Linz, especially from a nearby platform.
The return tram fare is approximately eight dollars, and you can take your time exploring the top of the hill. In addition to the church, there are restaurants and cafes, as well as a children's area, making it a great option for families. The Pöstlingbergbahn operates daily until 10:30 pm, with tickets available from ticket machines at the stop or from the Tourist Information Linz on Hauptplatz.
Overall, the tram ride from Linz Hauptplatz to the pilgrimage church and park on the hill is a delightful experience and a must-do when visiting Linz, offering a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings.
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Sample the Linzer Torte, a famous Austrian cake with a recipe dating back to 1653
Traditionally, the cake was prepared in a silver bowl, similar to pies, with a fruit filling and strips of dough on top. The dough was made with clarified butter, and the cake was often spiced with vanilla, lemon, cinnamon, and ground cloves. You can buy Linzer Torte from many bakeries and confectioneries in Linz, such as Konditorei Jindrak, Das Bruckner Kaffeehaus, and Confiserie Isabella. These bakeries offer a variety of delicious treats, including fresh cakes, pastries, and chocolates, making them popular destinations for tourists and locals alike.
In addition to sampling the famous Linzer Torte, there are several other attractions and activities to enjoy in Linz. Take a 20-minute tram ride from Linz Hauptplatz to the pilgrimage church on the Pöstlingberg, which offers wonderful views of the city and the Danube River. Explore the charming squares with their selection of restaurants and cafes, or visit the mountain station of the Pöstlingbergbahn to see the 18th-century church, Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, a landmark and important pilgrimage site.
Linz, a city located on the Danube River in Austria, offers a mix of culture, nature, and industry. With its historic attractions, scenic views, and delicious cuisine, including the renowned Linzer Torte, Linz is a delightful destination for travellers seeking to explore Austria's culinary and cultural offerings.
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Discover the city's creative arts scene, including modern art and LGBT+ events
Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, is a city that is proud to describe itself as future-oriented. The city has transformed over the decades by continuously embracing change and artistic innovation. The arts form the very core of its identity, with the city showcasing the best of itself visually and artistically.
Modern Art
Linz is home to the Lentos Kunstmuseum (Museum of Modern Art). The museum is located in a modern building next to the Donaupark. The museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary art and has a rich collection housed in a unique building shaped like a bridge supported on two huge pillars. The pillars house the entrance, staircases, elevators, and some temporary exhibitions, while the span houses the main collection. The museum is located across the Danube and is an easy walk from downtown. The building itself is a modern rectangular glass structure raised about a story above the ground level. The museum is a great place to visit if you are interested in modern art.
The city also has the Mariendom, the biggest church in Austria, which features stained glass windows displaying modern art designs.
LGBT+ Events
Linz is a contemporary, open-minded, modern, and future-oriented city. The city is gay-friendly, and so are its venues. The Linz Culture Card 365 provides free admission to participating museums and exclusive events, as well as discounts from incentive partners. The Visit Linz app also provides information about the city's attractions and events.
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Frequently asked questions
There are plenty of things to do in Linz, a city that combines culture, nature and industry. Here are some suggestions:
- Take a tram ride from Linz Hauptplatz to the Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Basilica, which overlooks the city.
- Visit the Old Town to see the pastel hues, soft blues, butter yellows and delicate pinks of its historic buildings.
- Try a slice of Linzer Torte, a famous Austrian cake that dates back to 1653.
- Explore the city's creative arts scene, including modern art and LGBT+ events.
The mid-seasons (spring and autumn) offer mild temperatures, while winter is a great time to experience the Christmas atmosphere. If you're visiting in September, you can catch the Brucknerfest classical music festival. Just remember that most museums are closed on Mondays.
Linz was home to Emperor Frederick III in the 15th century, making it the most important city in the Holy Roman Empire at the time. In more recent history, it was marked by the Second World War as Hitler announced the annexation of Austria to Germany here in 1938.
Yes, there are several options for day trips from Linz:
- St. Florian: Home to the Augustiner-Chorherrenstift St. Florian, a historic Augustinian Canons Regular abbey.
- St. Peter's Abbey: A beautiful rococo-style church that is open to the public and located just a short bus ride from Linz.
