
Upper Austria is a region of contrasts, offering a unique mix of contemporary art, futuristic technology, and natural experiences. The capital city of Linz is known for its international cuisine, vibrant culture, and ski jump, which hosts the Women's FIS Ski Jump World Cup. Upper Austria is also home to picturesque hiking trails, cycling routes, and crystal-clear lakes, including Traunsee, Austria's deepest lake, and the Attersee, the country's biggest inland lake. The region boasts impressive mountains, such as the Hohe Dachstein, and the rugged granite hills of the Mühlviertel region. Upper Austria's cultural attractions include the Ars Electronica Center, the Lentos Museum, the Linz Castle Museum, and the Imperial Villa in Bad Ischl. The region also offers a diverse festival programme, including the Street Performance Festival Pflasterspektakel in Linz and the Salzkammergut Festival Weeks Gmunden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 1.53 million |
| Capital City | Linz |
| Highest Mountain | Hohe Dachstein (2,995 m) |
| Best time to visit | Summer |
| Attractions | Ars Electronica Center, Lentos Museum, Linz Castle Museum, Pöstlingberg hill, European Capital of Culture Bad Ischl Salzkammergut, St. Florian, Schlägl and Schlierbach abbeys, Salt Mine Hallstatt, Marble Castle, Imperial Villa, Kalkalpen National Park, Vierkanthof farmhouses, Lake District, Crystal-clear lakes, Alpine meadows, forests, Stained glass windows, Christmas markets, Carnival, Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Cycling, Hiking, Water sports |
| Food | Royal Bombay Palace (Indian), Ayam Zaman (Syrian), Pandana (Thai), Kleiner Grieche (Greek) |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the vibrant capital city of Linz, with its mix of art, technology and nature
- Discover the picturesque Kalkalpen National Park, home to the rare lynx
- Visit the Salzkammergut lake district, with its crystal-clear lakes and imperial nostalgia
- Experience the unique culture and traditions of Upper Austria, from music to food
- Adventure through the Pyhrn-Priel region, with its majestic mountains and lakes

Explore the vibrant capital city of Linz, with its mix of art, technology and nature
Upper Austria's capital, Linz, is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends art, technology, and nature. Nestled on the banks of the Danube, Linz invites you to explore its lush parks, nature reserves, and green spaces where children can play and imagination runs wild.
For art enthusiasts, Linz offers a diverse range of experiences. Immerse yourself in the city's thriving art scene by visiting the Lentos Art Museum, showcasing a mix of traditional and contemporary masterpieces. The Linz Castle Museum takes you on a journey through time, blending art with history. Kunstuniversität Linz provides a unique perspective on the intersection of art and technology, offering courses that explore the symbiotic relationship between human-nature interactions and emerging technologies like AI and robotics.
Technology enthusiasts will find their haven at the Ars Electronica Center, dubbed the "museum of the future." This innovative hub pushes the boundaries of art and technology, hosting exhibitions, events, workshops, and even a worldwide competition for CyberArts. The centre showcases the potential of technology to shape a better future and invites visitors to join the conversation.
Nature lovers will be delighted by the Kalkalpen ("Limestone Alps") National Park, a biodiverse sanctuary just a short distance from Linz. Here, you'll discover untouched forests, crystal-clear mountain streams, and an abundance of wildlife, including the only lynx population in the Austrian Alps. Back in the city, the Pöstlingberg hill offers panoramic views and a chance to connect with nature while taking in the surrounding landscapes.
Linz truly comes alive during the summer, with the Salzkammergut lake district offering crystal-clear lakes and sweeping mountain views. Take a boat ride, hike along the shores, or simply relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Linz's unique blend of art, technology, and nature creates a dynamic and captivating experience, making it a must-visit destination in Upper Austria.
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Discover the picturesque Kalkalpen National Park, home to the rare lynx
Kalkalpen National Park, or Limestone Alps National Park, is a national park within the Northern Limestone Alps mountain range in Upper Austria. The park covers 20,825 hectares and is home to Central Europe's largest forested area, as well as Austria's largest contiguous forest wilderness. It is known for its wild forests, hidden gorges, and panoramic mountain peaks, as well as its ancient beech forests, which are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park has a high level of biodiversity, with more than 10,000 species of animals, plants, and fungi. It is home to the only lynx population in the Austrian Alps, as well as many other rare and endangered species that depend on the lush dead and old-growth forest and natural forest dynamics. The park also contains over 800 springs that feed the longest natural stream system in the Northern Limestone Alps, providing valuable water resources for the area.
Kalkalpen National Park offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the summer, and snowshoe hiking and alpine skiing in the winter. The former Steyr Valley Railway, now the Steyrtal rail trail, passes through the park in the Molln area, providing easy access for visitors. The park has visitor centres in Molln, Ennstal, and at the Hengstpaßhütt near Rosenau, as well as a lodge and seminar centre, the 1907 Villa Sonnwend, located in Windischgarsten.
Upper Austria, with its capital Linz, offers a mix of contemporary art, futuristic technology, and natural experiences. The region is known for its crystal-clear lakes and mountains in the Salzkammergut region, as well as its granite hills in the Mühlviertel region. Linz is home to the Ars Electronica Center, a museum of the future, and the Lentos Museum, offering a blend of art and culture for visitors.
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Visit the Salzkammergut lake district, with its crystal-clear lakes and imperial nostalgia
The Salzkammergut Lake District, or "salt domain", is a resort area in Upper Austria, stretching from the city of Salzburg eastwards along the Alpine Foreland and the Northern Limestone Alps to the peaks of the Dachstein Mountains. The region is known for its picturesque lakes, mountains, and charming towns. There are 76 lakes in the Salzkammergut, each with its own unique charm and character. The lakes are perfect for swimming and water sports, while the surrounding mountains offer opportunities for mountaineering, cycling, and horse riding.
The town of Hallstatt is a popular destination within the Salzkammergut Lake District. Hallstatt is known for its crystal-clear lake and its mysterious underground world, which includes a salt mine that was first dug by hand over 3,000 years ago. The panorama funicular railway leads up to a new viewing platform that extends 12 metres from the mountainside and 360 meters above the ground, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Another notable town in the Salzkammergut Lake District is Bad Ischl, where the Austrian Imperial family, including Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth "Sisi", spent their summers. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Imperial Villa ("Kaiservilla") or visit the Marble Castle ("MarmorschlössI"), built for Empress Elisabeth. The town of Sankt Gilgen is also worth a visit, as it is where the cultural heritage and unique features of the Salzkammergut truly come to life.
The Salzkammergut region is also home to a variety of recreational facilities, including spas, and cultural events. The area has a rich history, with the salt mining industry being the namesake of the region. The narrow-gauge railway, the Salzkammergut-Lokalbahn, which formerly ran from Salzburg to Bad Ischl, is also worth experiencing. The region is easily accessible by standard gauge railroad and the Schafbergbahn rack railway in St. Wolfgang.
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Experience the unique culture and traditions of Upper Austria, from music to food
Upper Austria is a place full of unique culture and traditions, from music to food.
Austria has a rich musical history, with Vienna being a significant centre of musical innovation. During the Baroque period, Austrian music was influenced by Slavic and Hungarian folk forms. Yodelling, a form of singing with rapid and repeated changes of register, was developed in the Alps. Vienna became the European capital of classical music during the 18th and 19th centuries, attracting composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn. In the 20th century, Falco became the most popular Austrian solo artist, with his song "Rock Me Amadeus" reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. Today, Austria continues to produce successful musicians and bands across various genres, including pop, rock, and metal.
Upper Austrian cuisine offers a variety of delicious options, with many regional specialties. One famous dish is the Linzer Torte, a cake originating from Linz, the Upper Austrian capital. It's made with ground almonds or nuts and redcurrant jam and is known worldwide. Dumplings are also an important part of Upper Austrian cuisine, with Kasnocken (cheese dumplings) and Speckknödel (dumplings with bacon) being popular choices. Freshwater fish, particularly trout, is another local favourite. For a sweet treat, try the Salzburger Nockerl, a meringue-like dessert.
In addition to food and music, Upper Austria offers a range of cultural experiences. Explore the beautiful Austrian lakes, with their clear waters, scenic shores, and stunning reflections of the Austrian Alps. Take a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt, or visit the new viewing platform that extends 12 metres from the mountainside, offering a bird's-eye view of the mystical landscape. Don't miss the opportunity to ride the panorama funicular railway up the mountain and discover the ancient underground world of tunnels first dug by hand over 3,000 years ago.
Upper Austria also has its share of historical sites, including castles, palaces, and mines. The Mauthausen Memorial program offers a rich and personal dive into Austria's past during the Nazi regime. For a cultural experience, attend the Waves Vienna Music Festival & Conference in October, showcasing the best of European pop music.
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Adventure through the Pyhrn-Priel region, with its majestic mountains and lakes
Upper Austria is a region of contrasts, with its capital, Linz, offering a mix of contemporary art, futuristic technology and experiences in nature. The Pyhrn-Priel region is a mountain paradise, with majestic landscapes and sparkling lakes.
In summer, Pyhrn-Priel is a lush, green wonderland, with imposing peaks and pristine nature. The region offers almost 600 kilometres of marked hiking trails, from gentle walks to challenging via ferratas. The Kalkalpen National Park is a particular highlight, with its biodiverse and sustainable environment. Here, you can discover more than 200 kilometres of unspoilt streams, over 800 springs of crystal-clear water and one of the largest "closed forest" areas in Austria. Keep your eyes peeled for the park's lynx population, as well as eagles and other protected species.
For a more relaxed experience, take to the water on one of the region's many lakes. You can try stand-up paddleboarding or rafting, or simply enjoy a boat ride and take in the views.
When the cold season arrives, Pyhrn-Priel transforms into a winter wonderland. The region is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, with skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on offer. The Alpine mountain landscapes are a sight to behold, and the excellent transport links make this snowy paradise easily accessible.
The Pyhrn-Priel holiday region is also known for its hospitality. Sample some crusty farmhouse bread or indulge in a Germstriezel, a traditional sweet treat. With a range of accommodation options, from cosy guesthouses to luxurious hotels, you can find your own personal retreat in this majestic corner of Upper Austria.
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Frequently asked questions
Upper Austria is known for its impressive natural scenery, including the granite hills of the Mühlviertel region, the gentle hills along the Danube, and the crystal-clear lakes and mountains in the Salzkammergut region. Outdoor activities include hiking, cycling, swimming, sailing, kite surfing, diving, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Upper Austria offers a mix of contemporary art, futuristic technology, and natural experiences. Cultural attractions include the Ars Electronica Center, the Lentos Museum, the Linz Castle Museum, the Pöstlingberg hill in Linz, the European Capital of Culture Bad Ischl Salzkammergut, and the province's abbeys in St. Florian, Schlägl, and Schlierbach.
Upper Austria is known for its Christmas markets, which offer a festive and cosy atmosphere. On January 5, the "Glöckler" runs take place throughout the Salzkammergut region, where people wear brightly illuminated headgear to drive away evil spirits. Carnival ("Fasching") in Ebensee is celebrated with colourful parades at the end of February. In summer, colourfully decorated cows returning from the Alpine pastures are celebrated with local festivals.
Upper Austria offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, from traditional Austrian inns in rural areas to international cuisine in the city of Linz. Recommended restaurants in Linz include Royal Bombay Palace for Indian cuisine, Ayam Zaman for Syrian food, Pandana for Thai dishes, and Kleiner Grieche for elegant Greek dining.
Upper Austria is home to impressive natural landmarks such as the Kalkalpen ("Limestone Alps") National Park, which is known for its biodiversity and sustainability. The National Park includes one of the largest "closed forest" areas in Austria, with over 200 km of unspoilt streams and crystal-clear mountain water. The highest mountain in Upper Austria is the Hohe Dachstein, standing at 2,995 meters above sea level.










































