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Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, is a beautiful city located in the northern part of Austria on the River Danube. It is the third-largest city in Austria and is known for its creative arts scene, modern edge, stunning architecture, and historical buildings. Here are some of the top attractions and things to do when visiting Linz:
- Linz Castle - Said to date back to 799, this old castle turned museum offers a restaurant with stunning views and exhibits covering the culture and history of Upper Austria.
- St. Martin's Church (Martinskirche) - The oldest church in Austria preserved in its original form, dating back to the 8th century.
- Mural Harbor - Discover the street art and graffiti galleries in Linz's harbor by boat or on foot.
- Linz Botanical Gardens - Located on the eastern slopes of the Freinberg, these gardens are considered among Europe's most beautiful, with over 10,000 plant species.
- The New Cathedral (Neuer Dom) - The largest cathedral in Austria, featuring stunning stained glass windows and a warm, glowing interior.
- Jindrak Café - Taste the original Linzer Torte, a famous Austrian cake with a history dating back to 1653.
- Ars Electronica Centre - A museum focused on technology and interactive features, hosting the annual Ars Electronica Festival celebrating computer music, animation, and more.
- Mariendom Cathedral - Enjoy the views of this historic cathedral from the Hotel Am Domplatz.
- Pöstlingberg - Take a scenic tram ride up to the Pilgrimage Church and Basilica, offering panoramic views of the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern part of Austria on the River Danube |
| City Rank | Third-largest city in Austria |
| Tourist Attraction | Part of the UNESCO Creative Cities network |
| Transport | Well connected by bus to the surrounding towns |
| Historical Buildings | St. Martin's Church, St. Florian, St. Peter's Abbey, Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Basilica, Mariendom Cathedral |
| Art | Street art, Mural Harbor, Ars Electronica Centre, OK Center for Contemporary Art Austria |
| Food | Linzer Torte, Avocado toast breakfasts, international coffees |
| Natural Attractions | Botanical Gardens, Danube River |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the historic city centre and its beautiful pastel-coloured buildings
- Visit the Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Basilica and St. Martin's Church
- Discover the city's street art and graffiti galleries
- Enjoy the view from the castle, which also houses a museum
- Sample the Linzer Torte, a famous Austrian cake
Explore the historic city centre and its beautiful pastel-coloured buildings
The historic city centre of Linz, Austria, is characterised by its medieval architectural style, with pastel-hued buildings that define the quaint Old Town. The Old Town is a fusion of history and contemporary arts, with avenues of flagstones and archways, alongside trendy cafes and shops.
The Old Town is home to numerous historic buildings, including the oldest Austrian church, Sankt/Saint Martins Church, which was built during the early medieval Carolingian era. The church is located near the Schloss/castle, the former residence of Emperor Friedrich III. The castle now houses the Schlossmuseum, which documents the early history of Linz.
St. Mary's Cathedral (Mariä-Empfängnis-Dom), in Gothic Revival style, is another notable landmark in the Old Town. With a height of 134.8 metres, it is the tallest church in Austria. The cathedral, constructed from 1862 to 1924, is made entirely of sandstone and features unfinished front details.
The historic centre of Linz also extends beyond the Old Town, with neoclassical, neo-baroque, and neo-renaissance architectural styles influencing the design of buildings in these areas. These areas include Franckviertel, Froschberg, Bindermichl, and Kleinmünchen, located south of the Danube, and Alt-Urfahr, found north of the river.
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Visit the Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Basilica and St. Martin's Church
Linz, Austria's third-largest city, is a cultural hub with a thriving creative arts scene. The city is home to several beautiful churches, including the Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Basilica and St. Martin's Church, which are must-visits when exploring Linz.
The Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Basilica, completed in 1748, is perched atop the Pöstlingberg Mountain, overlooking the city of Linz. The basilica is dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary and features twin towers that are visible from afar. The church can be reached via a stairway from the viewing plateau, offering a panoramic view of the city and the Danube River. The unique location of the basilica makes it a popular choice for weddings.
St. Martin's Church, on the other hand, boasts a long history dating back to 1206 when it was consecrated in 1214. Located at what was then the highest point of Linz, the church features exceptional architecture, particularly in its east choir. The walls of the nave are adorned with monumental paintings from the 13th century, including the famous "Gnadenstuhl" by Tilman Joel, which depicts God the Father holding the dead Christ. The church also hosts special church services, weddings, baptisms, and exhibitions of historical and contemporary art, as well as concert events.
Both the Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Basilica and St. Martin's Church offer a blend of architectural grandeur, historical significance, and cultural expression, making them integral parts of Linz's artistic and spiritual landscape.
In addition to these churches, Linz has much more to offer in terms of artistic and culinary delights. The city is known for its vibrant Old Town, with colourful facades, quaint avenues, and a thriving café culture. Visitors can indulge in the famous Linzer Torte, a buttery almond pastry with jam, at cafes like Leo Jindrak, which has been serving this delicacy since 1929.
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Discover the city's street art and graffiti galleries
Linz is a city that combines industry, art, nature and technology. It has a long tradition as an industrial city, but it is also a cultural hotspot, with exciting architecture, technology and experimental art.
One of Linz's top attractions is the Mural Harbor, a must-see for anyone interested in street art. The harbour has been transformed into an open-air gallery, with international artists showcasing graffiti and murals on a large scale. The project emerged from the desire of the local inhabitants and workers to 'pimp up' the buildings, and it has resulted in one of the biggest coherent graffiti galleries in Europe. There are about 200 pieces of graffiti art at Mural Harbor, with more being added each year.
You can visit the artworks by boat or on foot, and a professional guide will take you through the open-air gallery. The tour ends with a graffiti crash course for each guest. The murals are thought-provoking and send a clear message that everyone is welcome to share their viewpoint. Some of the artworks are graphic, some have distinct messages, and others are whimsical and cute. All are professional and noteworthy.
Mural Harbor has no set opening hours and can only be visited as part of a booked tour with a guide. The M.A.Z. Museum is the headquarters, tour meeting point, event location, masterclass lecture hall, artist's lodge and indoor gallery.
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Enjoy the view from the castle, which also houses a museum
Linz Castle, also known as Linzer Schloss, is located on a hill above the Old Town district of Linz, with the Danube flowing directly beneath it. The castle was built on the site of the former Roman fort of Lentia, with the first known mention of the castle dating back to June 20, 799. Over the centuries, the castle has been expanded and restored several times, serving various purposes, including a residence for Emperor Frederick III from 1489 to 1493. Today, it houses the Schlossmuseum Linz, the largest universal museum in Austria.
The museum offers a unique blend of historical and modern architecture, reflecting the future-oriented attitude of Linz as a cultural hub. It spans an impressive 18,000 square meters, showcasing an extensive collection of natural, cultural, and technical history artefacts related to Upper Austria. The museum's permanent exhibitions provide a varied and engaging insight into the region's cultural history, complemented by major exhibitions and smaller presentations held annually.
From the castle, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city of Linz and the Danube River. The castle's elevated position on the Schlossberg plateau provides a panoramic perspective of the city's architectural landscape, including the Old Town's colourful pastel hues and the modern developments beyond. The castle itself, with its Renaissance style and new steel and glass structure, is a testament to the blend of old and new that defines Linz.
The museum offers a glimpse into the past with its archaeological excavations and exhibits. The castle's inner courtyards, gates, and ramparts tell a story of defence and royalty. The Friedrich Gate, with its coat of arms stone dated 1481, and the Rudolf Gate, built in 1604, are reminders of the castle's rich history. The archaeological excavations in 2006 also revealed a room with the remains of a 16th-century round tower, providing a deeper understanding of the castle's evolution.
A visit to Linz Castle and the Schlossmuseum Linz is a must for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply wanting to enjoy stunning views while exploring a fascinating museum. The castle's location, architectural style, and the museum's exhibits come together to create an unforgettable experience that blends the past and present of Linz and Upper Austria.
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Sample the Linzer Torte, a famous Austrian cake
Linz, a city in Austria, is known for its creative arts scene, historic sites, and natural beauty. One of the highlights of visiting Linz is sampling the famous Linzer Torte, a traditional Austrian cake with a long history. Here is everything you need to know about this delicious treat and where to find it in Linz.
The Linzer Torte is considered a classic Austrian dessert and is believed to be the oldest known cake named after a city. The origins of the cake date back to the 17th century, with the earliest known recipe found in a cookbook from 1653 belonging to Countess Ann Magarita Sagramosa. The recipe includes butter, almonds, sugar, flour, spices, and a characteristic redcurrant or ribisel marmalade filling. Over the years, the Linzer Torte has become a symbol of Linz and a beloved tradition in Austrian cuisine.
When visiting Linz, there are several places renowned for their Linzer Torte. One of the most famous spots is the Leo Jindrak café, which claims to bake the "Original Linzer Torte." The café has been serving this delicious treat since 1929, and you can enjoy a slice in their charming establishment. Another recommended spot is the Das Bruckner Kaffeehaus, located on Hauptplatz, one of the city's lively squares. Here, you can indulge in a piece of Linzer Torte while admiring the beautiful architecture and bustling atmosphere of the square.
In addition to these cafes, you can also find the Linzer Torte in many other establishments throughout Linz. It is a popular item to purchase as a gift or souvenir, and you will see it beautifully packaged in various shops and boutiques. The Linzer Torte is a source of pride for the city, and it is even shipped worldwide by local bakers. So, whether you're exploring the historic Old Town, strolling along the Danube River, or visiting the Pöstlingberg Basilica, make sure to include a taste of the Linzer Torte as part of your Linz experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the top attractions in Linz, Austria, include:
- The historic city centre, with its beautiful pastel-coloured buildings, grand churches, and quaint Old Town.
- The Pöstlingberg Pilgrimage Basilica, which offers a terrific view of the city and is known for its beautiful interior frescoes.
- The Linz Botanical Gardens, home to over 10,000 plant species and considered one of Europe's most beautiful gardens.
- The Ars Electronica Centre, a museum that showcases technology and interactive features, also known as the Museum of the Future.
- The New Cathedral (Neuer Dom), the largest cathedral in Austria, featuring stunning stained glass windows, including the famous "Linz" window.
Linz offers a range of unique experiences, such as:
- Taking a walk along the Danube at sundown to see the stunning riverside light show.
- Riding the Pöstlingbergbahn, a narrow-gauge railway that climbs up the steep Postlingberg hill, offering beautiful views of the cityscape and surrounding scenery.
- Exploring Mural Harbour, one of Europe's biggest graffiti galleries, and discovering the numerous street art pieces by boat or on foot.
- Visiting the Linz castle, which dates back to 799, and enjoying a meal at the restaurant inside, which offers fantastic views of the city.
- Indulging in a slice of the Linzer Torte, the famous Austrian cake that originated in Linz, at the Leo Jindrak café.
Linz is a great base for exploring Upper Austria and offers several day trip options:
- Hallstatt: A beautiful town set on the Hallstätter See, known for its stunning natural scenery.
- Salzkammergut region: This region includes Hallstatt and offers a variety of options in terms of history, nature, and charming small towns.
- Salzburg: A nearby city known for its superlative architecture and magnificent mountain views.
- Vienna: The Austrian capital, widely regarded as one of the top city destinations in Europe, featuring historic buildings such as the Hofburg and Schönbrunn palaces.
