
Linz is a city in Upper Austria, located on the river Danube in the north of the country. It is the third-largest city in Austria and is known for its rich history, culture, and industry. With a population of over 200,000 people, Linz is a bustling economic centre with a mix of contemporary and historical attractions, including museums, art galleries, and a well-preserved old town.
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What You'll Learn

Linz is the capital of Upper Austria
Linz has a rich history, originating as a Roman fort named Lentia in the first century. The name "Linz" was first documented in 799, and the city was mentioned as a fortified city in 1236. It became the provincial capital in the 15th century during the residence of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III. The city has been an important economic centre for centuries, with trade playing a significant role in its development.
Today, Linz remains a vital economic hub in Austria, known for its large industrial enterprises, extensive wholesale facilities, and busy river-trade. The city has over 60 congress and event venues and is ranked as the third most important destination for congresses in Austria. Linz is also a cultural centre, with institutions such as the Johannes Kepler University, schools of art and music, museums, art galleries, libraries, archives, an opera house, and theatres.
The city has a vibrant music and arts scene, with events such as the Ars Electronica Festival and the Stream Festival taking place annually. It was named a European Capital of Culture in 2009. Linz is also known for its exciting architecture, with a mix of medieval and modern styles. The city offers a range of culinary experiences, from traditional Austrian cuisine to sophisticated and elegant dining options.
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It is the third-largest city in Austria
Linz is the third-largest city in Austria, with a population of around 212,500 as of 2024. It is also the capital of Upper Austria, a state in the north of the country, and is considered one of the nation's main economic centres. The city is located on the River Danube, which has been vital to its economic importance over the centuries.
Linz has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the first century when it was a Roman fort named Lentia. The city's strategic position on the river made it the first Roman fort in the Noricum region, protecting a vital transportation route. The name "Linz" was first documented in 799, and it was granted city rights in 1324.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Linz was a major hub for industries such as gunpowder, iron, steel, salt, firewood, and wool. The city's economy continued to grow, and by the early 19th century, it was described as well-built and fortified, with a population of around 16-17,000.
Linz is known for its innovative cultural scene and is a UNESCO City of Media Arts. It is home to renowned institutions such as the Ars Electronica Center, the Lentos Art Museum, and the Brucknerhaus Linz, which celebrates the legacy of local composer Anton Bruckner. The city also boasts impressive architecture, including the Mariendom (New Cathedral), the largest church in Austria by capacity.
In addition to its cultural offerings, Linz is also an important industrial centre. Large industrial enterprises are still located in the city, such as Voestalpine AG, a large technology and capital goods group founded during World War II. The city has extensive docks and a busy river-transit trade, with manufacturing plants along the waterfront.
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The city is located on the River Danube
Linz is located on the River Danube in north-central Austria, 100 miles (160 km) west of Vienna. The city is situated on a bend in the river, which is reflected in its name—the Celtic root of 'Lentia' means 'bendable'. This strategic position on the river made it an ideal location for a Roman fort, protecting a vital transportation route.
The Danube has played a significant role in the economic development of Linz. The city has one of only four Austrian harbours on the river, and its extensive docks have facilitated a thriving river-transit trade. The river also provides a source of hydropower for the city's large industrial enterprises.
Linz is characterised by its mix of contemporary culture, a historic city centre, and an industrial heartland. The city's economic importance was established over centuries of trade, and it remains one of the main economic centres of Austria today. The southern banks of the Danube are home to a vast industrial complex, including Europe's leading steel plant, voestalpine Stahlwelt.
The river also contributes to the city's tourism industry. The Danube Culture Bonus offers discounts on attractions, transport, and restaurants in Linz. Visitors can enjoy the city's signature dishes in family-friendly restaurants along the riverfront, such as Donauwirtinnen. The river provides a picturesque setting for green spaces like the Pleschingersee, a partly artificial lake across the river from the city.
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Linz is one of the main economic centres of Austria
Linz is the third-largest city in Austria and the capital of Upper Austria. It is one of the country's main economic centres, with a rich history of trade and industry. The city is located on the River Danube in the far north of the country, about 30 km (19 mi) south of the Czech border. This strategic position has contributed to its economic importance over the centuries.
Linz has a long history as a trading centre, dating back to its origins as a Roman fort in the first century. By the 13th century, it had the characteristics of a city and was an important medieval trading hub. The city's economic significance continued to grow, and by the time it was mentioned as a fortified city in 1236, it had become a centre for the production of gunpowder, iron, steel, salt, firewood, and wool.
Today, Linz remains an important industrial city, with large manufacturing plants and enterprises located along its waterfront. The city is home to Voestalpine AG, a large technology and capital goods group known for its basic oxygen steelmaking technique. Other industries in Linz include machinery, electrical equipment, textiles, glass, furniture, beverages, shoes, rubber, and tobacco products.
In addition to its strong industrial sector, Linz is also a retail trade centre for Oberösterreich. The city boasts thirteen shopping malls, three of which are located in the city centre. The Linzer Landstraße is the busiest shopping street outside of Vienna, attracting a weekly frequency of 240,500 people (Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm).
Linz is also a cultural and educational hub, with a large university and several higher education facilities. The city has a vibrant mix of culture, nature, and technology, including the renowned Ars Electronica Centre, a museum and research facility for new media arts.
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It is a hub for digital arts and culture
Linz is a city in Upper Austria, located on the river Danube. It is the third-largest city in Austria and is known for its rich history, culture, and innovative art scene.
Linz has been recognised as a UNESCO City of Media Arts, celebrating its innovative cultural scene and its role in promoting digital arts. The city is home to the renowned Ars Electronica Center, an interactive museum that has been described as the "Museum of the Future". Ars Electronica is an Austrian cultural, educational, and scientific institute founded in 1979, with a focus on new media art. It explores the intersection of art, technology, and society, hosting an annual festival and managing a multidisciplinary media arts R&D facility called Futurelab.
The Ars Electronica Center is housed in a modern complex of buildings by the Danube, with most of its space dedicated to public exhibitions and events. The centre showcases major themes such as life sciences, environmental issues, and impending technological developments. It also provides facilities for conferences, workshops, and research and development. The Deep Space, a multifunctional presentation room within the centre, offers an immersive experience with high-resolution visuals and artistic projects.
Linz is also home to the Lentos Art Museum, which features modern and contemporary art. The city boasts exciting architecture, technology, and experimental art, with street art galleries and Christmas markets. The city's music theatre is renowned for its architecture and acoustics, and the Brucknerhaus Linz celebrates the legacy of local composer Anton Bruckner.
Linz has a strong focus on digital arts and culture, with institutions like the Linz Art University, the OK Center for Contemporary Art, and the Creative Region headquartered in Tabakfabrik, contributing to its vibrant creative scene. The city's cultural development is supported by various institutions and individuals, including the Director of Cultural Affairs and the city's cultural director.
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Frequently asked questions
Linz is located in north-central Austria, 100 miles (160 km) west of Vienna.
Linz is located on the banks of the River Danube.
Linz is known for its industrial complex, being one of the main economic powerhouses of Austria. It is also known for its cultural scene, including the Ars Electronica Centre, the Lentos Art Museum, and the Brucknerhaus Festival and congress centre.
Linz offers a mix of culture, nature and modern technology. Visitors can enjoy the historic city centre, stroll along the Danube River, explore the many shops and restaurants, and visit the numerous museums and art galleries.



































