Linz is a city in Upper Austria, straddling the Danube River midway between Salzburg and Vienna. Baroque buildings, including Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) and the old cathedral or Alter Dom, ring Hauptplatz, the old town’s main square. The riverside Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz has a major modern art collection. Across the river, the striking Ars Electronica Center focuses on society, technology and life in the future. ― Google
Area: 95.98 km²
Postal code: 4010, 402x, 4030, 404x
Area code: 0732, (also 070 until 12 May 2014)
District: Statutory city
Elevation: 266 m (873 ft)
May to September – Warm weather, river cruises, and outdoor events ☀️
December – Cozy, less touristy Christmas markets 🎄
March–May or September–October – Mild temps, ideal for walking and museums
From Vienna:
Train: ~1.5 hours (direct ÖBB Railjet) 🚄
From Salzburg: ~1.5 hours
From Hallstatt: ~2–2.5 hours (with transfers)
By Air:
Linz Airport (LNZ) – Small regional airport
~20 mins from the city center by taxi or shuttle
Ars Electronica Center – Futuristic museum of tech, AI, robotics & art 🧠💡
Lentos Art Museum – Contemporary art by the Danube in a glowing glass building
Old Town (Altstadt) – Baroque charm, narrow lanes & colorful facades
Hauptplatz (Main Square) – One of Europe’s largest squares
Pöstlingberg Hill & Basilica – Ride the historic tram up for stunning city views
Mariendom (New Cathedral) – Largest church in Austria
Schlossmuseum Linz – Regional history, art & panoramic views over the Danube
Botanical Garden – Peaceful spot with alpine and tropical plants
Mural Harbor – Giant urban graffiti art along the port area 🎨
Danube River Cruises – Relaxing way to see the city from the water
Take a Pöstlingbergbahn tram to the top of the hill 🛤️
Hop on a Danube river cruise or rent a bike along the river path
Explore Mural Harbor via street art boat tour
Attend the Ars Electronica Festival (Sept) – future tech meets creativity
Enjoy rooftop dining or coffee with a view
Visit voestalpine Stahlwelt – interactive museum about steel & engineering
Stroll the Donaulände park for art, street performers, and riverside chill
Luxury:
Austria Trend Hotel Schillerpark – Central, upscale
ARCOTEL Nike – Modern hotel with Danube views
Mid-range:
Hotel Schwarzer Bär – Cozy boutique in the old town
Park Inn by Radisson Linz – Comfortable & central
Budget:
Jugendgästehaus Linz – Clean, simple hostel-style
Ibis Styles Linz – Affordable and convenient
Must-try Linz specialties:
Linzertorte – Oldest known cake recipe in the world! A spiced jam tart 🍰
Erdäpfelkäs – Creamy potato spread
Knödel – Austrian dumplings
Leberkäse, Schnitzel, and Goulash for hearty dishes
Popular restaurants:
Pöstlingberg Schlössl – Great food & even better views 🌄
Zum kleinen Griechen – Tasty Austrian-Greek fusion
Herberstein – Stylish fine dining with Asian-European twists
Josef Linz – Brasserie & brewery with relaxed vibe 🍻
Jindrak Konditorei – Famous spot for traditional Linzertorte
Linz was European Capital of Culture (2009) and UNESCO City of Media Arts
It’s a creative city where history, music, art, and tech intersect
Locals enjoy coffee culture, riverside walks, and open-air concerts
Known for its industrial past, but now it’s a hub of innovation & design
The city is proud of its “not-too-touristy” charm – relaxed and welcoming