Linz, Austria - Hotels, Activities & Attractions

Linz, the third-largest city in Austria, offers visitors a unique mix of contemporary culture, historical landmarks, and stunning natural beauty. As a city known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and modern innovations, Linz is perfect for travelers looking to explore both its cultural heritage and its cutting-edge attractions. This guide will provide you with essential information, best things to do, accommodation options, and practical tips for a seamless experience.

Essential Information About Linz

Location: Situated in Upper Austria along the banks of the Danube River. It’s a central hub, connecting various parts of Austria and Europe.
Population: Approximately 205,000 people live in Linz, making it Austria’s third-largest city.
Language: The official language is German, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency: Euro (€) is the official currency.
Time Zone: Central European Time Zone (CET), UTC +1, and UTC +2 during daylight saving time.

Interesting Facts About Linz

European Capital of Culture (2009): City was named the European Capital of Culture in 2009, which sparked the city’s transformation into a modern cultural hotspot. The city’s commitment to art, innovation, and technology has made it a leading center of contemporary culture.
The Ars Electronica Center: Linz is home to the Ars Electronica Center, a museum dedicated to the intersection of art, technology, and society. This futuristic museum has gained global attention for its innovative exhibitions and interactive displays.
The Linzer Torte: Birthplace of the famous Linzer Torte, a delicious dessert made with a buttery, nutty base and filled with jam. It’s one of Austria’s oldest known cakes.

How to Get to Linz

By Air

Linz Airport is located about 12 km from the city center. It offers flights to several European destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or shuttle service to the city center.

By Train

Linz is well-connected by train to other major Austrian cities, such as Vienna (1.5 hours), Salzburg (1.5 hours), and Munich (3 hours). The Linz Hauptbahnhof (main station) is centrally located, making it easy to explore the city once you arrive.

With Car

Linz is accessible via the A1 highway, which connects it to Vienna, Salzburg, and the Czech Republic.

Best Things to Do

Ars Electronica Center: Known as the “Museum of the Future,” this interactive museum explores the relationship between technology, art, and society. Don’t miss the Deep Space section, where large-scale projections bring art and science to life.
Linz Castle (Linz Schloss): Perched above the city, The Castle offers stunning views of the Danube River and the surrounding area. The castle also houses the Linz Castle Museum, showcasing exhibits on the region’s history and culture.
Pöstlingberg Hill: Take the Pöstlingbergbahn, a historic funicular railway, to the top of Pöstlingberg Hill. At the summit, you’ll find the Pöstlingberg Church, a fantastic panoramic view of Linz, and the Grottenbahn (a fairy-tale train ride).
St. Mary’s Cathedral (Mariendom): This neo-Gothic cathedral is one of the largest in Austria and features stunning stained-glass windows and intricate sculptures. It’s a must-visit for architecture and history lovers.
Donaupark: Linz’s Donaupark is a beautiful park located along the Danube River, ideal for a leisurely stroll or picnic. The park also has modern sculptures and a great view of the river.
Lentos Art Museum: This modern art museum, located along the Danube River, offers a wide range of contemporary art exhibitions and is an important part of the city’s cultural scene.
Linz’s Old Town (Altstadt): Wander through the charming Old Town, with its Baroque architecture, cobbled streets, and picturesque squares. Key landmarks include Hauptplatz (Main Square), Landhaus (the regional government building), and the Black Tower.

Best Accommodation Options

Luxury Accommodation

Austria Trend Hotel Schillerpark Linz: Located in the city center. This luxurious hotel offers comfortable rooms, a wellness area, and easy access to cultural attractions.
Hotel am Domplatz: A contemporary and stylish hotel offering a prime location near Linz Cathedral. It has fantastic views over the city and the Danube River.

Mid-Range Accommodation

Hotel Schwarzer Bär: A charming mid-range hotel in the heart of the Old Town. It offers traditional Austrian hospitality and modern amenities.
Motel One Linz: A trendy hotel located near the city center. It offers affordable rates and stylish rooms with a modern design.

Budget Accommodation

Hostel Linz: A budget-friendly option for backpackers and solo travelers, offering simple but comfortable accommodations in a central location.
A&O Linz Hauptbahnhof: A budget hostel with both private and shared rooms, ideal for travelers who need a convenient and affordable stay.

Cultural and Modern Attractions

Brucknerhaus: A modern concert hall named after the famous composer Anton Bruckner (who was born near Linz), offering classical music concerts and cultural events throughout the year.
Linz’s Museums: Linz is home to a variety of museums, including the Museum of the History of Medicine, the Linz City Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art.
Linz Design Center: For design lovers, the Linz Design Center hosts exhibitions and conferences related to modern design and innovation.

Dining and Nightlife

Local Cuisine: Try the iconic Linzer Torte (a jam-filled tart) at Café Jindrak or sample traditional Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte at Gasthaus Goldener Löwe.
Manner Café: A popular café serving coffee, pastries, and the famous Manner wafers. It’s perfect for a relaxing break during your sightseeing.
Café Traxlmayr: A historic café offering a range of coffee and delicious Austrian cakes.
Nightlife: It offers a lively nightlife scene with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. The Posthof is one of the city’s top spots for live music and contemporary performances.

Day Trips from Linz

Mauthausen Concentration Camp: Located about 15 minutes from Linz, the Mauthausen Memorial is a sobering and educational site dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust.
The Wachau Valley: This UNESCO-listed region along the Danube River is renowned for its vineyards, charming towns like Dürnstein, and stunning landscapes.
St. Florian Abbey: Visit the St. Florian Abbey, located just outside Linz, for its impressive Baroque architecture and historical significance, as well as its ties to Anton Bruckner.

Getting Around

Public Transport: Linz has a reliable and affordable public transport system, including buses and trams, which are the easiest way to get around the city.
Walking: The city center is compact, making it easy to explore on foot. Many of Linz’s main attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Cycling: City is a bike-friendly, with plenty of bike paths along the river and through the city. You can rent bikes from Citybike Linz.

Practical Tips for Visiting Linz

Weather: Linz experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Be sure to pack appropriately for the season you visit.
Currency: Austria uses the Euro (€), and most places in Linz accept credit cards. It’s always a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases.
Language: While German is the primary language, English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.

Conclusion

Linz is a captivating city that combines historical charm with modern innovation, making it an ideal destination for travelers interested in art, culture, history, and nature. From exploring its medieval Old Town and enjoying stunning views from Pöstlingberg Hill, to immersing yourself in modern art at the Ars Electronica Center, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant Austrian city. Plan your trip to Linz, and discover all the city has to offer!