What to see in Linz
Linz is the third largest city in Austria , and you can always find passing tourist buses in it, eager to immerse yourself in the diversity of this city. Linz retains echoes of the past, all the main attractions of the city are located in its old part, in the ” Old Town “. Walking along the quiet and shady narrow streets of this part of Linz, you will definitely come across cozy taverns and pubs, decorated in the baroque style, churches and two abbeys – Wilhering and St. Florian .
Linz is located in the upper part of Austria on the banks of the Danube and was built as a military post on the German border around 410 BC. The central part of the city combines the baroque style of those times with constructed ensembles of buildings in the Art Nouveau style. The historical center of the city has been very well preserved to this day, as well as the ancient road that was laid from the foothills of the Alps to the north. On the main square of the city, close to the banks of the Danube , there are the central town hall, the Ursulinerhof monastery and castle, and the Landhaus – the government and parliament building.
Linz can also be called a cultural city, because it is home to many theaters and music halls: the Unzer Theater is a free ensemble whose productions combine choreographic, comedic, and dramatic directions of an authentic performance, the Phoenix Theater – classical productions, the Federal Theater – a theater that operates more than 200 years with a large repertoire, as well as the Chameleon Theater , the Bruckner Concert Hall and the Posthof .
In the vicinity of Linz there is an important natural attraction – the Hohe Tauern National Park . This is the largest alpine reserve, which was founded back in 1981. There is a huge glacier on its territory, and there are more than 400 mountain peaks, the height of some of them is more than 3,000 meters. Most of the tourist routes in this reserve are open in the summer, at this time of the year you can admire crystal clear mountain lakes, wonderful waterfalls and mountain springs.
One of the most beautiful religious monuments of the city is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary . This is one of the largest Catholic cathedrals in Austria , the construction of which lasted more than 70 years and was fully completed only in 1924. The cathedral has preserved many original elements of decoration, its visitors can admire beautiful stained glass windows, frescoes and elements of wood decoration.
Rosenau Castle is a striking medieval landmark . The first official references to it date back to 1593, and the exact date of construction of the castle is unknown. During its hundreds of years of existence, the castle was rebuilt and restored several times, at the beginning of the 18th century it acquired unique features of the Baroque style, which are characteristic of it even now. The beautiful castle changed its status more than once, in certain periods it housed a school, a home for the elderly, a weaving factory and even a church. All the details of the history of the castle will be told to its visitors during the tour.
A little-known attraction that appears in far from all classic guidebooks is the Steinbrecher house . This residential building was built for local workers at the end of the 19th century, but they did not live in it very long. As early as 1802, the building passed into private ownership, and not so long ago, a complete reconstruction was completed. Sandstone served as the main building material during the construction of the house. Despite the fact that this material is considered quite fragile, the construction managed to be preserved in its original form to this day.
A notable and significant architectural monument is the Holzheim Palace . It is located in the immediate vicinity of Linz, the first mention of this palace dates back to 1075. At the beginning of the 18th century, the palace was completely destroyed by fire, but it was possible to restore it in maximum accordance with the very first project.
The color of Linz is traditions, festivals and the mentality of local residents
For more than twenty years, Linz has been a permanent venue for the world’s largest street art festival. The Pflasterspektakel festival takes place in the second half of July, for three days the picturesque town turns into a huge theater stage, Linz is surrounded by an atmosphere of euphoria and general fun. The program of the colorful festival is very diverse, street artists, musicians and dancers, poets and circus performers, funny clowns and artists demonstrate their talents to the audience. The main distinguishing feature of the events is that they all take place with the direct participation of the audience. The artists certainly involve the present observers in their performances, so everyone can shine on stage during the festival.
Theater stages are usually located in the very center of the city, in recent years at least ten of them have been installed. Thus, performances of several collectives can take place at once. In total , about forty venues for performances will be equipped in Linz , they can be found literally in every district. The holiday program is planned in such a way that the audience has the opportunity to attend as many interesting events as possible.
According to tradition, in the morning hours vacationers are entertained by acrobats, clowns and jugglers. There are interesting entertainment events for children, colorful fairs and cooking workshops. From 2 p.m., theater performances and musical shows are held, usually colorful concerts and performances end no earlier than midnight. For three days, more than five hundred different events and performances take place in Linz , the program of the famous festival is very rich. In order not to miss anything interesting, before the start of the holiday, everyone is offered to purchase special programs with a schedule of performances.
The Cloud of Sounds music festival is an equally interesting holiday that music lovers will surely like . It takes place in September, musical groups from different countries of the world are there for the holiday. Among the national holidays there are also very unusual ones, such as the Ars Electronica festival . As you can guess from the name, this festival is dedicated to electronic art. Surprisingly, the non-standard “vision of beauty” is embodied in various forms, including electronic music, computer games and even special types of painting and graphics.
Excursion to cultural sights of Linz. What to visit – museums, temples, palaces
The main attraction of Linz is the old castle, which was built in the 13th century. The first fortification of the building lasted only 200 years, in 1477, by order of Frederick III, the fortress was completely rebuilt, since then the appearance of the castle has not changed significantly. Currently, the fortress is the location of the Historical Museum , which introduces guests to the history of Linz . Among the exhibits presented in the museum are unique archaeological finds of the Neolithic era, and important historical documents, and ancient weapons, as well as household items and jewelry.
An equally interesting monument of antiquity is the Cathedral , the construction of which took place in the 17th century under the leadership of the famous architect P.F. Carlone . From the moment the cathedral was founded until now, its main decoration is a large organ, on which many famous musicians performed their works.
If the beautiful cathedral is a true example of the Baroque style, it will be difficult to find a better architectural monument in the Renaissance style than the Landhaus building in Linz .
In the early Middle Ages, a monastery was located on this site, and later the buildings were reshaped and housed government organizations. Travelers should definitely walk through the corridors of ancient buildings and look into the courtyard, where there is a beautiful fountain with a sculptural composition made of bronze. A unique sight is the church of St. Martin . This is the oldest religious building in the country, the first mention of the church dates back to 799. In 1947, a complete reconstruction of the church was carried out, the masters managed to restore the masterly painting, which was done at the beginning of the 15th century.
In the city you can find a huge number of interesting monuments and memorials. Located on Hauptplatz , the column of the Holy Trinity is a beautiful monument of Baroque architecture. The monument was solemnly opened in 1723, it symbolizes the victory of the townspeople over a terrible disease – the plague.
Many interesting buildings can be seen near the central square. The most striking among them is the town hall building – a beautiful monument of the 16th century. A landmark of the later period is the New Cathedral , it was founded in the middle of the 19th century. Many people compare this religious building with the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral located in Vienna . In terms of its beauty and luxurious design, the Linz Cathedral is in no way inferior to its Viennese predecessor.
Active recreation, entertainment and nightlife in Linz. Where to go for a cultural vacation
In addition to a huge selection of sights, Linz can boast of a large number of entertainment facilities. Linz is especially popular with shopping lovers, the city has several large shopping streets. Landstrase is considered the main shopping street , it is here that you should look for elite boutiques and perfume salons, jewelry stores, souvenir and antique shops. There is also a large shopping center Arkade , which welcomes visitors on weekdays. Among the numerous shopping pavilions, you can find shops of a wide variety of areas, including supermarkets, clothing stores, children’s toys and household appliances.
The most famous flea market in Linz is the Flohmarkte , it is located on the square opposite the New Town Hall building . Sellers offer to buy the most incredible goods, here you can find real antiques and old works of art. Plus City is also worth highlighting among shopping centers . It has an excellent supermarket, as well as a huge number of clothing and shoe stores for all tastes.
Those who prefer to devote time to sports should go to the golf center Swingolf Linz . It will appeal to both experienced athletes and beginners, who will be taught the basics of golf in just a couple of lessons. The Swingolf Linz center is located a few minutes’ drive from the city center and is characterized by a well-developed infrastructure. A wonderful place for a family holiday will be the zoo , which has become a home for eight hundred animals. Its inhabitants are brought from different parts of the planet, beautiful aviaries are equipped for them, as much as possible corresponding to natural living conditions.
An equally interesting adventure, which the whole family will surely like, will be a train ride through the dungeons of Mount Pestlingberg . The train route passes through tangled tunnels, the main inhabitants of these places are considered to be gnomes. The tunnels are beautifully decorated and equipped with spectacular illumination, so an ordinary walk on an excursion train can become a real trip to a fairyland. Travelers who love modern music and cannot imagine a vacation without fiery discos will definitely like the Lennox nightclub . Its entertainment program is very diverse, and the selection of drinks in the bar is simply huge. Visitors can sit in a cozy lounge equipped with soft furniture, or go to the colorful dance floor.
A trip to Linz, tips for a tourist – what you should and shouldn’t do in Linz
- Gourmets should definitely order a Linzer cake at one of the local national restaurants . The recipe for this unique dessert was created more than 300 years ago, cooks are still preparing the cake in full compliance with all requirements, its taste is simply wonderful.
- Linz City Tourist Board is considered the main tourist center of the city , it is located next to the Hauptplatz railway station building . The center receives customers every day, at the tourist office you can pick up booklets with a description of the sights and a map of the city, as well as learn about upcoming cultural events and order tickets.
- The height of the tourist season is considered to be the period from May to October. At this time, the most favorable weather prevails, the temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees Celsius, and rains are quite rare. Travelers who plan to visit Linz at this time should book a hotel room in advance.
- Public transport in Linz is represented by an extensive network of trams and buses. Tickets should be bought in advance, they are sold at special kiosks at bus stops, as well as at tobacco kiosks. The cost of a one-way ticket is 1.6 euros, for 3.2 euros you can buy a one-day travel ticket, and a weekly travel ticket will cost you 10.7 euros.
- For tourists who expect to see the sights not only in the city, but also in its surroundings, it is best to rent a car. The most popular and proven rental centers are Avis, Denzel Drive, Hertz and LaudaMotion. The last rental center is located next to Hauptplatz train station and has the most attractive prices.
- The favorite form of transport for local residents is a bicycle, travelers can also rent a two-wheeled vehicle, a daily rental will cost about 10 euros. The Donau Touristik rental point is considered the most attractive , it is located on the street Lederergasse.
- When going shopping, it is not at all necessary to take large sums of cash with you. You can pay by credit card in virtually all stores. Cash will be useful for those who are going to make purchases in open markets and in small stores located far from the center. Credit cards are also accepted in restaurants.
- In restaurants and cafes, it is customary to leave a tip, the size of which largely depends on the level of the establishment. In prestigious restaurants, tips are usually included in the total amount of the bill, in restaurants of the middle category, at least 10% of the order amount should be left for tea, and in small budget restaurants and cafes, 5% will be enough.
Where to stay in Linz
Living in style in Linz – a review of unique design hotels in Linz
Hotel City Hotel
There are beautiful designer hotels in Linz , in 2013 a large-scale renovation was carried out at the popular City Hotel. The interior of its rooms is made in a strict black and white color scheme, all rooms have unusual designer accessories. Some rooms are decorated with designer wallpapers of dark color, especially interesting table lamps made of transparent plastic. The rooms are not overloaded with decor elements and are furnished with strict furniture, some rooms have a furnished balcony overlooking the courtyard.
Apart-hotel Harrys Home Linz Hotel & Apartments
The colorful Harrys Home Linz Hotel & Apartments is located in an elegant modern building, its guests have access to bright rooms with beautiful light wood trim. The rooms have many white details and accessories, including strict author’s furniture. Accessories of a pleasant light green color complement the environment: upholstered furniture, designer curtains and table lamps. The bathroom was also finished in white and green colors. Some rooms featured bright modern paintings, while others featured a built-in lighting system.
Spitz Hotel
Talented modern artists and designers participated in the design of the Spitz Hotel, which is located near the city center. The hotel is located in a beautiful modern building, the facade of which is decorated with bright artistic illumination after dark. In public places there is also a chic system of artistic illumination, here you can see interesting photographs and author’s furniture of unusual shapes everywhere. Rooms available to guests have a large area, they were decorated in strict colors.
Hotel Kolpinghaus Linz
The budget hotel Kolpinghaus Linz is distinguished by its harmonious design, its interior is dominated by light colors. The rooms available to guests were furnished with strict furniture made of light woods, the beds in the rooms were made with white pastel linen, and the large windows were hung with white curtains. The public areas are also characterized by the presence of elegant furniture and decoration made of natural materials, very beautiful upholstered furniture with leather upholstery was installed in the hall. In addition to the harmonious interior, the budget hotel is attractive due to the presence of a cozy bar with a large selection of dishes.
Hotel Ibis Linz City
Among the popular Linz hotels, the Ibis Linz City also has a pleasant decor, the decoration of this hotel is made with the predominant use of natural materials. The rooms were laid with a beautiful parquet floor and furniture made of natural wood was installed, many elements of decoration made of natural wood can be seen in public places as well. The rooms are decorated with bright fabrics, and the lounge bar is furnished with beautiful designer furniture in different colors. The bar, the counter and the walls, which are decorated with artistic painting, have a very interesting design.
Hotel Bildungshaus Sankt Magdalena
The comfortable Hotel Bildungshaus Sankt Magdalena is also sure to appeal to travelers who appreciate modern style and comfort. Its cozy rooms are distinguished not only by beautiful decoration from natural materials, but also by high functionality, all of them were decorated in light colors. Designer beds made of light wood are installed in the rooms, thanks to large windows and mirrors, the space of the room visually seems larger. Pleasant fabrics of warm shades, interesting paintings and panels with natural motifs allow you to make the atmosphere in the rooms more cozy. Public areas are decorated in strict colors and furnished with snow-white designer furniture.
Luxury hotels
Austria Trend Hotel Schillerpark Linz
The prestigious Austria Trend Hotel Schillerpark Linz is located on one of the lively central streets of Linz , within walking distance of the train station and the Music Theater . Elegant rooms decorated in beige tones and decorated with fabrics of noble cherry color are available to the hotel’s clients. The hotel is ready to offer its guests many additional amenities, including a wellness center with a sauna and a large fitness room. The hotel has several cozy restaurants, cafes and bars, among which the high-class restaurant of Austrian cuisine and the American bar GG’s are especially worth noting.
Dom Hotel
Connoisseurs of modern luxury will like the elegant and romantic Dom Hotel, its rooms are decorated with a predominance of white color and decorated with exquisite natural fabrics. Spacious rooms with a furnished balcony, as well as rooms with a winter garden, are especially attractive. Travelers who visit the hotel in the warm season will be able to relax in its charming courtyard with an outdoor swimming pool. There are several beautiful parks and gardens near the hotel, guests can easily reach the center of the historical district and the Lentos Museum .
Hotel Arcotel Nike
The Arcotel Nike luxury hotel is located on the banks of the Danube, it occupies a very impressive modern building and is aimed at a wide range of guests. One of the main attractive features of the hotel is the high-class spa, which has several types of saunas and a very beautiful relaxation area. It is also worth noting the exquisite decoration of the rooms, exclusive rooms with a large round bed and a round window with a view of the river have been prepared for couples in the hotel. The hotel is an ideal place for solemn events.
Hotel Hotel Prielmayerhof
Popular with wealthy travelers and the aristocratic Hotel Prielmayerhof, it is located in one of the most peaceful and picturesque areas of the city. Decorated in cream colors, the rooms are furnished with strict furniture made of dark wood, special romantic notes of the interior are provided by elements of built-in lighting. The hotel is very popular with business travelers, all of its rooms have an equipped work area.
Hotel Courtyard by Marriott Linz
Bright rooms decorated with original designer accessories are offered to travelers by the Courtyard by Marriott Linz hotel. During their stay at the hotel, all its guests get the right to free access to the equipped fitness center, and a small spa with several types of saunas is also available to guests. The colorful restaurant located in the hotel, which specializes in Austrian cuisine, deserves special attention, and vintage wines and other refined types of alcohol can be tried at the bar. In summer, some of the restaurant’s tables are served on a spacious panoramic terrace.
Hotel Steigenberger Hotel Linz
The Steigenberger Hotel Linz is a high-class hotel a few steps away from the bank of the Danube, which is ready to provide its guests with all the conditions for a full-fledged rest and for work. All guests of the hotel during their stay can freely use the spa with various saunas and a fitness center, and gourmets will definitely like the national restaurant located in the hotel. It has at its disposal a furnished terrace, on which barbecue evenings are arranged in the summer, and aromatic mulled wine is served in the winter. A very beautiful recreation area with panoramic terraces is equipped on the roof of the hotel, and there is a huge selection of places for hiking and cycling nearby.
Linz for lovers – romantic hotels. Places for a date, wedding or honeymoon
Hotel Hotel Am Domplatz
Among the most romantic hotels in Linz , it is worth highlighting the high-class Hotel Am Domplatz, located on the Domplatz square , next to the city’s beautiful cathedrals and churches. For couples, the hotel has prepared many elegant rooms, among the most romantic are the corner rooms, in which panoramic windows completely replace the external walls. Some rooms have an open-plan bathroom, which is separated from the general space of the room by glass partitions. Hotel guests can diversify their secluded vacation by visiting the spa salon or the restaurant on the first floor, which serves international cuisine.
Hotel Austria Classic Hotel Wolfinger
Austria Classic Hotel Wolfinger is ready to offer its guests luxurious double rooms decorated in the style of yesteryear. It was opened in a magnificent historical building, and real antiques were used in the decoration of the rooms. The rooms have huge wooden beds with carved backs and antique carpets, and in some rooms the vaulted ceiling has been restored. Vintage accessories give the rooms a special charm: knitted napkins, miniature vases with fresh flowers and beautiful old paintings. A view of the courtyard or the city center will be a pleasant addition to the rest.
Hotel Hotel Mühlviertlerhof
The Hotel Mühlviertlerhof is located not far from the central square of Linz, it is especially popular with those who like to relax in an unusual environment. The hotel was also opened in an outstanding historical building, a large part of its rooms are intended for couples. Among them there are both classic numbers and very original thematic ones dedicated to the culture of different countries and eras. When decorating such rooms, beautiful wooden furniture and unique works of art were used.
Hotel Gasthof Rothmayr
Couples who don’t want to overpay for hotel services will love the historic Gasthof Rothmayr, which opened its doors in 1877. In accordance with the traditions of the past years, all rooms are furnished with strict wooden furniture, the beds in the rooms are dressed with dazzling white pastel linen. The hotel is surrounded by a picturesque garden, on the territory of which beautiful terraces for relaxation are equipped in the warm season. The best place for evening relaxation will be a stylish bar with a summer terrace.
Hotel Hotel Garni Nöserlgut
The high-class Hotel Garni Nöserlgut is popular with couples of all ages, despite its high status, it is characterized by a very calm and relaxed atmosphere. For lovers of relaxation in a romantic atmosphere, we can recommend the rooms on the top floor, the central place in them is occupied by a huge bed, and the main feature is the sloping ceiling and dormer-type windows. The hotel has an excellent restaurant, in the summer part of its tables are served on the terrace immersed in greenery.
Hotel Hotel Lokomotive
In the immediate vicinity of the central railway station is the Hotel Lokomotive, owned by the same family since 1906. The hotel offers a decent selection of rooms with a romantic design, some rooms are decorated in classic beige tones, while others are decorated with red fabrics and matching paintings. In some rooms, it was possible to preserve the system of wooden floors, while others have a spacious glazed balcony – a great place to admire the city streets and organize a romantic dinner. Another pleasant place for evening relaxation will be the bar.
Shopping in Linz. For clothes and souvenirs – the best shops, outlets and boutiques
In the very center of Linz is the popular multi-brand store Mode Centre , which sells men’s and women’s clothing. This store has a decent selection of quality casual wear that will appeal to those who love practical outfits. You can pick up something special for a festive event, women will be pleasantly surprised by the huge selection of accessories. The store has an attractive price level, classic everyday items in it cost from 10 euros, and for 90 euros men can choose an elegant trouser suit.
You can go to the Kreps Lederwaren store for new stylish bags , it is also aimed at buyers of both sexes. The trade pavilion is quite small in terms of area, but the variety of goods in it is incredibly large. The price of elegant women’s handbags here starts on average from 15 euros, and for 30 euros you can pick up one of the most fashionable and impressive models. The selection of men’s bags here is also excellent, and customers are also offered travel bags and suitcases priced from 100 euros.
Among the shoe stores in Linz , Deichmann is especially worth noting , it will be interesting to visit with the whole family. Shoes are sold there not only for adults, but also for children of different ages, all presented models are of high quality. The cost of a pair of beautiful women’s boots starts at 30 euros, and for modern sneakers, buyers need to pay about 25 euros.
Elfriede is considered one of the best souvenir shops in the city , it sells very cute products in the national style. Hand-made dolls and dollhouses are popular among wealthy tourists, and for budget buyers, the store offers a large selection of magnets, postcards, mugs, keychains and other inexpensive accessories.
Anyone who cannot imagine their active recreation without the use of a bicycle will be interested in visiting the Radsport Bruck specialized store . He sells not only two-wheeled vehicles, but also various spare parts, as well as accessories necessary for comfortable cycling trips. Backpacks, wristbands, knee and elbow pads, sets of sports clothes – this is only a small part of the products presented in the store. The price level in it is quite high, which fully compensates for the high quality of the presented goods.
Among the shopping centers available in Linz , it is worth noting Plus City , it is located in the immediate vicinity of the city. Visitors can find a huge selection of shops here, ladies will definitely like the large Primark clothing and accessories store , and men will be able to visit electronics and sports goods stores. It also has a large Yves Rocher trade pavilion , as well as one of the largest electronics stores in the city, MediaMarkt . After shopping, visitors to the center can go to the cinema or relax in one of the cozy restaurants.
If the products presented here are not enough, you can visit the Arkade shopping center . It is aimed at buyers with different levels of affluence, the shopping center has both high-end fashion boutiques and stores with quite affordable prices. In addition to clothes, it sells cosmetics and perfumes, jewelry, as well as interesting products for the home.
The Flohmarkte flea market is considered a real city attraction , it is located near the town hall building. Walking through this market, you can buy many interesting antiques. Collectors visit it in search of unique works of art, figurines and old books, as well as other antique products.
The main shopping street of the city is Landstraße , the choice of shops on it is simply huge. It is here that you should look for the most popular fashion boutiques, as well as numerous shops selling gastronomic delicacies. Popular jewelry salons are also located on this street, and many people go here in search of original souvenirs and products of local artisans. Shops on this street will definitely appeal to fans of fashionable designer items.