Linz Attractions: A Destination Guide for Curious Travellers

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Linz’s top attractions, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and stunning views for curious travellers.

Linz isn’t your typical Austrian city. Sure, it has a charming old town and stunning Baroque architecture, but it’s also a hub of innovation, art, and technology. Straddling the Danube River, Linz is Austria’s third-largest city and the capital of Upper Austria. In 2009, it was even named the European Capital of Culture. From the historic Hauptplatz to the futuristic Ars Electronica Center, Linz offers a fascinating blend of old and new. Here’s your guide to the top Linz things to see.

1. Hauptplatz: Linz’s Historic Heart

Start your Linz sightseeing at the Hauptplatz, the city’s main square and one of the largest enclosed squares in Europe. This pedestrian-friendly space is lined with colourful Baroque buildings, including:

• The Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)

• The Feichtinger House with its distinctive gable

• The 20-metre-high Trinity Column, erected in 1723

Sit at one of the many cafes lining the square, and soak in the atmosphere. On Fridays and Saturdays, the square hosts a lively market where you can shop for local produce and crafts.

2. Linz Castle: A Hilltop Fortress

Perched on a hill overlooking the city, Linz Castle (Schlossmuseum Linz) has a history dating back to the 9th century. While the original castle was largely destroyed by fire in 1800, it was rebuilt and now houses the Castle Museum. Highlights include:

• The archaeological collection, with artefacts from prehistoric to Roman times

• The art gallery, featuring works by Upper Austrian artists from the Middle Ages to the present

• The South Wing, a modern glass and steel structure added in 2009

Don’t miss the panoramic views of Linz and the Danube from the castle grounds.

3. Ars Electronica Center: The Museum of the Future

For a glimpse into the future, head to the Ars Electronica Center. This unique museum focuses on the intersection of art, technology, and society. Interactive exhibits let you:

• Control a robot with your mind

• Create 3D prints of your own designs

• Explore artificial intelligence and virtual reality

The centre also hosts the annual Ars Electronica Festival, a celebration of art, technology, and digital culture.

4. Lentos Art Museum: Modern Art on the Danube

The Lentos Art Museum is housed in a striking glass and steel building on the banks of the Danube. The museum’s collection focuses on modern and contemporary art, with works by renowned artists like:

• Gustav Klimt

• Egon Schiele

• Pablo Picasso

• Andy Warhol

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing emerging artists and exploring new themes.

5. Mariendom: Austria’s Largest Church

The New Cathedral (Neuer Dom) or Mariendom is hard to miss. With its 135-metre-high spire, it’s the tallest church in Austria. This neo-Gothic masterpiece was built between 1862 and 1924. Step inside to admire:

• The intricate stained glass windows

• The ornate altar and pulpit

• The massive organ with over 5,000 pipes

For a small fee, you can climb the 364 steps to the top of the tower for panoramic city views.

6. Pöstlingberg: Linz’s Local Mountain

Take a break from the city and head up Pöstlingberg, Linz’s local mountain. At 537 metres, it offers stunning views over Linz and the Danube. You can reach the top by:

• Taking the Pöstlingbergbahn, a steep mountain tramway that’s been running since 1898

• Hiking one of the many trails through the forest

• Driving up the winding mountain road

At the top, you’ll find the Pöstlingberg Church, a pilgrimage site, and the Grottenbahn, a fairy tale-themed railway.

7. Voestalpine Stahlwelt: The World of Steel

Linz has a long history of steel production, and the Voestalpine Stahlwelt (Voestalpine Steel World) offers a fascinating look into this industry. This interactive museum covers:

• The history of steel production in Linz

• The science behind steel manufacturing

• The many uses of steel in everyday life

You can also take a guided tour of the Voestalpine steel plant to see the production process up close.

8. Botanical Garden: A Green Oasis

For a peaceful escape, visit the Linz Botanical Garden. Spread over 4.2 hectares, the garden is home to over 10,000 plant species from around the world. Highlights include:

• The cactus and succulent house

• The tropical house with orchids and bromeliads

• The alpine garden with mountain plants

• The arboretum with rare trees and shrubs

The garden also hosts events like guided tours, workshops, and concerts throughout the year.

Where to Stay in Linz

Linz offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some top picks:

Getting Around Linz

Linz is a compact city that’s easy to explore on foot or by bike. The city has an extensive network of bike paths, and you can rent bikes at various locations throughout the city. For longer distances, Linz has an efficient public transport system that includes:

• Trams (Straßenbahn)

• Buses

• The Pöstlingbergbahn mountain tram

A single ticket costs €1.30 and is valid for 60 minutes. Day passes and multi-day passes are also available.

Tips for Linz Sightseeing

• Many museums in Linz offer free admission on Sundays.

• The Linz Card offers free admission to many attractions and free use of public transport. A 1-day card costs €18, a 3-day card costs €30.

• For the best views of Linz, head up to Pöstlingberg or the top of the Mariendom tower.

• Linz is known for its Linzer Torte, a crumbly tart filled with jam and nuts. Try it at k.u.k. Hofbäckerei, a historic bakery near the Hauptplatz.

Making the Most of Your Linz Tour with AIrtel’s Connectivity

Linz is a city that’s full of surprises. From its historic landmarks to its cutting-edge museums, there’s something for everyone. To make the most of your visit, book a guided Linz tour to get an insider’s perspective on the city’s history and culture. And to stay connected during your travels, consider an international roaming plan from Airtel. With reliable data and calling, you can easily navigate the city, make reservations, and share your experiences with loved ones back home.

Whether you’re interested in art, history, technology, or nature, Linz has it all. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore this fascinating Austrian city.