Linz
Austria
Why Linz is a great destination
Crowd-light yet culture-rich, Linz swaps the tour-bus crush for future-facing art, classical pedigree and everyday Austrian life along the Danube.
- Creative culture: UNESCO City of Media Arts energy meets Bruckner’s legacy—think Ars Electronica at POSTCITY, the riverfront Brucknerhaus and the Lentos museum—plus headline festivals like Pflasterspektakel and the Klangwolke without the queues.
- River city atmosphere: A compact, walkable centre spills into leafy Donaupark and the relaxed Urfahr riverbank; cycle paths, outdoor stages and sunset picnics lend an easy, local feel far from selfie-stick crowds.
- Neighbourhoods & authenticity: Explore Baroque lanes in the Altstadt, reinvention at Tabakfabrik and the harbour’s Mural Harbor street art; meet performers on side streets during Pflasterspektakel and mingle where locals actually go.
- Food, value & traditions: Pause for an Original Linzer Torte at Jindrak or coffee at Café Traxlmayr, sip a summer Spritzer by the water, and enjoy many free or great-value events—real Austria, minus the mark-ups.
Who should go to Linz?
If you love cities that blend cutting‑edge culture with gemütlich café tradition, Linz is your sweet spot. Austria’s UNESCO City of Media Arts pairs world‑class festivals (Ars Electronica, Pflasterspektakel, Brucknerfest/Klangwolke) with Danube riverfront strolls and rich Bruckner heritage. It’s a relaxed, less‑crowded alternative to Vienna or Salzburg, perfect for a creative city break year‑round.
- Festival‑goers: From Ars Electronica to the open‑air Klangwolke and July’s Pflasterspektakel, Linz delivers headline events, many free, in a compact, walkable centre.
- Music fans: Hear Bruckner in the Brucknerhaus one night and cutting‑edge indie/electronic at Posthof, Stadtwerkstatt or Kapu the next—often at friendlier prices than Vienna.
- Tech & art lovers: Dive into interactive media, AI and future‑focused installations at the Ars Electronica Center and pop‑up POSTCITY shows.
- Foodies & coffee lovers: Savour café classics at Traxlmayr and the Original Linzer Torte at Jindrak, then compare with third‑wave spots for top‑notch espresso and filter.
- Families: Enjoy the Children’s Klangwolke, Danube parks, the Pöstlingberg (with the fairy‑tale Grottenbahn), and easy tram links across the city.
- Scenery seekers & active travellers: Cycle the Danube path, cruise to Mural Harbor’s giant murals, and catch sunset views from Pöstlingberg over Linz.
Who should go to Linz?
If you love cities that blend cutting‑edge culture with gemütlich café tradition, Linz is your sweet spot. Austria’s UNESCO City of Media Arts pairs world‑class festivals (Ars Electronica, Pflasterspektakel, Brucknerfest/Klangwolke) with Danube riverfront strolls and rich Bruckner heritage. It’s a relaxed, less‑crowded alternative to Vienna or Salzburg, perfect for a creative city break year‑round.
- Festival‑goers: From Ars Electronica to the open‑air Klangwolke and July’s Pflasterspektakel, Linz delivers headline events, many free, in a compact, walkable centre.
- Music fans: Hear Bruckner in the Brucknerhaus one night and cutting‑edge indie/electronic at Posthof, Stadtwerkstatt or Kapu the next—often at friendlier prices than Vienna.
- Tech & art lovers: Dive into interactive media, AI and future‑focused installations at the Ars Electronica Center and pop‑up POSTCITY shows.
- Foodies & coffee lovers: Savour café classics at Traxlmayr and the Original Linzer Torte at Jindrak, then compare with third‑wave spots for top‑notch espresso and filter.
- Families: Enjoy the Children’s Klangwolke, Danube parks, the Pöstlingberg (with the fairy‑tale Grottenbahn), and easy tram links across the city.
- Scenery seekers & active travellers: Cycle the Danube path, cruise to Mural Harbor’s giant murals, and catch sunset views from Pöstlingberg over Linz.
Top things to do in Linz
These are the unmissable highlights of Linz, blending riverside culture, media arts, music and sweet traditions. Use this shortlist to experience the city’s essence in a day or two.
- Walk the Kulturmeile along the Danube between Lentos and the Brucknerhaus, where the Klangwolke unfolds and river views shine.
- Explore the Ars Electronica Center and, in festival season, POSTCITY’s cutting‑edge media art labs and installations.
- Visit Café Traxlmayr or Konditorei Jindrak for a Melange paired with a slice of Original Linzer Torte.
- Take the historic Pöstlingbergbahn up to the basilica for panoramic views over the city and the Danube.
- Hike easy stretches of the Donausteig or into the Kürnbergwald, finishing with a Spritzer on the riverbank.
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Top things to do in Linz
These are the unmissable highlights of Linz, blending riverside culture, media arts, music and sweet traditions. Use this shortlist to experience the city’s essence in a day or two.
- Walk the Kulturmeile along the Danube between Lentos and the Brucknerhaus, where the Klangwolke unfolds and river views shine.
- Explore the Ars Electronica Center and, in festival season, POSTCITY’s cutting‑edge media art labs and installations.
- Visit Café Traxlmayr or Konditorei Jindrak for a Melange paired with a slice of Original Linzer Torte.
- Take the historic Pöstlingbergbahn up to the basilica for panoramic views over the city and the Danube.
- Hike easy stretches of the Donausteig or into the Kürnbergwald, finishing with a Spritzer on the riverbank.
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3-day Linz itinerary
Day 1: Danube, media arts, and coffeehouse rituals
Linz greets you with a compact centre where baroque façades meet digital art along the Danube. Ease in with a slow Austrian rhythm: good coffee, a museum you can touch, and sunset on the river.
- Morning: Slip into café time at Café Traxlmayr for a Melange and a slice of Linzer Torte (unhurried, with water on a tray), or try die Bohne for a third‑wave pour‑over. Wander the Altstadt to the Old Cathedral where Bruckner once played; if an organ recital is listed, it’s worth the detour.
- Midday: Cross the Nibelungenbrücke to the Ars Electronica Center. Hands‑on installations make it ideal after lunch; allow 2–3 hours and wear comfortable shoes. (If you’re here in early September, your festival pass often includes tram rides—use them.)
- Afternoon: Stroll the Cultural Mile back on the south bank: Lentos Kunstmuseum, then along the Donaupark lawns. In July during Pflasterspektakel, duck into side courtyards for intimate street acts and carry 1–2 euro coins—hat money is the norm.
- Evening: Catch an early concert at the Brucknerhaus or picnic in Donaupark with a spritzer at sunset. If it’s Klangwolke weekend (early September), arrive hours early with a blanket, snacks, and a small radio to sync the sound across the park.
Day 2: Post‑industrial flair, harbour art, and live music
Today traces Linz’s transformation from steel to culture. Explore reimagined spaces, bold murals, and end with the city’s electric night scene.
- Morning: Head to the Tabakfabrik for a peek at design studios, pop‑ups, and exhibitions; grab coffee on site or nearby. Continue to the harbour district to sample the city’s industrial edge.
- Midday: Take a Mural Harbor tour (by foot or boat) to see one of Europe’s largest graffiti galleries. In June, Bubbledays adds wakeboard shows, music, and food trucks—bring sunscreen and cash for quick bites.
- Afternoon: Dip into the OK Offenes Kulturhaus/Moviemento area for indie film vibes; during April/May, Crossing Europe screens are a great bet. If Höhenrausch is running (summer), its rooftop art walk gives sweeping city views.
- Evening: Go gig‑hopping: Posthof for touring acts across rock/indie/electro, or Stadtwerkstatt in Urfahr for experimental sets and Ars Electronica Nightlines (Sept). Tram 1/2 to Posthofstraße; afterwards, join locals at a Würstelstand for a Käsekrainer.
Day 3: Bruckner’s legacy, neighbourhood charm, and festival goodbyes
Round off with classical threads, slow café culture, and a final festival fix if the season aligns. Keep it flexible: Linz rewards both planners and flâneurs.
- Morning: Start at Friedlieb & Töchter on Hauptplatz, then stroll to the Mariendom (New Cathedral) for quiet grandeur. If you’re keen on Bruckner, check for matinee rehearsals or organ events; on select days, a short trip to St. Florian Abbey deepens the story.
- Midday: Lunch around Pfarrplatz and browse boutiques; in May/June the free STREAM Festival brings daytime stages and talks—wander between STAGE and CLUB spots with reusable cup in hand. Winter alternative: warm up at the Christmas markets with Punsch and roasted chestnuts.
- Afternoon: If it’s Ars Electronica week, block time for POSTCITY’s sprawling exhibitions; otherwise, return to the Ars Electronica Center for a focused Deep Space session, or laze on the Urfahr riverbank for the best mirror‑view of evening lights.
- Evening: Choose your finale: a Brucknerfest concert in autumn, Lido Sounds sets in June on the river, or live jazz at Smaragd in the Altstadt. Tip: avoid driving for big events, grab a day tram ticket, and book well ahead for early September when the city sells out.
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Food and drink in Linz
Linz blends classic Austrian comfort food with a lively market and coffeehouse culture along the Danube. Expect heritage pastries, hearty snacks, and easy‑going drinks that fit the city’s relaxed, sociable pace. Small distances make café hopping and market grazing effortless.
- Linzer Torte – a crumbly nut pastry with redcurrant jam and a lattice top, the city’s signature sweet. Best savoured in grand cafés like Traxlmayr or at Jindrak, the city’s famed pâtisserie.
- Brettljause – a rustic board of smoked ham, mountain cheese, pickles, fresh horseradish, and farmhouse bread. Order one at Südbahnhofmarkt or a cosy wine/cider tavern for a relaxed, chatty spread.
- Käsekrainer (Würstelstand classic) – a cheese‑studded sausage in a crusty roll with mustard and horseradish. Grab it from a street stand after a gig or festival, shoulder‑to‑shoulder with locals.
- Spritzer & Most – a chilled white‑wine spritzer and regional apple/pear cider from Upper Austria. Sip them at riverside bars along the Donaulände or in tucked‑away courtyards.
Eat like a local: Discover Linz top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Linz
Linz blends classic Austrian comfort food with a lively market and coffeehouse culture along the Danube. Expect heritage pastries, hearty snacks, and easy‑going drinks that fit the city’s relaxed, sociable pace. Small distances make café hopping and market grazing effortless.
- Linzer Torte – a crumbly nut pastry with redcurrant jam and a lattice top, the city’s signature sweet. Best savoured in grand cafés like Traxlmayr or at Jindrak, the city’s famed pâtisserie.
- Brettljause – a rustic board of smoked ham, mountain cheese, pickles, fresh horseradish, and farmhouse bread. Order one at Südbahnhofmarkt or a cosy wine/cider tavern for a relaxed, chatty spread.
- Käsekrainer (Würstelstand classic) – a cheese‑studded sausage in a crusty roll with mustard and horseradish. Grab it from a street stand after a gig or festival, shoulder‑to‑shoulder with locals.
- Spritzer & Most – a chilled white‑wine spritzer and regional apple/pear cider from Upper Austria. Sip them at riverside bars along the Donaulände or in tucked‑away courtyards.
Eat like a local: Discover Linz top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Linz
Choosing the right area in Linz makes all the difference—each neighbourhood has its own vibe and convenience. Pick based on whether you want history at your door, riverfront calm, creative nightlife, or hilltop quiet.
- Altstadt & Hauptplatz/Landstraße — Baroque streets, cafés and museums on the Danube; ideal for first‑timers, culture lovers and walkers, but expect trams and summer festival crowds.
- Urfahr (north bank) — Relaxed riverside by Ars Electronica and Donaulände parks; family‑friendly with easy tram links and big views, quieter at night.
- Hafen & Tabakfabrik — Post‑industrial creative quarter with street art, gigs and markets near Posthof/Mural Harbour; suits night owls and festivalgoers, fewer classic sights.
- Pöstlingberg — Leafy hilltop with basilica, zoo and panoramic views; village feel and peaceful evenings for couples/families, 15–20 minutes by tram to the centre.
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Where to stay in Linz
Choosing the right area in Linz makes all the difference—each neighbourhood has its own vibe and convenience. Pick based on whether you want history at your door, riverfront calm, creative nightlife, or hilltop quiet.
- Altstadt & Hauptplatz/Landstraße — Baroque streets, cafés and museums on the Danube; ideal for first‑timers, culture lovers and walkers, but expect trams and summer festival crowds.
- Urfahr (north bank) — Relaxed riverside by Ars Electronica and Donaulände parks; family‑friendly with easy tram links and big views, quieter at night.
- Hafen & Tabakfabrik — Post‑industrial creative quarter with street art, gigs and markets near Posthof/Mural Harbour; suits night owls and festivalgoers, fewer classic sights.
- Pöstlingberg — Leafy hilltop with basilica, zoo and panoramic views; village feel and peaceful evenings for couples/families, 15–20 minutes by tram to the centre.
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Good to know before you go to Linz
Travel in Linz is straightforward: the centre is compact, public transport is excellent, and most sights cluster along the Danube. A few local quirks—festival peaks, trams, and lively street events—are worth noting to plan smoothly. Here are the essentials.
- Affordability: Moderate by Austrian standards; expect coffee €3.50–5, lunch €10–15, dinner €15–30, and mid‑range hotels €90–140 (budget €60–90), with prices spiking to €150–250+ during major festivals—book early.
- Transport: The centre is very walkable; trams and buses run frequently (day tickets are good value), regional trains reach Salzburg/Vienna in 1–2 hours, buses cover nearby towns, seasonal Danube boats offer scenic hops, and driving is optional with tight central parking (use Park & Ride).
- Language: German is the main language, but English is widely understood in tourism, hospitality and by younger locals, so basic German pleasantries help but aren’t essential.
- Safety & comfort: Linz is very safe for families and solo travellers, tap water is excellent, and the main cautions are petty theft in crowded festivals plus occasional road/tram diversions during big events.
- Crowds: Expect the biggest crowds mid‑July (Pflasterspektakel), mid‑Aug to early Sept (Klangwolke and Ars Electronica) and Advent weekends; January–March and non‑festival weekdays are quieter with better rates.
Good to know before you go to Linz
Travel in Linz is straightforward: the centre is compact, public transport is excellent, and most sights cluster along the Danube. A few local quirks—festival peaks, trams, and lively street events—are worth noting to plan smoothly. Here are the essentials.
- Affordability: Moderate by Austrian standards; expect coffee €3.50–5, lunch €10–15, dinner €15–30, and mid‑range hotels €90–140 (budget €60–90), with prices spiking to €150–250+ during major festivals—book early.
- Transport: The centre is very walkable; trams and buses run frequently (day tickets are good value), regional trains reach Salzburg/Vienna in 1–2 hours, buses cover nearby towns, seasonal Danube boats offer scenic hops, and driving is optional with tight central parking (use Park & Ride).
- Language: German is the main language, but English is widely understood in tourism, hospitality and by younger locals, so basic German pleasantries help but aren’t essential.
- Safety & comfort: Linz is very safe for families and solo travellers, tap water is excellent, and the main cautions are petty theft in crowded festivals plus occasional road/tram diversions during big events.
- Crowds: Expect the biggest crowds mid‑July (Pflasterspektakel), mid‑Aug to early Sept (Klangwolke and Ars Electronica) and Advent weekends; January–March and non‑festival weekdays are quieter with better rates.
Best time to go to Linz
Seasonality in Linz is driven by its festival calendar: summer and early September are the busiest, while spring and late autumn are calmer. Winter is generally quiet, except for the cosy bustle of Advent markets.
- Spring (Apr–May): Mild but changeable; lighter crowds and a relaxed, artsy vibe as events start to ramp up.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm to hot with occasional storms; peak crowds and an energetic feel thanks to major open‑air festivals.
- Autumn & Advent (Sep–Dec): Pleasant early autumn with festival peaks (Ars Electronica, Brucknerfest), then colder, quieter weeks enlivened by charming Christmas markets.
Best time to go to Linz
Seasonality in Linz is driven by its festival calendar: summer and early September are the busiest, while spring and late autumn are calmer. Winter is generally quiet, except for the cosy bustle of Advent markets.
- Spring (Apr–May): Mild but changeable; lighter crowds and a relaxed, artsy vibe as events start to ramp up.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm to hot with occasional storms; peak crowds and an energetic feel thanks to major open‑air festivals.
- Autumn & Advent (Sep–Dec): Pleasant early autumn with festival peaks (Ars Electronica, Brucknerfest), then colder, quieter weeks enlivened by charming Christmas markets.
Share Linz with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to Linz
By Air
- Linz Airport (LNZ, “Blue Danube Airport”): ~12 km SW of the centre; 20–30 min by taxi. Public transport: S-Bahn S2 to Hörsching + free shuttle (5–10 min) to the terminal. Limited direct flights.
- Vienna International Airport (VIE): ~185 km; direct Railjet from the airport to Linz in 1 h 45–2 h (or via Wien Hbf); 2–2.5 h by car.
- Salzburg Airport (SZG): ~130 km; bus to Salzburg Hbf (15–20 min) then Railjet to Linz (1 h 05–1 h 30); ~1.5 h by car.
- Munich Airport (MUC): ~270 km; trains 3.5–4.5 h (usually via Munich/Salzburg); 3–3.5 h by car.
- Prague Airport (PRG): ~230 km; coach/train combinations 4–5 h; 3.5–4 h by car.
By Train
- Main station: Linz Hauptbahnhof (Hbf).
- Operators: ÖBB Railjet/InterCity; WESTbahn (Vienna–Linz–Salzburg–Munich corridor).
- Frequency: Multiple direct trains hourly on the Vienna–Salzburg line via Linz.
- Typical journey times:
- Vienna Hbf: 1 h 14–1 h 40 (direct, frequent)
- Vienna Airport: 1 h 45–2 h (direct Railjet or 1 change)
- Salzburg Hbf: 1 h 05–1 h 30 (direct)
- Graz Hbf: ~3 h (direct/1 change)
- Innsbruck Hbf: 3–3.5 h
- Munich Hbf: ~3–3.5 h (usually 1 change at Salzburg)
- Prague hl.n.: 4–5 h (via České Budějovice)
- Selected ÖBB Nightjet services stop at Linz.
By Coach/Bus
- Main stops: Linz Hbf/Wissensturm (adjacent to the railway station); some services use Industriezeile/Danube port.
- Operators: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
- Indicative times: Vienna 2–2.5 h; Salzburg 1.5–2.5 h; Munich 4–5 h; Prague 4–5 h; Graz 3–3.5 h.
By Car
- Motorways: A1 West Autobahn (Vienna–Salzburg) with access via A7 Mühlkreis Autobahn into the city; A9 Pyhrn Autobahn from Graz; S10 towards the Czech border.
- Approximate driving times: Vienna 2–2.5 h (~185 km); Salzburg ~1.5 h (~130 km); Graz 2.5–3 h (~220 km via A9); Munich 3–3.5 h (~270 km); Prague 3.5–4 h (~230 km).
- Notes: Austrian motorways require a vignette; expect peak-time congestion on A7 and Danube bridges.
By River/Cruise
- Danube river cruises and seasonal day boats call at Linz (Donaulände/Handelshafen), with easy onward links by foot or public transport to the centre.
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