The Ultimate Guide to Linz Austria

Linz is a beautiful city in Austria, located on the Danube River. The city is filled with culture and history and is perfect for any traveller. Linz is everything you would expect from an Austrian city – lovely architecture, cobbled streets and lots of cafes.

Although it is not as well-known as Vienna or Salzburg, Linz should have a place on your travel bucket list if you are looking for something unique. It is small enough to walk around comfortably but big enough to offer a lot of things to do.

The city was named one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2009, and it is easy to see why. The city centre is small but perfectly formed with many beautiful buildings.

The old town is home to a number of museums and galleries that are full of culture and education. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about visiting Linz.

This ultimate travel guide to Linz will show you all the most beautiful places in Linz, what to expect when visiting, where to stay in Linz and things to do in Linz which will help you in planning a trip to Linz.

How to get to Linz

To start your exploration around Linz, Austria, you firstly need to travel there. By air, the nearest airport is located around 15km away at Linz International Airport.

You can easily get a bus from the airport terminal straight across to the city centre which takes around 25 minutes. The main train station in Linz, Linz Hauptbahnhof is a great hub for transportation.

The station connects with many major European cities as well as other Austrian cities such as Vienna and Salzburg.

If you are travelling by car, the city is well-connected to other major cities in Austria thanks to its position on the A1 and A7 motorways.

Parking your car in Linz is also super easy as there are plenty of public car parks near most attractions and at fair prices.

What to expect in Linz

The language spoken in Linz is German. This is the official language of Austria but most people still speak fluent English. The people of Linz are friendly, welcoming and very helpful. Therefore, this has created a strong sense of community in the city.

The currency in Austria is the Euro and all major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops throughout the country.

Always make sure you carry some cash with you just in case you come across an establishment that is cash-only. Regards to tipping in Linz, Austrians do tend to tip around 5%-15% depending on their experience with the service provided.

The weather in Linz is very similar to the rest of Austria and there are four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures can reach as high as 30 degrees Celsius, especially in the hottest month, July.

However, the temperature can also plummet in the winter months, where lows of -19 degrees Celsius have been recorded. If you plan on visiting Linz in the summer, make sure you pack light clothes that are easy to pack such as jeans and t-shirts. Whereas if you plan to visit in the winter, wrap up warm!

How to get around Linz

You can get around Linz in a variety of ways. You can walk, take the bus, bike or rent a car. If you are feeling adventurous and have time to spare, you could even use the train to take you over to another city.

Linz has a good public transportation system that consists of buses, trams and trains. The bus network covers most parts of the city and can be easily used to travel from one place to another at any time of day or night.

There are also several tram lines running through Linz which connect it with other cities such as Gmunden and Steyr.

If you prefer more freedom than public transport allows, then renting your own vehicle might be an option for you! You can also rent bikes for €15 per day from one of the many bicycle points in the city.

This is an environmentally friendly and fun way to get around town if you do not have access to a car or do not wish to walk.

The best time to visit Linz

You are probably coming to Linz because you want to see the beautiful surroundings and therefore it is best to visit during the summer months.

The summers in Linz are warm and cosy with warm and sunny temperatures. Many tourists come during this time because it is a perfect season for hiking and other outdoor activities.

You may also want to visit during spring or autumn, though these seasons tend to be rainy at times, it is still a breathtakingly beautiful time in the country.

The flowers will be blooming in spring! Great for those who love the outdoors, nature and wildlife photography. Adding to this, because there are not many tourists around at these times of the year, there will be fewer lines at popular attractions. This means less waiting around!

If you are wanting a completely different experience of Linz, try travelling there in winter. The Christmas markets are a huge hit in the city.

They start in November and carry on through until the end of December. The most famous market is held in the main square. They are a must-see if visiting at this time of year.

Things to do in Linz

There is plenty to do in Linz, whatever time of year you visit. There are many museums and galleries throughout the city, including the Brucknerhaus.

If you like nature, there are plenty of parks for walking and relaxing in. If you are looking for some retail therapy, then Linz has plenty of shops, including a shopping centre.

One way to enhance your time in Linz is to invest in a Linz Card. This is a card that can be used on public transport and in many attractions.

It will save you money and make your trip to Linz more enjoyable. Prices start from 16 euros a day and provide free entry to attractions such as Ars Electronica Center, Lentos Kunstmuseum and the Castle Museum.

Linz Old Town

If you have one day in Linz or a week, there will be lots for you to get up to during your trip. The first must-see area in Linz is the Old Town.

It is the historic city centre of Linz and has lots of lovely shops and restaurants situated here. Linz is known for its Old Town, which has retained many of the characteristics it had when it was first built.

In addition to that, Linz owes its wealth to the thriving Austrian steel industry. Many of the buildings in Linz are a result of this wealth and there are many beautiful examples to see.

The most famous building is the Rathaus (Town Hall), which was built between 1861 and 1869. It is located at the centre of Linz’s main square, where it still stands today.

The Old Town is also home to the impressive cathedral. This stunning building is worth a visit and offers great views of Linz from its tower. If you are feeling energetic, why not take a trip up there? The views are truly beautiful.

Brucknerhaus

The Brucknerhaus is one of Austria’s most famous music centres. If you visit Brucknerhaus, you will find concerts from both classical music artists as well as jazz performers (it is named after Austrian composer Anton Bruckner).

The building is a concert hall and opera house designed by Finnish architects Heikki and Kaija Siren. Its construction took place from 1969 to 1973, with an official opening on 23 March 1974.

Lentos Kunstmuseum

The Lentos Art Museum is an architectural gem in the city of Linz. It was designed by Zurich-based firm Weber & Hofer and opened in 2003. The museum is located on the bank of the Danube and has a striking facade with blue glass panels.

The Lentos Kunstmuseum also has an impressive collection of works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Oskar Kokoschka and Herbert Bayer. The building is also home to a cafe and restaurant.

Ars Electronica Center

This landmark building has been dubbed the name of “Museum of the Future”. It was opened in 2009 and is filled with technology-based exhibitions.

The Ars Electronica Center has been shining night after night with its individually controlled 38,500 LEDs that are built into the building’s glass shell. It is an extraordinary building that is a must-see if you visit Linz.

Linz New Cathedral

Not to be confused with the old cathedral that is situated in the old town square, the New Cathedral of Linz is the largest church in Austria.

The striking architectural masterpiece contains 20,000 stained glass windows. The building is also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and was built between 1862–1924.

Linz botanical garden

Located just outside of the main city centre in Freinberg, the botanical garden features over 10,000 different plant species and has five greenhouses that contain many exotic plants from around the world.

The garden features separate areas devoted to the plants of various ecosystems. Linz botanical garden should be the first choice if you love the outdoors, wildlife and nature. It is full of rare wild plants, cacti and orchids.

What to Eat in Linz

The Linzer torte is a traditional Austrian sweet pastry that is made with ground nuts and spices, giving it a unique taste. It is often served in squares but can also be found in round shapes.

It is common to find them filled with raspberry jam or honey-sweetened custard with a lattice design on top, which makes for an extra mouthwatering treat! It is made with a very short, crumbly pastry that is fairly easy to make at home, as long as you have the right ingredients on hand.

You can find Linzer tortes in most bakeries and grocery stores. The Linzer torte originated in Austria around 1653 but has since spread far beyond its borders. It is now popular throughout Europe.

Linz itself is also known for its smoked meats such as sausages (Wienerwurst), ham (Schinken) and bacon (Speck).

You can find these delicacies at most restaurants throughout the town and they will not cost much either since they are considered traditional Austrian food.

Where to Stay in Linz

If you are not staying at someone’s house or apartment, where should you stay in Linz There are plenty of options including hotels, hostels and Airbnb. The first thing to do is figure out what kind of experience you want from your stay.

Do you want a quick place to crash for the night that is close to all the sights? Or are you looking for somewhere more relaxed and accommodating with a kitchen so that you can cook meals at home? These are the questions that will help narrow down your search.

Hotels tend to be more expensive than other options but have all the benefits that come with staying in one such as room service and breakfast.

They also tend to be located right in town centres, which makes them convenient if you are going out during the day and coming back late at night when no other public transportation might be running anymore.

Trend Hotel Schillerpark is a great recommendation for a hotel in Linz city centre. The location is central and nearby any amenities you may need such as highly-rated restaurants and shops. They have a wide range of rooms, from single to family rooms.

The hotel has both Wi-Fi and parking available for guests plus large windows with panoramic views. Other hotels that are affordable include Mama Muh, City Hotel Linz and Hotel Schwarzer Bär.

Hostels offer similar amenities as hotels like free wi-fi access and common areas where travellers can interact with each other over meals or drinks after spending hours exploring together during their stay in Linz!

Hostel prices vary widely depending on which one is chosen so keep an eye out while looking through reviews online. Some places charge more than others depending on location or amenities offered within each establishment.

Tours to do in Linz

There are lots of fun and exciting tours to do in Linz. Take the Linz Old Town Private Walking Tour and Cruise where you can explore the marvellous city on foot and by boat. You will experience sightseeing around the historic city with a top-rated private tour guide.

The tour covers the most important landmarks, including Linz Castle and the New Cathedral. After this enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Danube river to get a different perspective and view of Linz.

If you choose to visit at Christmas you may be interested in a Magic Christmas Tour in Linz. The tour will take you through the magic of the city at Christmas, including the Christmas markets.

Learn about the culture of Austrian traditions and enjoy seasonal products and food such as Glühwein. Your professional tour guide will help you experience Upper Austria from a different perspective. Expect this tour to be filled with holiday lights and beautifully decorated places.

Day trips from Linz

Linz is a fantastic base to stay in whilst visiting Austria. Day trips that can be taken from Linz include visiting the city of Vienna, which is about a 2.5-hour drive.

You can also take a train from Linz which takes just over an hour and spend the day exploring Salzburg. There are several day trips that can be organised for you to take the stress out of the logistics for you to enjoy your time in Austria more.

For example, you may enjoy a Private Return Day Trip from Linz to Cesky Krumlov with Guided Tour. The trip starts with your private transfer picking you up from your hotel.

You then visit the UNESCO-listed city of Cesky Krumlov with a tour guide, plus free time to explore independently. All finished off with your private transfer returning you to your hotel.

Is Linz worth visiting? Absolutely! It has a rich history, beautiful architecture and plenty of things to do. It is a great place to visit if you want to see more of Austria. It is also a great place to visit if you have limited time in Austria and want to see more of the country.

There are many day trips from Linz that can be taken, such as Vienna or Salzburg. The city itself has plenty of things to do so it is worth spending at least one night in Linz before heading off on other adventures.

Recommended tours in Linz

• Private Return Day Trip from Linz to Cesky Krumlov with Guided Tour
• Mauthausen private tour from Linz
• Linz Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
• Private scavenger hunt through the old town of Linz
• Your personal private driver for your stay in Linz
• Cycling Tour of Linz with a Private Guide
• Literature in Linz: Adalbert Stifter Institute Private Tour
• Linz Family-Friendly Historical Walking Tour
• Linz: Churches & Old Town Private Guided Tour

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