Linz

Here’s a Linz travel guide that helps visitors navigate a surprising place with a fascinating past that is also looking to the future. 

Linz is Austria's third city, the centre of upper Austria, and the most important transport junction after Vienna. Linz today is an industrial and freight hub, but also a city that has preserved its past and has a vibrant arts scene. 

One of Austria’s most stunning views is from the top of the Pöstlingberg, the hill that commands Linz and its Danube bend location. The city panorama is best from outside the Wallfahrts­basilika Sieben Schmerzen Mariä, a priceless pilgrimage church built on the site of an early 18th century miracle. Visitors can reach the summit using the Pöstlingbergsbahn, a light railway from the city centre that combines the advantages of a funicular rail line. 

Get all the travel tips for Linz, including: 

• Affordable accommodation options
• Budget meals
• The details on transport links in the city and with Vienna, Prague and Germany
• How to borrow bicycles free, or get free minutes 

Linz is one of Austria’s oldest settlements and its Celtic name Lentos didn't change much. The Romans built a fortification near the present castle, at an ideal site on a hill next to the Danube. Today an imperial palace has several survivals from its beginnings in the 15th century and today houses a fascinating regional museum that includes priceless historical artworks. 

The tiny Martinskirche nearby is even older, having first been built in the 8th century, and is recognised as one of the oldest churches in Austria. 

Linzer Schloss was the favourite residence of the emperor Friedrich III and traces of his palace remain today around the rebuilding of Rudolf II and 21st century museum spaces. 

Far more imposing Baroque churches dominate the city streets, but the largest of all is the mighty Neogothic Mariä-Empfängnis-Dom. The Renaissance Landhaus and its arcaded courtyard are on the edge of the old town and the city's grand houses have made their prestige statement for centuries. 

The Landhaus administrative complex has preserved its Renaissance arcaded courtyard and a stone bridge that was part of the old town’s historical defences. 

Linz is the city of Anton Bruckner. The organist and composer was born more than 200 years ago and the city's orchestra, concert house and music festival are all named for him. The city has a powerful arts profile led by the Lentos museum, the Francisco Carolinum and the open-air Mural Harbor of street art. 

To explore the darker side of the 20th century, take a trip to the memorial for concentration camp Mauthausen, which was centre of a system in which tens of thousands of prisoners were put to work or put to death over an eight-year period. 

Visitors can also look into the future. The Ars Electronica Center is a display and research complex where families can get involved with interactive displays that present our knowledge of deep space and the uses and benefits of AI and robotics. 

Enjoy a rich travel experience with big savings. The 10-page, 2026 Linz travel guide is a vital companion for any visit to Linz.