Linz

Without a plan and still right

Linz is not a city with artificial attractions, not a theme park, not a perfectly staged spot that you know enough. Instead, it is a real city that lives – with corners, everyday life, character. You experience stories that not everyone knows yet. Those who come here do not collect sights, but moments that arise when you let yourself drift. Curiosity is rewarded here by finding your own way: through the old town and the future, over bridges, along the Danube, up to views or simply to where life is happening.

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Highlights

Throughout the year, the city’s inner city becomes a festival site. Especially in the warmer months, stages pop up regularly in the city. Whether at the Pflasterspektakel, where street performers besiege the city, at the Ars Electronica Festival, at the Crossing Europe Film Festival or with lots of music at Stream Festival, AhoiPop! and Krone-Fest.
The entire manufacturing process, from ore to steel. And the state-of-the-art technologies behind them will finally be on display again in the voestalpine steel world this summer. After almost two years of renovation work. Until then, what will continue to take place and is at least as well worth seeing: the factory tour through the voestalpine area. This takes you directly to the place where the slabs are formed.
A garden with events, exhibitions and a huge cactus collection. This is what it is known for, the Botanical Garden in Linz. Amongst the more than 10,000 plant species, sculptures by Austrian artists embellish the garden in the hilly terrain at Froschberg. Be sure to visit the café too!
What is there in the Tobacco Factory? No cigarettes. Instead, art, innovation, beer and much more. As a centre for creative industries, digitalisation and start-ups. In addition, restaurants, shopping, a hotel with a view and regular events make the Tobacco Factory a small adventure town of its own.
The fact that the Port of Linz has more to offer than heaps of containers is already well known thanks to Mural Harbor. Especially in summer, when the winter port with its pebble beach invites you to chill out at the Danube. In June, the model airfield is also very busy, because the Bubbledays turn the port into a festival area. For those who want to take things more quietly, there is the Port Park, which is located 18 metres above sea level – where you can already get an overview.
Big street on rail and baroque alleys for shopping. The easiest way to explore Linz city centre is on foot. So you can get off the beaten track and discover something new. Whether it’s a nice café or just the right fashion store – the extraordinary is often hidden around the next corner.
From Switzerland, the train journey to Linz at the Danube usually takes 7 to 9 hours. From Geneva or Basel, you usually need to change trains in Zurich. On the way, you cross varied landscapes between the Alps and the Danube before reaching the Upper Austrian city of culture.

Insider Tips

Hiking, but through the city

If you’re thinking of a hike, you probably won’t come to Linz at first. Although the city is surrounded by mountains. Ok, you won’t find a via ferrata here and some mountains are more hills. But there’s a lot to discover. Old towers to climb and with history, a train route for horses or lots of water. In the river and also in the forest. Often a view over the city, which definitely pays off.

Sandy beach without sea

When it gets hot in the city centre, a shady spot by the water is just the right place to cool off. And because the distances in Linz are short, the nearest beach is only a few meters away from the main square. Alturfahr offers nature, small restaurants overlooking the Danube and lots of sand. Bicycles with cool boxes also provide beach visitors with cool drinks.

More to know

Experience something, where others learn. Art and science meet in the circus of knowledge. In the pond, you can watch fish swimming in the water while eating and in the Somnium, you can also enjoy the view on a floating platform. At the JKU Campus, you can do it all.

More than ok

Many colourful beams to sit on and a bar in a golden container. At OK Platz you can also stay longer on balmy summer nights. There is a lot of gastronomy all around. And an open cultural centre with a museum and cinema, which gives the square its name. OK Platz also becomes a festival centre. For Crossing Europe and Ars Electronica Festival.