I’ve already written about eating vegan in Linz, but beyond that I haven’t said much about this Austrian city where over the last five years I’ve spent maybe a total of six months on and off.
As Austria’s third city, it’s surprising how unknown it is. In 2009, it was the European Capital of Culture, which certainly put it on the map in some ways, but it is still an often missed destination in Austrian travelling, being pushed aside in favour of Salzburg and Vienna.
It may not have the impressively preserved medieval, baroque and art nouveau architecture of other Austrian cities. Instead, it was quite heavily damaged during the Second World War and afterwards, it grew up around the steel industry, so most of the architecture is pretty new.
But Linz certainly still has a lot to offer. The centre of town, which lies right on the Danube has several sights worth the time.
Lentos Kunstmuseum
This architecturally impressive art museum on the south shore of the Danube houses an impressive permanent collection of modern art across various styles and from around the world as well as several temporary exhibitions a year.
- Address: Ernst-Koref-Promenade 1, 4020, Linz
- Hours: Tues/Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun, 10:00-18:00; Thurs, 10:00-21:00
- Admission: €8
- Foursquare; Facebook; website
Ars Electronica Centre
Probably the most iconic landmark along the Danube in Linz, this is interactive museum of electronic art and media located on the north side of the Danube across the main bridge over the river from the main square.
You could easily spend a couple of hours here learning about topics as diverse as robotic surgery, astrophysics, 3D printing and the sharing of personal data over social media networks and playing with a range of fascinating technologies.
- Address: Ars-Electronica-Strasse 1, 4040, Linz
- Hours: Tues/Wed/Fri, 09:00-17:00; Thurs, 09:00-21:00; Sat/Sun, 10:00-18:00
- Admission: €8
- Foursquare; Facebook; website
Nordico
This cute little museum housed inside a 400 year old building has its focus on the history of Linz and its inhabitants. Exhibitions change several times a year and often cover topics relating to the World Wars.
- Address: Dametzstrasse 23, 4020, Linz
- Hours: Tues/Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun, 10:00-18:00; Thurs, 10:00-21:00
- Admission: €6.50
- Foursquare; Facebook; website
Pöstlingberg
The unofficial symbol of Linz is the Pöstlingberg, or more precisely the church at the top of the hill. The viewing platform outside the church offers panoramic views over the city and the Danube, and can be reached by a dedicated narrow-gauge railway from the main square.
There are a few tacky souvenir shops and a nice (though slightly pricey) café with a large terrace and the same view.
- Address: Pöstlingberg, 4040, Linz
- Admission: to the church, free; a return journey on the Pöstlingbergbahn from the main square, €6.
- Foursquare
Mozarthaus
In 1783, Mozart spent 4 days in Linz, and stayed here in the old town of city. While there, he wrote his Symphony no. 36 specifically for a concert to be held during his stay.
While you can’t go inside the (now private) house where he stayed, there is a plaque and bust in the courtyard and speakers which will play the symphony if you push the button. You can view the courtyard from outside and there is now an outdoor café at ground level.
- Address: Altstadt 17, 4020, Linz
- Hours: courtyard open all day
- Admission: Free
- Foursquare; website
Franz Josefs Warte
To the east of downtown Linz on top of a hill overlooking the Danube is Franz Josefs Warte, a lookout tower built of the 40th jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef in 1888.
In my opinion, views of the city are better from here than from the better known Pöstlingberg as you can see both sides of the river and trees obscure the steelworks to the south of the city, making it more pleasant.
- Address: Freinberg, 4020, Linz
- Hours: Nov-Mar, 10:00-16:00; Apr-May, 09:00-18:00; Jun-Sep, 08:00-20:00; Oct, 09:00-17:00
- Admission: Free
- Foursquare; Facebook; website
Botanical Gardens
In a calm and pleasant residential neighbourhood of Linz, just up Freinberg from the old town are the small but diverse botanical gardens. There are plants from all over the world, various green houses, gardens and exhibits. A nice place to come for a relaxing wander in among the green.
- Address: Roseggerstrasse 20, 4020, Linz
- Hours: Nov-Feb, 08:00-17:00; Mar & Oct, 08:00-18:00; Apr & Sep, 08:00-19:00; May-Aug, 07:30-19:30
- Admission: €3 standard, €2 reduced, €5 family ticket
- Foursquare
We'd like to than Franziska Sperner from Linz Tourism for all her help in giving us suggestions of things to do in Linz and for organising a complimentary Linz Card for us each.
You can also download this guide in the GPSMyCity app!
