Discover Linz: Sights, culture and the charm of the Danube

Contents:

• The heart of the town: the main square and the old town

• Pöstlingberg: A view to remember

• Linz is a city of art – and we mean that seriously

• On the Danube: Linz at its most relaxed

• Indulgence in Linz: Linzer Torte, coffee house culture and special spots

• Events in Linz: When the city becomes a stage

• Practical tips for Linz

• Conclusion: Linz has plenty of surprises in store

The heart of the city: the main square and the old town

Linz’s Main Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Austria and one of the city’s best-known landmarks. It is the ideal starting point for a stroll through the city. In its centre stands the 20-metre-high Trinity Column, made of white marble, which was erected in the 18th century in gratitude for the city’s deliverance from the dangers of war, fire and the plague. All around it, historic town houses, cafés and the Old Town Hall line the square.

From here, a short walk leads up to Linz Castle, which towers high above the Old Town and is one of the city’s most historic sites. The parish church is also well worth a look – as are the narrow lanes of the old town, where history, coffee-house culture and urban life blend together quite naturally. Here, Linz feels historic without being like a museum – and lively without being noisy.

Pöstlingberg: A view to remember

No visit to Linz is complete without a trip to the Pöstlingberg. The striking twin-towered church on the hill to the north-west of the city has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and is one of Linz’s most famous landmarks. The historic Pöstlingberg funicular takes you comfortably up from the city centre – past beautiful views and charming residential neighbourhoods. Once at the top, a magnificent view of Linz, the Danube and the Alpine foothills awaits. In good weather, you can even see as far as the Alps.

Linz is a city of art – and we mean that quite seriously

What sets Linz apart from many other medium-sized cities is its astonishingly diverse cultural offering. Alongside numerous sights, museums, festivals and innovative cultural institutions shape the cityscape. In 2009, Linz was European Capital of Culture – and you can still feel the legacy of that today. The city combines art, technology, architecture and history in a modern and surprisingly accessible way.

• Ars Electronica Centre: The ‘Museum of the Future’, situated right on the banks of the Danube, is dedicated to digital art, technology and social issues. Interactive, contemporary and ideal for anyone who wants to find out what our future might look like.
• Lentos Art Museum: This striking glass building on the banks of the Danube showcases Austrian and international art from the 19th century to the present day. The building itself is a real eye-catcher, particularly in the evening when the façade is illuminated.
• Linz Castle Museum: Perched high above the old town, the museum tells the story of Upper Austria’s natural, cultural and technological history. A visit is also well worth it for the beautiful view over the city.
• Mural Harbour: In Linz’s harbour, large-scale graffiti and murals transform industrial areas into an impressive open-air gallery. An exciting contrast to the old town – urban, creative and surprisingly international.

Linz thus presents itself as a multifaceted city of culture: forward-looking, creative and historically conscious all at once.

On the Danube: Linz at its most relaxed

The Danube is one of the most beautiful aspects of Linz and ranks among the sights that define the city’s unique character – particularly as it lies so close to the city centre. Just a few minutes from the Hauptplatz, the city opens out onto the water. Here, Linz feels more spacious, quieter and almost a little more southern.

A stroll along the Donaulände and through the Donaupark is particularly lovely. With riverside paths, green spaces and views of the bridges, you can experience the city in a completely relaxed way – ideal for a break between sightseeing and museum visits. In summer, it’s well worth stopping off at the Sandburg, a beach bar right on the Danube, which surprises visitors with sun loungers, drinks and a holiday atmosphere right in the heart of the city. Anyone wishing to see Linz from a different perspective can plan a boat trip on the Danube or a harbour tour. A cycle ride along the Danube Cycle Path is also a great option if you have a little more time to spare. The atmosphere is particularly lovely in the evening, when the light is reflected on the water and Linz by the river settles into a peaceful rhythm.

Delights in Linz: Linzer Torte, coffee house culture and must-visit spots

A city break to Linz wouldn’t be complete without a slice of Linzer Torte. For a particularly classic experience, try it at Konditorei Jindrak, which is regarded as the home of the original Linzer Torte. The long-established Brandl bakery, founded in 1891, is also well worth a visit for fresh pastries, breakfast or a quick break.

For coffee and cake, the cosy Café Gerberei on Pfarrplatz or Friedlieb und Töchter are ideal – particularly lovely for anyone who enjoys modern café culture and vegan options. Anyone wishing to experience Linz’s vibrant culinary scene should also take a stroll through the Südbahnhofmarkt, especially on Saturday mornings.

For a slightly different kind of break, the Salonschiff Fräulein Florentine awaits on the Danube, whilst Leberkas Pepi serves up this hearty classic for a quick bite. And if you’re looking for something a bit special, the Michelin-starred Verdi is an excellent choice for an enjoyable evening. Those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere will find the Verdi-Einkehr, part of the same establishment, an equally exciting alternative.

Events in Linz: When the city becomes a stage

Linz is well worth a visit not only for its museums, the Danube and the old town – its calendar of events also makes the city an exciting destination for a short break. Linz really comes alive in summer and autumn in particular.

• Pflasterspektakel: From 23 to 25 July 2026, the city centre will be transformed into a huge open-air stage for street art, music, acrobatics and comedy.
• Ars Electronica Festival: From 9 to 13 September 2026, this internationally renowned festival will bring digital art, technology and questions about the future to various venues across the city.
• Linzer Klangwolke: The major open-air Klangwolke event will take place on 12 September 2026 in Donaupark. There will also be other Klangwolke events in September, including the Classical Klangwolke and the Children’s Klangwolke.
• Advent and Christmas markets: From 21 November 2026, Linz will be particularly festive. The Christkindlmarkt on Hauptplatz, the Christmas market in the Volksgarten, Advent at the Cathedral and the winter market on Pfarrplatz bring sparkling lights, arts and crafts, mulled wine and a wintery atmosphere to the city.

Practical tips for Linz

• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for a city break in Linz. September is particularly exciting, when the internationally renowned Ars Electronica Festival transforms the city into a major showcase for digital art, technology and society.
• Accommodation: Options range from budget hostels near the main railway station to upmarket hotels on the banks of the Danube. If you want to explore as much as possible on foot, it’s best to stay in the city centre – around the Old Town, the main square or the Donaulände. We recommend the Hotel am Domplatz – Adults Only. This stylish boutique hotel is situated right next to St Mary’s Cathedral and combines a central location, modern design and a pleasantly peaceful adults-only atmosphere. You can find further inspiration and suitable offers on our Travel Deals page.
• Getting around: Linz has a well-developed tram network. Many attractions are within easy walking distance, whilst a trip on the historic Pöstlingbergbahn is well worth it for a visit to the Pöstlingberg.
• Linz Card: If you’re planning to visit several museums, you should look into the Linz Card. It offers free entry to many museums as well as use of public transport in Linz, and is particularly good value for a weekend stay.

Conclusion: Linz is full of surprises

Linz may not be the first city that springs to mind for a city break in Austria – but that is precisely what makes it so appealing. With its historic sights, old town, Pöstlingberg, the Danube, culture and coffee-house moments, the city reveals itself to be diverse, relaxed and surprisingly modern.

Anyone looking to discover Austria off the beaten track will find Linz a charming destination for a weekend full of culture, indulgence and new perspectives.