Attractions & Landmarks In Linz

Linz’s rich historical and cultural heritage is reflected in the architectural wonders and active art scene. Strolling through the old town, which is distinguished by beautiful paths leading to grand mansions and chapter houses, allows visitors to truly appreciate the town’s history. Linz’s lively baroque main square adds to the appeal of its historic center.

Particularly the New Cathedral, which stands at 134 meters and is the largest cathedral in Austria, Linz is known for its churches. The Pilgrimage Basilica is a well-known city landmark located on Pöstlingberg Hill. A distinctive appearance of the illuminated glass facade of the Lentos Museum of Modern Art allows Linz to be known as a cultural center.

Among the many churches and sanctuaries attesting to the city’s religious heritage is the masterpiece of Baroque architecture, the Old Cathedral. Rising high above the city, the Pöstlingbergkirche offers stunning views and is a popular wedding venue. St. Martin’s Church, whose origins date back to the 8th century, is the oldest church in Austria.

Monuments, including the Trinity Column, an imposing Baroque construction, which bears witness to the city’s thanks for its miraculous deliverance from plague, fire and war, adorn Linz’s squares. With a rich history dating back to 799, Linz Castle is now home to the Schlossmuseum Linz, which exhibits works from the Middle Ages to the present day.

The many galleries and institutions that Linz boasts help define its cultural scene. The Lentos Art Museum displays an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by eminent painters. Using interactive screens, the Ars Electronica center explores the intersection of science, art and technology. Focusing on the work of Upper Austrian artists, the Linz Provincial Gallery exhibits modern and contemporary art.

Other notable museums are the Linz City Museum Nordico, which offers an overview of the region’s history and environment, and LinzGenesis, which pays homage to the city’s history and famous residents. In addition, Linz serves as O.K. At the Center for Contemporary Art there are avant-garde projects and multimedia art.

For those who love the outdoors, Linz offers peaceful retreats, including the botanical gardens, known for their varied flora, and the Linz Zoo, which is home to around 800 species. Featuring works by local and international artists, Skulpturenpark Artpark presents a unique outdoor experience.

Museums In Linz

Ars Electronica Center (AEC): Created in 1996 with the aim of democratizing access to the technologies of the future, the Ars Electronica Center (AEC) in Linz, Austria, sometimes nicknamed the “Museum of the Future”, was outside the AEC, which houses the Futurelab, dedicated to studying the intersection of art, technology and society, offers interactive exhibitions covering art, science and technology, including virtual worlds including Deep Space 8K. In addition, it hosts the Ars Electronica Festival and the Ars Electronica Prize.
Lentos Kunstmuseum: Successfully replacing the new Linz City Gallery in 2003, the Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz presents modern and contemporary art. Its unique glass architecture showcases a diverse collection and provides a stage for events, lectures and exhibitions including prominent artists such as Valie Export and Gustav Klimt.
Nordico Stadtmuseum: Located in the Rathausviertel of Linz, the Nordico Stadtmuseum presents the evolution of the city through archaeological, artistic, cultural and historical exhibitions. Built from a former suburban estate and boarding school, the museum’s structure bears witness to millennia of history. Urban greening and sustainability have taken center stage in recent transformations.
Dental Museum: Located in the Old Town Hall, the Linz Dental Museum displays relics that show the evolution of dentistry from prehistoric methods to modern approaches. Visitors can learn about early dental tools, prosthetics, orthodontic equipment as well as cultural and historical background.
Francisco Carolinum Linz: Dedicated to the advancement of media arts and photography since its founding in 1895. Through its virtual presence in the Cryptovoxels Metaverse, the company has also embraced digital advancements. Initially focusing on traditional art, the museum has since added media art and modern photography.
Schlossmuseum Linz: Located in the historic Linz Castle, the Schlossmuseum Linz features collections on natural sciences, technology and history, in addition to pop-up exhibitions and outdoor activities. Recent years have seen the addition of new additions aimed at art exhibitions and areas exploring the past of disadvantaged groups.
Stifterhaus: Originally the home of the writer Adalbert Stifter, the Stifterhaus currently houses the Upper Austrian Literary Museum and the Adalbert Stifter Institute. These establishments are committed to seeing linguistics and literature develop in the region. The museum helps honor Stifter’s heritage and hosts modern literary events.
Cowboy Museum Fatsy: Founded in 1991, the Cowboy Museum Fatsy provides a window into the history and culture of the Wild West by displaying relics of Native American and equestrian traditions. Themed events, interactive activities and exhibits give guests the chance to experience the cowboy life.
Voestalpine Stahlwelt: Austria’s largest industrial complex, Voestalpine Stahlwelt, offers visitors the opportunity to experience the steelmaking process through interactive screens and multimedia presentations. The immersive experience showcases the imagination and inventiveness that drives Linz steel production.
Open Air Gallery Mural Harbor: Transforming the Linz harbor area into a dynamic graffiti exhibition, the open-air exhibition Mural Harbor features around 200 artworks by domestic and foreign artists. Guided tours that end with a graffiti workshop for guests to express their creativity provide insight into the creation and relevance of the murals.

Streets And Squares In Linz

Hauptplatz: The main square of Linz and one of the largest enclosed squares in Austria is the Hauptplatz. Built around 1230, it is lined with Renaissance and Baroque style buildings. In the middle of the square stands a twenty meter high white marble column honoring the Holy Trinity. The column was built in 1723 as a sign of gratitude and defense against natural disasters. The square hosts several markets and events, including the Christmas market on December 1st. Also in the area are the Old Town Hall, the Tourist Information Center, the University of Arts and Industrial Design and the famous Glockenspiel, a musical watch that modulates its song depending on the season.
Landstraße: The main shopping street in Linz and one of the busiest in Austria is Landstraße. It offers a wide range of retailers, cafes and restaurants stretching from the Hauptplatz to the southern area. One can find famous brands as well as lesser known but more unique companies. Turning off Landstra?e will also allow you to explore the alleys, which are full of hidden gems and local delicacies.
Pfarrplatz: Austria’s largest cathedral, the New Cathedral, is located on this pretty square in Linz’s old quarter. Of Gothic architecture, the cathedral can accommodate up to 20,000 people. It also features a 135 meter high tower offering a panoramic view of the city. Also on the square is the Mozart House, where composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived in 1783. Along with a museum honoring his life and music, you have the chance to explore the house and see the rooms in which he lived and worked.
Hauptstraße: One of the pedestrian paths connecting Pfarrplatz to the Danube is Hauptstraße. One of the first medieval-style streets in Linz is this one. Other ancient buildings include the Old Cathedral, the Landhaus and the Ursuline Church. Along the way, you can also enjoy the boutiques, cafes and street art that abound. From the Danube, where the street ends, the Ars Electronica Center, a museum of art, technology and society, is easily visible.
Taubenmarkt: Linz’s large and dynamic Taubenmarkt connects Hauptplatz with Landstraße. Historically, it served as a chicken market until 1880. Currently, it is a hive of retail, restaurants, history and art. In the middle of the square is Hermann Krackowizer’s marble fountain from 1892, known as the Sparkassenbrunnen. It was moved to the Taubenmarkt in 1979 and features four allegorical figures symbolic of the four seasons. Built in 1715, Johann Michael Prunner created the baroque Palais Weibenwolff, adding to the historical significance of the district. Prominent visitors to the Weißenwolff family estate included Mozart and Beethoven. Today it is the site of the Wurm Gallery, exhibiting modern art.

Churches and Cathedrals In Linz

Mariendom (New Cathedral): Bishop Franz Joseph Rudigier began the neo-Gothic marvel known as the Mariendom, or new cathedral, the Mariae Immaculée Conception Cathedral, in 1855. Since the first stone was laid in 1862, the completion of the cathedral in 1924 was a major turning point. Although much smaller than St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, it is still the largest church in Austria. The main height of the temple is 44 meters and its length is 130 meters. The magnificent frescoed windows that show Linz’s history – which feature 142 windows, 54 columns and 17 altars – help to further accentuate its majesty.
Martinskirche: Originally thought to have begun in 799, the church was first identified as the oldest surviving church in Austria. His historical importance remains unaffected although his alleged being the first has become doubtful. Over the centuries, the Martinskirche went from Romanesque to Gothic style. Remarkable features, including wooden Gothic statues, Roman tombstones with 3rd-century inscriptions, and 14th- and 15th-century wall paintings, capture the cathedral’s rich heritage.
Pöstlingbergkirche (Seven Sorrows of Mary): Rising atop Postlingberg, the Roman Catholic parish and place of pilgrimage known as Postlingbergkirche, sometimes called the Seven Sorrows of Mary, is dedicated to the afflictions of Mary. Inspired by a miraculous image of Mary discovered in 1716, construction of the church began in 1742 under the plans of master builder Johann Matthias Krinner. Its cross-domed shape and superbly constructed double-tower facade emphasize its importance as a place of pilgrimage.
Alter Dom – Ignatiuskirche: Built between 1669 and 1678 for the Jesuit order in honor of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Ignatius Church, sometimes known as the Old Cathedral, was built with a single nave and a Baroque-inspired interior that clearly show its beauty even if the architect is still unknown. Its transition from an Episcopal to a Jesuit church over time illustrated its adaptive historical relevance within the Linz religious scene.
Pfarre Christkönig – Friedenskirche: The Roman Catholic parish church of Urfahr-Christkänig, sometimes known as the Friedenskirche, is an outstanding example of modern church building. Begun in 1933 and carried out in phases, the construction of the church resulted in its classification as a parish church in 1952. Among the most remarkable elements are a magnificent fresco by Max Weiler representing Christ the King and a remarkable Pieta fashioned by Adolf Wagner von der Muhl.
Ebelsberger Pfarrkirche: The Ebelsberger Parish Church, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, located in the Ebelsberg region of Linz, has been of great historical importance since 1250. Originally an autonomous parish of the monastery of Sankt Florian, it has changed greatly over the over the ages. Its removal and reconstruction after the devastation of the Battle of Ebelsberg in 1809 bear witness to its durability and continued presence in society.

Theaters In Linz

Linz State Theater: Under the management of O. Theater und Orchester GmbH, the State Theater Linz consists of three locations: the Kammerspiele, the Musiktheater am Volksgarten and the Schauspielhaus. Its history begins in 1752 and has evolved and expanded over time. Originally housed in temporary premises, including a converted warehouse, it saw notable growth in the 19th and 20th centuries, leading to the inclusion of additional venues such as the Kammerspiele in 1958.
Tribüne Linz: Originally the Eisenhand Theater, the smallest venue for spoken and youth theater, it became Tribüne Linz in 1998. It operates independently and offers a varied repertoire including performances by well-known actors and plays by eminent playwrights .
Theater Phönix: Founded in 1989, the Phönix Theater presents a variety of events in a renovated cinema hall attracting thousands of people each year. Even with events like a fire in 2021, Linz remains a vibrant cultural hive.
Linzer Kellertheater: Founded in 1954 and relocated in 1957, the Linzer Kellertheater focuses on boulevard plays and has maintained a devoted audience over the years. It is still a pillar of Linz’s cultural scene, under the direction of Wolfgang Ortner since 1990.
Brucknerhaus Linz: Named in honor of Anton Bruckner, this well-known music hall on the Danube is political differences caused delays in its construction, but it opened in 1974 with an emphasis on a excellent acoustics. The arena features the Linz Cloud of Sound, Ars Electronica activities and the International Bruckner Festival, showcasing a broad spectrum of musical and creative expressions.

Lakes In Linz

Pichlinger See: Built in the Pichling region, southeast of Linz, Pichlinger See is a man-made recreational facility including playgrounds, restaurants, a swimming lake and green spaces. Originally a gravel pit, it has been a popular swimming spot since 1947 thanks to years of work to maintain water quality. The lake offers, among other activities, walking, running, swimming, diving, fishing and surfing. Easily accessible by public transport, it attracts hundreds of visitors each year.
Pleschinger See: Another leisure destination near Linz, in the municipality of Steyregg, is the Pleschinger See. In addition to a reserved naturist area created in 1982, it has a swimming lake, green spaces, cafes and campervans. Drawing people for swimming, diving, fishing and ice skating in the winter, the two-kilometer walking and cycling trail around the lake attracts bus route 33 providing convenient access to the lake.
Weikerlsee: Two lakes make up the Weikerlsee: Kleine Weikerlise and Große Weikerlise, two urban lakes in Pichling southeast of Linz. Originally gravel pits, these lakes have been swimming spots since the 1950s. Although swimming is prohibited in the larger Weikerlsee since it is a nature reserve, the smaller Weikerlise offers swimming opportunities , including a separate nudist area. Strict rules help protect the natural environment while activities include swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and bird watching.

Parks and Recreation Areas in Linz

Botanical Garden of the City of Linz: Established in 1853 and relocated in 1952, the 4.2-acre Linz City Botanical Garden features more than 10,000 varieties of plants, with an emphasis on cacti and orchids. It was created. Separated into thematic zones, it includes an arboretum, greenhouses and an open-air space. Integrating nature and culture, the garden presents leisure spaces, cultural events and educational activities.
Donaulände: The public park known as Donaulände, often referred to as Donaupark, provides leisure spaces and hosts cultural events such as the Linz Festival and the Linz Cloud of Sound, right in the city center of Linz. Not far from the park are icons like the Brucknerhaus and the Lentos Art Museum, which help define Linz.
Wasserwald: A local leisure area as well as a water protection facility is the Wasserwald in the Kleinmünchen-Auwiesen district of Linz. Among the surrounding streets are Am Langen Zaun, Mühlkreis Autobahn and others. The park mainly consists of grassland and forest areas; The Scharlinz hydraulic plant, built between 1891 and 1893, is a particularly notable feature.
Bindermichl-Spallerhof Landscape Park: Founded in 2006, the Bindermichl-Spallerhof landscape park covers 8.3 hectares and is located between the districts of Bindermichl and Spallerhof. To accommodate different age groups, it offers leisure facilities including a skate park, water playground, football and beach volleyball fields.
Zoo Linz: Created in 1980, the Linz Zoo has around 650 animals of 110 species on an area of 5.5 hectares. It provides educational opportunities and recreational activities for guests of all ages and attracts approximately 145,000 people each year. The zoo has a domestic animal park, a tropical house and open-air cages.
Freinberg: Freinberg, a 405 meter high peak, offers panoramic views of Linz and its surroundings. Named after the Freinberg statistical area, it boasts a long heritage of conservation work carried out by groups such as the Linzer Beautification Association. Now covering around 20 hectares, the park includes sections such as the Kaiser Franz Josef Park and the City Park.
Pfenningberg: Rising to 616 meters, a popular recreational area east of Linz, the Pfenningberg attracts mountain bikers and hikers. Official routes and tours resulting from cooperative efforts like those of the Mountain Bike Initiative Linz help meet the large volume of visitors – around 30,000 per year – through development.

Castles And Palaces In Linz

Linz Castle: Built on the site of a Roman fort known as Lentia, the Linz Castle, positioned atop a hill overlooking Linz’s old town center and the Danube, has a rich legacy going to ancient Roman times. It changed a lot throughout the years, from a fortification to a palace and housed several feudal rulers. Linz Castle witnessed important events including Emperor Rudolf II’s restoration and the stay of Emperor Friedrich III.
Ebelsberg Castle: Located in the Ebelsberg district of Linz, Ebelsberg Castle boasts a legendary past going back to the 12th century when it was owned by the bishops of Passau. Notable for its part in the Battle of Ebelsberg during the Napoleonic Wars in 1809, the castle has seen times of devastation and reconstruction. Events ranging from Christmas markets to performances coordinated by the Schloss Ebelsberg cultural group abound today.
Old Town Hall Of Linz: Situated on the east side of the main square, the Old Town Hall boasts a historical legacy spanning rebuilding following a town fire in 1509 and enlargement with a baroque front in the 17th century. It provided a stage for Adolf Hitler’s declaration upon Austria’s annexation to Nazi Germany. Right now it hosts the Linz Museum for the History of Dentistry, municipal council sessions, and the mayor’s office.
Bridgehead Buildings: Designed by architect Roderich Fick and finished during the National Socialist era, the Bridgehead Buildings are striking elements on the north side of Linz’s main square. Over the years, the structures saw modifications and reuse notwithstanding their initial neo-baroque design ideas. These days, they host establishments like the Linz Art University and the Kunstuni Linz, therefore adding to the cultural scene of the city.
Linzer Landhaus: Built between 1568 and 1658, the Upper Austrian state parliament has its headquarters at the Linzer Landhaus. Originally a Minorite monastery, it developed in the 16th century into a hub of economic and artistic activity hosting the Protestant Landscape School until 1629. Rebuilding the structure with a classicist facade after a terrible fire in 1800, It has served the state parliament since 1861 and undergone modern upgrades to host a citizen service center.
Kirchmayr-Haus: Situated on Linz’s main plaza, Kirchmayr-Haus is a historical monument with origins in the 18th century when it held artist Johann Baptist Spaz. Designed in 1907 by master builder Gustav Steinberger for Funke & Loos, today’s building has late historicist architectural details including lattice balustrade and neo-baroque window stucco.
Schmidtberger-Haus: Another important construction on Linz’s central square is the Schmidtberger-Haus, sometimes known as Bankhaus Spängler. Originally owned by Mayor Siegmund Schmidtberger in 1595, this late Gothic long courtyard construction saw changes and additions over time. Purchased by Bankhaus Carl Spängler in 1999, local designer Andreas Heidl renovated it.
Kremsmünster-Haus: Rich in history going back to the late 15th century, this ancient city palace is situated on Linz’s “Alter Markt. Renovated in the late 16th century in Renaissance fashion, it boasts striking architectural details including circular oriels with imperial domes. Currently held by the City of Linz, it features a modern restaurant following thorough reconstruction in the 1980s.
Tabakfabrik Linz: The old tobacco plant, Tabakfabrik Linz, has been turned into a hive for restaurants, shops, exhibition space, agencies, and startups. Originally a textile and tobacco manufacturing plant, it underwent major architectural renovation in 1929 under the direction of well-known designers Peter Behrens and Alexander Popp Acquired by Linz in 2010, it is being transformed into a creative industries center, therefore enhancing the city’s international profile.
Franz-Josef-Observatory: Built in 1888 to honor Emperor Franz Josef’s birthday, the Franz-Josef-Observatory from its vantage point atop the Freinberg provides panoramic views of Linz, the Danube, and environs. Designed by Ignaz Scheck, the tower is still easily reachable for nature lovers by bus line 26 or trekking.