Geography Of Linz
Situated between the Alps and the Bohemian massif, Linz is part of the Alpine foreland, an area of hills and plains. With an average altitude of 266 meters above sea level and an area of 96.05 square kilometers, the city is among many natural and artificial borders. Linz is surrounded by the Danube, the Traun River, the Pöstlingberg hill and the A7 motorway.
Comprising 29.27% meadows, 17.95% forests, 6.39% water bodies, 11.63% traffic areas and 34.76% building land, the urban area of Linz is concentrated in the city center and adjacent neighborhoods. a compact and dense urban structure. Nine neighborhoods make up the city and each has unique qualities, history and character.
The city’s oldest and most historic district is its center, sometimes called Innere Stadt. Located on the south bank of the Danube, it includes among others the Old Town, the Main Square, the New Cathedral, the Landhaus and the Ars Electronica Center. Including numerous shops, restaurants, museums, theaters and offices, the city center is also the city’s main administrative, cultural and commercial hub.
Location and Surroundings
Geographical Position
Located in the eastern part of the Upper Austrian Basin, a subregion of the Alpine foreland, Linz has the coordinates 48°18′N 14°17′E. About 160 kilometers west of Vienna, the capital of Austria, and about 280 kilometers east of Munich, the capital of Bavaria, Germany, the city is located approximately 50 and 70 kilometers respectively , Linz is also close to the borders of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Neighboring Regions
Several municipalities and districts in Upper Austria border Linz. < The city is located in the north, next to the Mühlviertel region, a hilly and forested area stretching across the Czech border and which includes the districts of Urfahr-Umgebung and Freistadt. The Linz-Land district, which extends over the suburbs and rural areas of Linz, borders the city to the east. Part of the Hausruckviertel region, a rich and agricultural area extending to the Salzkammergut, the city is flanked to the south by Wels-Land and Eferding. The Traunviertel region, a mountainous and picturesque area including the Alps, is bordered to the west by the district of Kirchdorf an der Krems.
Access Points
Thanks to numerous means of transport, Linz is ideally connected to the rest of Austria and Europe. Buses, trams and a funicular make up the city’s contemporary and efficient public transport system. Additionally, in the center of the city there is a railway station offering regional and international trains to Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Munich, Prague and Budapest. About 12 kilometers southwest of the city center, Linz Airport offers domestic and international flights to cities such as Frankfurt, London, Zurich and Düsseldorf. In addition, the city is accessible by road since it is located on several major highways including the A1, A7 and A25.
Physical Geography
Landforms in Linz
- The Danube River: The second longest river in Europe and the main one flowing through the city is the Danube. Starting from the German Black Forest, it crosses ten countries before flowing into the Black Sea. For the city and its surroundings, the Danube is an essential source of water, energy, transport and recreation. In the city, the Danube also creates several islands and branches, including the Traun-Danube confluence, the Winterhafen and the Donaupark.
- The Pöstlingberg Hill: Rising 539 meters above sea level, Pöstlingberg Hill is the highest and best-known hill in the city. Part of the Bohemian massif, it is located on the south bank of the Danube. A popular tourist destination, Pöstlingberg is home to several landmarks, including the Pöstlingberg Church, the Pöstlingberg Zoo and the Pöstlingberg Railway. The Pöstlingberg also offers an amazing perspective of the Alps and the city.
- The Freinberg Hill: Rising 399 meters above sea level, another notable hill in the city is Freinberg Hill. Part of the Mühlviertel region, it is located on the north bank of the Danube. With several trails, parks and sports facilities, the Freinberg is a leisure space. The Freinberg also has historical significance as it housed a bunker and fortification during the World Wars.
Rivers and Lakes
- The Traun River: The second largest river in the city and the largest tributary of the Danube in Upper Austria is the Traun River. It starts in the Salzkammergut region and passes through the Hausruckviertel region before merging with the Danube in Linz. Along its course, the navigable and controlled Traun River has several dams, locks and power stations. In the city, the Traun also forms a number of lakes and ponds, including the Traunsee, the Weikerlsee and the Pichlinger See.
- The Krems River: Another important river in the city and the second largest tributary of the Danube in Linz is the Krems. It starts in the Traunviertel region and passes through the Mühlviertel region before flowing into the Danube in Linz. Natural and unbridled, the Krems flows with numerous rapids, bends and meanders. Within the city, the Krems also creates several wetlands and floodplains, including Krems-Auen, Obere Traun-Auen and Untere Traun-Auen.
Mountain Ranges Nearby
- The Alps: Comprising eight countries and spanning approximately 200,000 square kilometers, the Alps are the highest and largest mountain range in Europe. Subranges including the Eastern Alps, Western Alps and Southern Alps divide the Alps. Because they affect the temperature, terrain, economy and character of Austria, the Alps constitute one of the country’s greatest natural and cultural assets. Due to their range of activities (skiing, hiking, climbing and tourism), the Alps are also a popular destination for tourism, sports and leisure.
- The Bohemian Massif: Comprising most of central Europe, including parts of Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland, the vast and ancient geological formation known as the Bohemian Massif of Bohemia extends over several smaller features, including the Bohemian Forest, the Ore Mountains. , and the Sudetenland, the Bohemian Massif is With an average altitude of about 500 meters above sea level, the rather low and eroded mountain range known as the Bohemian Massif Granite, quartz and uranium, among other minerals, abound in the Bohemian massif. Made up of numerous forests, meadows and rivers, the Bohemian massif is also a rich and varied ecological space.
Human Geography
Urban Development
Since Roman times, when it was a fortified settlement known as Lentia, Linz has a long and rich history of urban development. Over the ages, the city grew and prospered, becoming the center of commerce, business and culture. Wars, fires, epidemics and industrialization were also among the many difficulties and changes that the city also experienced. In addition to its social and spatial diversity, the city’s urban growth reflects both its historical and modern influences. The city consists of several urban areas: the residential area, the industrial area, the old town, the new town. Among the many urban projects that the city boasts of are the Linz AG Smart City, the Linz 09 European Capital of Culture and the Linz City of Donau.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Linz’s modern and efficient infrastructure and transport system supports not only its social and economic activities, but also its environmental and sustainability goals. Roads, bridges, tunnels and trains all around the city connect it to the rest of the country and the continent. Including buses, trams and a funicular, the city also has a reliable and easily accessible public transport system. A modern airport with domestic and international flights to different locations is another feature of the city. A high-quality and creative energy, water and waste management system also guarantees the supply and security of the city as well as its conservation and efficiency.
Natural Attractions
Parks and Green Spaces
- The Donaupark: Situated on an island in the Danube, the vast and charming Donaupark Comprising some 150 hectares, the park offers a range of attractions including a playground, skate park, botanical garden, rose garden and beach. Events, including concerts, celebrations and exhibitions, also abound in the park.
- The Volksgarten: Located in the southern part of the city, the classic and sophisticated Volksgarten covers approximately 17 hectares and houses, among other things, a pond, a fountain, a pavilion and a monument. The park is home to the Linz Botanical Garden, the Linz City Museum and the Linz City Library, thus fulfilling both a cultural and educational role.
Nature Reserves
- The Untere Traun-Auen: Comprising a protected wetland at the junction of the Traun and Danube, Untere Traun-Auen is of great ecological value as it provides habitat for many species, including willows, poplars, herons, beavers and otters, the approximately 500 hectares of surface area are of great value. Along with several trails and lookouts, the area presents a beautiful and peaceful scene.
- The Obere Traun-Auen: The Obere Traun-Auen is another protected wetland upstream of the Traun River. Covering almost 300 hectares, the area has an ecological value and use equivalent to that of Untere Traun-Auen. Considering several archaeological sites, including Traunstein Abbey and Traunstein Castle, the region also has historical and cultural value.
Scenic Points of Interest
- The Pöstlingberg Viewpoint: Perched on top of the Postlingberg hill, the Postlingberg viewpoint offers an astonishing and vast perspective. Comprising the Danube, the Alps and the Bohemian massif, the viewpoint offers an astonishing perspective on the city and its surroundings. The viewpoint can be reached by car, bus or the Postlingberg railway, the steepest adhesion railway in Europe.
- The Freinberg Viewpoint: Perched atop Freinberg Hill, the Freinberg Viewpoint offers another striking and picturesque perspective. Particularly at night, when the city lights contrast with the dark sky, the viewpoint presents a different but equally beautiful perspective of the city and landscape. As there are several hiking and cycling trails, one can reach the viewpoint by car, bus or on foot.
Administrative Divisions
Nine districts separate Linz, each with unique administrative and historical characteristics. The districts are constituted as follows:
- Comprising the Old Town and the New Town, the central and central district of the city is known as the Innere Stadt. With around 30,000 inhabitants, it is the oldest and most populated district. Home to the city hall, the state legislature and the bishop’s residence, it is also the political and cultural district.
- Located on the north bank of the Danube, Urfahr is the northernmost part of the city. Comprising approximately 58,000 inhabitants, this district is the second largest and most populous. Home to Freinberg Hill, Pleschinger Lake and Johannes Kepler University, it is also a recreational and educational space.
On the south bank of the Danube, Postlingberg is the southernmost district of the city. Comprising around 4,000 inhabitants, it is the smallest and least populated district. Home to Postlingberg Hill, P?stlingberg Church and P?stlingberg Zoo, it is also a tourist and picturesque area. - Rising on the north bank of the Danube, Sainte-Madeleine is the easternmost area of the city. Comprising around 25,000 inhabitants, this district is the third largest and most populous. Home to several suburbs, villages and farms, it is also the residential and rural area.
- Located on the north bank of the Danube, Dornach-Auhof is the westernmost area of the city. With around 22,000 inhabitants, this district is the fourth largest and the fourth most populous. Home to many factories, warehouses and retail stores, it is also the industrial and commercial district.
- Kaplanhof is a district to the west of the New Town, on the south bank of the Danube. With nearly 21,000 inhabitants, this district is the fifth largest and most populous. Home to several residential, industrial and green spaces, it is also a mixed and varied neighborhood.
- Franckviertel is a district to the east of the New Town, on the south bank of the Danube. With almost 19,000 inhabitants, it is the sixth largest and most populous district. Welcoming many immigrants, refugees and minorities, it is also a social and cosmopolitan space.
- Bindermichl-Keferfeld is a district located south of the new town, on the south bank of the Danube. With approximately 18,000 residents, this neighborhood ranks seventh in size and population. Home to several new and creative buildings including the Wissensturm and the Cité Solaire, it is also the contemporary and planned district.
- Ebelsberg is a district in the southwest of the New Town, on the south bank of the Danube. With approximately 17,000 residents, this district ranks eighth in size and population. Apart from this, it is the military and historical district with several monuments including the Battle of Ebelsberg and Ebelsberg Castle.
