View of the old town of Linz, Austria

Things to do in  Linz

Art and industry on the Danube

Straddling the Danube River in Upper Austria, Linz is a city best known by Austrians, along with German and Czech citizens whose borders are nearby. It’s Austria’s third largest city, but with a population similar to a US suburb, it doesn’t feel that big. Visitors who linger today will find the perks of a city with the tranquil air of a town and a burgeoning cultural scene. In Linz, contemporary museums dedicated to art and innovation are among the cool things to do.

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Top 1 attractions in Linz

#1

Mauthausen

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Mauthausen was one of the largest concentration camps in the Nazi-controlled part of Europe during World War II. It was the last camp to be liberated by the Allies, with at least 90,000 people estimated to have been murdered there. The main camp at Mauthausen, located outside the titular town in Austria, has served as a museum since 1975.More
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Top activities in Linz

Mauthausen private tour from Linz

Mauthausen private tour from Linz

star-5
5
From
USD354.71
per group
Private Return Day Trip from Linz to Cesky Krumlov with Guided Tour

Private Return Day Trip from Linz to Cesky Krumlov with Guided Tour

star-5
5
From
USD806.06
per group
Linz Old Town Private Walking Tour and Cruise

Linz Old Town Private Walking Tour and Cruise

From
USD231.85
Private Tour from Linz to Hallstatt with English Speaking Driver

Private Tour from Linz to Hallstatt with English Speaking Driver

From
USD310.64
Private one way transfer from Linz to Cesky Krumlov

Private one way transfer from Linz to Cesky Krumlov

star-5
1
From
USD268.61
per group
Private transfer from Linz to Prague

Private transfer from Linz to Prague

From
USD591.19
per group
Private transfer from Linz from Vienna

Private transfer from Linz from Vienna

From
USD569.69
per group
Private Transfer from Linz to Munich, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver

Private Transfer from Linz to Munich, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver

From
USD177.04
Private Tour Linz - Cesky Krumlov with English Speaking Driver

Private Tour Linz - Cesky Krumlov with English Speaking Driver

From
USD254.75
The Best of Linz Walking Tour

The Best of Linz Walking Tour

From
USD214.98
Private Linz Walking Tour for Couples

Private Linz Walking Tour for Couples

From
USD214.98
Magical Christmas Walking Tour Around Linz

Magical Christmas Walking Tour Around Linz

From
USD274.10
CITY QUEST LINZ: uncover the secrets of this city!

CITY QUEST LINZ: uncover the secrets of this city!

star-5
3
From
USD31.17
per group
Cycling Tour of Linz with a Private Guide

Cycling Tour of Linz with a Private Guide

From
USD233.36
Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn

Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn

From
USD211.11
Linz: Churches & Old Town Private Guided Tour

Linz: Churches & Old Town Private Guided Tour

From
USD218.85
Linz: Pöstlingberg and Old Town Private Walking Tour

Linz: Pöstlingberg and Old Town Private Walking Tour

From
USD220.35
Literature in Linz: Adalbert Stifter Institute Private Tour

Literature in Linz: Adalbert Stifter Institute Private Tour

From
USD211.11
Private one way Scenic transfer from Linz to Prague via Cesky Krumlov

Private one way Scenic transfer from Linz to Prague via Cesky Krumlov

From
USD623.33
per group
Linz Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

Linz Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

star-5
2
From
USD274.31
per group
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All about Linz

When to visit

Linz is loveliest in the warm summer months when average temperatures hover around 68°F (20°C). Although it’s not a big tourist city, more Austrian and German visitors are in town at this time of year. Snowfalls give the city an enchanting vibe in winter, especially if the snow hits the ground in time for the Christmas markets (mid-November to Christmas Eve). The Hauptplatz market is the main attraction, although smaller markets are dotted about the city, too.

Getting around

Linz old town is pedestrianized, but for further-away exploring, the buses and trams are efficient, regular, and free to holders of the Linz Card. Many locals like to get around on bikes, though, making use of the generally flat terrain. The public hire scheme Linz City Bikes has more than 40 stations around the city, and there are private bike-hire shops dotted around with e-bike options and scooters, too.

Traveler tips: Coffeehouse culture in Linz

Many travelers to Austria will have heard of Vienna’s coffeehouse culture but might not know it exists beyond the capital. In Linz, the coffeehouse culture is alive and thriving, maybe in testament to its famous Linzer Torte. Must-visit cafés include the Café Traxlmayr, a historic Viennese coffee house with a vast selection of newspapers and magazines, and the Jindrak Konditorei on Herrenstrasse, which is often touted as the best place to try Linzer Torte.

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Tours
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People Also Ask

Is it worth visiting Linz?

Yes, Linz is worth a visit, especially for those heading east from Germany en route to Austria’s headline destinations like Salzburg or Vienna. With good transport links, Linz is ideal for a stop-over, offering an authentic Austrian city experience with sights that can be covered in a day.

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What is Linz in Austria known for?

Linz is known as the capital of Upper Austria, and many Austrians know it as a center of industry. Visitors know Linz more for its riverside perch by the Danube and its up-and-coming art scene. Creative types are drawn to the quirky graffiti museum Mural Harbour and ARS Electronica.

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How long does it take to see Linz?

Most Linz sights can be seen in a day, although it takes some planning. Make time for old-town wandering, visiting Linz Castle Museum, and a funicular ride up Postlingberg. The ARS Electronica, Mural Harbour, and the Museum of Modern Art (Lentos Kunstmuseum) are options for art lovers.

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What is a fun fact about Linz?

The Linzer Torte, a red currant tart from Linz, is believed to be the world’s oldest cake. Even though nobody knows when it was invented, the sweet treat is made from a recipe that dates to the 1600s and is traditionally eaten during the holiday season.

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Does Linz have an old town?

Yes, Linz has an old town known by its German name, the Innere Stadt. Like many Austrian old towns, the picturesque area is pedestrianized, with many streets radiating from the vast Hauptplatz central square. The Mariendom medieval cathedral is one of the area’s standout architectural sights.

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What is the sister city of Linz in Austria?

Linz is twinned with many European towns, including Linz am Rhein in Germany, Modena in Italy, Ceske Budejovice in the Czech Republic, and other cities. Kansas City in the US, Monterey in Mexico, and Chengdu in China are a few of Linz’s other sister cities.

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What is the most photographed town in Austria?

It’s difficult to say, but Hallstatt is a much-photographed Austrian town with a picturesque setting between the lake and mountains. While Linz itself isn’t a contender for the title, a popular photo spot in the city is the park at Linz Castle, from where views stretch over the Danube.

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