Linz

Linz is the third-largest city in Austria and the capital of Upper Austria. It is located on both banks of the Danube River, about 160 km west of Vienna. Linz is a city of contrasts, where the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, the industrial and the artistic coexist in harmony.

Linz: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Europe

Linz is a city of culture, with a rich musical heritage, a vibrant contemporary art scene, and a UNESCO City of Media Arts status. Linz is also a city of nature, with beautiful green spaces, scenic views, and nearby mountains and lakes. Linz is a city of history, with a long and diverse past, from the Roman times to the present day. Linz is a hidden gem in the heart of Europe, waiting to be explored by curious and adventurous travelers.

Geography and climate

Linz is situated in the northern part of Austria, in the Alpine foothills. The city covers an area of 96.05 km2 and has a population of about 205,000. The Danube River divides the city into two parts: the Urfahr district on the north bank and the rest of the city on the south bank. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains, such as the Pöstlingberg, the Traunstein, and the Kürnberger Wald. The city has a temperate continental climate, with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 9.4°C, with the warmest month being July (19.3°C) and the coldest month being January (-0.3°C). The average annual precipitation is 842 mm, with the wettest month being June (107 mm) and the driest month being February (40 mm).

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Linz depends on your preferences and interests. If you want to enjoy the warm and sunny weather, the best time is from May to September, when the average temperature is between 15°C and 23°C. This is also the peak season for tourism, so expect more crowds and higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the lower prices, the best time is from October to April, when the average temperature is between 1°C and 12°C. This is also the time when you can experience the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets, the carnival, and the Easter celebrations. If you want to see the nature in full bloom, the best time is from April to May, when the flowers and trees are blossoming. If you want to see the autumn colors, the best time is from September to October, when the leaves are changing.

Practical information

Before you travel to Linz, here are some practical information that you should know:

• The currency in Austria is the euro (EUR). You can exchange your money at banks, exchange offices, or ATMs. Credit cards are widely accepted, but some small shops and restaurants may only accept cash.
• The official language in Austria is German, but many people also speak English, especially in the tourist areas. You can also find some signs and menus in other languages, such as French, Italian, or Spanish.
• The standard voltage in Austria is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type F, which are compatible with type C and E. You may need an adapter if your devices have a different plug type.
• The emergency phone number in Austria is 112, which can be used for any kind of emergency, such as fire, police, or ambulance. You can also call 133 for the police, 122 for the fire brigade, or 144 for the ambulance separately.
• The tap water in Austria is safe to drink, but you can also buy bottled water if you prefer. The water quality is monitored regularly and meets the high standards of the European Union.
• The public transportation in Linz consists of buses, trams, and trains. You can buy tickets at the machines, online, or on your smartphone. You can also buy a Linz Card, which gives you unlimited access to the public transportation, as well as discounts and free admission to some attractions. The Linz Card costs 18 EUR for one day, 30 EUR for two days, or 36 EUR for three days.
• The driving side in Austria is the right, and the speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. You need a valid driver’s license, an international driving permit, and a car insurance to drive in Austria. You also need to pay a toll for using some motorways and tunnels, which can be done by buying a vignette sticker or an electronic toll device.

History and interesting facts

Linz has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the ancient times. Here are some of the highlights and interesting facts about the city’s past and present:

• Linz was founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD, under the name of Lentia. It was a strategic military and trade outpost, located at the crossroads of the Danube and the land routes. It was also the site of several battles and sieges, involving the Romans, the Germanic tribes, the Huns, the Avars, the Slavs, the Magyars, and the Ottomans.
• Linz became a part of the Holy Roman Empire in the 10th century, and a part of the Habsburg Monarchy in the 15th century. It was a prosperous and influential city, known for its commerce, industry, and culture. It was also the birthplace or residence of several famous figures, such as the astronomer Johannes Kepler, the composer Anton Bruckner, the poet Adalbert Stifter, and the physicist Erwin Schrödinger.

• Linz played a controversial role in the 20th century, especially during the Nazi era. Adolf Hitler spent his youth in Linz, and considered it his hometown. He had grand plans to transform Linz into the cultural capital of the Third Reich, and ordered the construction of several monumental buildings and projects, such as the Führermuseum, the Nibelungen Bridge, and the Hermann Göring Works. He also ordered the deportation and extermination of the Jewish population of Linz, and the exploitation of the forced laborers and prisoners of war. Many of the Nazi buildings and projects were destroyed or abandoned after the war, and some of them are still visible today as reminders of the dark past.
• Linz reinvented itself in the 21st century, as a city of innovation, creativity, and diversity. It was awarded the European Capital of Culture in 2009, and the UNESCO City of Media Arts in 2014. It is home to several cutting-edge institutions, such as the Ars Electronica Center, the Lentos Art Museum, the Brucknerhaus, and the Tabakfabrik. It is also a city of tolerance, integration, and multiculturalism, with a vibrant and diverse community of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and religions.

Getting there

There are several ways to get to Linz, depending on your starting point and your preferred mode of transportation. Here are some of the options:

• By plane: The nearest airport to Linz is the Linz Airport, also known as the Blue Danube Airport, located about 13 km southwest of the city center. It is a small and convenient airport, with flights to and from several European destinations, such as Vienna, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, London, Zurich, and Amsterdam. You can also fly to the Vienna International Airport, located about 200 km east of Linz, which is the largest and busiest airport in Austria, with flights to and from many international destinations. From either airport, you can take a shuttle bus, a train, or a taxi to Linz.
• By train: Linz is well connected by train to other cities in Austria and Europe, thanks to its central location and its status as a railway hub. The main train station in Linz is the Linz Hauptbahnhof, located in the south of the city center. It is a modern and spacious station, with frequent and fast trains to and from Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck, Munich, Prague, Budapest, and more. You can buy train tickets at the station, online, or on your smartphone. You can also use the ÖBB Nightjet, which is a comfortable and convenient overnight train service that connects Linz to several European cities, such as Zurich, Berlin, Hamburg, Venice, and Rome.

• By bus: Linz is also accessible by bus from other cities in Austria and Europe, thanks to its proximity to the motorways and its bus terminal. The main bus station in Linz is the Linz Busterminal, located next to the Linz Hauptbahnhof. It is a modern and efficient station, with regular and cheap buses to and from Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck, Munich, Prague, Budapest, and more. You can buy bus tickets at the station, online, or on your smartphone. You can also use the Flixbus, which is a popular and affordable bus service that connects Linz to many European destinations, such as Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, and Copenhagen.
• By car: Linz is easily reachable by car, you can drive to Linz via the motorways A1, A7, A8, or A9, depending on your direction. You can use the Google Maps or the Waze app to navigate your way to Linz. You can park your car in one of the many parking garages or lots in the city, or use the Park and Ride service, which allows you to park your car outside the city and take the public transportation to the center. You can find more information about parking in Linz on the official website of the city.

Hotels and hostels in Linz

Linz offers a wide range of accommodation options for travelers of different budgets and preferences. You can find hotels, hostels, guesthouses, apartments, and campsites in and around the city. You can book your accommodation online, or on your smartphone, using platforms such as Booking.com, Airbnb, or Hostelworld. You can also use the Linz Tourism website, which provides a comprehensive list of accommodation options in Linz, with detailed information, reviews, and ratings. Here are some of the recommended hotels and hostels in Linz:

• Hotel Am Domplatz: This is a modern and stylish hotel, located in the heart of the city, next to the Mariendom cathedral. It offers spacious and comfortable rooms, with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, and private bathroom. It also has a sauna, a fitness center, a bar, and a restaurant. The hotel is within walking distance from the main attractions, such as the Hauptplatz, the Landestheater, and the Ars Electronica Center. The price for a double room starts from 99 EUR per night.
• Jugendgästehaus Linz: This is a cozy and friendly hostel, located in the Urfahr district, on the north bank of the Danube. It offers dorms and private rooms, with free Wi-Fi, lockers, and shared bathroom. It also has a common kitchen, a dining room, a lounge, a garden, and a terrace. The hostel is close to the Pöstlingbergbahn, the Grottenbahn, and the Lentos Art Museum. The price for a bed in a dorm starts from 22 EUR per night.
• Hotel Schwarzer Bär: This is a traditional and charming hotel, located in the south of the city center, near the Südbahnhofmarkt. It offers elegant and cozy rooms, with free Wi-Fi, cable TV, desk, and private bathroom. It also has a sauna, a solarium, a bar, and a restaurant. The hotel is close to the Botanical Garden, the Brucknerhaus, and the Donaupark. The price for a double room starts from 79 EUR per night.
• Harry’s Home Linz Hotel & Apartments: This is a modern and spacious hotel, located in the north of the city, near the Danube Park. It offers rooms and apartments, with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, kitchenette, and private bathroom. It also has a fitness center, a laundry room, a snack bar, and a breakfast buffet. The hotel is close to the Design Center, the Voestalpine Steel World, and the Plus City Shopping Center. The price for a double room starts from 89 EUR per night.

Sights and attractions

Linz has a lot to offer to its visitors, from historical and cultural sights, to natural and artistic attractions. You can explore the city by foot, by bike, by public transportation, or by guided tours. You can also use the Linz Card, which gives you free admission to some of the attractions, as well as discounts and other benefits. Here are some of the must-see sights and attractions in Linz:

1. Hauptplatz: This is the main square of the city, and one of the largest in Europe. It is a lively and beautiful place, surrounded by impressive buildings, such as the Old Town Hall, the Trinity Column, and the Landhaus. It is also the venue for many events and festivals, such as the Linz Fest, the Krone Fest, and the Christmas Market. You can enjoy the atmosphere, the architecture, and the street performers, or visit one of the many cafes, restaurants, and shops around the square.
2. Mariendom: This is the largest church in Austria, and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It is located on the Domplatz, next to the Hotel Am Domplatz. It was built between 1862 and 1924, and can accommodate up to 20,000 people. It has a stunning interior, with stained glass windows, frescoes, sculptures, and organs. It also has a 135-meter-high tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the surroundings. You can visit the church for free, or join a guided tour for 3 EUR per person.
3. Ars Electronica Center: This is a museum and a center for digital art and media, and one of the most innovative and futuristic attractions in Linz. It is located on the south bank of the Danube, near the Nibelungen Bridge. It was opened in 1996, and renovated in 2009. It has a striking facade, with LED lights that change colors and patterns. It has several exhibitions, workshops, labs, and studios, that showcase the latest trends and developments in technology, science, and art. You can interact with the exhibits, such as robots, virtual reality, biotechnology, and more. You can also visit the Sky Loft, which is a restaurant and a bar with a stunning view of the city and the river. The admission fee is 9.5 EUR for adults, 6.5 EUR for students, and free for children under 6 years old.
4. Pöstlingberg: This is a hill and a landmark of Linz, located on the north bank of the Danube, in the Urfahr district. It is 539 meters high, and offers a spectacular view of the city and the surroundings. You can reach the top of the hill by the Pöstlingbergbahn, which is the steepest adhesion railway in Europe, and a historical attraction itself. It was built in 1898, and runs from the Hauptplatz to the Pöstlingberg. It takes about 20 minutes, and costs 6.4 EUR for a round trip. On the top of the hill, you can visit the Pöstlingbergkirche, which is a Baroque pilgrimage church, with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary. You can also visit the Grottenbahn, which is a fairy-tale themed amusement park, with a dragon train, a dwarf village, and a puppet theater. The admission fee is 5.5 EUR for adults, 3.5 EUR for children, and free for children under 4 years old.

Conclusion

Linz is a city that has something for everyone, whether you are looking for culture, nature, history, or fun. It is a city that combines the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, the industrial and the artistic. It is a city that surprises and delights its visitors, with its diversity, creativity, and charm. Linz is a hidden gem in the heart of Europe, that deserves to be discovered and enjoyed.