Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Linz, Austria

Linz is a picturesque city, often overlooked, situated in the northern region of Austria, along the River Danube. As the third largest city in Austria, it holds significant importance as a tourist destination, offering numerous captivating attractions and activities.

The remarkable blend of historical architecture, modern innovations, expansive green spaces, and cultural heritage enables Linz to rival esteemed Austrian cities such as Vienna and Salzburg.

Since 2014, Linz has been a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities network, a fact that is evident in the impressive variety of museums available for exploration.

1. The Ars Electronica Centre

The Ars Electronica Centre, also referred to as the Museum of the Future, is an enticing destination for technology enthusiasts.

This venue represents one of the most engaging locations to explore, where various forms of technology and interactive installations offer enjoyable learning experiences.

The centre is organized into distinct rooms and sections, showcasing interactive elements such as a virtual ping pong game, a massive 8k resolution screen displaying global locations in stunning detail, satellite imagery of Earth, responsive robots, and an information system featuring extensive demographic data accessible through a special touch pen.

Even those not particularly enamored with technology will find the Ars Electronica Centre to be an exceptional place to visit.

2. The Old Cathedral (Church of Ignatius)

This Baroque church is distinguished by its striking domed towers, characterized by the onion dome style typical of the era, prominently located near the Hauptplatz square.

Functioning as the diocese of Linz, the Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Ignatius, was initially constructed by the Jesuits in 1669. Although its exterior may not be as ornate as some other European Cathedrals, the towers capture attention, and the interior is truly magnificent.

Noteworthy features within the beautifully designed interior include an intricately crafted wooden pulpit and choir stalls, multiple pink marble columns, and a high altar adorned with religious artworks.

A visit to the Old Cathedral is essential, providing a fascinating contrast to the nearby New Cathedral.

3. Lentos Art Museum

Linz is home to several contemporary museums, including the Lentos Art Museum, which captivates with its striking neon-lit exterior at night.

Beyond its eye-catching façade, the museum features an impressive collection of artwork, establishing it as one of Austria’s most prominent art repositories.

With over 1,500 pieces spanning various styles—from classical modernism to 19th-century and expressionist works from the 1920s—there is something to interest every art aficionado.

In addition to extensive paintings, visitors can also appreciate an assortment of sculptures and photography exhibitions.

4. The New Cathedral (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception)

In contrast to the relatively simple design of the Church of Ignatius, the New Cathedral showcases an intricate exterior replete with numerous windows, turrets, and exquisite stained glass.

Accommodating approximately 20,000 individuals, the New Cathedral, known as Neuer Dom, is the largest cathedral by area in Austria.

One of its most notable stained glass windows is the “Linz” window, which vividly narrates the history surrounding Linz’s founding.

Thanks to its abundant windows, the interior is bathed in natural light, creating a warm ambiance as sunlight illuminates the space and casts intricate shadows on the columns.

5. Ride the Pöstlingbergbahn

The Pöstlingbergbahn is a narrow-gauge railway that ascends the steep slopes of the Postlingberg hill in northern Linz.

Departing from a central square in Linz, this charming old railway makes its way up the steep incline, which is among the steepest in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Linz cityscape and surrounding beauty.

The vintage carriages retain a stylish charm typical of urban trams but have been modernized with contemporary safety enhancements.

In addition to the enjoyable ride itself, the breathtaking scenery at the summit of Postlingberg presents a rewarding experience.

6. Pöstlingberg

This modest hill, akin to a mountain, is situated in the northern part of Linz and can be reached via the delightful Pöstlingbergbahn railway.

Atop this serene location, one can find the Pilgrimage Basilica, the Grottenbahn attraction, and several restaurants and cafés.

After disembarking from the railway, visitors are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of Linz.

The Pilgrimage Basilica is notable for its twin towers, while the Grottenbahn offers an entertaining journey through a fairy-tale setting illuminated with vibrant colors, showcasing trolls and fairies.

Pöstlingberg is an excellent area to explore, with ample opportunities to spend a leisurely day.

7. Boat ride on the Danube/Linz Harbour

The Danube River, one of Europe’s longest, flows through numerous historically significant cities, including Budapest, Vienna, Linz, Belgrade, and Bratislava.

In each city that the Danube passes through, a boat trip offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the city from a distinctive vantage point while enjoying a leisurely experience, potentially with a glass of wine in hand.

Linz provides a variety of boat tour options, including shorter hour-and-a-half excursions along the river and through the splendid harbor, as well as longer half-day trips to Vienna.

Notable companies offering boat excursions include Wurm & Kock and the steamboat company DFS Schönbrunn.

8. Enjoy a piece of delicious Linz Cake

Numerous cities take pride in their traditional dishes and specialties, and Linz is notable for its renowned Linz Cake.

This confection is celebrated by the residents of Linz as the oldest cake globally. It consists of a flaky pastry enriched with nuts and cinnamon, typically featuring a jam filling and finished with an intricate lattice topping.

Tasting this iconic dessert in one of the numerous cafes or bakeries in Linz is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

9. Hauptplatz

The Hauptplatz, Linz’s principal square, is a striking open area extending from Klosterstraße to the banks of the Danube River, serving as a central hub for the downtown region.

At its core stands the imposing Trinity Column, reaching a height of 20 meters and dedicated to commemorating various disasters and hardships throughout history.

Historically, this square was a focal point for economic prosperity in Linz, hosting markets; today, however, it serves as a picturesque venue to admire architectural elegance or relax in one of the cafes while observing the bustling activity.

10. Mauthausen Memorial

Across various regions in Europe, remnants of concentration and labor camps established by the Nazis during World War II can be found. Although the events that transpired here are well-documented, these sites serve as somber reminders of historical suffering.

Located east of Linz, the Mauthausen memorial and museum, along with the remains of the camp, stand as poignant and compelling tributes to history.

Day trips to this site are available, and visitors can also obtain self-guided audio tours upon arrival.

While visiting Mauthausen may not appeal to everyone, it is an essential historical site, offering profound insights into past hardships.

11. Linz Botanical Gardens

Known locally as the Gugl, these Botanical Gardens are among the finest and most breathtaking in Europe.

Spanning over 40,000 square meters and featuring 10,000 plant species, visitors can easily spend hours immersed in the beauty of nature.

The gardens include diverse themed areas, such as a Japanese garden and a serene pond filled with water lilies.

Adjacent to the gardens lies an impressive arboretum showcasing around 700 varieties of trees, complemented by five greenhouses housing a captivating array of plants, cacti, and flowers.

These gardens deliver a tranquil and enriching experience, allowing visitors an opportunity to step away from traditional sightseeing.

12. Wilhering Abbey

Although not technically within Linz, Wilhering Abbey is merely a 20-minute drive away and certainly merits the visit.

Several buildings, including the main Abbey constructed in 1146, can be found on the grounds. The structure features a charming white exterior accented with pale orange stripes and topped with an onion dome.

The Abbey’s interior is designed in the “Rococo” style, representing one of the most exemplary existing designs in the German-speaking world.

The abundant color, attention to detail, and interconnectedness of architectural elements create a visually captivating experience within this compact space.

13. Donaupark

Donaupark is a picturesque stretch of parkland along the Danube River, conveniently located next to the Lentos Museum, offering a pleasant spot to unwind.

The grassy spaces are interspersed with walkways and a promenade that follows the riverbank.

This public park features various amenities, including trees, benches, fountains, and modern sculptures.

Locals utilize this park for recreation, with frequent sightings of joggers, cyclists, and individuals enjoying leisure activities on the lawns.

14. Schlossmuseum Linz

This historical castle-turned-museum dominates Linz’s skyline, representing one of Austria’s most prominent cultural institutions, complemented by a restaurant offering picturesque views of the Danube.

The museum is housed in a structure dating back prior to the 800s, initially serving as an imperial palace.

Exhibits within the museum encompass diverse subjects, including a biology center focusing on wildlife such as woodpeckers, a geological display illustrating various forms of landslides, and a section dedicated to contemporary and future photography.

The museum also houses a vast collection of cultural, scientific, and archaeological artifacts, making it an engaging venue for visitors.

15. Voestalpine Steelworks

The realm of steel and construction is exceptionally intriguing at Voestalpine steelworks.

This company, a significant contributor to Austria’s steel industry, has established an exhibition demonstrating the material’s importance in everyday life.

The exhibition space features several displays, including interactive elements allowing visitors to create their own steel formula.

In addition to the exhibitions, guided tours of the steel plant offer insight into the operations of this expansive facility.