Linz

🎭 Activities

• Ars Electronica Festival – September: This globally acclaimed festival showcases the fusion of art, technology, and society with cutting-edge exhibitions and interactive installations. Scientists, artists, and digital innovators present groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of creativity and future tech. The entire city transforms into a vibrant hub of futuristic ideas, workshops, and immersive digital experiences.
• Linz Christmas Market – December: The festive season in Linz is magical, with Christmas markets offering handcrafted gifts, delicious treats, and warm mulled wine. The city’s main squares glow with twinkling lights, while choirs and musicians create a cozy holiday atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy traditional Austrian delicacies and shop for artisanal goods in the heart of the city.
• Pflasterspektakel Street Art Festival – July: This internationally recognized festival turns Linz into a lively stage for acrobats, musicians, comedians, and street performers. More than 100 acts from around the world fill the streets, creating a dynamic open-air spectacle for all ages. Visitors can enjoy a variety of live performances while strolling through the city’s historic center.
• Crossing Europe Film Festival – April: One of Austria’s most important film festivals, it celebrates independent European cinema with screenings of bold and thought-provoking films. Filmmakers, critics, and movie lovers gather for discussions, premieres, and award ceremonies. It’s a must-visit for anyone passionate about unique storytelling and artistic expression in film.
• Linz Danube Festival – June: This riverside celebration offers a mix of live music, cultural performances, and culinary delights along the Danube. Spectacular fireworks, local artists, and food stands create an unforgettable summer experience. Families, friends, and travelers gather to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and scenic river views.
• Linz Culture Night – October: Museums, galleries, and cultural institutions open their doors late into the night, offering free exhibitions, concerts, and performances. Visitors can experience the city’s artistic side through special guided tours and interactive art installations. The event showcases Linz’s vibrant creative scene in a unique and engaging way.
• Donaupark Open-Air Cinema – Summer: Watching films under the stars in a scenic park setting is a highlight of summer in Linz. A diverse selection of classic and contemporary movies is screened in an atmospheric outdoor venue. Movie lovers bring blankets, snacks, and drinks to enjoy a relaxed cinematic experience.
• Linz City Hiking Trails – Year-round: The city offers numerous scenic walking trails that lead through parks, forests, and historic sites. Routes like the Pöstlingberg trail provide breathtaking panoramic views over the Danube and Linz’s skyline. Whether exploring nature or cultural landmarks, these trails offer a perfect mix of activity and sightseeing.
• Klangwolke Sound & Light Show – September: This spectacular audiovisual event illuminates the Danube with breathtaking music, fireworks, and synchronized light effects. Thousands gather along the riverbanks to witness this immersive performance that blends technology with artistic creativity. It’s one of Linz’s most iconic and unforgettable annual events.
• Linz Harbor Festival – May: The city’s industrial harbor transforms into a vibrant event space featuring live music, boat tours, and local food stands. Visitors can explore the artistic graffiti-covered harbor district and enjoy performances by local and international musicians. The festival highlights Linz’s unique blend of industry, art, and urban culture.
• Upper Austrian Cuisine Festival – November: This culinary event celebrates regional flavors with gourmet tastings, cooking demonstrations, and food workshops. Visitors can sample traditional dishes like Linzer Torte, dumplings, and hearty Austrian stews prepared by top chefs. The festival is a paradise for food lovers eager to discover authentic Upper Austrian cuisine.
• Linz Marathon – April: One of Austria’s most popular marathons, it welcomes runners of all levels to race through the city’s picturesque streets. Participants enjoy a route that passes landmarks such as the Danube, the New Cathedral, and the modern Ars Electronica Center. Spectators line the streets, cheering and creating a lively atmosphere throughout the race.

🔹 Small Facts

• Linz: Austria’s Third-Largest City: Linz is the third-largest city in Austria, after Vienna and Graz, and serves as the capital of Upper Austria. It is an important industrial, cultural, and technological hub, with a strong economy rooted in steel production. Despite its industrial reputation, Linz has transformed into a city of arts, music, and innovation. 

• The Danube River’s Influence: Linz is situated on the banks of the Danube River, which has played a crucial role in the city’s trade, transport, and development. The river has connected Linz to major European cities for centuries, boosting its economic and cultural importance. Today, the Danube is a scenic highlight, offering river cruises and recreational activities. 

• Ars Electronica: A Global Technology Hub: Linz is home to Ars Electronica, a world-famous center for media arts, digital culture, and futuristic technology. The annual Ars Electronica Festival attracts artists, scientists, and tech experts from around the globe to showcase cutting-edge innovations. The Ars Electronica Center, known as the “Museum of the Future,” offers interactive exhibits on artificial intelligence, robotics, and space exploration. 

• Linz’s Connection to Johannes Kepler: The famous astronomer Johannes Kepler lived in Linz from 1612 to 1626 and worked on his groundbreaking “Rudolphine Tables”, which improved planetary motion calculations. During his time in Linz, Kepler also discovered his third law of planetary motion. The city honors his legacy with the Kepler University and various monuments dedicated to his work. 

• Linz’s Role in World War II: During World War II, Linz became a major center for Nazi industry, with Adolf Hitler envisioning it as a “cultural capital” of the Reich. The Mauthausen Concentration Camp, located nearby, stands as a somber reminder of this dark history. Today, the city actively promotes remembrance and historical education through museums and memorials. 

• The Famous Linzer Torte: Linz is home to the Linzer Torte, one of the world’s oldest known cake recipes, dating back to 1653. This delicious pastry, made with ground nuts, jam, and a lattice crust, is a specialty of the region. Many bakeries in Linz still produce it using traditional recipes, making it a must-try for visitors. 

• Linz’s Transformation from Industry to Culture: Once known primarily as an industrial city, Linz has rebranded itself as a European Capital of Culture. In 2009, it was awarded the European Capital of Culture title, marking a shift toward arts, music, and digital innovation. This transformation is evident in its vibrant arts scene, museums, and cultural events. 

• The Lentos Art Museum: The Lentos Art Museum, located along the Danube, is one of Austria’s most important modern art museums. It houses works from the 19th century to contemporary pieces, including artists like Klimt, Schiele, and Warhol. At night, the museum’s striking glass facade lights up in different colors, making it a visual landmark. 

• The Pöstlingberg Basilica and Tramway: The Pöstlingberg Basilica, perched on a hill overlooking Linz, offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Danube. Visitors can reach the basilica via the Pöstlingbergbahn, one of the world’s steepest adhesion railways, which has been operating since 1898. The charming journey is a highlight for tourists and locals alike. 

• Linz and Anton Bruckner: The renowned composer Anton Bruckner was born near Linz and worked as an organist in the city’s cathedral. His symphonies, deeply influenced by the region’s landscapes and traditions, are celebrated worldwide. The Brucknerhaus Concert Hall, named in his honor, hosts world-class performances and the annual Bruckner Festival. 

• The Linz Castle and Museum: Linz Castle (Schlossmuseum), originally built in the 8th century, has been expanded and renovated over the centuries. Today, it houses the Schlossmuseum, which displays exhibits on Upper Austria’s history, art, and natural heritage. The castle’s location offers breathtaking views of the city and the Danube River. 

• The Mariendom: Austria’s Largest Church: The New Cathedral (Mariendom) is the largest church in Austria, with a capacity for 20,000 people. Its impressive neo-Gothic architecture features stunning stained-glass windows that tell the history of Linz. Despite its vast size, the cathedral is slightly shorter than Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral due to a historical law restricting non-imperial buildings from surpassing it. 

• Linz’s Steel Industry and the Voestalpine Museum: Linz has long been associated with the steel industry, particularly through the Voestalpine Steel Company, one of the largest in Europe. The Voestalpine Steel World Museum offers visitors an interactive look at the history and future of steel production. This industrial legacy continues to drive Linz’s economy, even as the city embraces technology and culture. 

• The Höhenrausch Rooftop Art Experience: Höhenrausch was a unique annual rooftop art exhibition that transformed the rooftops of Linz into an open-air gallery. Featuring art installations, walkways, and towers, it provided visitors with both cultural enrichment and spectacular city views. Although the original project ended, similar creative urban experiences continue to be developed in Linz. 

• The Crossing of Three Cultures: Linz sits at a cultural crossroads between Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria, influencing its food, dialect, and traditions. This mix of influences can be seen in its diverse architecture, music, and even local cuisine. As a result, Linz has developed a distinct identity that blends Central European heritage with modern innovation.