Discover Linz at its best – with our city guide to the most exciting highlights of the city. From the impressive New Cathedral and the historic Old Town to futuristic museums such as the Ars Electronica Center and the Lentos, you can experience the full range of history, art and innovation here.
Also known as the “New Cathedral”, the Mariendom is Austria’s largest church, admired for its neo-Gothic design and stunning stained-glass windows. It accommodates up to 20,000 people and offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Linz. Tower tours are a highlight. Climbing the “Stairway to Heaven” with its 633 steps leads to a viewing platform 112 metres high, offering breathtaking panoramic views over Linz and the surrounding countryside. A truly unforgettable experience for those unafraid of heights.
Europe’s largest graffiti and muralismo gallery can be found in Linz Harbour. More than 300 artworks by international artists transform former industrial buildings into a vibrant open-air museum. Visitors can explore the murals on guided tours by foot or boat and even try their hand at spray painting. Mural Harbor is a living hub of urban art, constantly evolving and showcasing the city’s creative spirit.
The Old Town of Linz captivates visitors with its magnificent façades and historic charm. By day, unique boutiques and creative shops invite you to stroll and explore, while in the evening, cosy restaurants and bars offer a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy and unwind. Loved by both locals and visitors, the Old Town is a vibrant meeting place where history, culture and joie de vivre come together. Throughout the year, festivals and evening events fill its picturesque squares with music, lights and lively spirit.
Towering high above the city, Linz Castle is a landmark steeped in history. First mentioned in 799, it once served as a residence for emperors and counts, later as a hospital and barracks. Today, it combines modern and historic architecture, the south wing, destroyed by fire in 1800, was replaced in 2009 by an impressive steel-and-glass structure. Covering more than 18,000 square metres, the Castle Museum presents the natural, cultural and technological history of Upper Austria, inviting visitors to explore and enjoy.
Discover the Danube and the region around Linz by boat! Whether you’re taking a day trip, exploring the Linz harbour with its open-air gallery Mural Harbor — home to more than 300 impressive large-scale graffiti artworks — or cruising along the city’s skyline on a scheduled boat, the view from the water is truly unique. Evening cruises featuring live music and fine dining come especially recommended.
Since its opening, the Ars Electronica Center has been inspiring people of all ages to explore the future. Its themes range from artificial intelligence and neuro-bionics to autonomous systems and robotics, as well as gene and biotechnology and the profound global transformations of our time. Captivating exhibitions and events are presented throughout the year!
Open:
Tuesday bis Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Situated directly on the banks of the Danube, the Lentos Art Museum is one of Linz’s architectural landmarks. Its modern glass façade illuminates the museum and the river in vibrant colours at night. A striking, frame-like opening in the building offers a picturesque view of the Urfahr district and the Pöstlingberg hill. Inside, the museum showcases major works ranging from 19th-century art and classical modernism, including Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka, to contemporary artists such as VALIE EXPORT. Special exhibitions regularly explore diverse artistic themes and individual creators. Children can enjoy creative workshops and interactive art education programmes.
Open:
Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Thursday 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
The Danube Riverside is a true leisure oasis in the heart of Linz. Stretching from the Lentos Art Museum to the Brucknerhaus, a green promenade runs along the river, featuring open lawns, public art and inviting cafés. Whether for a stroll, a workout or a moment of relaxation, the riverside park offers space for everyone. The forum metall sculptures are a particular highlight, showcasing the harmony between art and industry that defines Linz. Located in the Donaupark, the Brucknerhaus impresses visitors with its striking architecture and superb acoustics. This concert hall by the river is a cultural landmark of the city, hosting world-class performances spanning classical, jazz, orchestral and world music.
The voestalpine Steel World is currently undergoing a complete redesign and is temporarily closed in its previous form. Until its reopening, visitors can experience fascinating insights into Austria’s largest industrial site through guided plant tours. All tours start and end at the newly constructed Werkstour Terminal, from where modern multimedia buses take guests across the vast factory grounds. Several viewing platforms provide an impressive look at steel production – from raw materials to the finished product. Tours last around 90 minutes for adults and about one hour for families with children.
Open:
Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Take the Pöstlingberg Railway – Austria’s steepest adhesion railway – from Linz’s main square up the city’s beloved “local mountain.” At the top, a magical fairy-tale world awaits, complete with dwarfs and the historic Dragon Cave Railway, which has been delighting visitors since 1906 – a true family experience. Alongside the pilgrimage basilica and the Linz Zoo, the panoramic view over the city offers a particularly impressive spot for photos.
For those seeking an escape from everyday life or simply a moment to unwind in nature, the Botanical Garden Linz is the perfect retreat. Spanning 4.2 hectares, it is home to more than 10,000 plant species, including a fascinating range of rare and exotic specimens. Its five greenhouses showcase the splendour of tropical flora, while its renowned cactus collection is considered one of the finest in Europe.
Blending nature and culture, the garden features art exhibitions, sculptures by Austrian artists and poetic plaques that create a contemplative, inspiring atmosphere. The Botanical Garden Linz is a place of beauty and connection – where visitors can relax, reflect and recharge. Nature lovers can also discover more about this green oasis on the visitlinz-blog.
