Your independent Linz travel guide

Here’s a Linz travel guide that helps visitors navigate a surprising place with a fascinating past that is also looking to the future.

Linz is Austria's third city, the centre of upper Austria, and the most important transport junction after Vienna. Linz today is an industrial and freight hub, but also a city that has preserved its past and has a vibrant arts scene.

One of Austria’s most stunning views is from the top of the Pöstlingberg, the hill that commands Linz and its Danube bend location. The city panorama is best from outside the Wallfahrts­basilika Sieben Schmerzen Mariä, a priceless pilgrimage church built on the site of an early 18th century miracle. The summit is reached using the Pöstlingbergsbahn, a light railway from the city centre that combines the advantages of a funicular rail network.

Get all the travel tips for Linz, including:

● Affordable accommodation options

● Budget meals

● The details on transport links in the city and with Vienna, Prague and Germany

Linz is one of Austria’s oldest settlements and its Celtic name Lentos didn't change much. The Romans built a fortification near the present castle, at an ideal site on a hill next to the Danube. Today an imperial palace has several survivals from its beginnings in the 15th century and today houses a fascinating regional museum that includes priceless historical artworks.

The tiny Martinskirche nearby is even older, having first been built in the 8th century, and is recognised as one of the oldest churches in Austria.

The Landhaus administrative complex has preserved its Renaissance arcaded courtyard and a stone bridge that was part of the old town’s historical defences.

Visitors can also explore the future. The Ars Electronica Center is a display and research complex where families can get involved with interactive displays that present our knowledge of deep space and the uses and benefits of AI and robotics.

Enjoy a rich travel experience with big savings. The 10-page, 2026 Linz travel guide is a vital companion for a visit to Linz.