- Linz is home to the world's oldest document mentioning a city's name, specifically referring to 'Lentia' in a Roman context.
- The city is famous for the Linzer Torte, which holds the record as the oldest known cake recipe in the world, dating back to 1653.
- Johannes Kepler lived in Linz for several years, where he discovered the third law of planetary motion in 1618.
- During the National Socialist era, the city was intended to be developed into one of the 'Führermuseen' cultural centers for the Third Reich.
- Linz hosts the annual Ars Electronica Festival, one of the world's most significant forums for media arts and technology.
About Linz
Linz serves as the capital of Upper Austria and stands as a primary industrial and technological hub along the Danube River. The city blends its historical significance with a forward-looking digital culture, most visible at the Ars Electronica Center. Visitors can explore the vast Linz’s main square or experience the distinct contrast between the traditional architecture of the New Cathedral and the modern aesthetic of the Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz. The city also hosts the innovative Musiktheater, cementing its reputation as a center for contemporary arts.
Highlights of Linz
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
This expansive urban space is one of the largest enclosed town squares in Europe and features the iconic Trinity Column.
Temples
As the largest church in Austria by capacity, its neo-Gothic spire dominates the city skyline.
Museums
This museum offers interactive exhibits focused on the intersection of art, technology, and society.
Venues
An architectural landmark, this venue is recognized for its state-of-the-art stage technology and acoustics.
Parks
The garden contains a diverse collection of flora, including an extensive cactus house and specialized botanical greenhouses.
Places of interest
Located within Pöstlingberg, this attraction takes visitors through a mystical grotto world populated by mechanical fairy-tale figures.
Museums
The building is renowned for its glass facade that glows with artistic light installations after dark.
Museums
Situated in the historic castle, this museum houses the largest collection of artifacts related to the cultural and social history of Upper Austria.
Top things to do in Linz
The 155 highest-rated places in Linz, ranked by travellers.
1
Museums
The Ars Electronica Center serves as a laboratory and museum dedicated to the intersection of art, technology, and socie...
2
Places of interest
Hauptplatz is one of the largest enclosed city squares in Central Europe, spanning approximately 13,200 square meters. I...
3
Temples
The New Cathedral, officially the Mariendom, is Austria's largest church by seating capacity, accommodating up to 20,000...
4
Venues
The Musiktheater am Volksgarten is one of Europe's most modern opera houses, opened in 2013 as an extension of the Lande...
5
Zoos
Zoo Linz is a compact, family-oriented zoological garden situated on the Pöstlingberg hill overlooking the city of Linz....
6
Places of interest
The Grottenbahn is a historic miniature railway located inside the fortress towers of the Pöstlingberg in Linz. Passenge...
7
Parks
Linz Botanical Garden is a renowned horticultural site featuring over 10,000 plant species spread across 4.2 hectares. T...
8
Parks
Donaulände is a linear park stretching along the south bank of the Danube river in Linz, serving as a primary cultural a...
9
Museums
Schlossmuseum Linz is the largest universal museum in Austria, housed within a historic castle overlooking the Danube. T...
10
Museums
The Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz is defined by its translucent glass facade, which glows at night to act as a visual landmark...
11
Museums
voestalpine Stahlwelt is an interactive industrial museum located on the grounds of the massive voestalpine steelworks i...
12
Venues
The Raiffeisen Arena is a modern football stadium in Linz, serving as the official home ground for the Austrian Bundesli...
13
Historical places
The Dreifaltigkeitssäule, or Trinity Column, is a 20-meter-high Baroque plague monument located in the center of Linz's...
14
Parks
Erlebnisoase Schörgenhub is a multi-functional recreational facility in Linz that integrates both indoor and outdoor aqu...
15
Temples
Wilhering Abbey is a Cistercian monastery located on the Danube river, renowned as one of the most significant examples...
16
Parks
Schillerpark is a central urban green space located directly on Landstraße, the primary shopping artery of Linz. The par...
17
Venues
Landestheater Linz is the primary multi-genre performing arts venue in Upper Austria, hosting opera, ballet, drama, and...
18
Parks
Wasserwald, located in the Scharlinz district of Linz, serves as a vital protected groundwater zone that provides high-q...
19
Places of interest
Aussichtsplattform - Turm V, also known as Euphemia, is a historic defensive tower situated on the Pöstlingberg hill in...
20
Venues
Theater in der Innenstadt is a centrally located, intimate performance space in Linz, Austria, known for its focus on co...
21
Parks
22
Parks
23
Amusement parks
24
Natural attractions
25
Temples
26
Temples
27
Parks
28
Venues
29
Museums
30
Museums
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Linz on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Linz
May to September, when the mild climate along the Danube facilitates outdoor exploration and riverfront activities.
2-3 days to explore the historical center, museum quarter, and local parks.
The city features a highly efficient public tram and bus network; the central district is compact and highly walkable.
The area surrounding the main square provides easy access to historical sites, while the bank of the Danube offers proximity to the modern arts district.
Mid-range; prices for dining and accommodation are standard for Austrian urban centers.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 155 curated attractions in and around Linz, ranked by traveller ratings.
Ars Electronica Center is the highest-rated place to visit in Linz right now.
The largest category is temples, with 45 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Vienna, Innsbruck, Ebbs.
Explore more of Austria
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
