Austria's third-largest city sits on the Danube River. Home to Europe's largest town square, futuristic Ars Electronica Center, and birthplace of the world's oldest cake recipe, the Linzer Torte.
Linz, Austria's third-largest city, sits along the Danube River. Once primarily an industrial center, it has transformed into a city where art and technology intersect. In the Old Town, you can walk through medieval streets and visit the Hauptplatz, one of Europe's largest town squares. The futuristic Ars Electronica Center offers interactive exhibits on technology and society. Linz is also known for its culinary heritage, being the birthplace of the Linzer Torte, considered the world's oldest cake recipe.
Exploring Linz's Old Town
Walk through the cobblestone streets of Linz's Old Town to experience centuries of history. The Hauptplatz, one of Europe's largest town squares, serves as the city center. Here you'll see the 20-meter-high Trinity Column, built in the 18th century to commemorate the end of the plague. Colorful baroque buildings housing shops and cafes surround the square. The narrow side streets branching off from the main square lead to small courtyards and local restaurants, giving you a sense of everyday life in Linz.
The New Cathedral
The New Cathedral (Mariendom) stands out in Linz's skyline with its 134-meter spire. Construction started in 1862 and took over 60 years to complete, making it the largest church in Austria. Inside, you can see intricate stained glass windows, including the famous Linz Window depicting the city's history. The cathedral can accommodate up to 20,000 people, though it rarely sees such crowds today. From the tower, you can view Linz and the surrounding countryside.
The Ars Electronica Center
On the north bank of the Danube, you'll find the Ars Electronica Center, known as the "Museum of the Future." This interactive museum explores the intersection of art, technology, and society. Exhibits change regularly but often include virtual reality experiences, robotics demonstrations, and installations examining the impact of artificial intelligence. The Deep Space 8K, a room with wall-to-ceiling 8K resolution projections, can show you images from the depths of the ocean to the surface of Mars.
Strolling Along the Danube
The Danube River has shaped Linz's history and continues to be a focal point of city life. You can walk along the riverside promenade, where locals often jog or cycle. You'll pass by the Lentos Art Museum, which changes color at night. For a different perspective, you can take one of the river cruises that leave regularly from the waterfront. These tours show you Linz's skyline and can take you to nearby sites like the Wilhering Abbey.
Tasting Linz's Culinary Heritage
The Linzer Torte is a key part of Linz's culinary tradition. This lattice-topped tart filled with red currant jam is considered the oldest known cake recipe in the world, dating back to 1653. At Konditorei Jindrak, a family-run bakery that's been making Linzer Torte since 1929, you can try this iconic dessert or even take a baking class to learn how to make it. Beyond sweets, Linz's culinary scene reflects its position between Vienna and Bavaria, with hearty dishes like schnitzel and dumplings on many menus.
Getting Around Linz
Linz has a public transportation system consisting of trams, buses, and a unique mountain railway. The Pöstlingbergbahn, Europe's steepest adhesion railway, takes you up to Pöstlingberg hill for views of the city. For visitors, the Linz Card offers unlimited use of public transport along with free or discounted entry to many sites. The compact city center is also walkable, allowing you to explore many places on foot.
