YOUR ULTIMATE TRIP PLANNER
Plan a trip to Linz
About Linz
Settled on both sides of the Danube River, Upper Austria's extravagant capital has sophisticated culture and a warm atmosphere
In the 1st century the fortress Lentia was part of a chain of Roman forts built along the Danube River guarding the trade routes that crossed the region in the northern part of Austria. Then, in the 8th century, Lentia had its name changed to Linz, which is the third largest city and the capital of Upper Austria.
A little history: In the early part of the year 1500 the longest bridge in the world as it was then, was built in Linz and 400 years later the renowned Nibelungenbrücke bridge was built in the same place, replacing the old bridge with a new one. The Nibelungenbrücke connects the inner city of Linz and the Urfahr district. Do take time out to visit the Linz-Genesis Museum which will give you the history of the city Linz.
The Altes Rathaus (Town Hall), built in 1513 in the Gothic-Renaissance-Baroque style, stands in the middle of the main square in Linz and on the other side you have the impressive 20-meter-high white marble column called the Trinity Column, which in 1716 was designed in the Baroque Style by Sebastian Stumpfegger. Above the column you have St Maria Immaculata and an inscription that expresses thanks and gratitude as well as prayers for protection against war, plague and fire. The patron Saints Sebastian, Florian and Carlo Borromeo stand guard as protectors.
Interesting Note: In the 17th and 18th centuries it was common in the Catholic communities to create and put up a Marian column (religious monument) depicting Christian figures or symbols as a religious monument. This was a way of showing faith and gratitude for those who survived catastrophes such as the plague or war.
Try to be in the area of the Feichtinger-Haus which houses the famous Glockenspiel. A few times a day, there are musical interludes when the bells play different compositions by Austrian composers.
The Church of Ignatius or the Jesuit Church, referred to as the Old Linz Cathedral (Alter Dom) was built in the 17th century in the Baroque style. When approaching the church, you might notice that the exterior is rather unimpressive, especially compared to other religious buildings. However, when you enter you will find the interior quite ornate in the Baroque-style of the time. The organ is a very special attraction, still in its original state, built according to specifications of Anton Brucker, who was a composer of symphonies as well as being a great organist. He was renowned for his religious works like Te Deum and Motets. If you can, climb up almost 400 steps (according to the last count there are exactly 395) you can capture a “Kodak Moment” from the bell tower.
The 19th century Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which is the New Cathedral (Mariä-Empfängnis-Dom) is an impressive neo-Gothic building and is the largest in all of Austria.
Mozart stayed but a few days in Linz, in a building from the 16th century (now referred to as Mozarthaus). A bust of Mozart was placed at the entrance to the house to commemorate this visit. After all, this is where he composed the Piano Sonata B flat major, k.333.
Note: Please note unless otherwise stated, there is no entrance to the Mozarthaus.
A landmark of Linz, the Wallfahrtsbasilika - Sieben Schmerzen Mariae (the Pöstlingberg-Kirche church dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, is perched high on a hill with incredible views of Linz. To reach this church which was built in the mid 1700’s, you take the funicular from the main square.
Landstrasse is a great shopping area known throughout Austria, with its malls, brand-name stores, cafes and restaurants. And while you’re there, remember that you cannot leave Linz without tasting the icon dessert “Linzertorte”, a dessert that includes a selection of nuts and berry jam in a flat dough. “A sweet farewell to a charming city”! Scrumptious!
Popular Itineraries
Traveled by thousands
Linz
Settled on both sides of the Danube River, Upper Austria's extravagant capital has sophisticated culture and a warm atmosphere
Gmunden
Bad Ischl
Wels
St. Wolfgang
Hallstatt
Steyr
Book hotels through RoutePerfect. Secure rooms and rates – free cancellation available. Enjoy Booking.com Genius loyalty program and get travel perks worth up to $300.
Genius Discounts
Travel Perks
Linz Hotels
by
Book activities in Linz
with
Looking for some interesting things to do in Linz? Here are some recommended attractions and sights for you.
art & culture
tours, sightseeing & cruises
Attractions in Linz
- Hauptplatz, Linz
- Martinskirche, Linz
- Postlingberg, Linz
- Priesterseminarkirche, Linz
- Schloss, Linz
- Ars Electronica Center, Linz
- Historic Center, Linz
- Lentos Kuntsmuseum, Linz
- Grottenbahn, Linz
Linz events and occasions
Most Popular Events in Linz, 2025-2026
Popular Itineraries in Austria
10-14 days9-13 days8-12 days5-9 days7-11 days9-13 days7-9 days6-8 days11-15 days14-20 days14-20 days14-20 days14-18 days14-18 days14-18 days14-20 days14-18 days15-19 days15-19 days15-19 days12-15 days12-15 days12-15 days9-13 days9-13 days9-13 days9-13 days9-13 days9-13 days11-13 days11-13 days11-13 days11-13 days7-9 days7-9 days7-9 days7-9 days5-6 days5-6 days5-6 days5-6 days5-7 days5-7 days5-7 days5-7 days9-13 days15-19 days12-15 days