The Best Things To Do And See In Linz

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Höhenrausch is an extraordinary culture and art project by the city of Linz that was created with the aim of combining thematic exhibitions with an adventurous tour on the city’s rooftops. For the fifth year in a row, local and international artists are invited to approach a new theme in innovative and interactive ways. This year, ‘The Secret of the Birds’ welcomes guests into the fascinating world of these versatile creatures. From flight simulators and birdcall imitations to behavioural sciences – this interactive exhibition proves to be an enriching experience for both young and old.

An integral part of Linz’s culture since 1371, K & K Hofbäckerei is one of the oldest and most traditional bakeries in the whole of Austria. Today’s owner is master baker in the fifth generation and is keeping his family’s heritage and well-kept family recipes alive. The bakery is renowned for its famous linzer torte – a nut and jam layered cake that is considered one of the oldest cakes in the world. K & K Hofbäckerei not only invites visitors to taste this delicous pastry, but to participate in the baking process and find out first-hand what makes the linzer torte so special.

Pöstlingberg, a 539 metre high mountain on the left bank of the Danube River, offers a breathtaking view of the whole city of Linz. Visitors can either hike up to the panorama viewing platform and the adjacent pilgrimage basilica or take the Pöstlingberg tram to the top. The tram, which has been operating for over 100 years, now has a direct connection between the city’s main square and Pöstlingberg. Halfway up the mountain, there is also the Linz Zoological Garden that is not only home to 600 species but also gives guests even more time to enjoy the amazing view and nature around.

Unlike Linz’s busiest and most popular shopping street, the Landstrasse, adjacent Herrenstrasse builds on the ideas of diversity and modernity. It houses small one-of-a-kind businesses, unique vintage boutiques and extraordinary secondhand shops that make for a non-traditional shopping experience. Each of them welcomes shoppers into a homely feel and provide the ideal environment to still discover unique treasures – be it vintage furniture, select jewellery or secondhand designer outfits.

Craft beers, as opposed to other types of beer, are not mainstream-oriented but distinguish themselves through individualist brewing processes, diversity and special attention to high quality products. Each of the beers have their own character, which is held high by the individuals behind the idea. Paul’s is definitely the place to go if you are interested in exploring the fascinating world of craft beer in Linz. Starting with their own locally brewed product, Paul’s invites its guests to an adventurous tour through the best hand-picked craft beers of the world.

Linz has at least one festival for every season: Linz Fest and Crossing Europe Film Festival in the spring, Bubbledays and Pflasterspektakel in the summer, and Ars Electronica Festival in addition to Linzer Klangwolke in autumn. With Crossing Europe Film Festival, Linz showcases the most outstanding representatives of contemporary and socio-political cinema from all over Europe. Meanwhile, Linz also has innovative street art at Pflasterspektakel, and hip live music paired with the Red Bull wakeboard competition, Waves of Steel at Bubbledays. With so much happening in Linz, festivals are a must for every visitor.

The Mariendom is the largest church in Austria with a capacity of 20,000 people. Although largest, it is only the second highest Austrian church, as it was forbidden under the Austro-Hungarian Empire to build buildings that were higher than Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Especially impressive are the cathedral’s glass-stained windows, such as the Linz Window or the Emperor Window. In 2009, the extraordinary project, Tower eremite, was created, which gives visitors the opportunity to live eight days in complete silence and solitude in the cathedral’s tower.

The State Theatre, which was newly opened in 2013, is not only known for its famous operas, musicals and plays but it is also an impressive example of modern architecture. Designed by English architect, Terry Pawson, the State Theatre Linz is now the most modern opera building in the whole of Europe. Performances in Linz include the Italian opera classic La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Tschaikowsky’s ballet Swan Lake.

The Botanical Garden of Linz, about a 30-minute walk from the city centre, combines nature and culture. The 10,000 different species of plants that can be found in the Botanical Garden are complemented with sculptures of Austrian artists and a varied programme of events. In the summer months, its open-air stage hosts concerts and readings, providing a unique location for artists and literates to present their art amidst beautiful nature. Amateur gardeners can also take advantage of the Botanical Garden’s experts, who are happy to answer any questions about the garden’s flora.

The Austrian part of the Danube Cycle Path is one of the most famous cycle routes in Europe and probably one of the busiest, with about 38,000 cyclists a year. Most people start their tour in Passau, Germany, and make their way downstream to Austria. However, even cycling only a small stretch of the routes gives a memorable impression of the beautiful nature surrounding the Danube. It also gives visitors of Linz the opportunity to get out of the city for a while and get an impression of the whole region and charming neighboring towns.