Most people visit the world-famous cities of Salzburg and Vienna when visiting Austria, but Linz is a real hidden gem. With pastel-coloured buildings and historic churches, you can get a real taste of Austrian life – without the hordes of tourists. Stroll along the River Danube before stopping at a craft beer bar or cosy cafe for a slice of Linzer torte (one of the oldest cake recipes in the world). There’s something in the mix for every traveller. Here’s our guide to the best hotels in Linz, bookable with Culture Trip
arte Hotel Linz
Hotel
The arte Hotel Linz is unique in style, designed during Linz’09 – when the city was voted the European Capital of Culture – by local artists. Students of the local art university also got the chance to contribute to this unique co-operation by designing the fourth floor of the hotel. Apart from its extraordinary composition, the arte Hotel Linz also has a great location. It’s only 500m (1,640ft) away from the lively city centre, but also just a short drive from the Pöstlingberg – a hill on the left side of the Danube offering spectacular views across Linz.
Hotel Goldener Adler
Hotel
Just a short walk away from the historic town centre and only 500m (1,640ft) from the riverbank, Hotel Goldener Adler is perfectly placed for guests to explore the surrounding nature or cycle along the famous Danube cycle path. The hotel even offers special rooms for cyclists, with breakfast and a lockable bike room included. It’s also right next to the LentiaCity shopping centre which offers a range of restaurants for lunch and dinner alongside numerous shops.
Hotel Schwarzer Bär
Hotel
Right in the centre of the picturesque Old Town, and just a stone’s throw away from the most popular shopping streets, guests at Hotel Schwarzer Bär are welcomed by a mix of tradition and modernity. This is evident not only in the interior design, but also in the restaurant. Here, traditional Austrian cuisine is combined with a touch of modern Italy – reinventing traditional dishes in a unique way.
Hotel Alpenblick
Hotel
Only a short drive away from Linz, Hotel Alpenblick is a perfect choice to escape the city and breathe in the fresh alpine air. Food is a real draw here – with pork roast, apple fritters and jausn (a snack consisting of cold meat, bacon, cheese and bread) served in the hotel’s intimate, chalet-style surrounds. Several Unesco World Heritage sites present possible day-trip destinations, including the historic monasteries and castles of Wachau.
Hotel Wolfinger Linz
Independent Hotel
This historic hotel, found at the heart of the Old Town, dates back to the 15th century. Since its days as a monastery, Hotel Wolfinger Linz has hosted guests including King of Prussia Friedrich Wilhelm III and Hans Christian Andersen. Today, this family-run, four-floor hotel offers a comfortable base from which to explore the city.
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Motel One Linz-Hauptplatz
Chain Hotel
You’ll find this affordable hotel in a phenomenal location in Hauptplatz, the main square of Linz – with modern, clean rooms and wonderfully attentive staff. Unlike your regular chain budget hotel, Motel One offers unique interiors with modern artwork adorning the walls. Tuck into the breakfast buffet before hiring bikes on-site to explore the city. They also welcome four-legged travel companions if you’re planning a trip with pets.
Hotel am Domplatz
Hotel
Hotel am Domplatz, right in the centre of Linz, offers a unique view of the Mariendom – one of Austria’s most beautiful cathedrals. The area around the Mariendom is also a pedestrian zone, so guests get all the perks of being located right in the centre, but without any traffic noise. Rooms have large glass windows that allow you to wake up to one of Linz’s most impressive sights.
Gasthof & Hotel zum Grünen Wald Wolfsegger
Hotel
Gasthof & Hotel zum Grünen Wald Wolfsegger is located outside of Linz’s city centre. Founded by the current owners’ great-grandfather, you can expect a warmly, homely welcome with modern, regional meals served on-site. The old, spacious house has a big terrace and garden that can be used by the guests. The hotel is very family-friendly – there’s even a playground attached to the property.
Hotel Garni Nöserlgut
Hotel
Hotel Garni Nöserlgut is a lovingly renovated, 17th-century farmhouse that has been run by the same family for years. Traditional decor is part of the charm here – some of the wooden furniture in the rooms was even handmade on-site. This delightful hotel also has a beautiful garden, terrace and wine arbour, where the hotel’s own restaurant serves guests regional delicacies – accompanied by excellent Austrian wines.
Göttfried
Independent Hotel
The Göttfried, with its striking blue exterior and light, pared back rooms, is just a five-minute walk from the Lentos Art Museum and the Ars Electronica Center (AEC). Set in the middle of Linz’s Old Town, the surrounding area is bustling with shoppers by day, and filled with relaxed diners and drinkers by night. Book a table at the hotel’s restaurant for organic veal wiener schnitzel and plum tart with port ice cream.
Wolfsjägerhof
Independent Hotel
In the hilly countryside south of Linz, this beautifully restored farmhouse offers travellers a welcoming retreat – less than 16km (10mi) from the city centre. Set in mature gardens, enjoy the sun terrace with a cold glass of wine during the summer or warm up by the outdoor fireplace. Wolfsjägerhof is perfectly placed to explore the Anton Bruckner hiking trail, which will guide you through forests and cider orchards.
Pöstlingberg Schlössl
Luxury
Escape the city and stay on the outskirts of Linz at this delightful 19th-century establishment on the hillside of Linz’s local mountain. Whether you’re looking for a romantic walk or a family bike ride, a trip to the zoo or a day at the Grottenbahn fairytale kingdom, you’re sure to have some fun at Pöstlingberg Schlössl. Couples should book the romantic Tower Restaurant, an intimate, one-table room, 538m (1,765ft) above sea level – with unspoilt views of the city and River Danube below.
With an academic background in intercultural communication and modern languages, Sophia has always been fascinated by the uniqueness of cultures worldwide. She is particularly interested in cultural history and has a passion for classic and contemporary literature, art and photography. Sophia loves to travel and meet people with different cultural backgrounds to get a broader view of the world and become a true cosmopolitan.
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