We’d describe Linz as one of Austria’s most beautiful cities and it truly surprised us. As the country’s third-largest city, nestled between Salzburg and Vienna, it has its own unique charm (and likely gave its name to the famous Linzer Torte). We especially loved the main square with its baroque buildings, the vibrant modern art scene, and the views from Pöstlingberg. Full of culture, history, festivals, and warm-hearted people, Linz is a place that quietly stays with you.
let’s explore linz again
Linz surprised us with its tranquil, charming atmosphere. The many narrow streets, beautiful views, and its location on the Danube make the city particularly pleasant to explore. Add to that the cozy pubs and excellent restaurants that perfectly complement the historical flair.
For us, Linz is a great alternative to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, or Graz, less hustle and bustle, fewer tourists and yet plenty of history, culture and a great atmosphere.
We drove to Linz and used the city as a relaxing stopover. We were coming from Munich and on our way to Vienna, Linz is perfectly situated on that route. The drive was pleasant and straightforward, with well-maintained roads and beautiful scenery along the way.
Important to know: You need a vignette for the motorways in Austria, so it’s best to remember to get one before you set off. Overall, Linz was an ideal stop for us to unwind, enjoy a good meal, and continue our journey in a relaxed manner.
Linz has its own airport, primarily served by flights from select European cities. While connections are limited, they can be convenient for those seeking a direct arrival. Many travelers alternatively use the airports in Vienna, Salzburg, or Munich, as these offer significantly more international connections. From there, Linz is easily accessible by train or car.
In our opinion, Linz is an excellent city in Austria that is easily accessible by train. It’s one of the cities that can be reached almost anywhere in Central Europe without difficulty by rail. Trains run directly into the city several times a day, and Linz Central Station (Linz Hbf) is centrally located, just a few minutes’ walk from the old town.
Main provider: ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways), Westbahn & FlixTrain
Direct connections: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Bregenz, Munich
Buy tickets: Directly from the railway companies, apps & comparison portals, at the train station
Long-distance buses are often the cheapest option for traveling to Linz. There are regular connections from many European cities. While the journey usually takes a bit longer than by train, it is inexpensive and straightforward.
Main provider: FlixBus, LEO Express & long-distance bus/other providers
Direct connections: Vienna, Graz, Bratislava, Bregenz, Prague, Salzburg, Munich
Buy tickets: Online/directly from the provider, via website or app (FlixBus, LEO Express), comparison portals such as CheckMyBus or DeinBus, on-site at bus stations or selected agencies
Linz Cathedral blew us away and reminded us a bit of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. It’s the largest church building in Austria and one of Linz’s most impressive landmarks. From the outside, it appears monumental, while inside it’s surprisingly peaceful and flooded with light. The colorful stained-glass windows and the atmosphere are particularly worth seeing; even a short visit is impressive.
For us, Linz’s old town was ideal for exploring the city, especially on foot, which was very relaxing. Small alleyways, historic houses, and hidden courtyards characterize the area. While strolling, you’ll come across cozy cafes, traditional restaurants, and small shops. The old town feels authentic and peaceful, perfect for a relaxed walk without the crowds.
You absolutely can’t miss the main square. It’s practically the heart of the city and one of the largest squares in Austria. Surrounded by baroque facades and historic buildings, it’s a central meeting point in Linz. Cafés and restaurants invite you to linger, and from here you can reach many sights in just a few minutes.
The castle sits atop a hill, and the view from there is truly beautiful. We also visited the castle museum – the mix of art, history, and nature was interesting. Even just for the view of the town, the short climb is worthwhile.
The ride on the historic Pöstlingberg railway is an experience in itself. Once you reach the top, you have a fantastic view over the city. We also visited the pilgrimage basilica, a truly beautiful place to enjoy some peace and quiet. The Pöstlingberg is located just outside the city.
We thoroughly enjoyed our walk along the Danube, especially because the weather was perfect. The promenade is quiet, spacious, and offers fantastic photo opportunities. We simply drifted along, watched the river, and saw the city from a different perspective.
The baroque St. Ignatius Church, also known as the Old Cathedral, in the old town is somewhat smaller, but very pretty. Definitely a great sight to see that you should visit. It’s just a stone’s throw from the main square and offers a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city center.
The Linz Landhaus is one of the city’s most beautiful historic buildings and is centrally located in the old town. We were particularly impressed by the elegant Renaissance facade and the large arcaded courtyard – ideal for photos or a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle. The Landhaus now houses the state administration, but many areas are open to visitors. We especially enjoyed the blend of history, architecture, and the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the building.
We were in Linz at the end of March and found it absolutely beautiful. It was still quite cold at night, but as soon as the sun came out at midday, everything felt almost spring-like and truly inviting. Perfect for walks through the old town and along the Danube!
Spring (March-May): The city slowly awakens, the cafés reopen and the sun makes every stroll through the old town pleasant.
Summer (June-August): Ideal for those who want to enjoy life outdoors, including the Danube promenade, festivals and cafés are perfect for warm days.
Early autumn (September-October): The city displays warm colors, the weather is usually stable and still quite pleasant.
Winter (November-February): It can get really cold and gray; snow is sometimes present, but rather impractical for sightseeing. However, those who love a winter atmosphere might find this appealing. November is probably the worst month, tending to be gray, wet, and cold.
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July
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Linz boasts a surprisingly diverse food scene, ranging from traditional taverns and cozy coffee houses to modern restaurants with creative cuisine. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite spots that we particularly enjoyed.
We enjoyed our breakfast at Little Dancer in Linz and were delighted. The atmosphere is cozy, the decor charming, and the coffee was excellent. They also offered fresh croissants, hearty breakfast platters, and delicious egg dishes – perfect for a relaxed start to the day in the old town. We highly recommend it, especially if you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet and a pleasant atmosphere in the morning.
In the evening, we ate at the Wirthaus Keintzel, and it was an absolute highlight. The food was fantastic, the service incredibly friendly, the beer delicious, and the inn itself had a wonderful, cozy atmosphere. All in all, a 10 out of 10 experience, perfect for a relaxing evening after a day of sightseeing.
We stayed at the *Leonardo Boutique Hotel in Linz and were very satisfied. The location is incredibly convenient, just a few minutes from the old town, yet still quiet. Our room was modern, clean, and comfortable, ideal after a long day of sightseeing. Overall, we felt very comfortable there, perfect for a relaxing city break in Linz.
Linz is a compact city, so it’s worth staying centrally – then you’ll have most of the sights, cafes, and restaurants within easy walking distance. There are several options here:
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You can roughly compare the prices here with those in Vienna, Munich and Salzburg. The city is probably one of the most expensive cities in Austria. A beer in a restaurant here will cost around 5-7€.
The city is perfect for a weekend trip. You should plan at least 1-2 days for Linz to enjoy the city and surrounding sights.
