“Linz change(d)”: that’s the city’s motto. Because Linz changes itself, and also its visitors during their stay. The Creative City is a stage for both theatre and music, as well as for contemporary art and festivals, history and science in the museums. All of this has made the city what it is today: one of the most exciting urban centres in Austria.

 From diverse shopping to a delicious glass of punch

 Ideally, a day in Linz begins with a nice, warm coffee and a slice of Linzer Torte, followed by a walk through the city centre. The wide range of shopping possibilities is impressive: more than 100 shops by major brands are represented along Landstraße, the most famous shopping street in the city. The side streets will inspire you with their many small, individual boutiques offering unique gifts. Nothing here is artificial or construed, the owners advise their customers themselves and put their heart and soul into their work. This means that those searching for gifts for their loved ones might also find a treat or two for themselves! 

 Of course, no shopping trip here would be complete without a visit to Linz’s Advent markets. Follow the aromas of Lebkuchen, punch and roasted almonds in winter and you’ll discover countless seasonal highlights in Linz. The annual Christmas markets enchant visitors and put everyone in a festive mood, filling them with excitement. The Christkindlmarkt on the main square, the Christmas market in the Volksgarten and the winter market on the Pfarrplatz are the three largest markets in the Danube city. You can also, however, have a wonderfully relaxing time at the “Wärmepol” by the University of Art and Design Linz or at Dorf-Weihnacht – village Christmas – in the Old Town of Linz. 

Linz inspires families

 A day out with the family promises a variety of activities. For instance, on the Pöstlingberg above the city. Even the trip up Linz’s local hill on the steepest adhesion railway in Europe is an unforgettable experience for children. Once you’ve arrived at the top, familiar fairy-tale figures come alive on the famous grotto railway. After a ride on the dragon train, you can enjoy further highlights – the zoo and the viewing platform. This is the place to take the best panoramic pictures and to admire the view of the city. You can see right to the mountains! 

 Another experience for the whole family is a visit to voestalpine Stahlwelt, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of the largest industrial location in Austria. Young explorers can really immerse themselves in the world of steel with interactive guided tours and interesting experiments.

Look to the future!

 If you’re spending some time in Linz, you should definitely visit the Ars Electronica Center, which already provides insights into the technological world of tomorrow. At this flagship of Linz’s media arts, exciting exhibitions on the themes of technology, society and art await you. Being able to experiment yourself and discuss the effects and special features of the innovative developments with the museum guides is truly unique in this museum of the future. One of the most stunning elements is Deep Space 8K, with its spectacular visual worlds and 3D animations. If you take an evening walk, you can also marvel at the LED facade of the Ars Electronica Center, which is reflected in vivid colours in the waters of the Danube. 

Curtain-up in Linz

 One of Europe’s most modern opera houses and the concert hall by the Danube are meeting places in Linz for extraordinary cultural experiences against dramatic backdrops. Theatre and dance are also impressive, as are the operas and operettas – eleven in total. The Brucknerhaus Linz presents new festivals and concerts, such as the Fortissimo series and the Piano Festival, as well as numerous jazz concerts. 
Visitors can look forward to numerous festivals again, such as Nextcomic-Festival or the Crossing Europe film festival. Ideally, make a note of them in your calendar already!

 A brief trip to the city of change leaves you with unique memories and experiences. After all, to visit Linz is to immerse yourself in a lively Danube city, to live through many special moments and to return home a little changed.

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 Sweet temptations

If you treat yourself to a break in one of the cosy coffeehouses in Linz, you absolutely have to try some Linzer Torte! It is considered to be the oldest cake named after a city in the world and was mentioned by name as early as 1653. The cake is famous far beyond Austria’s borders but, of course, it tastes best in Linz, its home city! It is available in artistic design tins from selected confectioners, and its long shelf life makes it the perfect souvenir from the city by the Danube.

How to travel to Linz

Linz enjoys an ideal location in the heart of Europe: Airport, motorway network or railway, a journey is not often so fast and uncomplicated. Additionally, the Leo Express bus connects Linz with Prague, České Budějovice and Český Krumlov. 

Crystal Ship cruises on the Danub

During a cruise on the Danube, visitors can experience the interplay of nature, culture and industry. The sparkling Crystal Ship with many thousands of Swarovski crystals is particularly special. From autumn onwards, many themed events invite you to come on board again. www.donauschiffahrt.de 

LINZ CARD – one ticket for the entire city! 

 With the one-day or three-day Linz Card, enjoy many free or discounted admissions on a visit to the city by the Danube! The benefits include:

•  Free admission to museums and exhibitions 
•  Free travel on public transport 
•  €10 Danube Culture Voucher for boat trips, concerts and theatre 
•  Many other discounts 

 Autor: Sabina Bařinová in cooperation with Linz Tourism.

 You could read this article on the autumn on-board magazine Leo Express.