Quick Picks: The Best of Linz

If you are short on time, these quick picks highlight the very best of the city. Linz offers a diverse range of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you love art, history, or food, you will find something special here.

• Best Overall: Ars Electronica Center (The Museum of the Future).
• Best for Families: Pöstlingbergbahn and the Grottenbahn.
• Best Rainy-Day Activity: Lentos Art Museum.
• Best Free Sight: Mariendom (New Cathedral).

Top 10 Things Linz is Famous for Tourists

To understand what is Linz famous for tourists, you must explore its unique landmarks. The city has transformed from an industrial hub into a European Capital of Culture. Here are the top 10 things you cannot miss during your stay.

1. Name: Ars Electronica Center Type: Museum Why go: It is a world-renowned "Museum of the Future" focusing on technology and society. Best for: Tech enthusiasts and curious minds. Where: North bank of the Danube. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk across the Nibelungen Bridge. Tip: Visit the Deep Space 8K theater for incredible 3D visuals.
2. Name: Pöstlingbergbahn Type: Experience Why go: It is one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world. Best for: Scenic views and families. Where: Starts at Hauptplatz. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take the tram from the main square. Tip: Visit the pilgrimage church at the top for the best city panorama.
3. Name: Mariendom (New Cathedral) Type: Sight Why go: It is the largest church in Austria by capacity, featuring stunning stained glass. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: City center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Easy walk from the shopping district. Tip: Look for the "Linz Windows" that depict local history.
4. Name: Linzer Torte Tasting Type: Experience Why go: It is widely considered the oldest cake recipe in the world. Best for: Foodies. Where: Cafes like Jindrak or Traxlmayr. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low. Getting there: Various locations in the Old Town. Tip: It makes a perfect edible souvenir to take home.
5. Name: Mural Harbor Type: Neighborhood Why go: One of Europe's largest outdoor graffiti galleries in an industrial port. Best for: Photography and street art fans. Where: Linz Harbor area. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate (for boat/bus tours). Getting there: Take a bus or organized boat tour. Tip: Book a guided tour to learn the stories behind the murals.
6. Name: Lentos Art Museum Type: Museum Why go: A striking glass building housing a vast collection of modern and contemporary art. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Danube riverbank. Time: 1.5-2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walkable from the Hauptplatz. Tip: The building glows with different colors at night.
7. Name: Linz Hauptplatz Type: Sight Why go: One of the largest enclosed main squares in Europe, featuring the Trinity Column. Best for: People watching and history. Where: Heart of the city. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central tram hub. Tip: Visit during the Christmas market season for a magical atmosphere.
8. Name: Schlossmuseum Linz (Castle Museum) Type: Museum Why go: Offers a mix of historic castle architecture and a modern glass wing with regional history. Best for: History buffs. Where: On a hill overlooking the Danube. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Short uphill walk from the Old Town. Tip: The terrace offers a great view of the river.
9. Name: Voestalpine Stahlwelt Type: Experience Why go: A unique look into the world of steel production and industrial innovation. Best for: Science and industry fans. Where: Southeast of the center. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a local bus or tram. Tip: Check the schedule for combined plant tours.
10. Name: St. Florian Monastery Type: Day trip Why go: A magnificent Baroque monastery famous for its Bruckner Organ and library. Best for: Culture and music history. Where: Just outside Linz. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Short drive or regional bus. Tip: Visit the tomb of the famous composer Anton Bruckner.

Planning Your Trip to Linz from Český Krumlov

Getting to Linz is very easy for those staying in South Bohemia. Most travelers book a shuttle bus from Český Krumlov to Linz for a direct connection. The drive takes about 1.5 hours through beautiful rolling hills.

If you prefer public transport, you can take a bus to České Budějovice and then a train. However, the shuttle is usually the fastest door-to-door option. It is one of the best day trips from Český Krumlov available.

Remember that you will be crossing from the Czech Republic into Austria. While there are usually no border checks, always carry your passport. Linz uses the Euro, so have some cash ready for smaller cafes.

Essential Tips for a Great Linz Visit

To make the most of your visit, consider getting the Linz Card. It offers free public transport and entry to most museums. This is especially helpful if you plan to see more than three major sights.

The city is very walkable, especially the Old Town and the riverfront. Most locals speak excellent English, so communication is rarely an issue. For a special experience, try a boat cruise on the Danube to see the city from the water.

If you enjoy the atmosphere of South Bohemia, you will love the contrast Linz provides. Before you leave the region, check out other weekend trips from Český Krumlov to extend your adventure. Linz is a perfect gateway to wider Austria.