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Linz

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The Hauptplatz - Main Square
The Hauptplatz - Main Square

Linz [1] is the third largest city in Austria with 188,968 inhabitants, is the capital of the federal province of Upper Austria and forms the heart of Austria´s second strongest economic region. Linz is by the Danube (Donau) river. The tourist slogan of the city is "In Linz beginnt's" ("It starts in Linz").

Contents

[edit] Understand

Linz is an industrial city (with huge steel and chemical works) which was bombed during World War II - and was one of the few cities of Nazi-Germany that escaped total destruction. While Linz does indeed have a sizable "Altstadt" (old town) it may be disappointing to those tourists familiar with the charm of Graz or Salzburg. Linz is primarily a student and industrial town and while not particularly beautiful, is more representative of a "real" Austrian city vs. the almost fairy tale like quality of Salzburg.

While industry in Linz is still financially important, it is slowly diversifying by helping small companies and encouraging tourism. The city gets a lot of international media attention because of its annual Ars Electronica Festival; an international festival for Electronic Art. It also hosts the "Klangwolke" ("sound-cloud"); a big cultural Open-Air spectacle with modern and traditional music and a massive light show, which is held in September. Linz will become the "European Capital of Culture" in 2009, by virtue of an independent cultural development and an innovative culture and art scene.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

The Blue Danube Airport of Linz is located outside the city, but there is a bus service from Linz to the airport, which takes about 20 minutes.

[edit] By train

Arriving in Linz, - by train -Hourly Intercity and Eurocity connections to Salzburg and Vienna, and from there to all important European capitals.

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has timetables and the opportunity to buy tickets online .

[edit] By car

Driving to Linz - by car - is easy. It is connected with Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich via the A1 Autobahn/motorway ; the Muehlviertel A7 Autobahn , and the south of Austria (Graz (Styria), Klagenfurt (Carinthia)) via the A9 Autobahn. It is also connected to Germany via Passau. There are plans to extend a motorway north to the Czech Republic, but work is not expected to start until 2009. The best way to drive north is currently on the B125 Bundesstrasse/B-road .

[edit] By boat

Find all shipping-enterprises of Linz here: [www.donauschifffahrt.linz.at]

There is regular passenger boat service on the Danube from and to Vienna and Passau, Germany. A list of Austrian passenger services on the Danube can be found at this shipping schedule.

[edit] Get around

There is a good way of getting around in Linz via public transport, buses and tram. There is a map of the tram (red) and bus lines available, as well as an on-line time table. A one-day ticket is € 3,40 for over 14-year-olds, & € 1,70 for under 14-year-olds. There is also a 4-stop ticket for €0.90. Students can get an Aktivpass which allows you to buy a monthly card for €10.00 valid for all lines and you get all tickets at half price. Tickets are purchased ONLY from the electronic vending machines at each stop. Cards on the other hand are sold at tobacco and newspaper shops.

[edit] Linz City Ticket

The big experience package for € 20,00 enables an individual and independent tour through the Danube city. Available at the Tourist Office and in many hotels.

The "Linz City Ticket" includes:

A Restaurant voucher for € 10,00 Sightseeing Tour on the Linz City Express train Admission to 12 museums of the city including "Ars Electronica Center" and "Lentos" Picture Postcard of Linz (different pictures) "Pöstlingberg Experience" ticket valid for a ride up & down on the Pöstlingberg tram as well as day ticket for tram line 3 Ride with the grotto railway Admission to the Botanical Gardens Admission to the Linz zoo 20% reduction for a boat trip Linz - Aschach - Linz 14% reduction (€ 6,- instead of € 7,-) for the DAILY sightseeing tour of LINZ Railway day ticket to the Hallstatt salt mines, at € 26,50 instead of € 45,90

[edit] See

When strolling through the heart of the city, one can literally sense its history. The lanes of the old town, which lies directly at the foot of the castle, communicate the feeling of past ages. Splendid town residences and chapter houses are worthy of closer scrutiny, as are the many inner countryards hidden discretely behind arched gates. Moreover, the spacious, baroque main square with its lively hustle and bustle is never far away.

Linz is also a city of churches. With its 134m tower and space for 20,000 people, the New Cathedral is Austria´s largest church. In addition, the city landmark, the pilgrimage basilica on the Pöstlingberg, is also clearly in view. A symbol of Linz is the Lentos Museum of modern art, which has a striking glass facade that is illuminated at night with alternating colours.

[edit] Events

Linz is a synonym for variety that is found at open air events, in bars and restaurants and in the theatre and on concert stages of the city. At Whitsun, the Linz Festival offers a cultural open-air festival in the Danube park, while in July the international "Pflasterspektakel" brings over 500 clowns, acrobats and mimes to the city´s streets. Moreover, September sees the musical "Cloud of Sounds" in the Donaupark, the Ars Electronica Festival and the Bruckner Festival.

The Linz markets provide an opportunity to browse, and sample, whether at the weekly markets or the twice yearly Fair/Carneval Urfahraner Jahrmarkt, which is Austria´s oldest public festival.

During the universities lecture periods (october-january/march-june) there is a wide range of student parties among the campuses of the 4 universities in Linz. Particularly interesting might be the weekly Mensafest every thursday in Dornach/Urfahr on the campus of :["http://www.jku.at" Johannes-Kepler-University].

[edit] Churches and chapels

New cathedral
Herrenstraße 26, open Mo-Sa 7:30am to 9:00am, Sun 8:00am to 7:00pm.
The construction of the neo-Gothic cathedral was already initiated in 1855 by F.J. Rudiger, then Bishop of Linz, and the foundation stone was laid in 1862. The building was designed by the Cologne cathedral builder Vinzenz Statz.The cathedral was consecrated in 1924. The height of the tower was limited to 134 m (as it was not permitted to surpass St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna ).The cathedral can accommodate 20.000 worshippers and is also notable for its stained glass windows, including the famous "Linz Window" with scenes from the history of Linz (left front). At Christmas the crypt church contains one of the largest nativity scenes, measuring 12 m in length.
Old cathedral
Domgasse 3, opened daily 7:00am to 7:00pm.
Designed according to drawings by Pietro Francesco Carlone, the cathedral was built between 1669 and 1678. It was the cathedral church of the diocese of Linz from 1785-1909. The single-nave Baroque church has lateral chapels and galleries, as well as a closed choir and stucco work by J.P. Spaz and G.B. Mazza. The marble high altar is by Colomba and Barberini with a picture by Antonio Bellucci. The Aloisian altar picture is by Bartolomeo Altomonte. The choir pews originate from the former monastery church in Garsten, while the organ by Franz Xaver Krismann derives from Engelzell monastery. From 1856-1868 Anton Bruckner served as the cathedral organist.
Pöstlingbergkirche("Wallfahrtsbasilika")
Am Pöstlingberg 1, opened daily 8:00am to 6:00pm.
This pilgrimage church, dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary and perched high above the roofs of the city, is the landmark of the Upper Austrian capital. It was built in 1748 according to plans by Matthias Krinner. The church is popular for weddings because of the unique location.
St. Martin's Church
Römerstraße/ Ecke Martinsgasse
This is regarded as the oldest original church still in existence in Austria. It was first documented in 799. A rectangular building that is no longer visible, partially extending into the nave, probably dates from the Agilofingian period (before 788). During the Carolingian period (after 788), the central structure was erected using debris from Roman buildings. This can be seen on both the inside and outside, while the ground plan is marked by stone slabs. The building was redesigned as a bay church in the 11th century and the pillar arches were filled in. There are Romanesque and Gothic door and window arches dating from later alterations. Inside the building, Roman stone inscriptions and a furnace can be seen. The first bay contains a copy of the Volto-Santo picture by Lucca (around 1440). The interior of the church can be viewed through a glass door. Entrance into the church is only permitted with a tourist guide.

[edit] Monuments

Trinity Column
In the middle of the Main Square, one of Austria's most attractive closed squares, there stands the 20 m high Baroque Trinity Column (completed in 1723). Carved in white marble by Sebastian Stumpfegger according to a model from Antono Beduzzi, the column bears three inscriptions. These announce the dedication of the column to the Holy Trinity by the guilds, the Emperor and the people of Linz in gratitude for deliverance from the dangers of war (1704), fire (1712) and plague (1713). The column is flanked by the patron saints Sebastian, Florian and Carlo Borromeo.
Linz castle
The Linz castle is first documented in 799.
It was entirely rebuilt in 1477 by Emperor Friedrich III, and there are partial remains of the defensive walls, the bastions and the west entrance (Friedrichstor). The latter is adorned by a stone coat-of-arms (1481) bearing the inscription "AEIOU" ("The whole world is subject to Austria") and the imperial initials. Around 1600, during the rule of Rudolph II, the castle was redesigned and expanded according to plans by the Dutch master builder Anton Muys. The powerful four-story block with two inner courtyards and the main gate to the city (Rudolfstor 1604) date from this time. During the Napoleonic wars the building served as a military hospital, and it was here that the great city fire of 1800 broke out (destruction of the south wing and a part of the transept). Beginning in 1811, the remaining buildings were used as the provincial prison and from 1851 until 1945 as a barracks. Between 1953 and 1963, the fortress was rebuilt and restored as the Upper Austrian Castle Museum.
It contains permanent exhibitions of art from the Middle Ages to the present day, historical weapons and musical instruments, coins, folklore and technical history, as well as the Kastner collection. There are special exhibitions each year.
Bischofshof
The bishop's residence is the most important secular Baroque building in the city. Commissioned by Kremsmünster monastery (1721-26), it was built by Michael Pruckmayr according to plans by Jakob Prandtauer, who was also responsible for the monasteries in Melk and St. Florian. . The impressive lattice gate on the staircase is by Valentin Hoffmann (1727). It is still the episcopal see.

[edit] Museums

[edit] Culture

Linz has established an international reputation due to its extensive cultural life. You can visit the "culture mile" along the Danube, which stretches from the Brucknerhaus concert hall and the Lentos art museum and the Ars Electronica Center on the northern bank of the river. Linz also possesses a number of stage companies, which offer something for everybody in the form of a range of evening entertainment that extends from classic opera to modern dance theatre.

From June to August the Linz cultural summer features cabaret, open-air concerts and theatre on virtually daily basis at venues that are as varied as the programme itself. These include the bars and squares of the inner city, as well as the romantic Rose Garden high above the rooftops. Moreover, throughout the year, the "Posthof" features "contemporary culture at the harbour" with national and international performers.

  • Brucknerhaus
  • Posthof
  • Stadtwerkstatt
  • Kulurzentrum Hof
  • Haus der Architektur

[edit] Do

There are lots of things to do in Linz. Here are a few possibilities:

Old Town Walking Tour

  • Old City Hall
  • Trinity Column
  • Church of the Minor Friars
  • Landhaus
  • Mozarthaus
  • Kremsmünstererhaus
  • Linz Castle
  • St. Martin’s Church
  • Provincial Theatre
  • Bischofshof
  • New Cathedral
  • Karmeliterkirche
  • Ursulinenkirche
  • Seminary Church
  • Nordico Museum of the City of Linz
  • Old Cathedral
  • Linz Parish Church
  • Stifterhaus
  • Keplerhaus

Pöstlingberg tram

The historic "Pöstlingbergbahn", Europe’s steepest mountain railway, is not operating any more. A new mountain railway is being buildt right now and is supposed to start operating in summer 2009. In the meanwhile, you can now take Bus No. 50 from Hauptplatz (main square) to the top of Pöstlingberg.

The Grotto Railway

... is located in fortifications built by emperor Maximilian. Riding on the "dragon express", a mini-train in the shape of the mythological beast, the visitor travels through a brightly lit landscape of fairy tale scenes. A 1:7 scale model of the Linz "Hauptplatz" at the turn of the century is situated in the cellar of the citadel’s tower. In the side passages, there are depictions of episodes from famous fairy tales. Lift for handicapped visitors!

Linz Zoo

Over 800 animals await you on your visit to the local and exotic fauna. There are cuddly animals to hold, a selected collection of mammals (llamas, pygmy cows, sheep, goats,...), a variety of birds (parrots, ostriches, ...) and reptiles (crocodiles, iguanas, snakes,...). They are all to be found at the zoo, which is located half-way up the Pöstlingberg. As an excursion destination the children’s zoo is always popular with the little ones.

Wallfahrtsbasilika

This pilgrimage church, dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary and perched high above the roofs of the city, is the landmark of the Upper Austrian capital. It was built in 1748 according to plans by Matthias Krinner. The church is popular for weddings because of the unique location.

Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens on the "Gugl" are among the most beautiful in Europe. Over an area of 43,000 m², there are more than 8,000 various types of plants to admire. In the five greenhouses the splendour of exotic specimens predominates the garden’s unique collection of cacti, the finest in Europe. The natural conditions allow the exhibited plants to be grouped in complete landscapes, so that visitors can imagine they are in the middle of the plant’s natural habitat. Special shows and exhibitions throughout the year present special attractions. The bus number 27 goes straight to the Botanical Gardens every 15 minutes from Taubenmarkt station, on foot you need about 30 minutes.

City Express

Touristy fun little train that takes you around downtown. Good chance to get off your feet and warm up in the winter.

Danube

The cultural town Linz~Danube is the ideal starting point for a ship tour. Everyone will find his individual ship adventure in the large variety of cruise line offers. Whether you are looking for a round trip, a scheduled tour or a cruise for a special occasion, e.g. Christmas party on the Danube, your captain and his crew is already waiting for you on board of the ship.

  • Donauschiffahrt Wurm und Köck
  • Donauschifffahrt Schaurecker
  • ÖGEG: Dampfschiff Schönbrunn
  • Donau Touristik

[edit] Cinema

  • The Moviemento and City cinemas both show films that are not mainstream in original languages with German subtitles.

[edit] Young People

The Posthof
Has modern music, dance and comedy performances, which is located near the port.
The Stadtwerkstatt (near the AEC) and the KAPU
Are popular meeting points for young people with an alternative lifestyle. They often have gigs with unknown bands.
Nirvana played at the KAPU about one year before they became world-famous.
The Phoenix Theater
Shows modern plays that are also suitable for teenagers.

[edit] Buy

The Celtic Foodstore

Hauptplatz 15

Food, drinks and gifts from Britain & Ireland

[edit] Eat

Eating in Linz depends on your budget, and taste. Be prepared to search far and wide for open restaurants on Sundays. The entire Altstadt seems to close down Sunday nights leaving tourists restaurant choices only in adjoining districts.

  • Jindrak. A pastry shop serving the local speciality Linzer Torte (a cake). Herrenstraße 22-24, Tel.0732/779258, Open from Mo-Sa 8:00am to 6:00pm.
  • Coffee world. Landstraße 17-25 (first floor of the Shopping-Center Passage), Open from Mo-Thur. 8:30am to 10:00pm, Fr-Sa 8:30am to 1:00am, Sun. 8:30am to 8:00pm
  • P'AA. Nice restaurant (serves vegetarian food) and lounge in the Altstadt. Mo to Sa from 11am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 12pm. Address: Altstadt 28, Tel. +43(732)77646, http://www.paa.cx/
  • Gelbes Krokodil. The Yellow Crocodile is next to/a part of the Moviemento Cinema.

It's downstairs below street level.

  • Stadtbräu Josef. Landstraße 49, Mo-Sun 10:00am to 4:00am
  • Katunga. An African restaurant with spicy food and good vegetarian options. Open daily from about 5PM. Klammstrasse 6, http://www.katunga.at/.
  • NIU. Described as fusion/asian. But whatever they call it, it's good, healthy, and smoke free. Small, so make reservation if you want a table, otherwise counter service. http://www.niu.at/ Klammstraße 1
  • There are many luncheonettes in the city, offering a variety of food, such as Chinese food, kebab, pizza and typical Austrian snacks such as Bratwürstel (fried sausage) with Sauerkraut, Bosner or Bosna (a special hot-dog with fried sausage and a special curry-ketchup-onion sauce), Käsekrainer (a sausage interlaid with cheese) or the infamous Kafka (a Bosner with Käsekrainer instead of fried sausage).

[edit] Drink

Drinking in Linz is varied and not that cheap; although if you drink outside of the city centre you will find that the cost of drinks are less than in the centre.

Local beers and warm "Glühwein" (hot, spiced/mulled wine) in winter. Upper-Austrian's "national drink" is Most (it´s cider but not fizzy), and Zipfer beer. There are many Austrian beers, of course.


  • Walker
Hauptplatz/Main Square
A large bar/burger restaurant. Games room and occasional live music. Famous for its breakfast menus. Great burgers. Open every day.
  • Chelsea Pub [2].
Domgasse 5 - 0732 779 409
In 2006 it came second in "The Best Irish Pub" competition in Austria. An English-named Irish pub that serves Guinness, and has a very friendly atmosphere for Austrians and English native-speakers. Large open-sandwiches and English/Irish crisps and snacks. Shows sports programmes on a daily basis. Occasional "unplugged" live music. Open every day.
  • Kitty Kiernan's
Hessenplatz 19, Mon-Thu 11am to 2am, Fri 11am to 4am, Sat and Sun 2pm to 4am.
Irish pub, very large burgers. English quiz night for seriously literary types. Sometimes called "The Two Rooms of Gloom" by regulars.
  • Remembar
Passage Kaufhaus (Passage Dept. store).
Large and airy, with enough "hip/cool" clientele to satisfy the needs of people with enough money to spend.
  • Stadtwerkstatt [3].
Kirchengasse 4 (close to the Ars Electonica Center)
Has a nice cafe and live dj's (reggae,house,world music,hiphop) in the evening (daily - starting at 22.00) Local bands (rock, punk, hiphop) appear at weekends. Concerts take place in a stage area upstairs (away from the bar)and are around €10. DJ's in the bar.
  • The Old Dubliner Irish Pub [4]
Hauptplatz 15 (through an alleyway on the west side)
In 2006 it won "The Best Irish Pub" competition in Austria. It is a small bar, but has sport on numerous TVs, and is open until very late, or how late the bar staff want it to stay open. Friendly bar staff, but the toilet is outside in the alleyway and must be opened by a switch just inside the front door. It controls "The Celtic Foodstore" (which is next door) where visitors can buy Irish and English food/drinks.
  • Unfassbar
Johann-Konrad-Vogel Strasse 11 - 0735 797776
A music-themed pub that allows customers to choose the music that they want to hear. It has a Table-Football table that costs nothing to play. Occasional live music and monthly art exhibitions by local artists. Not open on Sundays.


  • Smaragd
Altstadt 2
Regular live-concerts in the dance cellar and a beer garden on the street in summer.

[edit] Sleep


  • Hotel Mühlviertlerhof
    Graben 24-26
    Tel 070 772268
    email hotel-muehlviertlerhof.at
  • ApartmentHaus Anna
    For longer term stays.
    (Great location Downtown)
    4020 Linz, Fadingerstraße 5
    Tel (0)732/784711

[edit] Get out

Linz is a good stepping-off point for a trip into the former Southern Bohemian region of Austria, which is now the Czech Republic. Trains go to Ceske Budejovice and on to Prague.

To the south you can travel by train or car to the wonderful region of Salzkammergut, with its picturesque lakes and mountains. Some nice towns are: Gmunden, Bad Ischl, Hallstatt, Bad Aussee, and many more. To the west is Salzburg.

[edit] External links





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