After Salzburg, I was thinking where else to go in Austria. I like “cities of contrasts", but not in a way that the expensive skyscrapers are adjacent to dirty slums, but when the city can offer a variety of different experiences.
Linz is exactly such a place! On one hand, it is an industrial city with big metal and chemical enterprises; on the other hand, it represents a very well preserved treasury of architectural monuments and one of the most eco-friendly resorts in Europe.
It is only a couple of hours drive from Vienna and Salzburg to Linz.
I was staying in Star Inn Linz Promenadengalerien located in a typical narrow street in the Downtown, close to the pedestrian area. It impressed me by the perfect tidiness (actually, expected from Austria!), high ceilings, private parking (which is very convenient, if you travel around Austria by car) and a coffee machine in the room! I studied the map of the city over the breakfast and mapped out an easy short route with the first point which was just few steps of the hotel.
By the way, the information how I find the cheapest prices for the best hotels is here.
What to see in Linz
In terms of lavishness, of course, Linz cannot compete with Vienna, but its apparent advantage is that it was not damaged during the Second World War - there are old well-preserved buildings here, not restored or rebuilt.
The attractions of Linz
1) I started my walk from the hotel in the direction of the Cathedralon Herrenstraße 26. It is usually referred to as New Cathedral (since there is also an Old Cathedral on Domgasse, 3) This Gothic church is one of the largest in Austria. It has really impressed me with its grandeur and shape.
2) From the cathedral, I decided to walk to the main square of the city along Landstrasse, full of various shopping centers, confectioneries and fascinating local designers’ shops that you cannot take your eyes off. The street is lined with well-preserved old buildings that create a very cozy atmosphere.
3) The Hauptplatz (the main square of Linz) deserves special attention.
First of all, the view of the tower of Old Linz Cathedral, rising above the square, is just incredible.
The second is that all the souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants of the city are located here.
And the third is that the Column of the Holy Trinity (Dreifaltigkeitssäule), the Baroque monument made of white marble, is right in the center of this square.
And in case if you are traveling with kids, you can catch a colorful train that departs from the square every half an hour and goes around the major landmarks of the city within half an hour (the tickets are 9 € for adults and 4 € for children).
4) After I had enough of walk around the Hauptplatz, I went to the famous Flohmarkt, the market of the antiques. In fact, this is a huge open-air flea market, but here, you can dig out really worthy rarities. Caught up in the excitement of hunting, I found some wonderful porcelain statuettes and retro postcards for my friends. The market works only on week-ends.
5) There is also a fascinating museum, Ars Electronica Center perfect for those who are fans of science and contemporary art (performances and installations). This huge building right on the bank of the river Danube is itself, a piece of art with its dynamic lighting and original facade. And inside of it, you will find different interactive installations, scientific attractions for all the ages and the latest gadgets.
6) When I was planning my route around Linz, I decided to taste one of the key local attractions, the cake Linzer Torte. This dessert is believed to be nearly the first cake in the world! The oldest recorded Linzer Torte recipe is more than 350 years old! This treat is served in almost every café, sweet shop and even souvenir shop, but what I chose was a very cozy bakery Kuk Hofbackerei on Pfarrgasse 17 that fascinated me with the antique mirrors on the walls and the perfect example of furniture elegance-Viennese chairs. The cake, by the way, turned out to be quite specific-if you like crumbly dough, you will appreciate it. I, personally, liked it.
7) After that, I went to find a spot from where I could take some beautiful panoramic photos, like I do in every city I visit. It is possible to observe Linz from the highest point of the city - the Pestlinberg Hill, where you can get by the old slow tram No.50. This is a historic tram line that has the name "Pöstlingberg Tram" (Pöstlingbergbahn).
The tram stops right in the center of Hauptplatz square.
You can buy a ticket in the vending machine right at the bus stop (it accepts coins, bills and cards).
The tram runs every half an hour - at 00 and 30 minutes of every hour, both from the square and back from the hill.
I recommend you to take this tram, because the view that will open up during this trip will exceed all your expectations - it is running along a narrow forest path, slowly revealing Austrian beauty with its cozy houses and mountain landscapes.
8) And on the top of the hill I there was not just a fascinating view of Linz, but also a fairy-tale world! It turned out, that there is an attraction "Grotto of Fairy Tales", “inhabited” by dwarves, fairies and other magical creatures. Of course, it is for children, but even adults can be touched and smile here.
9) There is also the Pilgrimage Church (Wallfahrtsbasilika) that you can see on the postcards of Linz, with a big site that offers a fabulous view on the city.
10) At the same place, you can enjoy the panorama of Linz and warm up with a cup of coffee (if it is winter) in the confectionery Konditorei Jindrak branch Pöstlingberg, located here, where they also serve the traditional cake of Linz.
During warmer months, they open an outdoor terrace.
11) If you have time, you can visit another charming place for the whole family – the Linz Zoo. Located on the outskirts of the city, it is an oasis of diverse fauna (and a little-flora). The animals are kept in the conditions, as close to natural as possible, and it is a pleasure to watch them! In addition to animals, the zoo has some more attractions and the so-called "tropical house". And as a bonus, there is also an awesome view of Linz from the top of the hill.
12) The countryside around Linz also deserves attention — picturesque hills and crystal clear lakes with old health resorts of few centuries’ history. But it is better to postpone your spa and health recreation in Linz for a warm season.
