What to See in Linz
Explore 23 landmarks, monuments, and attractions in Linz, Austria. From iconic sights to hidden gems — curated from real traveler experiences.
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Linz Castle
Official websiteThe 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.…
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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 Schlossmuseum Linz. 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.
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St Martin's Church
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.…
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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.
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New Cathedral
Official websiteThe 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 134m (as it was not permitted to surpass St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna).…
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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 12m in length.
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Old Cathedral
Official websiteDesigned 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.…
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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.
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Trinity Column
One of Austria's most attractive closed squares, there stands the 20m-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.…
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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.
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voestalpine Stahlwelt
Official websiteThe voestalpine steel works run an impressive museum and experience centre devoted to the manufacturing and processing of steel, as well as applications thereof. One can visit on their own, or join an organized tour with a guide (1.5 hours), which can be expanded with a tour of the manufacturing facilities (3 hours in total).…
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The Panorama Cafe atop the building offers views over Linz, drinks and light snacks. Groups can pre-order lunches there.
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Bishop's Residence
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.…
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The impressive lattice gate on the staircase is by Valentin Hoffmann (1727).
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Linz Zoo
Official websiteOver 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).…
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As an excursion destination the children’s zoo is always popular with the little ones.
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Pöstlingbergkirche
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.
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Botanic Gardens
Official websiteOne of the most beautiful and extensive botanic gardens in Europe, with more than 10,000 plants and five greenhouses. Particularly noteworthy is the cactus collection. Special exhibits and presentations are hosted throughout the year.
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Cowboy-Museum Fatsy
Official websiteAn unusual museum founded by Austrian entertainer Hans-Jörg Ratzenböck. It houses displays illustrating American cowboy life, with a replica rancher's room, sheriff's office, and gambling room.
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StifterHaus
Official websiteThe 19th-century Austrian writer Adalbert Stifter lived in this house for many years. It is now a museum devoted to Austrian literature, with exhibits of manuscripts and multimedia.
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Lentos Museum of Art
Official websiteHouses a large collection focusing on modern art, with representative works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka, as well as current contemporary art.
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Provincial Gallery of Linz
Official websiteThe museum has a large collection of modern and contemporary art, with rotating special exhibits of works by Upper Austrians.
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Ars Electronica Center
Official websiteThis cutting-edge museum serves as a venue for art which explores the creative potential of the latest technology.
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Nordico Museum of the City of Linz
Official websiteThis former monastery now houses the civic museum, with rotating exhibits focused on regional history and ecology.
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Military History Collection in Ebelsberg Castle
Official websiteExhibits a large collection of historic firearms, as well as items from the former Austrian Imperial Navy.
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LinzGenesis
Official websiteA branch of the Nordico Museum with displays dedicated to the history of Linz and its famous residents.
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Museum of the History of Dentistry in Upper Austria
Official websiteA one-room museum dedicated to the history of dentistry, from the 17th century until the present.
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The O.K. Center for Contemporary Art
Official websiteHosts contemporary art exhibits and festivals, with a focus on installation and multimedia art.
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Customs and Finance Collection
Official websiteExhibits historic tools of the trade as well as confiscated items.
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Skulpturenpark Artpark
A 5,000m² sculpture garden, with works by more than 20 artists.
Exploring Linz: A Guide for Solo Travelers
Linz is one of Austria's most rewarding cities to explore on foot. With 23 documented sightseeing spots — from grand monuments and historic churches to hidden squares and local museums — the city rewards curiosity at every turn. This guide covers everything you need to plan a great sightseeing day in Linz, whether you have a single afternoon or an entire week.
How to See Linz Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist
The best way to discover Linz is on foot, moving between neighborhoods rather than rushing between landmarks on a tour bus. Start your day early — most major sights in Linz are significantly less crowded before 9am. Many iconic spots, such as Linz Castle and St Martin's Church, look entirely different at dawn versus midday, and you'll get far better photographs without the crowds.
Budget at least 30–45 minutes for each major attraction in Linz, and don't underestimate walking distances between them. The city's neighborhoods are best experienced by wandering rather than following a rigid itinerary. If something unexpected catches your eye — a courtyard, a street market, a viewpoint — follow it. The most memorable moments in Linz rarely appear on any official list.
Planning Your Sightseeing in Linz
Before you visit major paid attractions in Linz, check whether they offer discounts for students, young travelers, or EU residents. Many museums and monuments have free admission on the first Sunday of the month, or offer combined tickets with nearby sites that save significant money. Some of Linz's best sights are entirely free — outdoor landmarks, historic streets, and public spaces cost nothing to explore and can be more atmospheric than ticketed attractions.
If you're visiting Linz as a solo traveler, consider joining a free walking tour. They typically depart from main squares in the morning and cover the city's most important sights in 2–3 hours with a knowledgeable local guide. These tours are also excellent for meeting other travelers — you'll often find the group ends up exploring Linz together for the rest of the day.
Sightseeing in Linz with Fellow Travelers
Solo sightseeing in Linz is perfectly enjoyable, but exploring with others can transform the experience. When you share a landmark with a fellow traveler, you see it through their eyes — their questions, their stories, their cultural context. A French traveler will notice different things about Linz's architecture than a Japanese one. That exchange of perspectives is what makes travel memorable.
Nomax is a free travel companion app that helps solo travelers in Linz find each other and plan sightseeing together. Browse profiles of travelers currently in Linz, join group activities like city walks and museum visits, or post your own sightseeing plan and invite others to join. Many travelers in Linz use Nomax to find companions for specific attractions — someone to split a taxi to an outlying monument, or a walking partner for the old town.
What Makes Linz Worth Seeing
Linz offers 23 documented sights in this guide alone — and that's only the beginning. Linz Castle, St Martin's Church, New Cathedral are among the most visited, but the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and viewpoints are equally rewarding for the traveler willing to explore beyond the main itinerary. Austria's history, culture, and architecture are all visible in Linz's streets and buildings, making it one of the best cities in the region for sightseeing.
Whether you're spending a single day or a full week in Linz, this guide gives you a starting point for building your own itinerary. The sights are ordered by the richness of their documentation, with the most detailed descriptions at the top. Use the coordinates to navigate with any map app, and check the hours and entry prices before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Sightseeing in other Austria cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see attractions in Linz?
Linz has 23 notable sights including Linz Castle, St Martin's Church, New Cathedral. This guide covers landmarks, monuments, churches, museums, and hidden gems curated from traveler experiences and editorial sources.
How many days do you need to see Linz?
Most travelers spend 3–5 days exploring Linz to cover the major sights comfortably. A focused itinerary can cover the top 10–15 highlights in 2 days. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers and plan a shared sightseeing itinerary for Linz.
Are there free things to see in Linz?
Yes — many of Linz's best sights are free or low-cost. Several POIs in this guide are listed as free entry. Check individual entries above for price information.
What is the best time to visit Linz's sightseeing spots?
Early mornings (before 9am) are the best time to visit popular sights in Linz to avoid crowds. Many monuments and outdoor attractions are also magical at dusk. Use Nomax to find fellow travelers who can share timing tips and join you for a sightseeing day.
How do I meet other travelers to explore Linz with?
Download Nomax — the free travel companion app — to instantly see solo travelers near you in Linz. Join sightseeing activities, meet travelers at the same landmarks, and chat before you meet up. It's the easiest way to explore Linz with company.
Is Linz good for solo travelers?
Linz is popular with solo travelers for its rich sightseeing, accessible public transport, and welcoming atmosphere. The Nomax app helps solo travelers find companions in Linz so you never have to explore alone — from guided walks to museum visits to spontaneous meetups.
Explore Linz with fellow travelers
Download Nomax to find travel companions in Linz, join sightseeing activities, and make your trip unforgettable.
Download Nomax — FreeAvailable on iOS and Android. Free forever.
Travel tips from Wikivoyage contributors, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
