JOIN US IN AN INTERVIEW WITH SABRINA STILLER FROM LINZ, AUSTRIA !
Sabrina, born and raised in the outskirts of Linz in Upper Austria, has for many years been drawn to the big wide world, preferably to places where the sun shines and nature is enchanting. Her wanderlust has led her to fulfill several travel dreams and even embark on international internships, a long-held aspiration. Currently based in Austria, Sabrina balances her full-time job as a web developer with her passion for mountain climbing, sunrise photography, and writing on her blog, Smilesfromabroad. Whenever her schedule allows, she continues to explore the world, chasing her dreams and collecting inspiring stories.
LINZ
Linz, situated in the northern part of the country is approximately 200 kilometers west of Vienna. The city lies on the banks of the Danube River, which played a significant role in Linz’s development as a major industrial and cultural center.
The city has a rich history dating back to Roman times. When the Romans established a fort and trading center along the Danube River in the 4th century CE, they named it Lentia. Over time, the settlement evolved and was influenced by various cultures and rulers, eventually becoming the city of Linz. Today, Linz is the capital of Upper Austria and a thriving cultural and economic center.
Linz is surrounded by several notable cities, including Wels, Steyr, and Passau, Germany. Its proximity to Vienna, about a 2-hour drive or train ride, makes it an attractive destination for tourists and business travelers alike. Linz has been recognized as a UNESCO City of Media Arts since 2014, showcasing its innovative and creative spirit.
Linz boasts a unique blend of industrial heritage and cultural attractions, such as the Linz Cathedral, the Lentos Art Museum, and the Ars Electronica Center. The city is also famous for its Linzer Torte, a delicious chocolate cake that’s a must-try when visiting. With its vibrant atmosphere, stunning architecture, and picturesque location on the Danube, Linz offers a unique experience for visitors from around the world.
Could you share a bit about yourself and your connection with Linz?
My connection to Austria and specially Linz has not been the best in my early years as it used to be a very boring place to live when I was younger and I did not in enjoy it that much.
In the last couple of years the city changed a lot and whilst it’s still a quiet city (specially on a Sunday), it’s a lot more vibrant, a lot more events going on and I realised that it does have its own charm and I’ll show you why.
While Linz ranks as Austria’s third-largest city, it often remains in the shadow of more renowned destinations like Vienna, Salzburg or Hallstatt. According to you, what unique allure does Linz possess that distinguishes it from the rest?
Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck are the places to be in Austria when it comes to beautiful
surroundings, stunning architecture or historic places.
Linz does not offer any of those and it’s a lot more rough around the edges, not just the city, also the people living here. It used to be and is still well known for steel production, industrial services and work places. So when you look at the city from a distance, you can clearly see that it’s very industrial and not as romantic as the other cities mentioned above, which can be attracting to visitors as well.
Personally for me living here, the job opportunities are a big plus, we have a lot of companies offering interesting jobs in every range. Looking at it from a visitors point of view, Linz is a place which is off the beaten path in Austria with multiple cultural options as we do have a lot of museums and musicians.
What’s the most convenient and popular mode of transportation in Linz?
To be honest, most locals living in the outskirts of Linz would prefer the car over the public transport, because as soon as you want to get out of the city, we always call it “a world trip if you go by public transport”.
In the city centre it’s easy to walk, most places are in a very convenient walking distance and on the so called “Landstraße” (the main street), there’s a tram passing every couple of minutes which would be the best way to get around if you are visiting.
If you have ample time to explore, the Linz City Express is a tourist train that offers guided city tours of Linz, Austria. It provides various routes, including the Linz Klassik Tour, a 25-minute tour of the city’s cultural and historical center, and the Grand Klassik Tour, a 50-minute tour available for groups that includes a guided tour of the new cathedral.
Other options include the Blue Danube Tour, a 50-minute tour of Linz and the Danube, the New Linz Tour, a 50-minute tour of modern Linz, including the new central station area, and the Linz Spezial Tour, an 80-minute tour that combines the Blue Danube Tour with a guided tour of the new cathedral.
Is there a specific website locals use to check bus and train schedules in Linz?
I personally always use the ÖBB Scotty App, which is not just for the city, but for all trains in
Austria, but there’s also the app of the OÖVV, which is perfect for buses and tram in the area, as well as the LinzMobil which is specifically for the city and where you can buy tickets as well
(besides buying them in person at the tram stops or with the bus driver when entering the bus).
What are some must-visit attractions or landmarks in Linz?
In the North:
Pöstlingberg : The Pöstlingberg is a small hill right next to the city center and the church on top of the hill is the landmark of Linz. There’s a very nice short, but steep, hike to the top of the hill, which offers amazing views around the city. If you do not fancy walking up, then you can go with the “Pöstlingbergbahn”, which is a tram starting in Linz/Urfahr. For locals it’s also a well known place to visit with your kids, because of the so called “Grottenbahn”, an attraction where you’re going on a small train around a cave which is decorated with dwarves and mythical creatures from Austrian and local fairy tales.
Location : Am Pöstlingberg 1, 4040 Linz, Austria
The castle & Schlossmuseum : Linz Castle’s Schlossmuseum showcases Upper Austria’s cultural, natural, and technological heritage in 18,000 sqm of exhibition space, blending historical and modern architecture. Permanent exhibitions highlight the region’s history and identity, with temporary shows exploring various topics.
Location : Schlossberg 1, 4020 Linz
In the East:
Linzer Dom: The cathedral of Linz “Linzer Dom” is not just a beautiful cathedral, but also has a very interesting history because it was not built as high as planned, because it would have been higher than the world famous Stephansdom in Vienna and this wasn’t allowed.
Location : Herrenstraße 26, 4020 Linz
Landstraße : On the main street of Linz you can go shopping, visit restaurants or go for a drink. Landstraße is a prominent shopping street in Linz, Austria, offering a diverse range of over 200 shops, cafes, and restaurants. The street features department stores like Kastner & Öhler and Hervis, fashion boutiques such as Zara, H&M, and Mango, and electronic stores like Saturn and Media Markt. Additionally, banks, pharmacies, and other services are available, making it a convenient destination for daily needs. With public transportation access via trams and buses, Landstraße is a bustling hub for shopping, fashion, and entertainment in the heart of Linz.
Location : 4020 Linz, Austria
Hauptplatz : Hauptplatz is the main square of Linz, Austria, and a hub of activity. Surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops, it hosts various events and markets throughout the year. The main square also has a plague column.
In fact, Austria has the highest concentration of plague columns, with over 150 examples throughout the country, particularly in Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. The plague columns in Austria compared to other European countries are often ornate and elaborate, reflecting the country’s rich Baroque and Rococo architectural heritage.
In the 18th century, a devastating plague swept through Linz, Austria, claiming many lives. In gratitude for the city’s survival, the citizens of Linz built a grand plague column, the Holy Trinity Column. This magnificent monument, featuring intricate sculptures and statues, stands on the Hauptplatz as a testament to the city’s resilience and a reminder of the plague’s impact.
Location : 4020 Linz, Austria
In the South :
Museums : There’s plenty of museums and some very well known, which I can recommend visiting, such as the Ars Electronica Center or the Museum of Arts “Lentos”. AEC focuses on digital art, technology, and society, with an emphasis on interactive and innovative exhibitions. While Lentos focuses on modern and contemporary art, with a broader range of artistic media and styles.
Ars Electronica Center : The Ars Electronica Center (AEC) is a museum and research facility in Linz, Austria, showcasing digital art, technology, and society through interactive exhibitions, installations, and performances. It hosts conferences, workshops, and festivals, including the annual Ars Electronica Festival.
Location : Ars-Electronica-Straße 1, 4040 Linz
Museum of Arts “Lentos” : The Museum of Art “Lentos” is a modern art museum in Linz, Austria, featuring a diverse collection of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. It hosts temporary exhibitions, events, and educational programs, showcasing both Austrian and international artists.
Location : Doktor-Ernst-Koref-Promenade 1, 4020 Linz
In the West :
Walk around the Danube : Linz is built around the Danube, the second longest river in Europe and it’s a nice place to go for a walk. You will pass by the mentioned museums AEC and Lentos and the Brucknerhaus, famous for its great musicians. In summer, there’s also a nice bar called the Sandburg and all year around you can go on a bar on a ship called Fräulein Florentine.
Location : Donaulände
The harbour : Visit Linz’s vibrant harbour for a dose of culture and creativity! Explore the docks, admire the street art and murals, and join a guided tour to discover the artists’ stories. A must-see side of Linz!
Location : Hafenstraße
What are the day trips or nearby destinations that you recommend exploring from Linz?
The state upper Austria has some of the best mountain areas in Austria, therefore I would definitely recommend visiting them.
In the South :
Salzkammergut (around 1 hourly car) : The Salzkammergut region, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, is a stunning area featuring multiple lakes nestled among picturesque mountains. The name “Salzkammergut”, meaning “salt domain” in German, pays homage to the region’s historical salt mines. Recently, it was honored as the European Capital of Culture in 2024, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. It shared the title with Bodø in Norway and Tartu in Estonia.
Places I can recommend in the Salzkammergut region for multi-day trip destinations:
Gmunden and Traunsee (1 hour by car, 1.5 hours by public transportation) : Gmunden is a small town located at the edge of Lake Traunsee in the Salzkammergut area of Upper Austria. Considered a tourist town and summer health retreat for Austrians. Variety of brine and salt related treatments available here. Offers various activities like boating and water sports. Other nearby villages include Traunkirchen and Ebense.
Schafbergbahn (2hrs by car, 3hrs by public transport) : Schafbergbahn is a historic steam train that runs from St. Wolfgang to the top of Schafberg Mountain, offering scenic views of the Salzkammergut region. The train journey is approximately forty-five minutes long. Operating from late April to late October, the train is pulled by historic steam locomotives or modern diesel trains, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes from its large windows.
Hallstatt (2.5 hours by car, 3.5 hours by public transportation (including a boat ride)) : Hallstatt is a picturesque village on Hallstätter See’s shores, renowned for its traditional houses, stunning scenery, and rich history. It boasts archaeological finds, a 12th-century church called the Evangelical Church of Hallstatt , and unique cultural heritage, all nestled within a tranquil and intimate setting with fewer than 800 residents.
Gosausee (2 hours by car, 3 hours by public transportation) : Gosausee is a picturesque lake at the foot of the Dachstein Mountains, offering hiking trails, scenic views, and outdoor activities like boating and fishing. Located near the village of Gosau, the lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains, attracting nature lovers and photographers to its shores, where traditional Austrian huts and restaurants serve local cuisine.
Krippenstein (2.5 hours by car, 3.5 hours by public transportation (including a cable car ride)) : Krippenstein is a scenic plateau in the Dachstein Mountains, offering hiking trails, caves, and stunning views. At 2,100 meters, it boasts panoramic views of the Dachstein Glacier and Hallstätter See, plus ancient ice formations and fossils in the Dachstein Ice and Mammoth Caves. Enjoy hiking, cave exploration, paragliding, and relaxation at the mountain hut, all with breathtaking views.
Please note that these times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, road conditions, and the frequency of public transportation.
In the North-West :
Mühlviertel (around 1 hour northwest of Linz) : Here you can find one green hill after the other with a lot of small villages and farms. It offers a mix of forests, hills, and rivers, with a rich cultural heritage, traditional folk arts, and delicious local cuisine like Linzer Torte and Käsespätzle.
I personally think that the Böhmerwald is a very beautiful place in this area. The Böhmerwald (Bohemian Forest) is a mountain range across Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic, protected by national parks. A bark beetle infestation transformed the landscape, leaving “Tree Skeletons” behind. Now, it offers hiking trails, cycling paths, and nature exploration opportunities amidst diverse landscapes. Specially in winter it’s an interesting place to visit, because it seems like you stepped into Finland.
Schlögener Schlinge (around 1 hour by car) : Another place, which you can find along the Danube, is the Schlögener Schlinge, a river loop, which can be seen from a viewpoint. It is a unique 180-degree loop in the Danube River, formed by the surrounding hard rock in Upper Austria. It’s the largest forced meander in Europe and was voted “Natural Wonder of Upper Austria” in 2008, showcasing its natural beauty.
For nature enthusiasts, are there any green spaces/parks or hiking trails in Linz that tourists should explore?
Linz is a pretty small city but still it offers a lot of green areas.
You can walk up to the castle with a big park nearby.
You can hike up the previously mentioned Pöstlingberg.
You can walk around the lake Pleschingersee and hike up to Pfenningberg.
Or you can always go for a run or ride your bike along the Danube, which offers endless trails.
What culinary delights does Linz offer, and are there any must-try dishes or local specialties that visitors shouldn’t miss out on?
In the last couple of years the culinary experience completely changed and we now have a range of options to choose from and restaurants to go to. The traditional Austrian cuisine is very heavy, a lot of meat, fat and / or sugar and here’s some of the most famous dishes to eat here:
Savoury Delights :
Leberkässemmerl at “Leberkas Pepi” : This is Linz’s iconic snack – ground beef & pork meatloaf in a crusty roll, often with mustard, pickles, and cheese.
Wiener Schnitzel : The famous breaded and fried veal cutlet, golden and crispy outside, tender and juicy inside, served with lemon and potatoes.
Schweinsbraten : Slow-roasted pork belly, crispy crackling outside, tender and juicy inside, served withwith dumplings or potatoes, vegetables, and a side of apple sauce
Hascheeknödel with Sauerkraut : Soft potato dumplings filled with meat or cheese, served with tangy sauerkraut, crispy bacon, and a side of apple sauce, a hearty Austrian comfort food.
Steckerlfisch : Grilled trout, skewered and char-grilled to perfection, served with a squeeze of lemon, boiled potatoes, and a side of tangy salad or pickles traditionally served with bread. It is a classic Austrian summer delight.
Sweet Pleasures :
Linzer Torte : A classic Austrian dessert with shortcrust base, rich jam filling, lattice-patterned top, and powdered sugar, symbolizing Linz’s sweet legacy. It’s very sweet in taste.
Kaiserschmarrn : Shredded pancake, sweet and fluffy, topped with powdered sugar, raisins, and caramelized apple, a beloved Austrian emperor’s treat.
Marillenknödel : Sweet apricot dumplings, soft and fluffy, filled with jammy apricot filling, topped with powdered sugar and melted butter
Erdbeerknödel : Juicy strawberry dumplings, tender and sweet, filled with fresh strawberry filling, topped with powdered sugar and vanilla sauce.
Strudel with apple or Topfen : Flaky pastry filled with tender apples/sweet quark cheese, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes raisins or nuts, topped with a sweet vanilla sauce and a side of fruit compote.
What are the main festivals or events held in Linz that tourists should definitely
experience to get a taste of the city’s culture and vibrancy?
Linz comes alive in summer and December, offering a vibrant array of events. While autumn and spring can be gloomy and wet, encouraging people to cozy up at home, the summer months and festive Christmas markets bring everyone out of their shells, filling the streets with energy and joy.
February : Carnival events going on everywhere. It’s the time to dress up like your most favourite movie character, like an animal or something crazy and party!
June : The Bubble days in the harbour of Linz, some open air festival with a bit of music and acts.
July : The Pflasterspektakel is always fun to visit, it’s a street festival with artists all around the city and traditionally held in July.
August : The Linzer Krone Fest, very much like Munich’s Oktoberfest is a free to visit open air festival right in the city centre with local and international singer and bands.
September : Linzer Klangwolke, an event with lightshows and music around the Danube.
December : Stroll around the streets and drink Punsch and Glühwein at the local Christmas markets.
Can you tell me about the local arts and culture scene in Linz?
Linz, the former European Capital of Culture (2009), boasts a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant arts scene, offering a diverse range of attractions and activities for culture enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
As mentioned above, there’s a lot of museums and if you’re into art, I would definitely recommend visiting the Lentos Art museum. You can also visit Francisco Carolinum, the Hartlauer Fotogalerie (for modern photography), Nordico museum, Schlossmuseum or the OK Platz.
If you’re into industrial style & steel production, there’s a very interesting exhibition in the
Voestalpine Stahlwelt.
Are there any particular events in Linz that tourists simply can’t afford to miss?
Cultural events can be found in the Brucknerhaus, the Musiktheater or the OK Kulturhaus.
Brucknerhaus: Concert hall in Linz, Austria, known for excellent acoustics and hosting various musical performances, including classical and pop concerts.
Musiktheater: Musical theater venue in Linz, Austria, featuring opera, ballet, musicals, and concerts with state-of-the-art stage and acoustics.
OK Kulturhaus: Cultural center in Linz, Austria, offering diverse events, exhibitions, and workshops, showcasing local and international artists, with a focus on creative expression and community engagement.
Where are the best places to shop in Linz?
The Landstraße is the shopping area of the city centre, but if you’d like to go to a shopping center, you can visit the Plus City in Pasching, which is around 20 minutes by tram 4.
Are there any popular weekend, night, or flea markets that tourists shouldn’t miss?
Linz does not offer too many second hand boutiques or other places, there’s a flea market every
Saturday morning on the main square.
What are the must-buy souvenirs or items to bring back from Linz?
I would recommend bringing a Linzer Torte if you’re into sweets, otherwise I’m not sure what’s a
typical souvenir to bring – maybe some art piece of one of the museums?
Austria boasts a diverse range of beer styles, with numerous small and large breweries. Among the most popular varieties, Märzen takes the top spot. We do have local beer as well, which might be a nice souvenir, I can very much recommend the “Freistädter Bier”, which is an all time favourite in the area around Linz – Freistadt is a small town in the Mühlviertel in Upper Austria.
THINGS TO KNOW
How to Reach Linz :
| By air: The nearest airport is the Linz International Airport, located about 15 kilometers away. You can board a bus from the airport terminal to the city center, which takes around 25 minutes. |
| By train: The main train station in Linz, Linz Hauptbahnhof, connects the city to many major European cities and other Austrian cities like Vienna and Salzburg. The train from Wien Hbf (Vienna) to Linz Hbf (Linz) takes approximately 1 hour and 19 minutes. The trains depart every 15 minutes and operate daily. Prices range from $26 to $170. |
| By car: Linz is well-connected to other major cities in Austria through the A1 and A7 motorways. The driving time from Vienna to Linz is around one hour and 54 minutes. The road distance is approximately 114.5 miles. Prices range from $35 to $51. |
| By bus: The bus ride from Vienna International Bus Terminal (VIB) to Linz Wissensturm takes around two hours and 15 minutes. Prices range from $50 to $70. |
Linz Climate : Linz experiences warm summers (June-Aug) and cold winters (Dec-Feb) with temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C). July is the wettest month, while Feb and Oct are the driest. Spring (May-June) and autumn (Sept) offer pleasant weather, making them the best times to visit.
Linz Helpful Facts :
1. National Language : German, but many residents speak English.
2. Currency : Euro
3. Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (CEST)
4. Power Adapter: Type F (German-style plug)
5. Tourist Information: Linz Tourismus, Hauptplatz 1, 4020 Linz
6. Getting Around: Walking, cycling, public transport (bus, tram)
7. Safety: Linz is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions.
Country Code, Important Telephone Numbers :
- Country code: +43
- Police emergency: 133
- Ambulance emergency: 144
Like it? Pin it.
