Linz – Impressions

Linz, once mainly famous as a steel town, nowadays has a renowned repuation in culture and arts as well. Events such as "Ars Electronica", Linz "Klangwolke" and Bruckner Festival are familiar around the world.

Linz 2009 European Capital of Culture

In 1985, the European Union began naming a city to serve for a year as the continent's Capital of Culture. Since 2005, this annual title has been bestowed simultaneously on two or more cities. Linz will be sharing 2009 honours with Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Linz is already looking forward to serving as Europe's official host for an entire year! Our visitors can look forward to a diverse and innovative array of cultural events presented throughout our city and our region. The Linz09 lineup includes several themes: the city of Linz, its history and future as well as Europe and the world will have a share in the programme.
(more information).

Main Square / 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).

Pöstlingberg

Not only the children get excited when visiting the Pöstlingberg. Following the ride up on the historic Pöstlingbergbahn (Pöstlingberg-Bus until spring 2009) mountain tram, it is only a few paces to the pilgrimage basilica, the panorama viewing platform and the Grottenbahn cave railway, where the mascot, Sebastian, awaits in his fairytale world and the Dragon Express runs through the shimmering kingdom of the dwarves.
Half way up the mountain tram is the Linz Zoological Garden, which is open throughout the year and houses hundreds of animals and a children's zoo.

Linz at the Danube

Experience the Danube - two Danube shipping companies offer the possibility of getting to know Linz and its surrounding region by water. The Wurm & Köck shipping line covers the stretch between Linz and the German three-river city of Passau, via the Upper Danube Valley with its Schlögener Schlinge (unique meanders). Or choose your own cruise aboard the MS Helene - Manfred Schaurecker and his team are looking forward to welcoming you aboard.

New Cathedral – Maria Empfängnisdom

The construction of the neo-Gothic cathedral was already initiated in 1855 by the then Bishop of Linz, F.J. Rudiger, and the foundation stone was laid in 1862. The building was designed by the Cologne cathedral builder Vinzenz Statz. Consecration occurred in 1924. The tower height was limited to 134 m (as it was not permitted to outdo the Vienna Stephansdom). The cathedral offers room for 20.000 worshippers and is also notable for its painted 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.

Ursulinenkirche

The Ursulinenkirche was built by the Linz master builders Johann Haslinger and J.M. Krinner between 1736 and 1772. All the sculptures are from F.J. Mähl. The altar leaves were painted by Bartolomeo Altomonte and Antonio Belucci, while the high altar painting stems from Martin Altomonte. The curved facade has twin spires and figures from F.J. Mähl and Ignaz Hiebel. The nunnery was vacated by the Ursuline nuns in 1968 and purchased by the Upper Austrian government in 1973. It was then converted into the provincial cultural centre.

Cycling along the Danube

Linz has about 200 kilometres cycle routes through the city. Cycling (at a walking speed) is also permitted in the pedestrian precinct.