Linz, Austria
Linz is the third-largest city in Austria with a vibrant cultural scene, stunning architecture, and charming old town. It is also known for its modern art museum and annual Ars Electronica festival.
Trip to Linz, Austria
Day 1: Arrival and City Tour
On the first day of your trip to Linz, you will arrive at the airport or train station and check in to your hotel. After you’ve had some rest and freshened up, you can start your day by exploring the city of Linz. Located on the banks of the Danube River, it is a historic city with a rich past and plenty of interesting places to visit. You can go on a guided tour of the old streets and see landmarks such as the historic main square, known as Hauptplatz, the Old Cathedral, and the Lentos Art Museum. Additionally, if you’d like a different view of the city, you can take a cable car to Pöstlingberg, a hill that overlooks Linz, where you can visit the Pilgrimage Basilica of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, one of the most popular attractions in the city.
Day 2: Ars Electronica Center and Brucknerhaus
Start your second day in Linz by visiting the Ars Electronica Center, a museum dedicated to art, technology, and science. The center features interactive exhibits and installations, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages. After lunch, you can head to the nearby Brucknerhaus, a concert hall that hosts classical and contemporary music performances. You can check out the schedule beforehand and see if there’s a show that interests you. Even if there’s no performance, the architecture of the building is worth a visit.
Day 3: Danube Valley Tour
Experience the beauty of the Danube River and its valley by taking a tour of the area. You can start at Melk, a charming town that is home to a Benedictine abbey, one of the most famous Baroque buildings in Austria. After visiting the abbey, you can continue your tour by taking a boat ride along the river to Wachau, where you can discover the vineyards and wine culture of the region. One of the most popular wines produced in the area is Grüner Veltliner, a dry white wine that is worth tasting.
Day 4: Linz Castle and Linz Zoo
On the fourth day of your trip, you can start your day by visiting the Linz Castle, a historic fortress that was once a residence of the Habsburgs. You can take a tour of the castle and learn about its history and architecture. After lunch, you can head to the Linz Zoo, located just outside the city center. It is home to over 400 animals from around the world, and you can get up close with some of them by participating in feeding and petting sessions.
Day 5: Shopping in Linz
Linz has a variety of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to local markets. On the fifth day of your trip, you can explore the shops and markets of the city. Some of the popular shopping areas include the Landstraße, the main shopping street in Linz, and the Linzer Schmankerlmarkt, a farmers market where you can find fresh produce, cheeses, and meats from the region.
Day 6: Lake Traunsee and Gmunden
Spend your sixth day in Linz by visiting Lake Traunsee, a beautiful lake in the Salzkammergut region. You can take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains. After the boat ride, you can visit the town of Gmunden, located on the shores of the lake, known for its pottery and ceramics. You can enjoy a walk along the lake promenade and visit the castle ruins that overlook the town.
Day 7: Nightlife and Departure
On your last day in Linz, you can explore the nightlife of the city. There are plenty of bars and clubs in the city center that offer a variety of drinks and music. You can also find many restaurants that offer traditional Austrian cuisine. After a night of fun, you can head back to your hotel to pack and prepare for your departure.
