Linz, Austria - Danube River City

Viking Pride at the Dock in Linz, Austria

Childhood Home of Adolph Hitler Is Now Cultural and Industrial Center

Linz is the provincial capital of Upper Austria, and the country's third largest city. Although the city is fairly industrialized, the old town center near the Danube River is well-preserved and filled with Baroque buildings, charming courtyards, and clean, narrow streets.

Linz is famous as the home of the delicious sweet Linzer Torte and where Mozart composed Symphony No.36, also known as "Linz Symphony". Adolph Hitler spent nine years of his childhood in Linz. Hitler was so fond of Linz that he wanted the city to become one of the five "Führer Cities" of the Third Reich. Fortunately, most of Hitler's grandiose dreams for the Third Reich were not realized; however, Linz has embraced its cultural roots and was the 2009 European Capital of Culture. Linz has several interesting museums and theaters, including the Lentos Art Museum, the Ars Electronic center, and the Bruckner Concert Hall.

Danube River ships dock near the old town, and the lovely city can be explored on foot or via tram.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises features day trips to Salzburg, Austria from Linz as part of its cruise fare.

Linz, Austria Skyline

Linz - Main City Square - Hauptplatz

The main square of Linz is large and filled with outdoor cafes and bars. It is encircled by restored buildings and shops.

Trinity Column in the Linz Main Square

The Trinity Column monument honors plague victims and thanks God for keeping the plague out of the main city of Linz.

Tourist Tram in Linz, Austria

Linz has a very good public transit system, and visitors can tour the town on a tram, bus, or foot.

Interior of Linz Cathedral

Landhaus - Linz Provincial Government State House Entrance to Courtyard

Above the entrance to the courtyard of the Landhaus is a coat of arms. The Landhaus is the site of the Linz Provincial Government State House.

Linz Landhaus Tower - State House in Linz, Austria

Outdoor Dining in Linz, Austria

Wandering away from the busy main square, visitors will find many small bars and cafes tucked away on the narrow streets and quiet courtyards of Linz.

Ars Electronica Center in Linz, Austria

The Ars Electronica Center in Linz, Austria includes all kinds of technologies and interactive media art.

Brucknerhaus in Linz - Anton Bruckner Concert Theater

The Brucknerhaus is named for Anton Bruckner, who was the cathedral organist in Linz from 1855 to 1868. Appropriate name for a concert hall, isn't it?

Lentos Museum of Modern Art in Linz, Austria

The Lentos Museum opened in 2003. It contains an excellent collection of modern art and sits on the banks of the Danube River near the old town.

Pöstlingberg Church Overlooks the Danube and Linz, Austria

The Pöstlingberg Church overlooks the Danube and Linz from a tall hill. Visitors can take a tram and train from downtown to Pöstlingberg.

Pöstlingberg in Linz, Austria

The very steep Pöstlingbergbahn mountain tram is quite an experience. A trip to Pöstlingberg can be combined with a visit to the nearby zoo.

Danube River Cruise Ships at the Dock in Linz, Austria

The Danube River runs right next to the old city center of Linz, and cruise passengers can easily explore most of the old city on foot.

View of Downtown Linz from the Banks of the Danube