While most travellers in Austria focus on cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, I discovered that Linz is a hidden gem worth exploring. I visited Linz once during my Austria trip, travelling by train from Nuremberg before continuing onward to Vienna — which is just about an hour away by rail linz.

What made the trip especially memorable was the timing: December during the Christmas season. Linz, with its historic squares, festive markets, and peaceful Danube riverfront, offered a relaxed and authentic Austrian experience away from the larger tourist crowds.

Arriving in Linz

Linz is well connected by train to major European cities. I arrived via DB train from Nuremberg, and the journey was comfortable and scenic. From Linz, Vienna can be reached in roughly an hour by train, making it a convenient stop if you are travelling across Austria linz.

The city is compact, making it easy to explore even on a short visit.

Getting Around the City

Linz has a reliable network of trams and buses. Single journey tickets can be purchased directly from bus drivers or machines located at tram stops linz.

However, like many Austrian cities, Linz is very walkable. Most of the main attractions are concentrated around the historic centre, making it ideal for leisurely walking.

Where I Stayed

During my visit, I stayed at Göttfried Hotel, located right on Hauptplatz, the main square of Linz. The property has a boutique feel and a very cosy atmosphere, especially during the festive season. Being located in the central square made exploring the city extremely convenient linz.

Stepping outside the hotel, I was immediately surrounded by historic buildings, Christmas stalls, and lively street scenes.

Best Things to Do in Linz

• Hauptplatz – The Heart of Linz: The Hauptplatz Linz is one of the largest historic town squares in Austria and serves as the cultural centre of the city. Surrounded by colourful Baroque buildings, the square feels lively throughout the day with cafés, trams passing through, and locals going about their routine. During December, the square transforms into the Linzer Christkindlmarkt, a beautiful Christmas market filled with festive lights and wooden stalls selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and seasonal treats linz. For me, simply walking around the square in the evening with a cup of Glühwein was one of the most memorable parts of my visit.

• Linz Old Town (Altstadt): A short walk from Hauptplatz takes you into the charming Altstadt Linz, the historic Old Town district. The streets here are lined with colourful historic buildings, boutique shops, and traditional cafés. During Christmas, the narrow streets glow with festive lights and decorated shop windows, giving the entire area a magical atmosphere linz. Walking through Altstadt felt calm and intimate compared to the busier Austrian cities I had visited earlier.

• Ars Electronica Center – The Museum of the Future: One of Linz’s most fascinating attractions is the Ars Electronica Center, a museum dedicated to the intersection of technology, art, and science. Unlike traditional museums, this centre features interactive exhibits exploring artificial intelligence, robotics, digital media, and the future of technology. The building itself is striking — especially at night when the façade lights up in vibrant colours along the Danube River linz. For travellers interested in innovation and modern culture, this museum is definitely worth visiting.

• New Cathedral (Neuer Dom): The New Cathedral Linz is the largest church in Austria and one of the city’s most impressive architectural landmarks. Its neo-Gothic design, towering spires, and beautiful stained-glass windows make it an important spiritual and historical site in Linz. During the Christmas season, the cathedral often hosts concerts and religious services that add to the festive atmosphere linz.

Christmas in Linz

Visiting Linz during Christmas made the trip especially memorable. The Linzer Christkindlmarkt in Hauptplatz becomes the centre of festivities with beautifully decorated stalls offering traditional Austrian treats such as Lebkuchen, Vanillekipferl, and warm Glühwein linz.

I mostly enjoyed sampling Christmas market delicacies rather than dining in restaurants — which felt like the most authentic way to experience the city during winter.

The streets across Old Town are filled with festive decorations, and cultural events such as Advent concerts and choral performances are held in churches and concert halls throughout the city linz.

My Personal Impression of Linz

What struck me most about Linz was its relaxed and understated charm. Unlike Vienna or Salzburg, the city feels quieter and more local, yet it still offers beautiful architecture, cultural attractions, and scenic river views.

Walking through the Christmas markets, exploring the historic streets, and enjoying the festive atmosphere made Linz a memorable stop on my Austria journey.

If you are travelling between Salzburg and Vienna, Linz is definitely worth adding to your itinerary — even if only for a day.