AUSTRIA

Linz is alive

Austria's third-largest city, Linz, is yet another example of a cosmopolitan center that should be on the itinerary of every visitor to Austria. Located almost exactly between Vienna and Salzburg, Linz has definitely solved the problem of the old and the new living together in perfect harmony: over the past few decades, great pains have been taken to preserve the authentic feeling of the historic Old Town Quarter with its elegant and superbly restored patrician houses in the large pedestrian zone. This and the many other attractions in the city center bear witness to the past glory and present beauty of Linz.

It is advisable to explore some of the inner courtyards between the Main Square and the Old Town Quarter, most of them freely accessible - there is much to discover here, from original Roman foundations to vaults dating from medieval times. A shopping trip through Linz can be an unforgettable experience. Exploring narrow side streets with quaint little antique shops, the inveterate shopper may discover a great hunting-ground for a great number of unique and interesting presents and souvenirs. From March through October, the lively flea market (every Saturday) in the very center of Linz has proved to be a major attraction for tourists.

One could take a ride on the steepest adhesion railway in the world, on Pöstlingberg, the landmark of Linz, which has just celebrated its 100th birthday - a ride up the mountain for the splendid view of the city and of the Danube is well worth a detour. The train passes quaint, idyllic little stations and affords a leisurely view of the city of Linz.

At night, Linz really comes alive - concentrating mostly on the exuberant Linz pub scene. The action, as everywhere else, is determined by prevailing trends. The "Bermuda Triangle" of the Old Town Quarter has been very popular for years, but there are many other places as well. Our tip: Ask a taxi driver - they usually know the best "in" places.

Linz City Ticket

The Linz City Ticket is a wonderful, low-priced way of exploring the City on the Danube. The ticket is enables one to arrange a visit to Linz according to taste.

"Linzer Torte" - Sweet Souvenir

No visit to Linz would be complete without sampling the most famous pastry of the region, the original "Linzer Torte." This local delicacy, made from almond short-crust pastry with its characteristic lattice pattern on top, is kept moist by red currant jelly.

Annual Events

Each year, downtown Linz is transformed into a stage: street artists from all over the world get together to astonish crowds of spectators at the Street Artists" Festival (three days in July). Lovers of classical music may enjoy Serenade Concerts in Renaissance courtyards. In July and August, open-air concerts on the Main Square and Linz Castle Mountain offer music for every taste.

Anton Bruckner

One of Austria's foremost composers, Anton Bruckner, was closely associated with Linz. For many years, the man affectionately known as "God's Musician," lived and composed in Linz, where he played the organ at the magnificent Old Cathedral (Alter Dom). It is quite an experience for music lovers to visit the magnificent St. Florian Abbey outside Linz, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the monastery, where Bruckner once sang in the famous St. Florian Boys" Choir. The composer is buried beneath the "Bruckner Organ". Every September, Linz dedicates its most important musical festival to Bruckner: for three weeks, Linz becomes the center of Austrian music and culture, presenting some of the world's most important orchestras, soloists, and conductors.