Compare prices from several sites before booking

Always bestprice Travel
Guide to Linz
LINZ · ITINERARY

Linz (Austria) in 7 days – Complete Itinerary

7 days / 6 nights · Historic center, architecture, walks, culture

7 days that follow, in the same order, the 14 stops in the guide: day 1: The historic center and the New Cathedral; day 2: Technology, art and a walk along the Danube; day 3: From the castle to the creative port; day 4: Pöstlingberg between panoramic views and the Grottenbahn; day 5: From the botanical gardens to steel culture; day 6: Memory and heritage around Linz; day 7: From Enns to the shores of Lake Traunsee.

Stops
2 · 2 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
592 m · 7 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 592 m · 7 min

Day 1 – The historic center and the New Cathedral

10:00–21:00 Easy walks

Explore the center of Linz on foot, from the main square to the cathedral, alternating visits and breaks.

10:00

Hauptplatz and Landstraße

Set aside about 2–3 hours for Hauptplatz, lingering over the Trinity Column and the façades framing the square, then continue on foot along Landstraße to take in the lively city center and browse the shops. The entire route is on foot; allow about 10–15 minutes to reach the New Cathedral area, plus time to explore at leisure. The walk is free; a coffee or snack can cost roughly €4–12, while lunch should be budgeted at about €12–25 per person.

For a more relaxed visit, plan a lunch break along Landstraße and check in advance for any events taking place in the square.

15:00

Mariendom (New Cathedral)

Reach the Mariendom on foot from the center in about 10–15 minutes and set aside 60–90 minutes for the visit, taking in the nave, the stained glass windows, and the imposing neo-Gothic structure. Admission and any conditions for visits or contributions may vary: check the official website before you go. After the visit, leave time for a break and dinner in the center, with an estimated spend of €15–35 per person; for the rest of the day, you can get around on foot without needing transport.

Respect religious services and visitor guidelines; check the official website for availability and admission conditions.

Day 2 – Technology, art, and a walk along the Danube

10:00–21:00 Easy walks and in-depth visits

Discover two complementary perspectives on Linz's contemporary culture while staying in the central Danube area.

10:00

Ars Electronica Center

Spend about 3 hours exploring the interactive exhibits, multimedia installations, and themes linking technology, art, and society; expect to pay around €10–20 for admission, to be confirmed on the official website along with any booking requirements. From the center, you can reach the museum on foot by crossing the Nibelungenbrücke, or take a local bus and get off nearby; check the updated route and fares. After the visit, take about an hour for lunch in the area or on the way back toward the bridge, with a budget of around €12–25 for a meal.

Allow extra time if you want to explore the installations in more depth or attend demonstrations; availability and times should be checked on the official website.

14:15

Lentos Kunstmuseum

Reach the museum on foot by crossing the Nibelungenbrücke and walking along the Danube: the route takes approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on your starting point and stops along the way. Set aside about 2–3 hours for the collections and temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art; budget roughly €10–20 for admission, checking the official website for prices, exhibition access and opening times. Afterward, stroll along the promenade in front of the museum and stop for dinner nearby or in the old town, with an estimated cost of €18–35.

The façade of the Lentos is especially worth admiring from the riverside promenade; for the evening walk, wear comfortable shoes and check the weather conditions.

Day 3 – From the castle to the creative harbor

10:00–21:00 Cultural visit and moderate transfers

Discover Linz’s heritage at the castle and finish among the monumental murals of the harbor.

10:00

Schlossmuseum Linz

Set aside about 2–3 hours for the museum collections, which tell the story of Upper Austria’s history, art and nature, and take a break to enjoy the view over the city from the castle area. Expect an approximate admission cost of about €8–15; check the official website for prices, any discounts and availability. After the visit, allow 45–60 minutes for lunch in the city center: a simple meal can cost roughly €12–25 per person.

To reach the harbor, allow about 30–45 minutes by public transport, checking the updated route and connections, or about 10–20 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Leave a margin of time to arrive at the meeting point indicated in your booking.

14:30

Mural Harbor (Street Art Tour)

Join the booked tour to explore large-scale murals painted on silos, façades and harbor structures: take a close look at the styles, colors and dimensions of the works, following the guide’s instructions and the access rules for the industrial area. Duration and format may vary depending on the tour available, so check the official website for the meeting point, route and duration before you set off; the cost is approximately €20–40 per person. At the end, head back to the city center by public transport or taxi and reserve the evening slot, until 21:00, for a casual dinner, budgeting about €18–35 per person.

Book in advance and do not go to the port area without first checking access conditions: the tour may require a specific appointment and visiting arrangement.

Day 4 – The Pöstlingberg between panoramic views and the Grottenbahn

10:00–21:00 Easy walks, with plenty of breaks

Reach Pöstlingberg from Linz and take your time exploring its two most distinctive sights.

10:00

Pöstlingberg and Basilica

From central Linz, make your way to the Hauptplatz stop and take the Pöstlingbergbahn, tram line 50: the ride to the end of the line at the top takes around 20 minutes, but check the route and frequency on the official Linz AG website. Set aside about two hours for the basilica, the outdoor areas, and the viewpoints: admire the neo-Gothic façade and the panorama over the Danube and the city. Admission to the basilica is generally free, while for the tram you should budget approximately €3–6 per trip, depending on the ticket and applicable fares. For lunch, plan a break of about 60–90 minutes in the area and check the available options in advance.

The climb is steep: if you prefer, take the tram back down as well. Check the official website for any celebrations or basilica access instructions.

14:30

Grottenbahn

From the basilica area, walk to Grottenbahn in just a few minutes; allow about 1–1.5 hours for the visit, including any waiting time. The route takes place inside the fortified tower and includes a little train ride through fantasy scenes and fairy-tale-inspired settings: it’s also a good stop for families, but the spaces can be crowded. Budget roughly €7–12 for an individual ticket, with possible variations by age and ticket type. After your visit, you can stop for a snack or a stroll in the surrounding area, then return to the center on the Pöstlingbergbahn; the rest of the afternoon and dinner are left free so you don’t have to venture too far from the planned area.

Check the Grottenbahn official website for the schedule, access details, and updated prices; do not rely on unconfirmed times.

Day 5 – From botanical gardens to steel culture

10:00–21:00 Easy walks and an in-depth visit

Getting to know two different sides of Linz, from the botanical richness of its garden to the industrial tradition tied to steel production.

10:00

Botanischer Garten Linz

Spend about 2–3 hours on the outdoor paths and in the greenhouses, observing the collections of exotic plants, cacti, and alpine species; the time needed may vary depending on which areas are accessible. To get there from the city center, consider a bus or tram with a possible short walk and check the updated route before setting off. Budget roughly €3–8 for admission, if required, and check the official website for prices and visiting conditions.

After your visit, plan a simple lunch and about 30–45 minutes to reach the next stop by public transport; the journey may require a transfer.

15:00

voestalpine Stahlwelt (Steel World)

Allow about 2–2.5 hours to explore the exhibitions and learn about the stages of steel production, its uses, and its connection to Linz’s industrial complex; visiting arrangements may vary. Plan on roughly €10–20 for admission or a guided experience, and check the official website for availability, prices, and whether booking is required. At the end, head back toward the city center by public transport and have dinner there, leaving some margin until 21:00.

Before you set off, check visitor guidelines and the return connection: waiting times can vary depending on the day.

Day 6 – Memory and heritage around Linz

08:00–19:00 In-depth visits and car transfers

Learn about the history of the Mauthausen Memorial and end the day exploring the architecture and heritage of the Abbey of Saint Florian.

09:00

Mauthausen Memorial

Leave Linz around 08:00: by car, the drive to Mauthausen takes about 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting point. Allow around 3 hours at the memorial, following the site route and visiting the exhibition spaces respectfully and without rushing; plan for a break and a simple lunch nearby before setting off again. Budget around €0–15 per person for any services or visiting materials, and check the official website for the latest arrangements, availability, and conditions.

For car travel, also allow time for parking; alternatively, check train services and local connections from Linz and Mauthausen in advance.

14:00

Abbey of Saint Florian (Stift Sankt Florian)

From Mauthausen, reach the abbey by car in about 35–45 minutes, checking the route and traffic; by public transport, the journey may require changes and significantly longer travel times. Allow around 2 hours for the areas open to visitors and take time to appreciate the church, Baroque features, and historic spaces, following the visiting arrangements available that day. Expect to pay roughly €10–20 per person for any visit or entry and check the official website for prices, bookings, and accessibility; after your visit, return to Linz in about 25–35 minutes by car.

Visits may be subject to routes, bookings, or changing availability: check the official information before departure.

Day 7 – From Enns to the shores of Lake Traunsee

08:30–19:30 Leisurely, with car transfers

Discover the historic center of Enns and end the day with a scenic stroll in Gmunden.

09:00

Town of Enns (Austria's oldest town)

From Linz, reach Enns by car in about 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic; park following the signs for the center and start at Hauptplatz, the main square, dominated by the civic tower. Allow around two hours to wander through the streets of the historic core and admire the façades and monumental buildings; a visit to any museums or interiors should be planned separately. Budget roughly €3–8 for parking and small expenses, plus €12–20 for a simple lunch in the area.

Depart early to leave room for the second leg; check the official website of the museum or attraction you’ve chosen for opening hours, accessibility, and tickets.

13:30

Gmunden and Lake Traunsee

Reach Gmunden from Enns in about 1 hour and 15 minutes–1 hour and 30 minutes by car, allowing for possible delays; plan on a lunch break or a snack along the way. Once there, take a stroll along the lakeside promenade and through the town center, stopping to admire Lake Traunsee and the surrounding mountain backdrop; allow at least two hours for a relaxed visit. You can consider a boat trip or another lake activity, if available: budget roughly €15–35, while a coffee or a snack can cost about €5–12.

To return to Linz, allow around an hour by car, depending on traffic; check official Gmunden and lake operator channels for schedules, fares, and activity conditions.

Estimated budget

Sightseeing and walks€0–15 per person
Coffee and snack€4–12 per person
Lunch€12–25 per person
Dinner€15–35 per person
Local transport (if needed)€0–10 per person

Indicative amounts for a typical day, to be checked before departure. The local currency is the euro (EUR). All prices are indicative estimates per person and may vary depending on season, venue, menu and visiting conditions; check rates, any tickets and access methods on official websites.

Practical tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes: the two stops and the breaks are well suited to being linked on foot in the town center.
  • Check the official websites of the Mariendom and local attractions for any updated information on visits and access.
  • If you’re traveling during the busiest periods, consider booking the restaurant in advance for lunch or dinner.
  • Bring a payment card and some cash in euros for small purchases or optional contributions.
  • Check the official websites of the Ars Electronica Center and the Lentos Kunstmuseum for opening hours, admission fees, and any exhibitions or activities requiring booking.
  • The itinerary is designed to be done mostly on foot; consider a ticket for public transport only if you want to cut down on walking or the weather is poor.