car hire linz
Pick up your hire car at Linz airport and explore the natural and cultural treasures of this city on the Danube. Book car hire linz airport now
the 60-second guide to linz
in its own head
"We're not the Capital of Culture 2009 for nothing! Straddling the majestic Danube, we're a flourishing, vibrant city, home to an eclectic mix of theatrical and artistic projects."
but more realistically
The third-largest city in Austria, Linz used to be a heavily industrialised town, but an impressive cultural makeover in recent years has created a contemporary urban edge.
the vibe
With four different universities and an emphasis on music and the arts Linz has an unsurprisingly vibrant and youthful feel, especially in summer months, when the streets are packed with visiting international artists.
the natives
Home to around a third of Austria's population, it's safe to say Linz is busy, but with one of the highest standards of living in Europe the natives are a cheery bunch.
the weather
Linz sits in Northern Austria, towards the Czech border, so don't expect a Mediterranean climate. Summers are mostly mild, nothing a light jacket can't handle - and hey, you're not here to sunbathe.
the local speciality
Like any city of culture worth its salt, Linz is home to a variety of international cuisines, but for a truly Austrian experience try Linzer Torte made from nuts, butter, flour and jam.
the celebrity
Linz's most (in)famous son is not one they're proud of - Adolf Hitler was born nearby and grew up in the city. A more glamorous resident was Frederic Austerlitz, better known as Fred Astaire's dad.
did you know?
The nearby Mauthausen-Gusen, were the last Nazi concentration camps to be liberated and, when in use, they were the source of quarrying for stone used to build Hitler's various projects across the Reich.
they say
"In Linz beginnt's." - this famous local saying that means "It begins in Linz" is parodied to "In Linz stinkt's" in reference to the town's industrial heritage.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ars Electronica Center
- 2. Danube Park
- 3. New Cathedral
- 4. Lentos Museum of Modern Art
- 5. Botanical Garden
The Ars Electronica Center is a forward-thinking gallery and exhibition space dedicated to the interconnecting marriage of art, technology and society. The building is pretty impressive too.
where to park?
There is an on-site car park.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ars Electronica Center
- 2. Danube Park
- 3. New Cathedral
- 4. Lentos Museum of Modern Art
- 5. Botanical Garden
Part of 'culture mile', Danube Park is a short walk from the main square, along the right bank of the river. Dotted with contemporary sculptures it's the perfect spot for a summer stroll.
where to park?
There is an on-site car park.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ars Electronica Center
- 2. Danube Park
- 3. New Cathedral
- 4. Lentos Museum of Modern Art
- 5. Botanical Garden
Also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, this is the largest church in Austria. The building's pièce de résistance is its famous stained glass window depicting the city's history.
where to park?
Street parking is available on Herrenstrasse.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ars Electronica Center
- 2. Danube Park
- 3. New Cathedral
- 4. Lentos Museum of Modern Art
- 5. Botanical Garden
The city's modern art museum is home to thousands of paintings and sculptures, including works by Klimt, H. Bayer and Man Ray, as well as celebrated collections documenting the development of photography.
where to park?
Parking is available in the Lentos garage in Untere Donaulande.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Ars Electronica Center
- 2. Danube Park
- 3. New Cathedral
- 4. Lentos Museum of Modern Art
- 5. Botanical Garden
Spread over an area of 25,000 square miles, Linz's botanical gardens are home to more than 10,000 varieties of exotic plant life, including one of the most celebrated cacti collections in Europe.
where to park?
There is an on-site car park.
and 4 to drive to...
Boasting part of the UNESCO world heritage site, Wachau, Jauerling Nature Park is home to unspoilt areas of the Danube, rolling oak woods and meadows and the country's finest wine and fruit-growing pastures.
how to get there?
Head south out of Linz on the A7, then east on the A1/E60. Continue east on the A1 for about 55 miles, then take exit 80-Melk and head north for about another 12 miles' driving to Jauerling. The estimated journey time is 90 minutes.
and 4 to drive to...
The three caves that make up Dachstein Cave World are considered to be some of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Austria, dating back 300 million years. The giant ice cave is particularly cool.
how to get there?
Head south out of Linz on the A7, then south-west on the A1/E55/E60. After about 33 miles take exit 224-Regau south-east on to the B145 and take this road south for about 30 miles, forking right (south) on to the B166/Paß Gschütt-Bundesstraße. Follow the shore of the Hallstätter See lake to your destination. The journey should take around two hours.
and 4 to drive to...
Just over 60 miles from Linz lies the town of Salzkammergut, home to the famous thermal spa. Specialising in salt and brine treatments the centre has everything you need to be preened and pampered.
how to get there?
Head south out of Linz on the A7, then south-west on the A1/E55/E60. After about 33 miles take exit 224-Regau south-east on to the B145 and take this road south for about 30 miles, forking right (south) on to the B166/Paß Gschütt-Bundesstraße. Follow the shore of the Hallstätter See lake to your destination. Estimated journey time is two hours.
and 4 to drive to...
This tranquil beauty spot nestled in Alpine forest holds millions of pound notes, dumped there during World War Two. Don't get too excited if you stumble across a windfall though, they're all fake.
how to get there?
Head south out of Linz on the A7, then south-west on the A1/E55/E60. After about 33 miles take exit 224-Regau south-east on to the B145 and take this road south for about 30 miles, forking left (south-east) to stay on the on the B145 for about another 15 miles. At Bad Aussee turn east/north-east towards Grundlsee and keep the northern shore of this lake on your right before forking left to reach your destination. Allow two hours for the journey.
ask a linz cabbie!
Local taxi driver Klaus Gunther on car hire in Linz : "It's easy to walk around Linz as the main attractions are located in the same area, but still get a hire car to see the sights outside, such as the Dachstein Caves and Lake Toplitz. If you're going to use the motorways, you need to purchase a sticker, although, like anywhere, traffic on them can be a bit busy. The main square, known as Hauptplatz, is not too hectic, although you should get out of your car to discover the gems."