The name of this charming Austrian town derives from a castle called Lentia, which was erected upon this site by the Romans. Since then, it has been an important commercial and industrial centre situated at the crossroads between Europe’s east and west. It enjoyed a brief period of imperial glory when Hapsburg Emperor Friedrich III chose it as his residence just before his death.

During World War II, Linz was turned into a major industrial centre of the Third Reich, holding such important enterprises as the Hermann Goering Werke and Chemie Linz, currently divided into a number of separate companies. The development of heavy industries created an undesirable image for Linz, which the city is currently hard at work to shed.

Currently, Linz is the second-largest city in Austria. At its heart, within walking distance of one another, you’ll find some of the most interesting buildings in Austria. Start with a visit to the Old Town Hall, dating from around 1514. It represents a mixture of architectural styles from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque and Modern. You can enjoy a meal at the restaurant in the courtyard or visit the Linz-Genesis Museum there.

Not far from the Old Town Hall are Linz Castle and St. Martin's Church, the latter believed to be the oldest original church still in existence in Austria. The most impressive example of Linz's church architecture, however, remains the Neo-Gothic New Cathedral. The construction initiative was undertaken by Linzer Bishop F. J. Rudigier in 1855, but the foundations weren’t laid until 1862. The structure was designed by Cologne cathedral builder Vinzenz Statz. With its 20,000 seats, the New Cathedral is the country’s largest church.

Although industrial progress has inflicted much damage on the city, it has managed to distance itself from the past and embrace the future. Its cultural cutting-edge attractions are now an indelible part of its visiting card. One museum of which the city is particularly proud is Ars Electronica. Its high-tech installations, including an ultra-modern Futurelab, were designed to interact with visitors. The atonishing museum is a direct bridge to the future. If you’re a fan, don't miss the annual Ars Electronica Festival.

The Lentos Art Museum opened in May 2003 as a successor to the New Gallery of the City of Linz. Its aim is to popularise the works and schools of 20th-Century art. Built from glass and fair-faced concrete, at night it’s illuminated in blue, violet, red and pink. In addition, Lentos has a café-restaurant with a terrace overlooking a wonderful panorama.

Having experienced the magic of Linz, you can indulge yourself at any of its numerous restaurants, bars and cafés. Not all international cuisine is represented in Linz, but certainly some of the most exotic. Niu offers its guests a selection of Asian fusion, while Buka Katunga brings Africa to the European continent. Or simply savour the local pleasures at traditional Austrian restaurants such as Breitwieserhof, Klosterhof, or even a family-owned one like Restaurant Lueftner. Many Linzer restaurants typically house a small bowling alley as well.