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Experience Upper Austria
Upper Austria is like a well-stocked speciality shop where you can find everything that Austria is famous for in condensed form. Visit its crystal-clear lakes, the mountains and forests or cities. We can recommend some highlights...
A perfect weekend in Upper Austria
Your family is coming to visit you one weekend and is curious to discover your new home country? But you don’t know what to show them? Don’t worry! We have prepared some real Upper Austrian insider tips for you and your loved ones off the beaten tracks, leading you through the beautiful landscapes of all four regions. Culture, culinary delights, sports or just relaxing – there is bound to be something for everybody.
Afternoon in the Mühlviertel
Another busy week at work in Linz is over and you can’t wait to show your family your stunning second home country. Get into your car and drive north on the S10 into the Mühlviertel to visit Freistadt, about half an hour’s drive from Linz.
- Take a walk around the historic old town of Freistadt
The old centre of Freistadt has a medieval charm and invites you to stroll through the small alleys. Admire the proud old city walls surrounding the old town, which protected the city from being conquered over the centuries. Stop for a while in the spacious main square and enjoy the Bohemian-style architecture of the beautiful and colourful buildings.
- Visit the Freistädter Brauhaus, the only brewery commune in Europe
The Freistädter Braucommune is the only brewery commune in Europe. It was founded in 1770 and today not only offers its typical Freistädter Bier and lemonades, but also a brewery restaurant, a brewery shop and Biererlebnis tours. The building combines historic substance with modern aesthetics and meets the taste of young and old. Biererlebnis tours: they take 1.5 hours and can be booked in advance from Monday to Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (minimum: 8 persons). Price: € 10 per person. Brewery restaurant: Stay for dinner at the Freistädter Brauhaus and enjoy classics of the typical Austrian cuisine such as pancake soup, Schnitzel and Omas Buchteln for dessert.
- Spend the day in the Salzkammergut
- Hiking in St. Lorenz with views of the famous Drachenwand
Lunch and a boat trip over the Mondsee Going out in the evening in Linz:
- Speakeasy bar “Frau Dietrich”
- Before going home: snacking at Leberkas-Pepi
Hiking in St. Lorenz
The most famous lake in the Salzkammergut is the Attersee. But you want to discover Upper Austria off the beaten tracks! That’s why you should drive to the Mondsee, which is right beside the Attersee. Park your car in St. Lorenz near the Drachenwand and enjoy hiking for about three to four hours. But make sure to bring hiking shoes and the right equipment with you.
Boat trip over the Mondsee
After your hike, drive a few minutes to the village of Mondsee. In the centre, you have several options of having lunch, visiting the Basilika and the castle before strolling to the lakeside and boarding your ship.
Know more about ship cruises at lake Mondsee
Speakeasy bar “Frau Dietrich”
You are back in Linz, and still not tired after a break and a shower? Great! Get ready for a very special night out and head off for “Frau Dietrich” in the old town of Linz. The bar is a homage to the speakeasy bars of the 1920s. The cocktails are great, the waitresses, waiters and barmen are dressed in the clothes of the period, and swing music is played in the background.
www.frau-dietrich.at
Mandatory early morning snack
What do Upper Austrians do after going out in Linz? Exactly – they have a snack at Leberkas-Pepi in a small side street off the main square. People mostly queue in two rows outside on the street. But Leberkas-Pepi is prepared for those masses of people so that you can’t pass the location without taking a Leberkas-Semmerl with you.
www.leberkaspepi.at
- Enjoy a lazy day and relax:
- Recharge your batteries in a thermal bath or
- Discover Linz’s cultural offerings
Thermal bath
After introducing your family and friends to Upper Austria, you all should recharge your batteries in one of the great thermal baths. In the SPA Resort Therme Geinberg or the Eurotherme Bad Ischl, you can relax and not only enjoy the thermal water, but also massages, saunas or the extraordinary hammam. If you have kids, the Eurothermen-Resort Bad Schallerbach offers fun for the whole family.
www.therme-geinberg.at
www.eurothermen.at
Cultural offerings of Linz
As an alternative to relaxing in a thermal bath, you can discover Linz’s numerous cultural offers: Visit the Ars Electronica Center, which will introduce you to a world in which man and technology are increasingly merging. Take the bus to see the open-air gallery Mural Harbour in the Industriezeile or spend your day at the Lentos Art Museum, where various contemporary artists and old masters are exhibited for six months at a time.
Ars Electronica Center – Museum of the Future
Mural Harbor Gallery
www.lentos.at
Eating out
Whereas in the rural areas of Upper Austria, excellent down-to-earth Austrian inns dominate the culinary landscape, Linz offers a colourful diversity of excellent international cuisine. For the latter, we can warmly recommend some highlights.
Royal Bombay Palace
Indian cuisine
Scape from everyday life and spend an evening in an Indian palace with colourfully decorated rooms.
Scape from everyday life and spend an evening in an Indian palace with colourfully decorated rooms.
Ayam Zaman
Syrian cuisine
Even though the atmosphere is not very oriental, the taste is really authentic and worth trying.
Even though the atmosphere is not very oriental, the taste is really authentic and worth trying.
Zum kleinen Griechen
Greek cuisine
A special address for special occasions offering an elegant atmosphere. Not your typical, everyday Greek cuisine.
A special address for special occasions offering an elegant atmosphere. Not your typical, everyday Greek cuisine.
tamu sana
African cuisine
The tamu sana restaurant is not only a restaurant, but also a space for intercultural exchange. It also offers catering.
The tamu sana restaurant is not only a restaurant, but also a space for intercultural exchange. It also offers catering.
Klosterhof
Austrian cuisine
Especially in summer, the Klosterhof on the Landstraße in Linz is highly recommended due to its huge and shady garden with chestnut trees.
Especially in summer, the Klosterhof on the Landstraße in Linz is highly recommended due to its huge and shady garden with chestnut trees.
Gościnna Chata
Polish cuisine
It is the first Polish restaurant in Linz, and its name stands for the world famous Polish hospitality.
It is the first Polish restaurant in Linz, and its name stands for the world famous Polish hospitality.
La Ruffa
Italian cuisine
Enjoy the best sides of Italy, visit the Ristorante La Ruffa in Linz-Urfahr. The best pizzas in town and other italian food are served here and of course italian wine.
Enjoy the best sides of Italy, visit the Ristorante La Ruffa in Linz-Urfahr. The best pizzas in town and other italian food are served here and of course italian wine.
Gelbes Krokodil
Multicultural cuisine
The kitchen team offers a daily mix of cooking culture, vegetarian meals and regional speacialties.
The kitchen team offers a daily mix of cooking culture, vegetarian meals and regional speacialties.
TIP
In Austria, it is usual to tip several types of service professionals such as waiters, hairdressers, craftsmen, taxi drivers and others. Usually the tip is between 5 % and 10 % of the invoice, at least in restaurants.
Find out about the latest culinary hotspots Access the platform of the Facebook group “Linz isst”, where guests can exchange their experiences and get ideas about where to go. Or find the best addresses for good food all over Upper Austria on these platforms:
Leisure ativities
Dive into crystal-clear waters, explore the realm of adventure, and experience water in its purest form – literally. Upper Austria’s lakes all boast drinking water quality, reflecting the surrounding natural scenery, especially in the Salzkammergut, home to 67 lakes. A lot of sportive activities can be done under, in or over the water.
Upper Austria offers over 2,400 km of bike paths and 3,000 km of mountain bike trails, leading through riversides, lakes, meadows, and alpine landscapes. Road cyclists enjoy scenic routes on quiet roads, while gravel biking and pump tracks are gaining popularity. The Dachstein Salzkammergut and the Gravel Austria route offer diverse terrain for all cycling styles.
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Upper Austria at a leisurely pace: from plains and idyllic river valleys to lush green pastures, and majestic mountains. Whether you prefer easy-going pleasure hikes and alpine walks or challenging multi-day and alpine tours, unforgettable nature adventures await. With more than 20 pilgrimage or spiritual trails, you can satisfy your desire for tranquility, reconnect with your roots, and enjoy direct contact with nature.
Discover enchanting places, legendary castle ruins, crystal-clear rivers and lakes, dense forests, and seemingly untouched nature – all with the power of one horse. Gallop over rough and smooth terrain. For those who have never ridden a horse before, Upper Austria’s riding regions will quickly have you confidently in the saddle.
www.pferdereich.at
www.pferdeland-nationalpark.at
www.reiterdorf-ampflwang.at
www.pferdeurlaub.at
Move at your own pace with quick steps – all in the fresh air, surrounded by stunning nature and the most beautiful landscapes that make everything else fade away. Running clears the mind and energizes the body. Discover running routes, events, and everything about trail running in Upper Austria.
Lush green meadows, well-maintained fairways, and picturesque natural landscapes make golfing in Upper Austria an exceptional experience. Golf courses stretch from the Bohemian Forest in the north to the majestic mountains in the south, offering quality, expertise, and the highest standards for swinging, chipping, and putting on the green. Enjoy a sport that opens unexpected perspectives in stunning surroundings.
Upper Austria’s winter sports areas are located in the Bohemian Forest and along the northern edge of the Alps. The largest ski resorts in the region include the family paradise, Hochficht, in the Bohemian Forest, the World Cup ski resort, Hinterstoder, and the nearby family friendly Wurzeralm in Spital am Pyhrn. In the Salzkammergut region, you’ll find the Feuerkogel in Ebensee, the Kasberg in Grünau im Almtal, the Freesports Arena Dachstein Krippenstein, and the Dachstein West ski region. These destinations offer diverse slopes and facilities for all skill levels, ensuring a memorable winter sports experience for families and enthusiasts alike.
Aside the Tracks Variety means the adventure continues even after you unclip your skis. Why not switch it up? Try the cross-country trails at the Nordic Center Bohemian Forest, or explore the peaceful, rejuvenating silence of winter in the mountains on snowshoes. Guided ranger tours in the Kalkalpen National Park reveal nature’s almost meditative tranquility during the cold season. On the ice, people in Upper Austria enjoy not only ice skating, but also participating in the region’s “national sport,” ice stock sport (similar to curling).
www.hochficht.at
www.kasberg.at
www.hiwu.at
www.dachstein.at
www.feuerkogel.net
www.dachstein-salzkammergut.com
www.wintersport.at
www.boehmerwald.at
www.skitourengehen.info
Upper Austria’s thermal baths strike a perfect balance between a relaxing atmosphere and health expertise. At the Eurothermen Resorts in Bad Schallerbach, Bad Ischl, and Bad Hall, as well as at Therme Geinberg and Gesundheitsresort Lebensquell Bad Zell, the focus extends beyond the soothing and relaxing effects of thermal water, offering a comprehensive wellness experience.
Upper Austria impresses with an incredible variety of cultural offerings – from concerts, to festivals, to visual arts, and experimental readings. It is a land of musicians and writers, history enthusiasts and forward-thinkers, high-flyers and culture lovers.
In autumn, Linz hosts the innovative Ars Electronica Festival and the renowned Brucknerfest. Rich traditions, including Carnival celebrations, Advent markets, and Corpus Christi processions, add to the region’s unique cultural charm.
Upper Austria offers vibrant cultural experiences year-round. From theatre and concerts in Linz to summer festivals like the Steyr Music Festival, Lehár Festival, and the “Woodstock of Brass Music,” the region comes alive with music and performance.
www.ars.electronica.art
www.woodstockderblasmusik.at
www.pflasterspektakel.at
www.donau-festwochen.at
www.festwochen-gmunden.at
www.leharfestival.at
www.klangwolke.at
www.crossingeurope.at
www.stream-festival.at
Find all events in Linz at:www.linz-termine.at
Upper Austria tells the story of the world’s oldest salt mine, submerged pile dwellings, and Roman legionnaires. It takes us to magnificent monasteries, mighty ruins, leads us through splendid cities, and shows us the magical places of summer retreats. Three sites in Upper Austria have been honored as UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Hallstatt-Dachstein Salzkammergut region, the pile dwellings at Lake Attersee and Lake Mondsee, and the former Roman Danube Limes.
Upper Austria proudly continues its rich museum tradition. Highlights include the Textile Center Haslach, the Museum of the Working World in Steyr, Lentos Art Museum, Nordico City Museum, Ars Electronica Center, and Linz Castle Museum. These institutions offer diverse insights into the region’s history, art, and technology.
Linz, a UNESCO City of Media Arts since 2014, is a hub for contemporary art with the Museum Francisco Carolinum and the unique Mural Harbour open-air graffiti gallery. Private collections are showcased at Museum Angerlehner in Wels and Schütz Museum in Engelhartszell. Small galleries like Galerie Dumas or City Galerie showcase local and international artists.
Advent, the festive season before Christmas, is celebrated with charm in Upper Austria. The region is rich in customs and traditions that make winter in Upper Austria unique. Scented treats and genuine handicrafts characterize Advent markets throughout the country, marking the quietest time of the year. In Upper Austria, specifically in Christkindl near Steyr, resides the Christ Child. Hochburg-Ach is the birthplace of Franz Xaver Gruber, the composer of the melody “Silent Night! Holy Night!”
Whether culture, sports, music or beekeeping, savings clubs or choirs, the people of Upper Austria enjoy being part of associations. Austrian culture is strongly influenced by clubs and associations that engage in voluntary work, an important factor in the local community. New members are welcomed with open arms. Local and municipal authorities provide online information about regional associations.
Whether soccer, volleyball, hiking or swimming, there are associations for all kinds of sports. The state-wide umbrella sports organisations ASKÖ and Sportunion promote a physically active society. Local and municipal authorities provide online information about the sports programme offered by small local associations. Most universities have their own sports association, called USI. The USI of the Johannes Kepler University in Linz offers inexpensive sports classes.
Nature lovers can join an Alpine club, whose task is to maintain hiking paths, promote mountain sports activities and nature protection projects. For a very small fee, members can get discounts on stays in mountain huts and benefit from many Alpine club offers. There’s also the possibility of doing voluntary work in Alpine clubs, for instance as a mountain tour guide or hut warden.
The Naturfreunde are a big Austrian alpine leisure and nature conservation organisation. Here, club members can enjoy the company of kindred spirits in nature and do their best to preserve it. The Naturfreunde Oberösterreich are one of the biggest national organisations:
The scouts are one of the world’s biggest movements for children and young people. There are 37 scout groups in Upper Austria. Volunteer youth group leaders organise evening meetings at scout dens, trips and camps. The movement aims to protect the environment and promote socially-oriented actions based on sustainable child and youth activities.
Society in Austria relies on the voluntary work of its citizens who, in turn, find personal enrichment. There is at least one volunteer fire department in every municipality for firefighting and emergencies, as paid fire departments only operate in cities. Those interested in becoming a volunteer fire fighter can contact their local fire commander.
There are also many other associations relying on voluntary work such as the Red Cross and the Samaritans:
www.roteskreuz.at
www.asb.or.at
The Federal State of Upper Austria has developed a platform listing all associations:
From playful moments with Obralino at Obra Kinderland to exploring gardens and discovering Native American culture at IKUNA Nature Resort – these outdoor destinations offer unforgettable experiences for curious kids and adventurous families alike.
Obra
Kinderland Children can run around, jump and play in the Obra
Kinderland in Neukirchen an der Vöckla together with Obralino, who also loves to frolic around.
IKUNA Nature Resort
In the IKUNA Nature Resort in Natternbach, kids can dive into the world of the American natives.
Indoor playground Lollipark
The indoor playground in Pasching is the perfect place for children who want to live it up.
Pirates’ World Aquapulco
Children want to experience something special, so little water lovers will absolutely adore the five slides in the Pirates’ World Aquapulco in the thermal spa Bad Schallerbach.
Fairytale worlds Grottenbahn am Pöstlingberg
Get on board the electrically driven nostalgic Pöstlingberg tram in Linz on the main square. It travels up to the Pöstlingberg hilltop overlooking the city. This is a popular destination, especially among children, who can experience the Grottenbahn Fairy Tale World and its Land of Dwarves.
Leisure time with children
As diverse as the land itself are the opportunities to spend exciting excursions with the family. For children, Upper Austria is an endless adventure.
From playful moments with Obralino at Obra Kinderland to exploring gardens and discovering Native American culture at IKUNA Nature Resort – these outdoor destinations offer unforgettable experiences for curious kids and adventurous families alike.
Obra
Kinderland Children can run around, jump and play in the Obra
Kinderland in Neukirchen an der Vöckla together with Obralino, who also loves to frolic around.
IKUNA Nature Resort
In the IKUNA Nature Resort in Natternbach, kids can dive into the world of the American natives.
Indoor playground Lollipark
The indoor playground in Pasching is the perfect place for children who want to live it up.
Pirates’ World Aquapulco
Children want to experience something special, so little water lovers will absolutely adore the five slides in the Pirates’ World Aquapulco in the thermal spa Bad Schallerbach.
Fairytale worlds Grottenbahn am Pöstlingberg
Get on board the electrically driven nostalgic Pöstlingberg tram in Linz on the main square. It travels up to the Pöstlingberg hilltop overlooking the city. This is a popular destination, especially among children, who can experience the Grottenbahn Fairy Tale World and its Land of Dwarves.
No matter the weather, there’s plenty to explore! At Lollipark in Pasching, kids can run wild indoors. Water lovers will enjoy splashing down slides at Pirates’ World Aquapulco in Bad Schallerbach. And for a touch of magic, hop on the nostalgic tram to the Grottenbahn on Pöstlingberg in Linz – a fairy tale world full of wonder and dwarves.
From thrilling cave expeditions and treetop walks to wildlife encounters and steam train rides – Upper Austria is full of outdoor wonders. Explore hidden salt mines, search for magical crystals, or discover the world of dinosaurs in the prehistoric forest. Whether hiking, sliding, or spotting lynxes in the wild, these natural attractions promise unforgettable experiences for the whole family.
Jagdmärchenpark
In the fairytale park Hirschalm in Unterweißenbach, children can go on a treasure hunt to find the legendary crystal of the deer king.
Salzwelten Hallein
Visitors can take an underground tour and slide down to the Hallein salt mine to feel what it’s like to take an expedition into unknown territory.
Naturschauspiel tours
Nature is an adventure playground which does not require a stage. Track reading, observing wild animals, discovering legends and myths of the marshland – Naturschauspiel offers these and many more adventures for children and adults alike in its exciting tours exploring different topics. Nature guides present selected Upper Austrian nature reserves and give participants an understanding of nature by taking them on adventures and providing exciting experiences.
Nationalpark Kalkalpen
Young nature explorers can go on expeditions to the wild mountain forestof the Kalkalpen Nationalpark, and discover animals such as deer, chamois, lynxes and eagles.
Krippenstein
The Krippenstein cable car in Obertraun in the Salzkammergut region, for example, travels up to the Rieseneishöhle and the Mammuthöhle caves on the Dachstein. The exciting viewing platform 5fingers on top of the Krippenstein is even higher.
www.dachstein-salzkammergut.com
Schafbergbahn
A train or cable car trip up to the mountain puts a smile on the faces of children. Enjoy a ride with the steam locomotive of the Schafbergbahn. The rack railway slowly moves uphill, starting at the Wolfgangsee.
Wurbauerkogel
The Wurbauerkogel in Windischgarsten is another mountain that can be easily reached: The chairlift takes you to the summer toboggan track and to the panorama tower overlooking the national park. Or speed up with the Alpine Coaster.
Grünberg cable car
The cable car departs in Gmunden am Traunsee and takes you up to the Grünberg. The mountain offers a summer toboggan, a playground and a low rope course. On top of that, it is the perfect starting point for many different family-friendly hiking tours.
Baumkronenweg
Walk in the treetops of undiscovered forests.
Prehestoric forest
The prehistoric forest in Gosau takes kids further back into the past –to the time of the dinosaurs and mammoths.
Get up close with animals from around the world in Upper Austria's wildlife parks and zoos. From majestic gorillas and tigers at Zoo Schmiding to pony rides and native species at Tiergarten Walding – and the breathtaking alpine setting of Cumberland Wildlife Park in Grünau – these destinations offer unforgettable encounters with nature for kids and adults alike.
Cumberland Wildlife Park
Grünau The Wildlife Park is known for its unique landscape, and the impressive natural setting of the Totes Gebirge will stay in your mind.
Zoo Schmiding
Children will love meeting gorillas, giraffes, Siberian tigers and rhinoceroses in the Zoo in Krenglbach.
Tiergarten Walding
About 200 exotic and native animals find space and shelter in and around a farm in the Mühlviertel region. Kids can even ride on horses and ponies.
From hands-on experiments to futuristic innovations – curious minds can explore the wonders of science at the Ars Electronica Center in Linz and the Welios Science Center in Wels. These interactive museums make learning fun and inspire young explorers to think, touch, and discover.
Ars Electronica Center Linz
The AEC offers curious kids a view into the future.
Welios Science Center Wels
Gives little big explorers the chance to discover the world.
From puppet shows and children’s theatre to musical training and performance workshops – Upper Austria offers a rich cultural scene for young audiences and aspiring performers. Whether it's acting, dancing, or learning an instrument, children and teens can explore their creativity in professional settings like the Children’s Cultural Center Kuddelmuddel, the Musical Theatre Academy, or local music schools across the region.
Children’s Cultural Center Kuddelmuddel
It offers a wide range of theatre plays, workshops and exhibitions for small children.
Theater des Kindes for children
“Perform, try out your acting skills and learn” is the motto for young folks here.
Puppentheater
The puppet theatre invites children from the age of three to play their part.
Theater Phoenix
The theatre stages plays for all ages, including teenagers and young children, whereas the Theater für junges Publikum in the Ursulinenhof offers a range of theatre pedagogy classes for a young audience of various ages.
Institute of Theatre Pedagogy
Children and teenagers can rehearse plays together with artists in Wels. The Institute of Theatre Pedagogy focuses on education and acting.
Musical Theatre Academy
The Musical Theatre Academy is located in Puchenau, near Linz.
Upper Austrian music schools
The Upper Austrian music schools are not only cultural and educational institutions, but also centres for creativity and dedication.