LINZ

Linz is the capital of the Austrian state of Upper Austria and the third-largest city in the country. It lies on the Danube in northern Austria and serves as an important industrial and cultural center.

Its origins go back to the Roman settlement Lentia on the Danube. In the Middle Ages it developed as a trading town and later became an industrial hub. Today Linz is known for its steel and manufacturing industries, notably the voestalpine complex.

Cultural institutions include the Lentos Art Museum, the Ars Electronica Center, and the Kunsthaus Linz (the Blue House). The city hosts the Linz State Theatre and Brucknerfest, and the Pöstlingberg hill with its pilgrimage church and historic funicular is a popular site. The Hauptplatz square and the New Cathedral are notable landmarks. The Linzer Torte, a famous pastry dating to the 17th century, is traditionally associated with Linz.

Linz is home to universities such as Johannes Kepler University Linz and the University of Art and Design Linz. The city is served by Linz Hauptbahnhof, has access to Danube shipping, and is near Linz Airport in Hörsching.

Linz was designated European Capital of Culture in 2009.