Linz

Linz is a major urban center located in the northern part of Austria.

It serves as the capital of the region known as Upper Austria. The city is situated along the banks of the Danube, one of Europe's most important rivers.

Because of its position on the water, it is the seventh-largest city on the Danube. As of January 1, 2024, the city has a population of 214,064 people. This makes it the third-largest city in the country of Austria. The city acts as a vital hub for industry, transport, and culture.

The history of Linz began in the first century as a Roman fort. The Romans called the settlement Lentia. This name likely comes from a Celtic root meaning "bendable," referring to the bend in the Danube.

This strategic location made it the first Roman fort in the Noricum region. The name "Linz" was first documented in the year 799. Over the centuries, the settlement grew in importance. It was described as a fortified city in 1236 and received official city rights in 1324.

Many significant figures have lived or worked in Linz. The mathematician Johannes Kepler spent several years teaching mathematics in the city. On May 15, 1618, he discovered his laws of planetary motion while living there. Today, the Johannes Kepler University Linz is named in his honor. The composer Anton Bruckner also had a connection to the city. He worked as an organist at the Old Cathedral between 1855 and 1868.

The city honors him through the Brucknerhaus. However, the city also has ties to dark historical figures. Adolf Hitler lived in Linz during his childhood, and the Holocaust bureaucrat Adolf Eichmann also spent his youth there.

During World War II, Linz became a massive industrial complex. The city's factories were used to support the Nazi war effort. One major site was the Voest complex, which was built using slave labour under the supervision of Hermann Göring.

The Mauthausen concentration camp was located to the east of the city. Additionally, three Mauthausen sub-camps were located within the Voest complex itself. The city also contained a benzol plant that was targeted during the Oil Campaign. Following the end of the Nazi dictatorship, Linz underwent a process of reckoning. In 1945, 39 streets were renamed. Since 1988, 17 new traffic areas have been named to honor resistance fighters and victims of National Socialism.

The modern economy of Linz is built on trade and advanced technology. The city features a large container terminal at its harbour.

A major company, Voestalpine, is a large technology group known for its basic oxygen steelmaking technique. Linz is also a significant destination for professional gatherings. It ranks as the third most important destination for congresses in Austria. The city hosts more than 60 different venues for these events. To support this, the local tourism association uses a "Blue Meeting" concept. This format focuses on green meetings, which prioritize energy efficiency and waste minimisation.

Transportation is a core part of life in Linz. The city is a major hub for roads, rails, and water.

Several motorways, such as the A 1 and A 7, connect the city to Vienna, Salzburg, and the Czech Republic. The rail network is also extensive. The Linz Central Station is a highly regarded facility. It was voted Austria's most popular and beautiful station seven times between 2005 and 2011.

The city also uses a modern tram and bus network.

In 2004, an underground tram section was opened to connect the main station to the tram network.

Daily life in Linz includes vibrant shopping and local markets. There are thirteen different shopping malls located throughout the city.

One street, the Linzer Landstraße, is the busiest shopping street in Austria outside of Vienna. It sees hundreds of thousands of passers-by every week. For a more traditional experience, the city hosts eleven farmer's markets. There are also seasonal events like the Urfahraner Markt in the spring and fall. Christmas and New Year's markets also bring people together throughout the year.