CHAPTER 1

LINZ - 
YOUR NEW HOME

in Austria.

Here, you'll discover what makes Linz unique—from its historic Old Town and cutting-edge innovations to its thriving cultural scene and high quality of life.

This chapter provides key insights into the city’s dynamic business landscape, renowned education institutions, and rich culinary heritage, helping you get to know Linz and all it has to offer.

Expats Sujets

Linz is the third largest city in Austria

Linz, centrally located in Europe, offers easy access to Vienna, Munich, and Bratislava. As a hub of citizen-focused urban innovation, it seeks pioneering ideas to enhance city life, tackle climate change, promote social inclusion, and balance industry with community, actively involving residents in its development.

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Stadt Linz Blick Richtung Herrengasse, Mariendom, Matthias Mitterlehner, Unsplash

A City of Innovation

Linz is undergoing a transformation from a primarily industrial steel city to a centre for technology, education and innovation supported by research centres, universities and technology companies. The open spaces promote collaboration and personal responsibility and make the city a centre of digital culture.

The Innovationshauptplatz Linz is an initiative of the City of Linz to promote innovation, collaboration and digital transformation. As a central hub, we are a contact point for start-ups, companies, researchers and citizens to jointly develop and implement new ideas and shape the future of the city..

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  • Follow Innovationshauptplatz on LinkedIn
  • Follow Innovationshauptplatz on Instagram
  • More about "Linz is 2nd European Rising Innovative City 2025 at the iCapital Awards" in German and English

Dynamic Business & Tech Scene

Linz is a key industrial and tech hub in Austria, fostering strong economic growth and global businesses. It supports start-ups and SMEs through incubators and innovation spaces like the Digital Mile, home to over 110 digitalization companies.

The Tabakfabrik Linz, a historic former tobacco factory, is now a creative and innovation centre for art, culture, start-ups and new technologies and is driving the city's transformation into a modern urban space.

The DIGITAL MILE Linz is a vibrant IT community that stretches 1.8 kilometres from the tobacco factory to the port of Linz. This area is home to over 110 technology companies that employ around 3,500 people.

Business Upper Austria is the state's business and location agency and promotes economic growth, innovation and investment. It supports companies, start-ups and international firms that are expanding in the region.

tech2b ​is a startup incubator in Linz, Austria, supporting innovative ventures in Upper Austria. It offers programs and resources to assist entrepreneurs at different stages of their startup journey.

The LIT Open Innovation Center (OIC) in Linz, part of the Linz Institute of Technology (LIT) at Johannes Kepler University, fosters collaboration between research, business, and innovation. It aims to drive open innovation by creating an ecosystem where companies, startups, and researchers co-develop new technologies and solutions.

TECH HARBOR in Linz is a hub for startups and tech companies, offering office spaces, resources, and networking opportunities. It is part of the city's Digital Mile and supports innovation and collaboration.

UNESCO City of Media Arts

Recognized by UNESCO for digital arts, creativity, and technology, Linz was the European Capital of Culture in 2009 and became a UNESCO City of Media Arts in 2014, shaping its cultural identity.

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  • Culture of the City Linz
  • Ars Electronica is a cultural institution in Linz, focused on the intersection of art, technology, and society. It hosts the annual Ars Electronica Festival, showcasing digital art and innovation. The Ars Electronica Center is a museum dedicated to interactive technology, and the Prix Ars Electronica is a prestigious digital art award. 
  • The Lentos Museum in Linz is a modern art museum known for its impressive collection of 20th and 21st-century art.
  • The Brucknerhaus Linz is a concert hall named after composer Anton Bruckner. It hosts classical music, opera, jazz, and cultural events, and is home to the Bruckner Orchestera Linz.
  • Further information on museums and exhibitions can be found at OÖ Landeskultur
christian holzinger ROJi8Uo4MpA unsplash kleiner

 

A CUROUS FACT ABOUT LIVING IN LINZ

ART TO BORROW AND ENJOY OUTSIDE

Fancy some art but only have a limited budget? In addition to the museums in Linz, you can also borrow art from the ARTOTHEK. Choose from the KUNSTSAMMLUNG's collection of pictures and take up to four pictures home with you for six months at a reasonable price.

At Mural Harbor you have the opportunity to marvel at oversized murals and graffiti in Linz harbour all year round on a guided tour or from the water.

Expats Sujets1 curious fact

High Quality of Life

The city offers a high standard of living, with a safe environment, clean air, and many parks for outdoor activities, making it a great place to live.

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A Vibrant Old Town with a Rich History

Linz offers a mix of modern and historical architecture, including medieval buildings, museums, and stunning landscapes along the Danube River. The Pöstlingberg Hill is a must-visit spot with a historic railway, a stunning basilica, and breathtaking views over the city.

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  • Culture of the City Linz
  • Linz Tourismus is the official tourism organization for Linz, promoting the city’s attractions, events, and activities. It provides visitors with information on accommodations, tours, and cultural highlights.
  • The Lentos Museum in Linz is a modern art museum known for its impressive collection of 20th and 21st-century art.
  • The Nordico Stadtmuseum in Linz focuses on the city's history, culture, and heritage, with exhibitions on local art, architecture, and notable figures.
  • Read more about Pöstlingberg (in German)
Hauptplatz Stadt Linz Sturm honorarfrei kleiner

International Community

The expat community in Linz is supported by various events, cafes, and integration programs that make newcomers feel welcome and included.

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  • Expats Café, supported by the City of Linz, is a social space for expats to meet, network, and share experiences. It offers informal events and support for adapting to the local environment
  • Linz-Termine refers to events and activities happening in Linz, including concerts, festivals, and exhibitions (in German)
  • Come2Upper Austria provides comprehensive details about the region, including its economy, culture, and opportunities for work and investment in Upper Austria
  • The Howwasyourday ​in Linz is a social club that brings together individuals through a variety of sport activities, fostering community and personal growth
  • Facebook page about Expats in Linz
  • Internations webpage about expats in Linz.
  • Meetup is an online platform that helps people organize and join local events or groups based on shared interests.

Education & Research

The city is home to well-regarded universities, institutes, and schools, such as Johannes Kepler University, the Linz Institute of Technology, and reputable schools offering quality education. Linz's main goal is to use innovation to shape a responsible and vibrant urban future.

Webpage of the municipal schools of the City of Linz in German.

JKU - Johannes Kepler University Linz is a top Austrian university specializing in technology, business, law, and social sciences, known for innovation and strong industry ties.

The Kunstuniversität Linz (University of Art and Design Linz) is a leading Austrian institution for art, design, and media. It offers programs in fine arts, industrial design, architecture, media arts, and cultural studies, fostering creativity and innovation.

IT:U Interdisciplinary Transformation University Austria is focused on innovative IT education and research. It aims to develop cutting-edge technology programs, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhance digital skills in various fields.

The Sigmund Freud Privatuniversität offers study programs as well as courses and further education in psychology and psychotherapy science.

FH OÖ | Linz Campus is a university of applied sciences offering practice-oriented programs in fields like health, social work, technology, and business. It emphasizes hands-on learning and industry collaboration.

The Anton Bruckner Privatuniversität in Linz is a renowned institution for music, dance, and drama, offering high-quality education in performing arts with a strong focus on artistic excellence and innovation.

The Katholische Privat-Universität Linz is a private Catholic university specializing in theology, philosophy, education, and cultural studies, with a focus on ethics and interdisciplinary research.

Teachers and Head Teachers are trained at the Pädagogische Hochschule Oberösterreich and the Private Pädagogische Hochschule der Diözese Linz.

Music & Culture Hub

Linz is a vibrant music and culture hub, home to renowned concert halls such as the Brucknerhaus, known for its world-class acoustics and the annual Bruckner Festival; the Musiktheater Linz, one of the most modern opera houses in Europe; and the Posthof, a dynamic venue for contemporary music, theater, and cabaret. Well-known art exhibitions, music festivals and international performances also take place in Linz.

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  • The Pflasterspektakel is an annual street performance festival held in Linz, Austria. It features international artists showcasing music, theater, dance, circus acts, and other performances in public spaces. The festival transforms the city into an open-air stage, offering free entertainment for all ages.
  • The Brucknerhaus Linz is a concert hall named after composer Anton Bruckner. It hosts classical music, opera, jazz, and cultural events, and is home to the Bruckner Orchestra Linz.
  • The Landestheater Linz is the regional theater of Upper Austria, offering a diverse program of opera, drama, ballet, and musicals. It is a major cultural institution in Linz, known for its high-quality productions and performances.
  • Posthof Linz is a cultural venue hosting concerts, theater, and workshops, known for its diverse programming and intimate atmosphere.
  • LIDO SOUNDS is a music event series held at Lido Linz, offering live performances, mainly focusing on indie, rock, and electronic music. It creates a vibrant atmosphere, bringing together local and international artists.
  • Klangwolken is an annual open-air multimedia event in Linz, combining music, light, and visual art. It features large-scale performances, often involving the Linz Symphony Orchestra, creating an immersive sensory experience for audiences.
  • Sofar Sounds is a global network of intimate, secret concerts held in unique spaces like living rooms, rooftops, or galleries. In Linz, Sofar Sounds hosts private, acoustic performances featuring local and international artists, creating a cozy, community-focused music experience.
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Linzer Torte & Culinary Scene

The city is famous for the Linzer Torte, one of the world’s oldest known cakes, and has a variety of international and local dining options, offering something for every taste.

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  • Linzer Torte - the sweet ambassador of Linz is a traditional Austrian cake from Linz, made with buttery pastry, fruit jam (usually raspberry or apricot), and a lattice top. It’s one of the oldest known cakes, and is a symbol of the City of Linz.

  • Gastronomy in Linz Webpage of Linz Tourismus on discovering gastronomy in Linz.

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