CHAPTER 3

BASICS FOR 
A SMOOTH START

in Linz

Find everything you need to know when settling in Linz. Whether you’re here for work, study, or family, these practical insights will help you feel at home in no time—so you can focus on enjoying everything Linz has to offer.

Expats Sujets3

Social Security & Taxes

Understand the Austrian tax system and social security contributions. Consider consulting a local tax advisor for detailed guidance.

Public Transport & Mobility

Linz has an excellent tram, bus and train network. A monthly ticket (Klimaticket Oberösterreich) is a good option if you use public transport regularly.

  • LINZ AG is a municipal company in Linz, providing energy, water, waste management, public transport, and telecom services.
  • The LILO (Linzer Lokalbahn) is a regional railway that connects Linz with surrounding areas, linking the city to rural regions.
  • ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen) is Austria's national railway company, providing passenger and freight services.
  • Westbahn, the private provider for train travel on the Westbahn route (e.g. to Vienna and Salzburg)

 

A CURIOUS FACT ABOUT LIVING IN LINZ

SPECIAL TRAINS OF LINZ LINIEN

The Pöstlingbergbahn in Linz is one of the steepest adhesion railroads in the world. Without a cogwheel, it climbs a gradient of up to 10.5% and connects the city center with the 539 m high Pöstlingberg. This historic railroad not only offers a practical connection from the main square to sights such as the Basilica and the Grottenbahn, but also a unique experience with panoramic views over the city.


But beware: you need your own ticket for the Pöstlingbergbahn! The tickets for the Linz core zone are also not valid for journeys after the station "Trauner Kreuzung", you will have to pay a surcharge to "Schloss Traun" when taking line 4.

Expats Sujets3 curious fact

Car & Driving

Driving in Linz is convenient with well-maintained roads and efficient infrastructure. Be aware of local traffic regulations, parking options, and environmental zones to ensure a smooth experience whether commuting or exploring the city and surrounding areas.

(click on the text links to get further information)

Hotspot Linz

The city of Linz, in cooperation with the company LIWEST GmbH, offers free Wi-Fi access at public hotspots to all residents and visitors.

Hotspot Linz | Stadt Linz Information in German from the City of Linz about the hotspot services in Linz.

Get a Local SIM Card & Internet

Providers like LIWEST, A1, Magenta, and Drei offer mobile and internet services. Prepaid and contract plans are available, depending on your needs.

Below you will find general links about this topic:

Make Use of Digital Resources

Use apps and websites for everything from transport schedules to restaurant reviews to make life easier.

Join Local & Expat Communities

There are many ways to meet people in Linz! Check out Meetup, Facebook groups, Internations, or local sports clubs

  • 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
  • Parkrun is a free, communal, fun and enjoyable 5km weekly run or walk. Walk, jog, run, help or watch - you decide!
  • 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.
Expats Cafe quadr

Stay Active & Integrate

Linz offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to making music and participating in various clubs.

Integration | Stadt Linz Information in German about integration from the City of Linz

Sport & Leisure | City of Linz Information about sports activities and sports clubs in the City of Linz

Startseite | Wissensturm Linz Webpage in German of Wissensturm Linz, the cultural and educational center of the City of Linz, featuring a library, event spaces, and various courses and workshops.

Startseite | Musikschule Linz is the municipal music school offering lessons in instruments, singing, and music theory for all ages.

Startseite | Botanischer Garten Linz Webpage of the Botanical Park of the City of Linz (in German).

Wissenswertes rund ums Radfahren » Linz Tourismus General information about cycling in Linz from Linz Tourismus

The Sozialplattform OÖ is a good point of contact for social commitment and voluntary service

Boat trips » Linz Tourismus | Welcome to Linz! General information about boat trips in Linz from Linz Tourismus

ASKÖ Bezirk Linz-Stadt  is a sports club offering various activities and training programs as part of the Austrian ASKÖ organization

Schwimmen in Linz Website of LINZ AG about swimming opportunities in Linz

Howwasyourday - Social Club in Linz is a social club that brings together individuals through a variety of sport activities, fostering community and personal growth

GRAND GARAGE in Linz is a makerspace in the Tabakfabrik, offering tools, workshops, and support for innovators and startups as well as a broad range of educational programs for kids and teens

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

Know Emergency Services

Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers, hospitals, and local police in case of urgent situations.

Here you will find links to hospitals, the Samaritan Association, and the Red Cross in Linz:

Here you will find some important numbers for emergencies:

  • Fire Department (Feuerwehr): 122
  • Police (Polizei): 133
  • Medical Emergency ambulance (Notruf Rettung): 144

Discover Local Markets & Shopping

Supermarkets like Spar, Hofer (Aldi), Billa, and Lidl are everywhere. Farmers' markets and specialty stores offer fresh local produce. Please note the opening hours and remember that stores are closed on Sundays, except for the Spar at the main train station and the gas stations.

  • Südbahnhofmarkt | Stadt Linz It's a popular market located near the Linz South Railway Station. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, local goods, and other food items, making it a great place to shop for daily necessities.
  • Linzer Genuss Märkte | Stadt Linz An overview in German of all markets in the City of Linz
  • Shopping streets Some great shopping recommendations in Linz, provided by Linz Tourismus
  • linzlabyrinth is a finely curated selection of shops, cafés and restaurants
  • Linzer City Shopping & Restaurants

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