"We're not the Capital of Culture 2009 for nothing! Straddling the majestic Danube, we're a flourishing, vibrant city, home to an eclectic mix of theatrical and artistic projects."
The third-largest city in Austria, Linz used to be a heavily industrialised town, but an impressive cultural makeover in recent years has created a contemporary urban edge.
With four different universities and an emphasis on music and the arts Linz has an unsurprisingly vibrant and youthful feel, especially in summer months, when the streets are packed with visiting international artists.
Home to around a third of Austria's population, it's safe to say Linz is busy, but with one of the highest standards of living in Europe the natives are a cheery bunch.
Linz sits in Northern Austria, towards the Czech border, so don't expect a Mediterranean climate. Summers are mostly mild, nothing a light jacket can't handle - and hey, you're not here to sunbathe.
Like any city of culture worth its salt, Linz is home to a variety of international cuisines, but for a truly Austrian experience try Linzer Torte made from nuts, butter, flour and jam.
Linz's most (in)famous son is not one they're proud of - Adolf Hitler was born nearby and grew up in the city. A more glamorous resident was Frederic Austerlitz, better known as Fred Astaire's dad.
The nearby Mauthausen-Gusen, were the last Nazi concentration camps to be liberated and, when in use, they were the source of quarrying for stone used to build Hitler's various projects across the Reich.
"In Linz beginnt's." - this famous local saying that means "It begins in Linz" is parodied to "In Linz stinkt's" in reference to the town's industrial heritage.
The Ars Electronica Center is a forward-thinking gallery and exhibition space dedicated to the interconnecting marriage of art, technology and society. The building is pretty impressive too.
There is an on-site car park.
Part of 'culture mile', Danube Park is a short walk from the main square, along the right bank of the river. Dotted with contemporary sculptures it's the perfect spot for a summer stroll.
There is an on-site car park.
Also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, this is the largest church in Austria. The building's piece de résistance is its famous stained glass window depicting the city's history.
Street parking is available on Herrenstrasse.
The city's modern art museum is home to thousands of paintings and sculptures, including works by Klimt, H. Bayer and Man Ray, as well as celebrated collections documenting the development of photography.
Parking is available in the Lentos garage in Untere Donaulande.
Spread over an area of 25,000 square miles, Linz's botanical gardens are home to more than 10,000 varieties of exotic plant life, including one of the most celebrated cacti collections in Europe.
There is an on-site car park.
Boasting part of the UNESCO world heritage site, Wachau, Jauerling Nature Park is home to unspoilt areas of the Danube, rolling oak woods and meadows and the country's finest wine and fruit-growing pastures.
Head south out of Linz on the A7, then east on the A1/E60. Continue east on the A1 for about 55 miles, then take exit 80-Melk and head north for about another 12 miles' driving to Jauerling. The estimated journey time is 90 minutes.
The three caves that make up Dachstein Cave World are considered to be some of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Austria, dating back 300 million years. The giant ice cave is particularly cool.
Head south out of Linz on the A7, then south-west on the A1/E55/E60. After about 33 miles take exit 224-Regau south-east on to the B145 and take this road south for about 30 miles, forking right (south) on to the B166/Paß Gschütt-Bundesstraße. Follow the shore of the Hallstätter See lake to your destination. The journey should take around two hours.
Just over 60 miles from Linz lies the town of Salzkammergut, home to the famous thermal spa. Specialising in salt and brine treatments the centre has everything you need to be preened and pampered.
Head south out of Linz on the A7, then south-west on the A1/E55/E60. After about 33 miles take exit 224-Regau south-east on to the B145 and take this road south for about 30 miles, forking right (south) on to the B166/Paß Gschütt-Bundesstraße. Follow the shore of the Hallstätter See lake to your destination. Estimated journey time is two hours.
This tranquil beauty spot nestled in Alpine forest holds millions of pound notes, dumped there during World War Two. Don't get too excited if you stumble across a windfall though, they're all fake.
Head south out of Linz on the A7, then south-west on the A1/E55/E60. After about 33 miles take exit 224-Regau south-east on to the B145 and take this road south for about 30 miles, forking left (south-east) to stay on the on the B145 for about another 15 miles. At Bad Aussee turn east/north-east towards Grundlsee and keep the northern shore of this lake on your right before forking left to reach your destination. Allow two hours for the journey.
The Ars Electronica Center is a forward-thinking gallery and exhibition space dedicated to the interconnecting marriage of art, technology and society. The building is pretty impressive too.
There is an on-site car park.
Part of 'culture mile', Danube Park is a short walk from the main square, along the right bank of the river. Dotted with contemporary sculptures it's the perfect spot for a summer stroll.
There is an on-site car park.
Also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, this is the largest church in Austria. The building's piece de résistance is its famous stained glass window depicting the city's history.
Street parking is available on Herrenstrasse.
The city's modern art museum is home to thousands of paintings and sculptures, including works by Klimt, H. Bayer and Man Ray, as well as celebrated collections documenting the development of photography.
Parking is available in the Lentos garage in Untere Donaulande.
Spread over an area of 25,000 square miles, Linz's botanical gardens are home to more than 10,000 varieties of exotic plant life, including one of the most celebrated cacti collections in Europe.
There is an on-site car park.