About Upper Austria
Upper Austria (Oberösterreich) is a captivating region where Alpine grandeur meets cultural sophistication. Nestled between Germany and the Czech Republic, this state offers the perfect blend of natural wonders and historic charm. The Salzkammergut lake district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dazzles with crystal-clear waters like Hallstätter See and Wolfgangsee, surrounded by picturesque villages perfect for hiking, boating, and relaxation. Linz, the innovative capital, combines cutting-edge arts at the Ars Electronica Center with baroque architecture at the Old Town and the magnificent Linz Castle. History comes alive at Mauthausen Memorial, while the Danube River winds through the region offering scenic cycling paths. Upper Austria is also a culinary destination—sample Linzer Torte, the world's oldest cake recipe, and enjoy hearty regional cuisine in traditional Gasthäuser. From the spiritual pilgrimage site of St. Florian Monastery to the underground wonders of Dachstein Ice Cave, this region provides diverse experiences for every traveler.
Things to do in Upper Austria
Private Return Day Trip from Linz to Cesky Krumlov with Guided Tour
From €799.9
5.0 (13)
Linz: Pöstlingberg and Old Town Private Walking Tour
From €230
5.0 (2)
Linz Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
From €280.9
5.0 (2)
Drive to the sightseeing kites in Linz
From €400
5.0 (1)
Private one way transfer from Linz to Cesky Krumlov
From €299.9
5.0 (1)
Private day trip from Linz to Cesky Krumlov and back
From €275
4.8 (5)
Linz harbour tour by boat
From €15
4.7 (3)
KZ Mauthausen Private Trip from Linz
From €350
4.4 (16)
CITY QUEST LINZ: uncover the secrets of this city!
Fairytale Detective: Secret Puzzle Quest in Vöcklabruck
From €4.49
4.0 (1)
Private Day Trip From Linz To Hallstatt, English Speaking Driver
From €255
3.0 (2)
Linz Old Town Private Walking Tour and Cruise
From €215.7
3.0 (1)
Private transfer from Linz to Prague
From €670
Private transfer from Linz from Vienna
From €579
Private Shore Tour: Cultural & Culinary Walk in Linz
From €353
Places to visit in Upper Austria
Hotel Wallern
Hotel Wallern, Welser Straße 18, 4702 Wallern an der Trattnach, Austria
Alpaka
Alpaka, Schmidinger-Straße 5, 4631 Krenglbach, Austria
Gibbon-Insel
Gibbon-Insel, Prummerweg, 4631 Krenglbach, Austria
Adler
Adler, Schmidinger-Straße 5, 4631 Krenglbach, Austria
Emu
Emu, Schmidinger-Straße 5, 4631 Krenglbach, Austria
Kamele
Kamele, Schmidinger-Straße 5, 4631 Krenglbach, Austria
Streichelzoo
Streichelzoo, Schmidinger-Straße 5, 4631 Krenglbach, Austria
Rabensteinerblick
Rabensteinerblick, L1215, 4074 Stroheim, Austria
Pension Viereckl
Pension Viereckl, Mairstraße 4, 4641 Steinhaus, Austria
ibis Wels
ibis Wels, Maria-Theresia-Straße 44, 4600 Wels, Austria
Hotel am Grünbachplatz
Hotel am Grünbachplatz, Grünbachplatz 7, 4600 Wels, Austria
Haus Charwat
Haus Charwat, Dr.-Schauer-Straße 21, 4600 Wels, Austria
Boutique Hotel Hauser
Boutique Hotel Hauser, Bäckergasse 7, 4600 Wels, Austria
PLAZA INN Wels
PLAZA INN Wels, Adlerstraße 1, 4600 Wels, Austria
Panther
Panther, 42, 4111 Walding, Austria
Travel Tips for Upper Austria
Getting Around
Excellent public transportation includes ÖBB trains connecting major cities, regional buses (OÖVV), and the Linz tram network. The Upper Austria Card offers discounts and free entry to attractions. Taxis are reliable but expensive; use apps like Uber or local taxi companies. Car rentals are ideal for exploring rural areas and lake districts. Cycling is popular with extensive bike paths along the Danube and throughout the region—consider renting e-bikes. Boat trips on the Danube and lakes provide scenic transportation.
Best Time To Visit
May to September offers ideal weather for outdoor activities, lake swimming, and festivals like the Linz Pflasterspektakel street art festival (July). December is magical for Christmas markets in Linz, Steyr, and Bad Ischl. Winter (December-March) is perfect for skiing in the Alpine regions like the Dachstein or for experiencing cozy mountain huts. Shoulder seasons (April, October) provide fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.
Local Customs
Punctuality is valued for appointments and meetings. Greet with a handshake and use formal titles (Herr/Frau) until invited to use first names. When dining, wait for everyone to be served before eating and say 'Guten Appetit.' Tipping is customary—round up the bill by 5-10% in restaurants. Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries. Sunday is quiet with most shops closed; respect this day of rest. In mountain huts, remove hiking boots before entering.
Safety Information
Upper Austria is one of Austria's safest regions with low crime rates. Standard precautions against petty theft in tourist areas and train stations are advised. Violent crime is rare. Be cautious when hiking in Alpine areas—check weather conditions, use proper equipment, and stay on marked trails. Road conditions are excellent, but winter driving requires snow tires/chains in mountain areas. No specific areas need avoidance, though standard nighttime vigilance applies in urban centers. Common scams are minimal, but beware of unofficial tour operators.
Health Information
Upper Austria has excellent healthcare with modern hospitals in Linz (AKH Linz, Kepler University Hospital), Wels, and Steyr. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Travelers should ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date; tick-borne encephalitis vaccination is recommended for those hiking or spending time in forested areas. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the region. Pharmacies (Apotheke) are widely available, with emergency pharmacies operating after hours. No specific tropical disease risks exist, but standard travel insurance is recommended for non-EU visitors.
Languages Spoken
GermanAustro-Bavarian dialects
Quick Facts
Currency
Euro (EUR)
€
€
Timezone
Europe/Vienna +01:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+43
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
1.5 million
Area
11982 km²
Government
Federal state within the Republic of Austria with its own state parliament (Landtag) and government
ISO Code
AT-04