Insider Tips in Austria: Three Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Track

Let’s start our journey in Linz with an unexpected highlight: the Mural Harbor Gallery. International artists transform gray harbor walls into an open-air museum of a special kind. A walk along the colorful facades is like a journey through the global street art scene – right in the middle of Upper Austria!

The Botanical Garden in Linz is a true natural paradise, presenting over 10,000 plant species on 4.2 hectares. Particularly noteworthy are the impressive collections of cacti and orchids as well as the five greenhouses, which house exotic plants from all over the world. In spring and summer, nature comes to life here first and brings color to the big city.

The Brucknerhaus in Linz is an architectural highlight and a renowned concert hall with acoustics unparalleled anywhere in the world. It was opened in 1974 and boasts an impressive, semi-circular Danube façade. A must for every culture lover! Here you can get an insight into the program.

Linz’s St. Mary’s Cathedral impresses with its imposing architecture. It is a breathtaking example of neo-Gothic architecture and the largest church in Austria in terms of floor space. The interior of the cathedral impresses with its filigree stained glass windows, which tell biblical stories in bright colors. A visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral is not only an impressive experience for religious believers, but also an absolute must for those interested in art and architecture.

A walk across the main square is like a journey through the history of Linz and offers an authentic insight into the soul of the city. With its fountain, the Holy Trinity Column and historic old buildings, it is the ideal place to experience Linz city life. Numerous cafés can be found here as well as the city market, which invites both locals and tourists to enjoy a delicious shopping spree with 40 vendors every Tuesday and Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The Best Western Hotel Spinnerei Linz is located far away from noisy streets and yet only a few minutes’ drive from the center of Linz. The design hotel is located in the southern district of Ebbelsberg and is therefore just a few steps away from Ebbelsberg Castle. I was particularly impressed by the hotel’s own Vista Giardino bar, which provides the perfect backdrop for an evening drink after an eventful day.

Hagenberg Castle seems to have stepped straight out of a fairytale. With its picturesque façade and extensive park, it is not only a popular photo motif, but also the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon. Whether for a romantic picnic or a cultural excursion, Hagenberg Castle is a jewel in the Mühlviertel that you shouldn’t miss out on.

If you are looking for peace and relaxation, you will find it on a walk along the Feldaist. Between rippling water and rustling trees, everyday life is quickly forgotten. Highlights such as the Schlangenkopf Fuchsschweif biotope or the small rock passage are magical excursion destinations that can be easily reached on foot from Hagenberg. The picturesque hiking trails provide young and old with new energy.

The Best Western Parkhotel in Hagenberg is an experience of its own. Thanks to smart technology, you can enter your room keyless and control the lighting concept of the room individually. If that doesn’t convince you yet, the in-house 240 m² wellness area certainly will. I still can’t say whether I found the Finnish sauna or the bio-sauna more relaxing.

From the end of March, Tulln will be transformed into a true floral paradise. From March 29, 2025, “Garten Tulln“, Lower Austria’s state garden show, invites you to marvel and linger in a variety of themed gardens. If you are interested in a combined offer including an overnight stay, I have linked the perfect accommodation for you here.

Music and culture right on the banks of the Danube? The Donaubühne makes it happen! Enjoy international stars in a unique atmosphere and with a great view. My tip: Get your tickets for Anastacia, Culcha Candela or Anett Louisan today. All events and the link to the tickets can be found here.

Für alle Liebhaber klassischer Automobile ist die Oldtimer Messe in Tulln The classic car fair in Tulln is an absolute highlight for all classic car fans. On May 10 and 11, the exhibition grounds will be transformed into a paradise for classic car fans for the 37th time. With over 750 exhibitors from 16 nations and around 30,000 visitors, this event is the largest of its kind in Austria. Here you can admire rare vehicles, find spare parts and exchange ideas with like-minded people. You can get your tickets online in advance.

As we all know, the best is saved for last: I recommend a Mediterranean break at Suedeck Tulln. This restaurant right on the water, promises not only culinary delights, but also a real summer vacation feeling – in the middle of Austria. From breakfast at sunrise over the blue Danube to aperitifs at sunset, the restaurant offers everything your heart desires. If you want to check it out, you can find the menu with an overview of all the drinks here.

Starting directly from the hotel into the “Garten Tulln”?  From the Best Western Hotel Tulln, that’s no problem. The hotel is also just a stones throw away from the Danube stage and the cycle paths along the Danube. A truly excellent location, which I appreciated very much during my visit. The hearty breakfast buffet was just the cherry on top!