Linz is so much more than its famous cake. It’s a city where harbour-side graffiti meets bold architecture, home to a museum dedicated to the future and the Tabakfabrik, a creative hub where ideas take shape. And perhaps for exactly these reasons, Linz is best explored without a rigid plan. Those willing to shift perspective and let curiosity lead the way often discover far more than anticipated. Sometimes, streets turn into open-air galleries; at other times, the Danube riverbank becomes a dance floor. Because the most lasting memories are often made where you least expect them. Therefore: take a risk, visit Linz.

A unique blend of mountain passion, thermal spa indulgence and historic town charm awaits in the heart of Austria. Pyhrn-Priel captivates with majestic peaks, alpine pastures and living traditions. Bad Hall revitalises with its healing thermal springs. Kalkalpen National Park reveals vast, untouched forest wilderness, including UNESCO World Heritage-listed beech forests. Around Steyr, cultural heritage meets contemporary urban flair and cutting-edge technology – while in Christkindl, Advent becomes a truly special experience, thanks to its renowned Christmas post office.

Granite beneath your feet, endless horizons ahead – the Mühlviertel region has a grounding effect. It creates space: for the mind, the body and a rhythm that feels naturally your own again. Nature here doesn’t dress itself up as wellness. It simply does its work –through moor-lands, radon and a silence you can genuinely hear. The region’s top hotels understand this philosophy, too. Gravel and road cyclists find their challenge at Velorama Mühlviertel, where routes test endurance, surprise with their beauty and occasionally inspire a sense of humility. Those who arrive here sense craftsmanship that isn’t manufactured, but carefully handed down: from traditional blue-dye printing to refined regional cuisine. In short: Mühlviertel delivers pure enjoyment.

The Danube links countries, cultures and people, forming a living artery where nature and culture, movement and enjoyment intersect. You can  experience this connection on long-distance walking routes such as the  Donausteig, or in Upper Austria’s first official hiking village in Bad Kreuzen.  Follow the river along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Donaulimes, or cycle the Danube Cycle Path, often called the original of all cycle routes. Highlights include the dramatic Schlögener Schlinge, baroque abbeys such as St. Florian and Wilhering, and historic towns including Schärding, Enns and Grein. Families, meanwhile, are drawn almost magically to 
places like the IKUNA Naturresort, the WaldEntdeckerWelt Kopfing, or  the Familiendorf Neustift, where shared time takes centre stage.

The western part of the region is full of vitality: from deep under-ground, some of Europe’s hottest thermal springs rise to the surface, unfolding their soothing effects in Bad Schallerbach and Geinberg. For centuries, local breweries have refined their craft, while a rich bread-making tradition continues to thrive, driven by a new generation of passionate bakers. To truly experience the Quellenviertel area, cycle along the Inn river, seek out hidden paths, celebrate at the legendary Woodstock of brass music, or follow the moving footsteps of Franz Xaver Gruber, the composer of ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’.

Wels is deeply rooted in history, yet today presents itself as young, lively and forward-looking. Here, a touch of ‘dolce vita’ shapes everyday life, with shopping and culinary pleasures centred around the vibrant main square, lined with charming pubs, outdoor dining spots and newly created green spaces – not least in its role as host of the 2027 Landesgartenschau (State Garden Show). Located at the very heart of Upper Austria, the city serves as a natural starting point for impressive road cycling tours through the Alpine foothills, while also acting as an important economic driving force and a popular venue for conferences and trade fairs.