Discover the best of Upper Austria, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences

Yahoo

15-05-2025

Defined by limestone peaks in the south, fertile flatlands in the centre and the winding Danube to the north, Upper Austria remains a relatively unexplored region for UK travellers. Neighbouring Germany and the Czech Republic, this Austrian state is the place to go for a huge selection of hiking and biking trails, first-class wellness retreats and the unsung city of Linz, known for its cutting-edge museums and lively cultural scene. Top holiday spots include the rolling hills in the Hausruckwald region, the glittering lakes of Salzkammergut and the picturesque villages in Vitalwelt Bad Schallerbach. Whether it's food, fitness, culture or relaxation you're interested in, this guide will help you decide where to go first.
One of the most popular parts of the Danube Cycle Path — an impressive route covering over 750 miles between Germany and Hungary — follows a section of the river in Upper Austria. Here, old towpaths once used by ship-pulling horses now provide the ideal infrastructure for cyclists and take visitors past steep bluffs dense with forest. One key highlight is the Schlögener Schlinge, where the water flows around a striking 180-degree bend. Further down the Danube, the village of Dürnstein is home to picturesque medieval architecture, including an Augustinian monastery and castle ruins.
For a detour away from the banks, you can try one of the 15 e-bike loops that lead up into the countryside between Schärding and Grein — all offer incredible views across the landscape and the Danube. Elsewhere, the Vitalwelt network has over 186 miles of well-signposted cycle paths running through the gentle Hausruck hills — which are peppered with impressive viewing towers — and caters to different levels.
Another great way to explore Upper Austria is on foot. One of the best-trodden trails is the Donausteig, traversing cultivated and natural landscapes, including narrow gorges and rocky ravines. The lengthy route is best tackled in sections and there are plenty of hotels, restaurants and public transport options to break up the journey. The Donausteig passes the regional capital of Linz — from here, you can connect to a number of urban routes that start in the city, including a loop to nearby lake Pleschingersee. This circular trail passes well-known landmarks such as the Baroque Trinity Column and the waterside Brucknerhaus concert hall. Alternatively, in the Vitalwelt region you can hike along the forest paths, meadow trails and gentle ridges that connect its seven villages or test your endurance on one of the four licenced Nordic Walking routes. Free guides on these routes can be sourced from the Bad Schallerbach Tourist Information Office.
From mohnflesserl (braided poppy seed rolls) and hearty dumplings to linseed oil potatoes and gebackene apfelringe (baked apple rings), Upper Austria has a rich food culture centred around regional ingredients. Start in Linz where you'll find plenty of exciting dining experiences to choose from, including small artsy plates at Muto, regional cuisine using seasonal produce at husband-and-wife-run Göttfried and the impressive culinary stylings of chefs Marco Barth and Sebastian Rossbach at Rossbarth.
Don't leave without trying a slice of linzer torte, a latticed cake made with sweet fruit jam, or a late-night bite from the original Leberkas-Pepi shop, which opened in 1989 and serves up an enormous variety of Leberkäse (various meats mixed and baked into a loaf, sometimes with cheese and/or additional spices). Additionally, fish caught fresh from the Danube can be enjoyed in numerous restaurants, such as Gasthof Luger in Kramesau. Upper Austria is also celebrated for its rich beer heritage, with breweries producing everything from classic märzen lager to contemporary IPAs. It is also known for its tangy and bubbly most, Austria's answer to cider. Made using native apples and pears, the local tipple is best enjoyed in one of the traditional mostheurige (taverns) in the Vitalwelt region, where fruit trees add splashes of red, yellow and white to the countryside.
Fly straight to Linz, a UNESCO City of Media Arts, to discover its fascinating culture and history. The city's creative prowess is on display at institutions like the Ars Electronica Center, an interactive museum tackling topics such as AI, self-driving cars and robots. Nearby, the glass facade of the Lentos Art Museum houses significant works of modern and contemporary art. Current exhibitions include Head of a Woman by Gustav Klimt and an Andy Warhol silkscreen print of Marilyn Monroe. Erwin Hauser, Vice President of the Lentos Friends Association, donated his art collection of almost 3,000 works to the city of Linz and Lentos in 2024, and a dedicated exhibition will run until autumn.
East along the Danube, the repurposed old tobacco factory — now home to a number of local start-ups — showcases a young, ambitious Linz. For historic charms, the old town is the ticket, with its narrow cobblestone alleys and grand main square all overlooked by Linz Castle — walk up for great city panoramas.
Upper Austria has an abundance of thermal springs, health oases and spa hotels to explore, with everything from saltwater pools to steam baths. Overnight stay options include Hotel Wesenufer, with a sauna, infrared cabin and hydrojet massage lounge, or the family-run Hotel Donauschlinge with its pool, saunas and treatments — not to mention an outstanding location on the Schlögener Schlinge. The latter is popular with cyclists who want to rest their tired legs. At the expansive EurothermenResort Bad Schallerbach you'll find an alpine-inspired sauna area featuring natural stone and wooden huts, as well as a tropical-themed spa with thermal pools designed to improve circulation and boost the immune system.
This paid content article was created for Upper Austria. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).