Family-Friendly Adventures in Linz, Austria!

Ars Electronica Center

Why Visit?

### Family Trip to Ars Electronica Center, Linz

#### Day 1: Discovering Ars Electronica Center

Morning: Arrival and Orientation

Start your adventure at the Ars Electronica Center (AEC), located at Ars-Electronica-Straße 1, 4040 Linz. Easily accessible by public transport, take the tram line 1 or 2 to the "Ars Electronica Center" stop right in front of the museum. Begin at the Info Desk to pick up a map and check any scheduled workshops or shows that might interest your family.

Lunch Break

Grab a quick lunch at the Cubus Café, enjoying both great food and a fantastic view of the Danube River.

Afternoon: Explore Exhibitions

Post-lunch, delve into AEC"s main attractions:

- Deep Space 8K: A stunning visual experience where art and technology blend in high resolution. The 3D animations are particularly captivating for children.

- "Understanding AI": Engage with interactive installations explaining artificial intelligence in ways that are accessible for children and adults alike.

Evening: Light Show and Dinner

Before you leave, don’t miss the impressive rooftop light show, typically starting around sunset. Afterwards, enjoy a family dinner at a local restaurant along Hauptplatz, just a tram ride away.

#### Day 2: Hands-On Learning and Creative Play

Morning: Workshops

Sign up for a family workshop in the RoboLab or BioLab (check availability in advance), where kids can learn about robotics or biology through hands-on activities.

Afternoon: Create Your Own Art

Visit the "Create Your Own" section where families can make digital art together. It’s not only fun but also educational, showing how technology influences creativity.

Departure

End your visit with some refreshments at the café and perhaps a stroll along the Danube. Don"t forget to stop by the gift shop for some unique souvenirs that celebrate science and art!

---

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of education, creativity, and leisure, ensuring that every family member leaves with newfound knowledge and great memories from Ars Electronica Center.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

New Cathedral (Mariendom)

Why Visit?

Welcome to a delightful family day out at the New Cathedral (Mariendom) in Linz, Austria. Known for its stunning neo-Gothic architecture and being the largest church in Austria, Mariendom offers an enriching experience for all ages.

### Morning: Arrival at Mariendom

Start your visit around 10 AM.

- Location: Herrenstraße 26, 4020 Linz, Austria

- Getting There: The easiest way to get there is via tram. Take tram lines 1, 2, 3, or 4 and alight at the "Taubenmarkt" stop. From there, Mariendom is just a 5-minute walk away.

- Interesting Fact: Despite its grand size, Mariendom"s towers were never completed as originally planned, due to a decree that no building should be taller than the nearby Linz Castle.

### Midday: Explore the Interior

- Highlights: Dive into the cathedral"s history by exploring the vibrant stained glass windows, which tell various biblical stories, providing an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about biblical events in vivid colors.

- Activity: Don’t miss the cathedral’s crypt, where you can see historical artifacts and learn about the cathedral’s foundation.

- Tip: Check for any children’s guidebooks or audio tours available at the entrance to make the tour more engaging for the young ones.

### Afternoon: Climb the Tower

- Time: Start around 2 PM after a lunch break in the nearby Hauptplatz area.

- Experience: Take a guided tour up the tower. It’s a bit of a climb, but the view from the top over Linz is breathtaking.

- Booking: Make sure to book your tower tour in advance, especially if visiting during peak tourist season.

### Late Afternoon: Relax at a Nearby Park

- Location: After descending from the tower, head to the nearby Schillerpark, just a 10-minute walk away, to relax and let the kids play.

- Enjoyment: Pack some snacks and perhaps a frisbee or a ball for some leisure time with the family.

This itinerary combines cultural enrichment with physical activity and relaxation, ensuring that both kids and adults have a memorable visit to Mariendom in Linz.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Castle Museum Linz (Schlossmuseum Linz)

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting family journey to Castle Museum Linz, a treasure trove of Upper Austrian history and culture, nestled in the heart of Linz. Starting your adventure is simple: the museum is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. Take tram lines 1, 2, 3, or 4 to the Hauptplatz stop, then enjoy a scenic 5-minute walk up Schlossberg, which not only leads to the museum but also offers a delightful view of the city.

As you step into Castle Museum Linz, prepare to be whisked through centuries of history. Begin your tour on the ground floor, where interactive displays captivate young minds with archaeological wonders from the Stone Age to Roman times. Make sure to check out the engaging multimedia presentations that bring ancient history to life.

Advance to the upper floors where the cultural journey continues with art collections spanning Gothic to modern times. The museum is particularly famous for its extensive armory—displaying a fascinating array of medieval weapons and armor that will thrill any young knight or aspiring historian in the family.

Don’t miss the “Klangturm” or Sound Tower, where you can explore the musical heritage of Upper Austria through various interactive sound installations — a fun and educational experience for all ages.

For a breath of fresh air and a change of scenery, take a stroll around the rooftop terrace. Enjoy panoramic views of Linz and the Danube River, perfect for memorable family photos.

Before leaving, swing by the museum shop for unique souvenirs and educational toys to remember your day at the Castle Museum Linz. The museum also hosts family-friendly workshops and events, so check their schedule in advance to enhance your visit.

This insightful and entertaining tour of Castle Museum Linz promises a perfect blend of education and entertainment for the whole family, making your visit to Linz truly unforgettable.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Mauthausen

Why Visit?

Day 1: Visit to Mauthausen Memorial

Morning

- Starting Point: Arrive at Mauthausen station from Linz, which is about a 20-minute train ride. From the station, catch a taxi or bus to the Mauthausen Memorial, approximately 3 km away.

- Explore Mauthausen Memorial: Begin your visit at the Visitor Center to collect guidebooks and rent audio guides available in multiple languages, which are particularly helpful for a more in-depth understanding of the site. This former concentration camp provides a sobering look at history, crucial for older children to learn about the impacts of World War II and the Holocaust.

Afternoon

- Lunch: Have a packed lunch at the designated picnic area within the memorial grounds.

- Continue Exploration: Attend a scheduled guided tour focusing on specific aspects of the site, suitable for families. These tours are designed to be educational yet sensitive to the nature of the site.

- Reflection and Departure: Before leaving, spend some time at the International Memorial, a place of reflection. Return to Mauthausen station the same way you arrived.

Day 2: Nature and Relaxation Day

Morning

- Danube River Excursion: Rent bikes from Mauthausen station and take a leisurely cycle to the nearby Danube River. This scenic route offers beautiful views and a chance to discuss the day before in a calm, natural setting.

Afternoon

- Picnic by the River: Enjoy a family picnic by the riverbanks. Local shops in Mauthausen provide all the essentials for a delightful picnic.

- Return to Mauthausen: Cycle back to the town. Explore local shops and perhaps enjoy some ice cream as a treat to wrap up your trip.

Interesting Fact: Mauthausen’s St. Nicholas’ Church, located in the heart of the town, dates back to the 15th century and offers insights into the Gothic architecture and history of the area.

This balanced itinerary ensures a thoughtful, educational, and peaceful visit to Mauthausen, suitable for families.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Pöstlingbergbahn

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful adventure with your family at Linz"s charming Pöstlingbergbahn, an iconic narrow-gauge railway that promises an unforgettable journey from the heart of Linz to the scenic Pöstlingberg. Here’s a day’s itinerary to maximize your family"s experience.

### Morning: Start at Hauptplatz

Begin your journey at the Hauptplatz, Linz"s central square. Head to the Pöstlingbergbahn station located nearby. The tram ride up to Pöstlingberg is an adventure in itself, offering panoramic views as you ascend. The trams are historic and have been operational since 1898, making them a nostalgic ride into the past.

### Midday: Explore Pöstlingberg

Once you reach the summit, visit the Pöstlingbergkirche, a pilgrimage basilica dating back to the 1740s offering serene views of Linz below. Taking a guided tour can enhance your understanding of its history and architectural significance.

Adjacent to the church, delight the kids at the Grottenbahn – a fairy-tale tram ride through a world of gnomes and fairy tales. This attraction, set within a cave, showcases scenes from popular fairy tales and the local legend of the Linzer Torte, said to be the oldest cake in the world.

### Lunch: Pöstlingberg Schlössl

Dine at the nearby Pöstlingberg Schlössl, enjoying local Austrian cuisine with a view. The restaurant, besides serving delicious food, also provides a panoramic vista of the Danube River and the Alps.

### Afternoon: Leisure Time

Spend the afternoon strolling around the Pöstlingberg area. Take leisurely walks, or if time permits, hike down the hill following the well-marked trails which are easy and manageable for children.

### Return to Linz

Head back on the Pöstlingbergbahn to Linz as the sun begins to set, giving you a different view during the descent. The tram departs every half hour, so you can plan your return according to your pace.

This itinerary combines scenic views, historical insights, and fun-filled activities ensuring a memorable day out for the entire family at Pöstlingbergbahn. Enjoy your trip!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.