Upper Austria is an Austrian federal state; The state capital is Linz. With an area of 11,982 square kilometers, Upper Austria is the fourth-largest federal state in Austria and, with around 1.5 million inhabitants, the third-largest federal state in terms of population. It borders on Bavaria (Germany), southern Bohemia (Czech Republic) and within Austria on Lower Austria, Styria and the state of Salzburg. The name of the country is derived from the name of the predecessor territory, the Archduchy of Austria above the Enns, one of the Habsburg hereditary lands.
Upper Austria is divided geographically into four traditional
quarters, each offering a unique blend of landscapes, culture, and
attractions that make the region a compelling destination for travelers
exploring Austria's diverse heritage.
Traunviertel
Traunviertel, named after the Traun River that winds through its
terrain, encompasses picturesque lake districts like the Salzkammergut
with stunning alpine scenery, historic towns, and a mix of industrial
heritage and natural beauty, ideal for boating, hiking, and cultural
exploration.
Innviertel
Innviertel, located in the
northwestern part of Upper Austria along the Inn River and bordering
Bavaria, features rolling hills, fertile farmlands, historic market
towns, and a rich cultural identity with charming villages, breweries,
and proximity to natural reserves.
Hausruckviertel
Hausruckviertel, named after the Hausruck mountain range, is a hilly and
predominantly agricultural area that transitions into more
industrialized zones, offering scenic countryside, forests, and
opportunities for outdoor activities amid traditional Austrian rural
life.
Muehlviertel
Mühlviertel, the northern granite highlands
region between the Danube and the Bohemian Forest, is known for its
pristine nature, rolling hills, dense forests, sustainable agriculture,
traditional breweries, and peaceful hiking trails that showcase
authentic Upper Austrian countryside charm.
Linz
Linz, the vibrant
capital of Upper Austria situated along the Danube River,
blends modern innovation with historic charm, boasting
attractions like the Ars Electronica Center, a stunning old
town, impressive cathedrals, and a dynamic cultural scene
that makes it a must-visit hub for art, technology, and
riverside leisure.
Attnang-Puchheim
Attnang-Puchheim serves as an important transportation
junction in Upper Austria with excellent rail connections,
offering convenient access to the Salzkammergut lakes,
nearby historic sites, and serving as a practical base for
exploring the surrounding Traunviertel and Hausruckviertel
regions.
Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee
Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee is a charming spa town on the
shores of Lake Hallstatt, renowned for its therapeutic
waters, traditional wooden architecture, proximity to hiking
trails in the Dachstein mountains, and authentic
Salzkammergut atmosphere perfect for relaxation and nature
lovers.
Ebensee
Ebensee,
located at the southern end of Lake Traunsee in the
Traunviertel, is a gateway to the Salzkammergut with
beautiful lakeside views, historic salt mining heritage,
outdoor sports opportunities, and a relaxed vibe surrounded
by dramatic alpine scenery.
Freistadt
Freistadt enchants visitors with its well-preserved medieval
old town, fortified walls, narrow alleys, and Gothic
architecture, offering a glimpse into Upper Austria's
history alongside local breweries and cultural events in the
Mühlviertel region.
Gmunden
Gmunden, picturesquely situated on the northern shore of
Lake Traunsee, combines lakeside promenades, historic
architecture, ceramic traditions, and the fairy-tale-like
Schloss Ort castle, making it a romantic and scenic
highlight of the Salzkammergut.
Hallstatt
Hallstatt, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage village perched
on Lake Hallstatt with dramatic mountain backdrops,
captivates with its ancient salt mine, bone house, timber
houses, and breathtaking panoramic views, embodying the
timeless beauty of the Austrian Alps.
Seewalchen
Seewalchen am
Attersee offers a peaceful lakeside retreat on beautiful
Lake Attersee, popular for swimming, sailing, cycling paths,
and family-friendly vacations amid the serene landscapes of
Upper Austria.
Steyr
Steyr,
one of Austria's best-preserved historic towns at the
confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers, features stunning
late Gothic architecture, a charming old town square, and a
rich industrial heritage that blends culture with natural
surroundings.
Traun
Traun,
located near Linz, is a dynamic town in the Traunviertel
known for its modern amenities, proximity to urban and
natural attractions, and role as a convenient residential
and commercial center in Upper Austria.
Wels
Wels, the second-largest
city in Upper Austria with deep Roman roots, impresses with
its vibrant old town, bustling markets, cultural events, and
harmonious mix of historical sites and contemporary urban
life.
Vöcklabruck
Vöcklabruck is a lively town in the Hausruckviertel offering
excellent shopping, historic landmarks, and easy access to
lakes and mountains, serving as a practical and welcoming
base for exploring central Upper Austria.
Schärding
Schärding, a
picturesque border town in the Innviertel along the Inn
River, delights with its colorful Baroque facades, riverside
promenades, and relaxed atmosphere ideal for strolling and
enjoying local Bavarian-Austrian culture.
Braunau am Inn
Braunau am Inn, situated on the border with Germany in the
Innviertel, features a well-preserved historic old town,
medieval architecture, and serves as a quiet gateway to
regional attractions despite its complex historical
associations.
The
Abbey of St. Florian
(Stift Sankt Florian) stands as one of the largest and most
magnificent Baroque monasteries in Upper Austria, located
near Linz. Founded in the 9th century and dedicated to Saint
Florian, the Roman commander and patron saint of
firefighters who was martyred nearby, the abbey features
stunning architecture designed by Carlo Antonio Carlone and
Jakob Prandtauer. Visitors can explore the grand basilica
with its famous Bruckner organ (where composer Anton
Bruckner is buried), the opulent library housing over
150,000 volumes, imperial apartments, and an adjacent
Firefighters Museum. This historic site offers a blend of
spiritual heritage, musical legacy, and artistic treasures,
making it an essential stop for those seeking cultural depth
in the region.
Attersee,
Austria’s largest lake nestled in the picturesque
Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria, enchants visitors
with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, surrounded by lush
mountains and charming lakeside villages like Attersee am
Attersee, Steinbach, and Unterach. Ideal for water sports
enthusiasts, the lake supports sailing, swimming, diving
(thanks to exceptional visibility and depths up to 171
meters), kayaking, and boat tours that highlight scenic
shores and cultural spots, including Gustav Klimt
connections. In summer, its warm waters and blooming
landscapes draw nature lovers, while hiking trails lead to
panoramic viewpoints. This serene destination perfectly
embodies the relaxing “Sommerfrische” tradition of Austrian
lake holidays.
Bad Ischl
is a historic spa town in the heart of the Salzkammergut,
renowned as the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I
and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi). Its healing saltwater springs,
discovered in the 19th century, transformed it into a
premier wellness destination with elegant architecture,
grand villas, and the iconic Kaiservilla museum. Visitors
can stroll charming streets, indulge in famous Zaunerstollen
pastries at Konditorei Zauner, ride the cable car to Mount
Katrin for breathtaking views, or explore salt production
heritage. As a UNESCO-linked site, Bad Ischl offers a
perfect mix of imperial history, thermal relaxation, and
natural beauty.
Clam
Castle (Burg Clam), a well-preserved medieval fortress in
Upper Austria’s Klam area, dates back to the 12th century
and has been owned by the Clam family for over 550 years.
Perched on a hill, it features impressive fortifications, a
museum with historical exhibits, and scenic surroundings
ideal for walks. The castle offers guided tours revealing
its noble heritage and architectural evolution from
Romanesque to later styles. Its private yet accessible
character, along with nearby dining options, makes it a
rewarding stop for history buffs exploring the Mühlviertel
region’s castles.
Eschelberg
Castle (Schloss Eschelberg) is a historic Renaissance-style
residence in Upper Austria, with roots traceable to
fortifications from the early 13th century and the current
structure built around the late 16th century. Located in a
tranquil rural setting, it showcases medieval remnants
alongside later architectural features. Though less touristy
than grander sites, it appeals to those interested in
regional nobility history and quiet countryside exploration.
Its preserved state offers insight into Upper Austrian
castle development and serves as a peaceful detour amid
broader castle tours in the area.
Kalkalpen
National Park, Austria’s premier forest national park in Upper Austria,
protects vast wilderness areas including the Reichraminger
Hintergebirge and Sengsengebirge ranges within the Northern
Limestone Alps. Covering over 20,000 hectares, it boasts
ancient woodlands, dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and peaks
like Hoher Nock, offering exceptional hiking, mountain
biking, and nature observation opportunities. Visitor
centers in Molln and Windischgarsten provide educational
exhibits, while trails and a panorama tower deliver stunning
vistas. As a haven for biodiversity and unspoiled
wilderness, it invites eco-tourists and adventurers seeking
immersive outdoor experiences.
Mauthausen
Concentration Camp Memorial, located near Linz in Upper Austria, serves
as a solemn reminder of one of the most notorious Nazi
concentration camps during World War II. Established in
1938, it was a site of immense suffering where around
190,000 prisoners were held, with at least 90,000 murdered
through forced labor in nearby quarries, including the
infamous “Stairs of Death.” Today, the preserved site
features barracks, the quarry, gas chambers, and memorials,
with free self-guided visits using audio apps and optional
tours. It stands as a powerful educational memorial
promoting remembrance, reflection on history, and vigilance
against tyranny.
Vichtenstein
Castle (Burg Vichtenstein) dramatically overlooks the Danube
River valley from a rocky outcrop in the Sauwald forest of
Upper Austria, near the Bavarian border. With origins
possibly dating to the 11th century, this medieval fortress
offers commanding views and a sense of strategic history
along ancient trade routes. Though more modest in scale, its
elevated position and preserved elements make it an
intriguing site for castle enthusiasts exploring Upper
Austria’s defensive architecture. The surrounding landscape
enhances the visit with opportunities for scenic hikes and
peaceful contemplation of the riverine panorama.
Upper Austria is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it
easy to reach from within Austria and neighboring countries.
By
Air
Linz Airport (LNZ), also known as Blue Danube Airport, serves as
the main international gateway. It offers connections to major European
hubs and seasonal flights, providing convenient access to the region’s
capital and surrounding attractions.
By Rail
The primary
railway hubs are Linz Hauptbahnhof (Linz Central Station), located right
in the city center with excellent links to public transport, and Wels,
another important junction. The ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) network
is extensive, with frequent services to Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, and
beyond. Linz is also integrated into Austria’s S-Bahn system for
efficient regional travel.
By Road (Motorways)
Upper Austria
is crisscrossed by a modern motorway network:
A1 West Autobahn:
Connects Innsbruck and Munich via Salzburg to Linz, then continues to
Vienna and onward to Bratislava (Slovakia) and Budapest (Hungary).
A7
Mühlkreis Autobahn: Runs from Linz to Unterweitersdorf. From there,
continue on the federal road or the S10 Mühlviertler Schnellstrasse
toward Freistadt, České Budějovice (Budweis), and Prague (Czech
Republic).
A8 Innkreis Autobahn: Links Nuremberg and Passau to Wels,
then transitions to the A25 toward Linz.
A9 Pyhrn Autobahn: Connects
Wels to Liezen, Graz, Maribor (Slovenia), and onward to Ljubljana and
Zagreb.
Nearly every town and village in Upper Austria is accessible via
public transport. The ÖBB railway network is highly developed and
reliable, complemented by the Linz Local Railway (LILO) — an electric
regional line that serves the scenic areas around Linz, including the
Eferdinger Landl and Aschachtal toward Waizenkirchen and Peuerbach.
Buses efficiently cover the few gaps in the rail network.
For
frequent train travelers, the ÖBB Vorteilscard is highly recommended. It
offers up to 50% discount on standard ÖBB single tickets (and benefits
on many private railways), making multi-day exploration affordable and
flexible. The card pays for itself quickly with just a few journeys.
Cycling in Upper Austria
Upper Austria boasts an extensive,
well-signposted cycle path network that beautifully opens up river
valleys and scenic landscapes. Routes are clearly marked with an “R”
prefix followed by a number.
One of the highlights is the famous
Danube Cycle Path (Donauradweg), part of the EuroVelo 6 network. In
Upper Austria, it is designated as R1 up to kilometer 181, after which
it continues as R6 in Lower Austria. The mostly flat, traffic-free paths
follow the majestic Danube River, passing charming towns, historic sites
like the Schlögen Loop (a dramatic 180-degree river bend), and cultural
gems en route from Passau toward Vienna.
One of the last wind wells in Upper Austria is still in Edt near
Lambach. It is located right next to the B1 from Lambach to Wels.
Salzwelten Hallstatt: 7,000 years of salt mining in Hallstatt are
vividly documented in the Salzwelten Hallstatt, the oldest salt mine in
the world. The central theme of the tour is the mysterious "Man in the
Salt".
At least since the successful TV series "Schlosshotel Orth",
the landmark of Gmunden, the 1 Seeschloss Orth wikipediacommons, is well
known to everyone. Legend has it that it emerged from the remains of a
Roman fort and was first mentioned in a document around 909 as "Veste
Ort". The massive gate tower and some window and door jambs were built
by Emperor Friedrich III. built.
The Imperial Park with the Imperial
Villa and the Marble Palace, the former tea house of the Empress, was
the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Emperor Franz Joseph I spent
around 60 summers in the Biedermeier villa in the "imperial city" of Bad
Ischl. Numerous hunting trophies, mementos such as a simple metal bed or
the desk on which the emperor signed the famous manifesto "To my
peoples" can be seen in the monarch's former official and private rooms.
The adjoining Kaiserpark with its rich, partly exotic stock of trees
still gives the complex an unmistakable atmosphere of quiet dignity.
The Dachstein caves, consisting of the giant ice cave, the mammoth
cave and the Koppenbrüller cave, are among the most impressive natural
wonders of the Alps. Mighty cave glaciers, icebergs and ice chapels are
a welcome contrast to the outside world on hot summer days. With 30,000
m³ of ice and a maximum ice thickness of 25 m, the giant ice cave is one
of the largest ice caves on earth. Mighty subterranean halls such as the
"King Arthur's Cathedral", the "Parzifaldom" and the "Tristandom"
attract 150,000 visitors every year.
From April 27 to November 7,
2010, the Upper Austria Provincial Exhibition 2010 took place in Parz
Castle in Grieskirchen. The theme of this year's national exhibition is
"Renaissance". The aim of the content of the state exhibition was to
document the Renaissance as an epoch of departure from the narrow
confines of the Middle Ages, in which not only the discovery of the New
World, numerous technical inventions and new scientific discoveries, but
also new theological perspectives took place . The focus was on the
emergence of the Reformation movement in Europe, but also the
documentation of the development of the Evangelical Church in Austria
and especially in Upper Austria. Alongside Linz Castle and Hartheim
Castle, Parz Castle in Grieskirchen is one of the most architecturally
important Renaissance castles in Upper Austria. This is also due to the
fresco cycle on the south-west facade, which was created around 1580
under Sigmund von Pollheim, was rediscovered in the late 1980s and
depicts the creed of the Protestant lord of the castle.
Greinburg
Castle and Upper Austrian Maritime Museum. Greinburg Castle is Austria's
oldest residential castle and impresses with the elegance and size of
its historic festival rooms: magnificent arcaded courtyard, imposing
knight's hall and the castle chapel with its monumental Christmas altar.
The Sala Terrena, laid out with Danube pebbles, and the diamond vault
with its fascinating play of light and shadow are unique. Today, the
Upper Austrian State Museum Linz presents the history of the traffic
engineering use of the Danube and its tributaries Inn, Salzach, Enns and
Traun in a branch museum at Greinburg Castle. In July and August,
Greinburg is the venue for the donauFESTWOCHEN im Strudengau, a festival
of early music with modern counterpoint. In the atmospheric ambience of
the arcaded courtyard, opera rarities from the Baroque and early Classic
periods are performed.
Mühlkreisbahn and Aigen-Schlägl. The trip on
the Mühlkreisbahn from Linz-Urfahr to Aigen-Schlägl is a journey through
the picturesque landscape of the upper Mühlviertel and the beautiful
valleys of the Große Mühl and the Pesenbach. In Aigen-Schlägl, the
Premonstratensian monastery in Schlägl and the impressive parish church
in Aigen are particularly worth seeing. The historic market towns of
Neufelden and Haslach an der Mühl and the district town of Rohrbach-Berg
are also worth a visit.
Aquapulco. Adventure pool especially for children. Many slides (even
one with a timer) and a sea wave pool will make the bathing trip
unforgettable. In the same building, an attractive thermal bath and a
sauna area invite you to relax.
Dachstein West - Gosau - Russbach -
Annaberg. Tel.: +43 6242 555 (snow phone), email: info@dachstein.at. The
Dachstein-West ski area offers 72 lifts and cable cars connecting 130
kilometers of ski runs between Gosau, Russbach and Annaberg. Free buses
run between these places. Due to the wide range of slopes, there is
something for the whole family: for beginners, returnees and experts.
For children, the Dachstein West ski area also offers many children's
ski camps, sparrows' nests, a magic carpet, Sumsiland, a bear camp and
much more. Gosau and the Dachstein-West ski area are considered "snow
holes" because the clouds build up in the surrounding mountains and thus
ensure extensive snowfall every year The lower areas of the ski region
also have snow cannons. The Gosau part of the ski region includes the
Hornspitz with the Brumsiland and the Zwieselalm. The Zwieselalm is
known for its 360-degree view of the Dachstein Glacier, Gosausee and
other peaks from the Feuerkogel to the Hochkönig. In Russbach, the
children can learn to ski on the Bärencamp ski meadow with the magic
carpet and button lifts.There are a total of 5 practice lifts in the
valley for children.They are supported there by ski instructors from the
Russbach ski schools.
Feuerkogel - Ebensee. Tel.: +43 6133 5397 (snow
phone), email: verkauf@traunsee-touristik.at. The Feuerkogel ski area on
Lake Traunsee is located at 1,625 m above sea level and can be easily
reached by cable car from Ebensee. The Feuerkogel has a new 8-seater
gondola on the Gsoll and a new 6-seater chairlift in the Grubersunk.
This ski region also offers family-friendly pistes, a 360-degree
panoramic view of the Dachstein and lake region, cozy huts and much
more. With the Feuerkogel cable car you can reach the adventure mountain
village from Ebensee am Traunsee at 1600 meters. The Feuerkogel ski area
offers pistes suitable for winter sports enthusiasts, beginners and
families alike. Snow fanatics can tackle the six-kilometer unprepared
descent into the valley with its special challenges. But also ski
tourers and snowshoe hikers can be found in this ski region again and
again, because it offers tours for every level of difficulty and
untracked slopes into the valley.
Freesports Arena Krippenstein.
Tel.: +43 6131 531 1838 (snow phone), email: info@krippenstein.com. The
Freesports Arena Krippenstein was voted the hot spot of the freerider
scene by SnowPlanet magazine. Locals call the Krippenstein "the Stoa".
This ski area has a lot to offer: ski and board, on and off piste,
freeride training and snow camps, snowshoeing, ski tours, ice climbing,
dog sledding, paragliding, and much more. The 21 km long Dachstein
crossing from the Hunerkogel to Obertraun or Hallstatt is also
recommended. The Freesports Arena Krippenstein has the following on
offer for its visitors: 30 kilometers of off-piste variants, the longest
descent in Upper Austria at 11 km, Krippenstein Funpark, guaranteed snow
on the Dachstein glacier area and a modern snow-making system, 1500
meters in altitude difference, a brand new cable car, hundreds of square
kilometers of high alpine terrain to let off steam, extreme sports
events of the extra class, relaxed huts and lodges to relax (or to party
hard), and much more.
Hinterstoder Höss. Tel.: +43 7564 5500 (snow
phone), email: info@hiwu.at. The Hinterstoder Höss ski area, together
with the Wurzeralm ski area, offers 56 km of groomed slopes ranging from
easy to difficult. The highest point in the ski area is 2000 m. It can
be reached with the help of 20 lifts. But not only skiers, but also
cross-country skiers have a lot to offer: 3.5 km of trails on the
Hutterer Boden in the Hinterstoder ski area, 5 km of high-altitude
trails in the Wurzeralm ski area and 130 km of groomed valley trails.
New 10-seater gondola that opens up wonderful slopes.
Danube Cycle
Path. The Danube cycle path starts in Passau and leads over 434 km (in
Upper Austria north and south bank 235 km) to Bratislava. Sections with
more motorized traffic are marked with signs (Engelhartszell, Schlögener
Schlinge, Grein/Lower Austria border). Since the difference in altitude
is very small (118 m), the Danube Cycle Path is also very suitable for
families. The cycle path mostly runs close to the Danube and slightly
downhill downstream. East of Passau, the cycle path leads to Upper
Austria. The picturesque towns in the Upper Danube Valley and Engelszell
Abbey, the only Trappist monastery in Upper Austria, are worth seeing.
The next stage is the Schlögener Schlinge, where the massive underground
forces the flow of the Danube into a double curve. The cycle path
continues to Linz, European Capital of Culture 2009. The next stage
worth seeing is Mitterkirchen, home to the Keltendorf open-air museum.
The Danube Cycle Path runs via Grein in the direction of Wachau and thus
outside of Upper Austria.
backcountry cycle path. 50 km round tour
for MTB, which partly uses the route of a forest railway. One of the
starting points is in Reichraming (356 m above sea level) at the train
station, where the forest railway used to depart. The route is steeper
and more difficult than advertised. It is definitely not suitable for
families in its entirety. The section up to Weißwasser is recommended
for families.
Salzkammergut Cycle Path. The Salzkammergut cycle path
is 345 kilometers long and crosses the entire Salzkammergut. Since the
tour is designed as a circular route, it is possible to start at any
point along the route. Crystal-clear lakes, small towns, mountains and
much more can be discovered along the Salzkammergut cycle path. For
example, cyclists in Gmunden can visit the Seeschloss Ort or take a boat
trip on the "Gisela" paddle steamer. From Gmunden we continue to Ebensee
and along the Traun to Bad Ischl. A visit to the Kaiservilla and the
Zauner confectionery is particularly recommended in this famous place.
From Bad Ischl, the Salzkammergut Cycle Path continues to Bad Goisern,
Hallstatt and Obertraun, the UNESCO World Heritage region. Worth seeing
here are, for example, the salt mines in Hallstatt or the Dachstein
giant ice caves. Along the Wolfgangsee we continue to the Mondsee. The
bike tour finally returns to its starting point via Lake Attersee.
Donausteig. The Donau-Höhen-Rundwanderweg is 540 km long and runs along
the Danube ridge through 60 places. This hiking trail connects the
Danube cities of Passau, Linz and Ybbs. The new Donausteig will lead the
hiking trail along new routes along the Danube. In July 2010 the new
Donausteig will be opened by the advertising association Donau OÖ.
Traunsee week. From May 14th to 17th, 2015, the Trausnsee week will take
place with the RC44 Austria Cup. The initials RC stand for the sailing
star Russel Coutts. The Gmunden Esplanade is being converted into a
high-tech sailing center. At the RC44 Austria Cup, visitors will not
only meet Russel Coutts but also Chris Bake and Cameron Appleton. The
categories of match race, fleet race and long distance race are sailed.
For the first time in the history of the RC44 class, an Austrian RC44
Team Austria has been taking part since 2009. Although it only entered
the rankings in the second of five races of the season, it was already
able to record its first victories.
Upper Austria's hearty delicacies include aromatic farmer's bread,
homemade butter, mild sheep's or high-quality goat's cheese, fine honey
or fruity jam, juicy meat or smoked bacon and much more.
Food and
customs go hand in hand in Upper Austria. Since each season is
characterized by festivals and celebrations, specific dishes are often
served. We often don't know why this has become common practice.
Dumplings
In the Upper Austrian-Bavarian region, but also in southern
Bohemia, Tyrol and South Tyrol, dumplings are most widespread. Their
main feature is the round shape, although there are always exceptions.
Dumplings are served as a soup ingredient, main course and dessert. But
they can also be found as a side dish in the form of semolina, potato or
bread dumplings. The dumplings can be prepared in a variety of ways.
There are filled and unfilled, sour and sweet dumplings.
Most
Most is the national drink of Upper Austria and bears the honorary title
"Regional Acid". This Upper Austrian drink is fermented apple and pear
juice and is available in many flavors. In Upper Austria, a distinction
is made between "apple must" and "pear must". A particular specialty is
the sweet must, the juice freshly squeezed in autumn. Many farms have
their own cider trees for fruit cider production. Particularly
well-known is the "Landlbirnmost", which is pressed from the so-called
Landlbirnen. But varieties such as Fraunbirn, Läuterbirn, Wödlbirn,
Hoanlbirn and Tatzbirn are also widespread in Upper Austria.
In
addition to their own cider trees, many farmhouses also offer cider
walls. This is a niche-like depression for keeping the must cool. The
four-sided farms in the Most area are among the most powerful farms in
the state. Upper Austria is a Mostland. "Mostbauer" produce about 500
hectoliters in good times.
Most taverns in Upper Austria are z.
B. Rohrhuber cider tavern in Linz, Speck-Alm in Perg, Loryhof in Ried im
Innkreis, Waldschmiede cider tavern in the Urfahr area, Wolfsteiner
cider tavern in the Urfahr area, Zum Alfons brewery in Vöcklabruck,
Huemer's cider tavern in Wels and much more.
Roast
Roast pork
is one of the traditional dishes of Austrian, Bavarian and Bohemian
cuisine. The crust is particularly important here. Dumplings and
sauerkraut are served as side dishes. Another popular side dish is
Stöcklkraut. A cabbage is cut into four or six pieces ("Stöckl"), the
stalk removed and boiled in salted water with caraway seeds. Then the
soft boiled pieces of white cabbage are fried with the roast. Roast pork
has been one of the most important holiday dishes since the Middle Ages.
Cold roast pork with horseradish and bread with beer or cider is very
popular as a snack in Upper Austria.
At the "Candle Mass" on
February 2nd, the traditional date of the change of servants, the
farmers organized a light roast dinner. A roast with coleslaw and bread
dumplings was served. At that time Bratlgeiger, vagabond musicians,
often played around a roast. The "Bratlshooting" is also very well known
in Upper Austria. Here the players agree that the loser has to pay all
players in the inn a Bratl.
Beer
Next to Most, beer is one of
the most popular drinks in Upper Austria. This is brewed from water,
grain, hops and yeast. Upper Austria offers a large number of different
types and varieties such as lager, light and dark, Märzen, Pils, Bock
beer, Zwickel beer, strong and light beer, diet and nutritional beer,
premium, special and draft beer, wheat beer and non-alcoholic beer. The
most famous breweries in Upper Austria include the Grieskirchen brewery,
Hofstetten brewery, Schlägl monastery brewery, Braucommune Freistadt,
Kapsreiter brewery and many more.
Bread
Bread is one of the
traditional foods in Upper Austria. The ingredients for this are flour,
water, a leavening agent and possibly other ingredients. In the Austrian
baking tradition, the yeast is of great importance in addition to the
sourdough. This is important for the fermentation process as it converts
the starch in the grain into sugar, carbonic acid and ultimately
alcohol. The carbonic acid causes the dough to rise because it cannot
escape through the gluten in the flour. Country and farmer's breads are
allowed according to the "Codex Alimentarius Austriacus".
Cheese
In Austria, due to the strict legal regulations, cheese is only made
from high-quality milk without chemical additives. Depending on the
landscape and climate, different types of cheese have developed for
certain regions, such as cream cheese (the Rollino is particularly
well-known), soft cheese (e.g. Romadur, Brie), semi-hard cheese, hard
cheese or sour milk cheese.
In 1988, the only monastery cheese
dairy in Austria developed the soft cheese St. Severin, whose typical
flavor comes from the red smear treatment. Popular snack cheeses are
Schlierbacher Klosterkäse and Achleitner Schlosskäse.
Among the
best-known cheese producers in Upper Austria are the Gmundner Dairy,
Landfrisch Dairy, show dairy Stift Schlierbach, Schärdinger, Zwettler
Käsebauern and many more.
Upper Austria boasts an impressive expanse of around 12,000 hectares
dedicated to orchards, making it a true fruit-growing heartland and the
epicenter of Austria's renowned schnapps (or Schnaps) production. This
region transforms its abundant harvests—primarily pears, apples, plums,
cherries, apricots, quinces, and rowanberries—into crystal-clear,
high-quality fruit brandies through traditional and innovative
distillation techniques.
Schnapps here are pure fruit distillates,
typically ranging from 37.5% to 45% ABV (or higher for some
specialties), with no added sugars or artificial flavors. They capture
the intense, authentic essence of the fruit rather than the sweetened
liqueurs often associated with the term "schnapps" elsewhere.
Single-variety schnapps are especially prized for their purity and
distinctive character. Popular examples include:
Gellert's Butter
Pear (Gellerts Butterbirne) — a juicy, aromatic dessert pear variety
known for its buttery texture and subtle tartness.
Clapp's Favorite
(Clapp's Darling) — a sweet, succulent American-origin pear that yields
a fresh and flavorful brandy.
Williams Pear (also known as Bartlett)
— one of the most iconic and beloved, offering a fragrant, pear-forward
profile that has earned top international awards.
Upper Austrian
distilleries enjoy a stellar global reputation and are widely regarded
as some of the finest in the world. Their products grace the menus of
top restaurants internationally, and master distillers from the region
have amassed more than 1,000 medals in prestigious competitions in
recent years, underscoring their exceptional craftsmanship.
Notable Upper Austrian Distilleries
Several producers stand out for
their quality and innovation:
Reisetbauer (Kirchberg-Thening /
Axberg) — A world-class operation led by Hans Reisetbauer, featuring one
of Europe's most modern distilleries (rebuilt in 2019). It sources from
vast organic orchards (including over 17,000 Williams pear trees and
thousands of apple trees) and produces award-winning single-variety
brandies alongside creative expressions like carrot, ginger, wild
service tree, whisky, gin, vodka, and rum. The soft, pure spring water
from Mühlviertel alpine pastures is a key element in their superior
quality.
Liqueur production at Engelszell Abbey — A historic Trappist
monastery known for its traditional liqueurs and spirits rooted in
monastic heritage.
Lindner, Most & Mehr Mairinger, Most & Safte
Schober, and the Nussbach Distillery — Esteemed family-run operations
that emphasize local fruit and time-honored methods.
Many other
small, artisanal distilleries dot the landscape, often operating as
farm-based producers where visitors can purchase directly and experience
tastings amid the orchards.
Whether you're exploring the scenic
Mühlviertel or Innviertel regions, sampling Upper Austrian schnapps
offers a delightful way to experience the local terroir. Many
distilleries welcome visitors for tours and tastings—perfect for
travelers seeking authentic flavors alongside the region's natural
beauty. Pair a glass with local specialties for an unforgettable taste
of Austrian tradition!
North of the Danube valley and in the Sauwald is the Bohemian Massif (also Bohemian Massif), the geologically oldest landscape in Austria. It is an old fold mountain range and consists of the Moldanubian in the western part and the Moravikum in the eastern part (outside of Upper Austria). The Bohemian Massif represents the base of a eroded, former high mountain range (called basement) that arose in the course of the Variscan orogeny (mountain formation) in the Paleozoic. Other remnants of this mountain formation in Central Europe are the German low mountain ranges. Acidic plutonites such as granite and gneisses dominate. The mountain range, which itself was completely worn away, was probably broken into clods in the course of the Alpine mountain building and lifted somewhat, resulting in its current hilly topography (trunk landscape).
At that
time, the Tethys stretched south of the Variscan mountain range and grew
larger and larger as the continental plates drifted apart towards the
end of the Paleozoic. Under tropical or subtropical conditions, those
sediments were deposited here during the Mesozoic, which were then later
pushed over and transported north during the Alpidic orogeny, which
began towards the end of the Cretaceous. This is how the south-north
sequence of nappes, the Northern Limestone Alps, the Flysch Zone and the
Subalpine Molasse emerged, with remnants of the Helvetic Nappe also
remaining. The limestone that was formed in the Tethys during the
Triassic is rich in fossils, which are found today particularly in the
Dachstein Mountains and around Hallstatt. Special sites for ammonites
are the mountains around Gosau, west of the Dachstein.
While the
Alps initially rose from the Tethys as a chain of islands and continued
to grow, the process of erosion of the young mountains began at the same
time, but this could not compensate for the extent of the uplift.
Between these two very different mountain ranges
there is a sedimentation zone that was created by the deposits of
erosion in the Alps, the so-called Titian zone.
The eroded
material transported to the north was initially deposited in the flat
and increasingly narrow arm of the Tethys between the Alps in the south
and the continent in the north (Molasse Basin). Thus, while the Alps
continued to rise and the African plate moved northwards, the arm of the
sea was filled in (freshwater molasse) and today's picture of the
geological division of Upper Austria into the Bohemian Massif, the
Tertiary hill country as a deposit area for the clastic sediments of
Alpine erosion in the middle, emerged and the Northern Limestone Alps to
the south.
The part of the earth's history that preceded our present age, the Holocene, the Pleistocene or Ice Age, has most clearly shaped today's landscape of Upper Austria in the Alps and in the foothills of the Alps. This was the time of the last major glaciation phase in the Alps to date, in which the mountains were largely covered by ice masses, which advanced far into the foreland with huge glacier tongues. In addition to the Dachstein Glacier, the Salzach Glacier advanced into what is now Upper Austria and was considerably larger than it. Fed by the ice masses of the Central Alps, the glacier rolled at least four times (according to the classic Quaternary stratigraphy) through the Salzach Valley and the Salzburg Basin to the north, before spreading out into a branched, fan-shaped system of side glaciers. While Hausruck and Kobernausserwald north of the Traun were not eroded, the neighboring regions in the Salzburg and southern Innviertel lake districts were overrun by the Salzach Glacier.
Due to the division into altitude
levels (from 239 to 2995 meters) and into the three biogeographical
regions (Bohemian Massif, climatically favorable central area and
Limestone Alps), Upper Austria is home to a flora of around 1800
vascular plants that is species-rich by Central European standards. As
everywhere in Central Europe, large parts of the landscape are strongly
influenced by humans. For the preservation of natural and semi-natural
habitats are located in Upper Austria
156 protected areas in
nature and landscape protection,
24 of which are European protected
areas (Natura 2000 areas and others, partly overlapping with the 164
areas under state law),
the Kalkalpen National Park,
109 nature
reserves,
16 landscape protection areas (including 2 nature parks),
7 protected landscape parts,
and 562 natural monuments.
So
far, 75 species of mammals have been found in the wild in Upper Austria.
Of these, mongooses and coypu are escaped captives; Mouflon and alpine
marmot were released. In the last 100 years, 361 bird species have been
recorded in the area, but many only once. 163 bird species breed in
Upper Austria. Furthermore, the area is inhabited as a habitat by seven
species of salamanders, twelve species of frogs and eleven different
species of reptiles.
Upper Austria has a share in three large natural areas. From north to
south in Upper Austria there is a geological-landscape tripartite
division, which continues west to Bavaria on the one hand and east to
Lower Austria on the other.
The Mühlviertel north of the Danube
and four sections south of the river belong to the granite and gneiss
highlands (Bohemian Massif) and is a typical low mountain range
landscape with heights increasing northwards. Near the north-west border
of Upper Austria, in the vicinity of the border triangle Germany-Czech
Republic-Austria, the country has a share in the Bohemian Forest with
the 1378 m high Plöckenstein.
South of the Danube, Upper Austria
shares part of the northern foothills of the Alps (Upper Austrian Alpine
foothills), a partly flat, partly hilly forest and meadow landscape with
intensive agriculture. It occupies most of the land area. In the west of
the federal state lies the Hausruck, a partly wooded chain of hills
(maximum 801 meters); to the west is the Kobernausser forest, which, in
contrast to Hausruck, is still very densely forested.
The Alpine
portion is divided into the Upper Austrian Alps (the portion of the
Salzburg-Upper Austrian Alps stretching between the Salzach and Enns)
and the portion of the Eisenwurzen from the Enns eastward (Ybbstal
Alps), and lies in two important regions, the Salzkammergut and the
Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen region
The northern edge of the Alps is formed by
the flysch zone, a strip of low mountain ranges made up of clay and
sandstone and partly heavily forested. It reaches its greatest width
between Mondsee and Traunsee.
The Northern Limestone Alps to the
south determine the landscape of the Salzkammergut and the
Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen region. In Upper Austria, the Limestone Alps are
divided into:
The Upper Austrian Pre-Alps: Salzkammergut Mountains
with the Höllen Mountains and numerous other groups; Sengsengebirge and
the Reichraminger Hintergebirge
and the parts of the Limestone High
Alps: Dachstein mountains with the Dachstein massif; Dead Mountains;
Shares in the Ennstal Alps at the Pyhrn
The country's highest
point is the Hoher Dachstein (2995 meters) at the southern tip of Upper
Austria, with the country's only glacier area. Since the border with
Styria lies on the main Limestone ridge, the highest mountain that is
entirely on Upper Austrian soil is the Großer Priel at 2515 meters.
The lowest point in the country is where the Danube finally changes to
Lower Austria, east of the Machland at the entrance to the
Nibelungengau.
Upper Austria is crisscrossed by a rich network of rivers and streams
that shape its diverse landscapes, from the fertile plains and rolling
hills of the Mühlviertel to the dramatic Alpine foothills. These
waterways not only nourish the region's agriculture and support vibrant
ecosystems but also offer excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking,
rafting, and scenic riverside hikes.
Key rivers include: Ager, Aist,
Alm, Antiesen, Aschach, Donau (Danube), Enns, Große Gusen, Kleine Gusen,
Gusen, Inn, Krems, Mattig, Große Mühl, Kleine Mühl, Naarn, Rodl,
Salzach, Steyr, Trattnach, Traun, and Vöckla.
The mighty Donau
(Danube) serves as the region's vital artery, flowing through Linz and
forming a natural corridor for trade, history, and recreation.
The
Enns and Traun are major tributaries with deep cultural significance —
the Enns joins the Danube near the historic town of Enns, one of
Austria's oldest chartered municipalities.
Rivers like the Inn,
Salzach, Alm, and Ager originate in or flow from mountainous areas,
bringing clear, oxygen-rich waters ideal for trout and other fish.
Smaller but scenic streams such as the Gusen, Krems, Mühl rivers, and
Vöckla wind through charming valleys and rural landscapes.
Nearly all of Upper Austria’s largest and most picturesque lakes are
concentrated in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Salzkammergut region, a
breathtaking area of mountains, forests, and crystal-clear waters that
straddles Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Styria.
These lakes are
renowned for their exceptional water quality, stunning Alpine backdrops,
and year-round appeal. Popular activities include swimming, sailing,
diving, paddleboarding, boating, and lakeside hiking or cycling. Many
are among Europe’s cleanest inland waters.
Notable lakes include:
Almsee, Attersee, Gosausee, Hallstätter See, Irrsee, Langbathseen
(Vorderer and Hinterer), Mondsee, Offensee, Traunsee, and Wolfgangsee.
Attersee — Austria’s largest lake by area in the region, famous for
its turquoise waters, sailing, and mountain views.
Traunsee — The
deepest lake in Austria (up to 191 m), with dramatic cliffs and the
iconic Traunstein peak.
Hallstätter See — Iconic and photogenic,
nestled beside the world-famous village of Hallstatt.
Wolfgangsee,
Mondsee, and Gosausee — Offer charming villages, historic sites, and
excellent swimming or boat tours.
Smaller gems like Almsee, Irrsee,
Offensee, and the twin Langbathseen provide quieter, more secluded spots
perfect for nature lovers.
The Salzkammergut’s lakes and rivers
form the heart of Upper Austria’s natural beauty, making it a paradise
for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers seeking
tranquility amid majestic scenery. Whether you're planning a relaxing
boat trip, an active water sports adventure, or a cultural tour of
lakeside towns, this region delivers unforgettable experiences.
Climatically, Upper Austria is located in the zone of the Central
European transitional climate. Due to the location on the northern edge
of the Alps, the weather is clearly influenced by the Atlantic. The
central area shows a cool-temperate, fully humid type (beech climate,
Cfb according to Köppen/Geiger) with prevailing north-west wind weather.
The south lies in the zone of a pronounced northern traffic jam and
therefore has the highest precipitation in Austria. There are also
frequent foehn (alpine climate, northern edge of the Alps type).
The warmest area in Upper Austria is the Linz Basin with an annual
average of around nine degrees Celsius. With the exception of the
mountains, the average temperatures in the remaining parts of the
country, such as the foothills of the Alps, the Eferding Basin and the
Traun-Enns Plateau, are in the range of six to eight degrees Celsius
(annual average from 1961 to 1990). At an altitude of 2000 meters, the
average annual temperature is about one degree.
The areas with
the lowest precipitation, with annual precipitation amounts between 750
and 800 millimeters, are in the eastern Mühlviertel (Feldaistenke) and
in the Eferding Basin. The higher mountain regions of the Mühlviertel
and the Sauwald as well as the foothills of the Alps are surrounded by
the 1000 millimeter isohyete. In mountain areas, however, the amounts of
precipitation are much higher due to the damming effect of the clouds.
At altitudes above 1500 meters above sea level, annual precipitation
reaches 2000 millimeters and more (3000 millimeters in the Dachstein
mountains).
The quarters of Upper Austria
Upper Austria is
traditionally divided into four parts, the Hausruckviertel, the
Innviertel, the Mühlviertel and the Traunviertel. This also corresponded
to the district divisions of the Habsburg monarchy in the mid-18th to
mid-19th centuries, where there was a corresponding district of
Hausruck, Inn, Mühl and Traun. In 1867 the circles were replaced by the
system of political districts, since then they have no longer had any
political meaning and are purely landscape designations.
The
quarters also function as territorial units of spatial planning, but in
this context there is an additional unit: the area between the cities of
Linz, Eferding, Wels, Steyr and Enns is called the "fifth quarter" -
Upper Austria's central area.
These five regions also roughly
form the statistical NUTS-3 units of Upper Austria, although the
Hausruckviertel is divided up in order to meet the requirements of areas
of roughly the same size statistically:
AT311 Innviertel:
districts of Braunau am Inn, Grieskirchen, Ried im Innkreis, Schärding
(Innviertel and northwestern Hausruckviertel)
AT312 Linz-Wels:
Districts of Linz-Stadt, Linz-Land, Wels-Stadt, Wels-Land, Eferding,
parts of the district of Urfahr-Umwelt (central area and eastern
Hausruckviertel)
AT313 Mühlviertel: Districts of Freistadt, Perg,
Rohrbach, parts of the Urfahr area (Mühlviertel without the Linz city
region)
AT314 Steyr-Kirchdorf: Steyr, Kirchdorf district, Steyr-Land
district (southeastern Traunviertel)
AT315 Traunviertel: Gmunden
district, Vöcklabruck district (western Traun and Hausruckviertel)
Before the Innviertel became part of Upper Austria in 1779, there
was the following division: Mühlviertel, Schwar(t)zviertel or
Machlandviertel, Haus(ruck)viertel, Traunviertel. With the incorporation
of the Innviertel, the Machland and Mühlviertel were combined under the
latter name in order to continue to maintain the quartering. Today's
demarcation between the NUTS units Traunviertel and Hausruckviertel is
based on the more recent district borders and therefore no longer
corresponds to the historical border formed by the Traun. In their
original borders, the districts of Upper Austria now only serve the
purpose of defining constituencies, in addition to their popular and
identity-forming significance.
Districts, municipalities and
statutory cities
According to the current administrative division,
the federal state is divided into:
3 statutory cities: Linz,
Wels, Steyr
15 political districts: Braunau am Inn, Eferding,
Freistadt, Gmunden, Grieskirchen, Kirchdorf, Linz-Land, Perg, Ried im
Innkreis, Rohrbach, Schärding, Steyr-Land, Urfahr area, Vöcklabruck,
Wels-Land
438 political communities: 255 (local) communities, 150
market communities, 30 urban communities and 3 statutory cities.
Prehistory and Ancient Times
Human settlement in the region dates
back thousands of years, driven by abundant natural resources,
particularly salt deposits. The Hallstatt area in the Salzkammergut is
one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Europe. Salt mining
here began around 7,000 years ago (Neolithic period), and the site gave
its name to the Hallstatt culture (c. 1200–500 BCE), an early Iron Age
Celtic culture known for its distinctive artifacts, burial practices,
and trade networks across Europe. Hallstatt remains a UNESCO World
Heritage site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the
region.
During the Roman period (from the 1st century BCE/CE), the
southern parts of modern Upper Austria (south of the Danube) belonged to
the province of Noricum. The Romans established roads, fortifications,
and settlements. Linz originated as the Roman fort Lentia (from a Celtic
root meaning "bendable" or "curving," referring to the Danube bend). The
region was a frontier zone, with the Danube serving as a key boundary
and trade route.
Migration Period and Early Middle Ages
With
the decline of the Roman Empire, the Migration Period (roughly 4th–6th
centuries) brought Germanic peoples into the area. By the early medieval
period, the western parts (modern Upper Austria) were largely inhabited
by Bavarians, while Avars and Slavs pushed toward the Enns River from
the east.
In 788, the Duchy of Bavaria came under Carolingian
(Frankish) rule under Charlemagne. The subsequent Avar Wars expanded
Carolingian control eastward, establishing the Avar March. After the
Treaty of Verdun (843), the region fell under the East Frankish Realm
(precursor to the Holy Roman Empire). It suffered repeated Hungarian
raids in the 10th century until the decisive Battle of Lechfeld (955),
which stabilized the area. It was then integrated into the Stem Duchy of
Bavaria.
High and Late Middle Ages: Babenbergs and Habsburgs
Much of the area belonged to the County of Traungau. In 1156, the March
of Austria (centered further east) was elevated to a duchy under the
House of Babenberg. By the mid-13th century, the region above the Enns
was referred to as the Fürstentum ob der Enns (Principality above the
Enns), first recorded in 1264. In 1192, Traungau became part of the
Duchy of Austria.
The Babenbergs died out in 1246. The House of
Habsburg gained control by the end of the 13th century. The term "Upper
Austria" emerged, initially distinguishing western areas above the Enns.
In 1453, the Duchy was elevated to an Archduchy. Upper Austria was
formally divided from Lower Austria around 1450, with Linz becoming the
capital in 1490 (after earlier centers like Enns, Steyr, and Wels).
Early Modern Era: Reformation, Counter-Reformation, and Wars
By
1490, the area above the Enns gained some provincial autonomy within the
Archduchy. The Habsburg dynastic divisions (e.g., 1521 and 1564)
assigned governance variously to figures like Ferdinand I and Maximilian
II. By 1550, there was a Protestant majority, but the
Counter-Reformation under Rudolf II and Matthias enforced Catholicism,
sometimes violently.
The early 17th century saw Bavarian control
during parts of the Thirty Years’ War. Peasant uprisings occurred, such
as the 1625 events around Frankenburg. The Innviertel (a significant
western district) was ceded from Bavaria to Upper Austria via the Treaty
of Teschen in 1779. During the Napoleonic Wars, French forces occupied
the region multiple times.
19th Century: Austrian Empire and Dual
Monarchy
After 1804 (Austrian Empire) and the dissolution of the Holy
Roman Empire (1806), Upper and Lower Austria were integrated into the
Habsburg monarchy but retained distinct administrations. Constitutional
reforms in 1848–1849 and 1861 formalized their separate provincial
statuses as archduchies "above" and "below" the Enns. In 1867, with the
Austro-Hungarian Compromise, they remained in the Austrian
(Cisleithanian) half until 1918.
Industrialization grew, especially
along the Danube, with ironworks, textiles, and salt production. Towns
like Steyr, Wels, and Linz developed as economic centers.
20th
Century: World Wars, Anschluss, and Postwar Period
After the collapse
of Austria-Hungary in 1918, "Upper Austria" became the official name of
the province in the First Austrian Republic.
In 1938, during the
Anschluss, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany. Adolf Hitler, born in
Braunau am Inn in Upper Austria, oversaw its transformation into
Reichsgau Oberdonau ("Upper Danube"), which temporarily incorporated
parts of the Sudetenland and Styria. Massive industrial development
occurred, including steelworks and chemical plants in Linz.
After
World War II, Upper Austria was divided between the American zone
(south) and Soviet zone (north). It absorbed over 100,000 refugees,
boosting population and contributing to ethnic German homogeneity. The
occupation ended with the Austrian State Treaty of 1955, restoring
sovereignty.
Contemporary Upper Austria
Since 1945, Upper
Austria has become Austria’s leading industrial region, producing a
significant share of national exports (steel, chemicals, machinery,
automobiles, and more). The service sector grew dominant later in the
20th century. It remains a politically competitive "swing state," with
strong representation from the ÖVP (conservative), SPÖ (social
democratic), and FPÖ (right-wing populist).
The region preserves deep
cultural traditions tied to its history: salt mining heritage in
Hallstatt and Salzkammergut, Habsburg-era sites (e.g., Bad Ischl,
associated with Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth/"Sisi"),
medieval towns like Steyr, castles, and folk customs. It features four
historical quarters—Hausruckviertel, Innviertel, Mühlviertel, and
Traunviertel—each with distinct identities.
Upper Austria (Oberösterreich) is Austria’s third-most populous
federal state (Bundesland), with a population of approximately 1,537,669
as of early 2026 (preliminary figures).
It accounts for roughly 16.7%
of Austria’s total population of about 9.2 million. The state covers
11,982 km², yielding a population density of around 128 people per km² —
above the national average (about 111/km²) but lower than denser states
like Vorarlberg or Vienna.
Historical and Recent Growth Trends
Upper Austria has seen steady growth driven largely by net migration,
similar to national patterns. Population increased from about 1,106,527
in 1951 to the current figure, with recent annual growth around
0.3–0.5%.
Projections suggest modest growth in the near term (e.g.,
+2.2% by 2040 in some scenarios), though rural/peripheral areas may see
declines while urban centers grow. Growth is concentrated in and around
major cities due to economic opportunities.
Urban-Rural
Distribution and Major Cities
The population is moderately urbanized,
with a significant portion in cities and towns along the Danube and
other transport corridors. Key urban centers include:
Linz (state
capital): ~212,000–215,000 inhabitants — an industrial and cultural hub.
Wels: ~65,000.
Steyr: ~38,000.
Other notable towns: Leonding
(~29,000), Traun, Braunau am Inn, Ansfelden, and Gmunden.
Linz-Wels and surrounding areas form a key economic corridor. Rural
areas, including parts of the Innviertel, Mühlviertel, and Salzkammergut
regions, have lower densities and are losing working-age residents to
urban migration. Austria overall has about 59% urban population; Upper
Austria follows a similar pattern with strong rural components in
alpine/foothill areas.
Age Structure and Demographics
Like the
rest of Austria, Upper Austria has an aging population:
Median age is
around 43–45 years nationally (similar in the state).
Roughly 14%
under 15, ~65% working age (15–64), and ~21% aged 65+.
Women slightly
outnumber men, especially in older cohorts.
Fertility rate (TFR)
in Upper Austria is about 1.45 children per woman — slightly above the
national average of ~1.31–1.34, but still below replacement level (2.1).
Childbearing is postponed, with higher education correlating to later
births and slightly lower fertility.
Life expectancy aligns with
national figures (around 79–82 years), with variations by education and
lifestyle. The population pyramid shows a constrictive shape typical of
advanced economies, with notches from historical events (e.g.,
post-WWII) and a growing elderly share.
Ethnicity, Nationality,
and Migration Background
The population is predominantly Austrian,
with German as the official and dominant language (Austro-Bavarian
dialect common).
Foreign citizens: Around 6–8% or higher in recent
years, contributing to growth.
Migration background (foreign-born or
at least one foreign-born parent): About 362,200 people (~24% of Upper
Austria’s population in 2025 averages), with ~260,600 first-generation
and ~101,500 second-generation. This is somewhat below Vienna’s high
share but notable.
Common nationalities include Romanians,
Germans, Bosnians, Turks, Serbs, and others from the former Yugoslavia,
Eastern Europe, and beyond. Upper Austria has significant communities
from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Migration has been a key driver of
population stability amid low natural increase (births vs. deaths).
Religion and Other Characteristics
Historically and still
predominantly Roman Catholic (around 70%+ in the state, though declining
nationally).
Growing Muslim population (~7% in some figures) and
other faiths, with increasing secular/non-religious shares.
Education
levels are high, with strong vocational/apprenticeship traditions
alongside university access. Employment is robust in industry (e.g.,
steel, manufacturing around Linz), services, and tourism in
lake/mountain areas. The state benefits from a mix of urban industrial
jobs and rural/agricultural activities.
Socioeconomic and Future
Outlook
Upper Austria is economically strong, with lower unemployment
than some regions and attractions for migrants due to jobs in
manufacturing, technology, and services. Population growth supports the
economy but strains infrastructure in growing urban areas while
challenging rural depopulation and aging services (e.g., healthcare,
pensions).
Projections indicate continued aging, with rising old-age
dependency ratios, offset somewhat by migration. Urban areas like Linz
are expected to grow, while some peripheral districts may shrink.
Similar to Styria, Upper Austria is a swing state, which usually has a signal character in nationwide elections. The ÖVP dominates in the rural areas, the SPÖ has its strongholds in the cities of Linz, Enns and Steyr or in the Attnang-Puchheim railway junction, but the FPÖ is also traditionally widespread, e.g. B. in the Innviertel. The Upper Austrian state constitution defines Upper Austria as an independent federal state of the democratic Republic of Austria. In its constitution, Upper Austria is also committed to a united Europe that is committed to democratic, rule of law, social and federal principles as well as the principle of subsidiarity, preserves the autonomy of the regions and ensures their participation in European decisions. Upper Austria defines its position in Europe in the state constitution as an independent, future-oriented and self-confident region that is itself involved in the further development of a united Europe.
The legislature is exercised by the Upper Austrian state parliament.
Its main task lies in the legislation for Upper Austria. Furthermore,
the state parliament elects the state government and can dismiss it by
means of a vote of no confidence. In addition, the state parliament
approves the state budget and has the right to make written and oral
inquiries to the state government. There are currently around 170
provincial laws in Upper Austria. These can be introduced to the state
parliament at the suggestion of the government, a state parliament
committee, three members of parliament or at the initiative of the state
population. The state parliament meets at least once a month for a
public session in the Linz country house. The deputies are determined by
elections every six years. In state elections since 1945, the ÖVP has
almost consistently achieved the majority of seats, and has also
repeatedly determined the state parliament with an absolute majority,
most recently from 1979 to 1991. Only in 1967 was the SPÖ able to
overtake the ÖVP in terms of votes in state elections and draw level
with the ÖVP in terms of seats. The SPÖ has been steadily losing votes
since 1967, but in the 2003 state elections it gained massive votes from
the FPÖ, which had reached its peak in 1997, lost votes again in 2003
and was even overtaken by the Greens. The 2009 state election brought
slight gains for the ÖVP and heavy losses for the SPÖ. The Greens were
able to defend their seat in the state council with minimal gains, but
were overtaken again by the FPÖ due to their strong gains. After the
state elections in 2009, the ÖVP was represented with 28, the SPÖ with
14, the FPÖ with 9 and the Greens with 5 seats in the state parliament.
After the 2015 state election, the distribution of seats in the state
parliament is as follows:
21 ÖVP
18 FPÖ
11 SPÖ
6 greens
Executive power is exercised in the state by the Upper Austrian
provincial government. This consists of the provincial governor, two
deputies and six provincial councillors. The state government is
composed as a "concentration government" according to the proportional
representation system, i. H. all parties with a certain number of MPs in
the Landtag are represented by at least one seat in the government. The
state government is elected by the state parliament. As the supreme
executive body of the state administration, the state government
implements state laws and manages the state budget. At the top is the
governor, who represents the government to the outside world and chairs
the weekly, non-public meetings in the country house. According to the
rules of procedure of the Upper Austrian provincial government, the
provincial government deals with government proposals to the provincial
parliament, ordinances and certain administrative ordinances,
(constitutionally) legally bound to a collegial resolution and decisions
on the state assets of particular importance such as subsidies over
20,000 euros. All other decisions are made independently by the
respective member of the government, but the state government can take
monocratic decisions and lead to a collegial decision-making process.
The ÖVP has consistently provided the governor since 1945. From
March 2, 1995, Josef Pühringer held this position. After the state
elections in 2003, Pühringer entered into a government agreement with
the Greens and formed Austria's first black-green coalition at state
level. While the FPÖ lost its seats in the state government, the Greens
moved into the state government for the first time. After the 2015 state
elections, a state government with a black-blue working agreement was
elected and sworn in for the first time on October 23, 2015 as part of a
proportional government. Four ÖVP and three FPÖ government members were
represented in the Pühringer V state government, while the SPÖ and the
Greens each have one state councillor. In addition to Governor
Pühringer, the ÖVP was represented in the government by Deputy Governor
Thomas Stelzer and the Regional Councilors Michael Strugl and Maximilian
Hiegelsberger. On April 6, 2017, Thomas Stelzer became state governor,
the state government of Stelzer I succeeded the state government of
Pühringer V, the new state councilor was Christine Haberlander, and
Michael Strugl, deputy state governor. The FPÖ is represented by Deputy
Governor Manfred Haimbuchner and the Regional Councilors Elmar
Podgorschek and Günther Steinkellner. State Councilor Birgit Gerstorfer
sits in the government for the SPÖ, and Stefan Kaineder for the Greens,
who succeeded Rudi Anschober on January 30, 2020 after his move to the
federal government. After the 2021 state elections, the Stelzer II state
government was formed, and on October 23, 2021, Thomas Stelzer was
elected in the constituent meeting of the XXIX. Legislative period
re-elected governor.
Upper Austria is the seat of the Higher Regional Court (OLG) Linz, one of the four higher regional courts in Austria. In addition to Upper Austria, the OLG Linz also looks after the neighboring federal state of Salzburg. Upper Austria also has four regional courts at the Linz, Ried im Innkreis, Steyr and Wels locations. The lowest level of the judiciary in Upper Austria is formed by the 28 district courts.
The state of Upper Austria offers e-government solutions to make dealing with authorities easier. With these online forms, citizens can e.g. Applications for subsidies and subsidies, the Upper Austrian family card or the recognition of a photovoltaic system as a green electricity system. The form server AFORMSOLUTION (AFS) from the Austrian IT service provider aforms2web is used.
State symbols are the colors (flag and flag) of the state of Upper
Austria, the state coat of arms, the state seal and the state anthem.
The Upper Austrian coat of arms consists of a split shield crowned
with the Austrian archduke's hat. The shield shows heraldicly on the
right a golden eagle with a red tongue and red claws on a black
background and is heraldicly split three times by silver and red on the
left. It can be presented in color or black and white. The coat of arms
was established in 1930 and goes back to the coat of arms of the lords
of Machland.
The colors of the state of Upper Austria are white
and red. The Upper Austrian flag consists of two horizontal stripes of
equal width, with the upper stripe being white and the lower stripe
being red. The ratio of the height of the flag to its length is 2:3. The
flag was officially adopted on April 25, 1949.
The song
Hoamatgsang was declared the Upper Austrian state anthem on November 29,
1952 by the Upper Austrian state parliament. The text was written by
Franz Stelzhamer in 1841, and the music was composed by Hans
Schnopfhagen in 1884. Of the original eight verses, the first two and
the last verse are part of the national anthem.
The patron saints
of Upper Austria are St. Florian and St. Leopold.
In comparison with the gross domestic product of the European Union,
expressed in purchasing power standards, Upper Austria achieved an index
of 132 (EU-28: 100 Austria: 129).
Upper Austria is one of the
centers of Austrian industry. With direct exports worth 18.9 billion
euros (2006), the federal state generates 26.5 percent of Austrian
exports. About 70 percent of exports go to the euro area. 68,626
commercial enterprises with 576,203 employees generate a gross regional
product of 32.6 billion euros. The sectors with the highest number of
employees (according to ÖNACE classification) are manufacturing with
28%, trade with 18% and company-related services with 11%.
Important economic sectors are:
Metal production (voestalpine, AMAG)
Vehicle construction and supplier companies (BMW engine plant Steyr,
KTM, Bombardier-Rotax, Miba, Reform-Werke, Rosenbauer, FACC)
Chemistry and paper (Lenzing AG, DSM, Borealis AG, Papierfabrik
Nettingsdorf, AMI)
Mechanical and plant engineering (Engel, Trumpf
Maschinen Austria, Siemens-VAI, Plasser & Theurer, Wacker Neuson)
Food (Berglandmilch, Brau Union, S. Spitz, Vivatis)
Tourism (the
tourism and leisure industry contributes 15.2 percent to the gross
regional product of the country)
Lignite was mined in the Hausruck area until 1995 (e.g. in Ampflwang,
Thomasroith (Ottnang) and Wolfsegg).
In the foothills of the
Alps, small amounts of oil are mined (such as in Lohnsburg am
Kobernausserwald, Voitsdorf and Sattledt). Natural gas is z. B. at
Puchkirchen, Pfaffstätt, and Atzbach promoted.
The salt mine near
Hallstatt is historically significant. Furthermore, in Bad Ischl, the
rock salt is dissolved into the brine and transported through the brine
line to the salt works in Ebensee in order to extract salt from it.
At Tragwein, kaolin is mined in open-pit and open-pit mining. Quartz
is mined and refined in St. Georgen an der Gusen. Gypsum mining is
operated at Spital am Pyhrn.
Upper Austria is well developed by international traffic routes.
Important road connections are the West Autobahn A 1, Mühlkreis Autobahn
A 7, Innkreis Autobahn A 8 and Pyhrn Autobahn A 9. The extension of the
Mühlkreis Autobahn as the Mühlviertler Schnellstraße S 10 to the Czech
Republic and the Linz Autobahn A 26 are important road construction
projects for the future. In 2017, the degree of motorization (cars per
1000 inhabitants) was 622.
With the Westbahn, one of the most
important Austrian railway lines runs through Upper Austria. Other
important railway lines are the Summerauer Bahn and the Pyhrnbahn.
Important train stations are in Linz, Wels and Attnang-Puchheim.
Other transport hubs are the two large Danube ports in Linz and Enns and
Linz Airport.
The daily newspaper with the highest circulation in Upper Austria is
the Oberösterreichische Nachrichten. The Oberösterreichische Rundschau
publishes three editions a week (regional edition on Thursday, Sunday
Rundschau and Korrekt-Kleinanzeiger). Furthermore, the tips will be
published weekly.
The Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) has
a broadcasting center in Linz. The largest private television station is
LT1. Together with HT1, it broadcasts unencrypted throughout Europe via
the television satellite Astra 1H. Since June 2010, the non-commercial
TV channel DORF TV has been broadcasting in large parts of the federal
state.
In addition to the state ORF radio programs, various
private stations are fighting for the radio market: Life Radio, Welle 1,
Radio Arabella and KroneHit. Radio FRO in the greater Linz area, Freies
Radio Freistadt and Freies Radio Salzkammergut were able to establish
themselves as non-commercial private radio stations.
The energy supply of Upper Austria is mainly guaranteed by the state-owned Energie AG. This operates 34 water and two thermal power plants in Riedersbach and Timelkam as well as photovoltaic systems in Eberstalzell and on the Loser. Six of the hydroelectric power plants are in Salzburg, one hydroelectric power plant and the solar power plant in Styria. Verbund Hydro Power AG operates the five Danube power plants in Upper Austria. The Energie AG subsidiary AVE operates two waste incineration plants (Wels and Lenzing). The Linz municipal company Linz AG owns three district heating plants, which are also used to generate electricity. In addition, Linz AG also operates four hydroelectric power plants.
Upper Austria has four universities, all of which are located in
Linz. With around 19,300 students, the State University of Linz
(Johannes Kepler University Linz) is the largest educational
institution. It offers academic training in the fields of social and
economic sciences, law, technology and natural sciences, and medicine.
The second state university is the University for Artistic and
Industrial Design Linz (University of Art). In addition to these, there
are also the Catholic Theological Private University Linz (KTU) and the
Anton Bruckner Private University in the state.
The Upper Austria
University of Applied Sciences offers education in different areas
(technology, business and social affairs) at four locations (Hagenberg,
Linz, Steyr and Wels). Approximately 5,900 students are currently taking
advantage of the training opportunities offered at these educational
institutions.
Since October 1, 2007, the former teacher training
academies have also been run as universities. Both such institutions in
Upper Austria are located in Linz: the State University of Education of
Upper Austria and the Catholic University of Education of the Diocese of
Linz.
In addition to promoting culture, the state of Upper Austria also operates a number of cultural institutions such as the Upper Austrian State Museum or the State Theater in the state capital Linz. Ars Electronica, the largest international festival for digital art, has been held in the state capital every year since 1979, initiated by ORF Upper Austria and the Brucknerhaus in Linz.
There are numerous monasteries and monasteries in Upper Austria,
which have always been centers of culture. The best known are Sankt
Florian Abbey, Wilhering Abbey and Kremsmünster Abbey, as well as the
Schlägl, Schlierbach, Reichersberg, Engelszell and Lambach Abbeys.
The most famous churches are the 1862-1935 built neo-Gothic Linzer
Mariä-Impängnis-Dom, this is the largest church in Austria; the
Martinskirche in Linz, one of the oldest churches in Austria; the
pilgrimage churches Pöstlingbergkirche, pilgrimage basilica Maria
Puchheim and pilgrimage church Stadl-Paura; the parish church of Braunau
with the third highest church tower in Austria; the churches in St.
Wolfgang, Gampern, Hallstatt and Kefermarkt with their winged altars.
The parish churches of Niederkappel and Aigen represent important
buildings of historicism. The Ebelsberg parish church with the only Art
Nouveau facility in Upper Austria is also worth mentioning. Significant
modernist church buildings are the Friedenskirche in Linz and the parish
church of Attnang.
Well-known castles in Upper Austria are Clam Castle, which Otto von
Machland had built in 1149, as well as Altpernstein Castle and Wildberg
Castle and the ruins of Schaunburg, Scharnstein and Waxenberg.
The most important castles are Linz Castle, Ort Castle in Gmunden,
Ennsegg Castle in Enns, Hartheim Castle in Alkoven, Lamberg Castle in
Steyr, Parz Castle near Grieskirchen, Starhemberg Castle in Eferding,
Greinburg Castle, Weinberg Castle and the moated castle of Aistersheim.
The largest theater in Upper Austria is the Landestheater Linz with
the venues music theater and the playhouse. It offers opera, operetta,
musical, ballet and drama. The Bruckner Orchestra Linz is also closely
connected to the theater and the Brucknerhaus as the largest symphony
orchestra in Upper Austria and one of the best orchestras in Austria.
Also well known are the municipal theaters in Wels, Grein and Bad
Hall as well as the Lehár Festival Bad Ischl with its famous operetta
performances.
The tradition of brass band music in Upper Austria
is also remarkable. There are more music bands than there are
communities in the country. These are organized as clubs and mostly play
at a high musical level. There are also numerous music groups that
cultivate traditional folk music.
The largest museum is the Linz Castle Museum of the Upper Austrian State Museums. Also well known are the State Gallery, the Lentos Art Museum Linz, the Nordico City Museum Linz, the Ars Electronica Center Linz, the Museum Arbeitswelt Steyr, the Mühlviertler Schlossmuseum Freistadt, the Angerlehner Museum in Thalheim near Wels and the Kubin House in Zwickledt. There are also numerous smaller museums in the communities.
There are currently four historic gardens in Upper Austria that have
been the legal competence of the federal government since January 1,
2000 and have been placed under monument protection. The protected
historic gardens and parks include the park of the Kaiservilla in Bad
Ischl, the gardens of the Villa Toscana in Gmunden, the art nouveau park
on the Linzer Bauernberg and the park of Neuwartenburg Castle
(Timelkam). In addition, there are around 160 historical gardens in
Upper Austria, particularly as part of castle complexes. A particularly
large number of historical parks exist in the provincial capital Linz
and in the summer resort centers of the 19th century in Bad Ischl and
Gmunden.
State garden shows have been held in Upper Austria every
two years since 2005. The objective of the State Garden Shows is the
creation of habitats and green areas from an environmental and
ecological point of view in the Upper Austrian communities. The state
horticultural shows are intended to show design options in the design of
green spaces and settlements as well as in garden culture. The
organizing community is selected by an advisory board. State garden
shows were held in 2007 in Vöcklabruck, 2009 in Bad Schallerbach, 2011
in Ansfelden/Ritzlhof, 2015 in Bad Ischl ("The Emperor's New Gardens"),
2019 in Aigen-Schlägl.
Important industrial monuments are the Art Nouveau power plant
Steyrdurchbruch designed by Mauriz Balzarek, the Danube power plant
Jochenstein built on the border with Bavaria and the tobacco factory
Linz built in the New Objectivity style.
Also worth mentioning
are the bridgehead buildings with the Nibelungen Bridge built in Linz
during the Nazi era and the numerous housing estates of this time,
so-called Hitler buildings, in the Linz districts of Urfahr, Bindermichl
and Spallerhof as well as in Steyr-Münichholz.
In Upper Austria there were 27 cinemas with 87 screens in 2012 and
around 2.7 million admissions. After a long-term decline in these
numbers, with a low point in 1992 with only 1.2 million cinema
admissions and 1994 with only 60 cinema screens, the numbers have since
risen again and now hold a value that roughly corresponds to that of the
early 1970s. However, the structure has changed in favor of megaplex
cinemas and at the expense of small cinemas with one and two screens, of
which there were only 16 in 2012. In contrast, there are seven cinemas
with three to five screens and four cinemas with more than six screens.
Digital projection was introduced in 19 cinemas in 2012.
Various
From the old name of Upper Austria - Land ob der Enns - the opening
phrase of fairy tales has developed in Hungarian. Just as most fairy
tales in German begin with "Once upon a time...", Hungarian fairy tales
usually begin with "Messzi, messzi földön, még az operencián is túl" (in
a far, far away country, beyond Ob der Enns). The "operenciai tenger"
(the sea above the Enns) also appears again and again in Hungarian fairy
tales, meaning the lakes in the Salzkammergut.