Discover Linz – art, cuisine, and more

Von KlimaTicket Ö Redaktion*

Travel to Linz in comfort with the KlimaTicket Ö

On Friday afternoon, we spontaneously decided to head to Linz from Vienna’s Westbahnhof station. In addition to an exhibition at Lentos that had been on our list for a long time, we were particularly attracted by the prospect of escaping snowy Vienna for a few hours. Thanks to free seat reservations on all Westbahn trains with the KlimaTicket Ö, we can start our short trip in a relaxed manner. So for us, it’s just a matter of sitting back, logging in via Relax Check-in (including collecting WestPoints) and arriving relaxed.

As snow-covered fields and villages pass by outside, we plan our afternoon in Linz. The highlight is a visit to the exhibition “Mädchen* sein?!” at the Lentos Art Museum. And because good food is of course part of any city trip, we eagerly leaf through our Linz culinary guide from 1000things. It contains twelve 1+1 vouchers and various food highlights. The decision is not easy, but we finally agree on two favorites.

In the train compartment, there is a palpable sense of anticipation for the weekend: across from us, an older couple is making plans for the coming days, and next to us, a group of friends is toasting their upcoming trip to Salzburg with after-work drinks and a card game.

With the 1nser into the heart of Linz

Before we know it, we have already arrived in Linz. Right at the train station, we make our way to the tram stops. We take the Linz tram line 1 and roll relaxed into the city. Past the Landstraße, into urban Linz. As cafés, shops, and old buildings pass by outside, we immediately notice that Linz has its own unique charm.

We get off at the “Linz Hauptplatz” stop and are greeted by sunshine and mild winter weather – our trip couldn’t have started better. After a quick photo session, a short walk along the Danube takes us directly to the Lentos Art Museum. Our route takes us to the right of the Nibelungen Bridge, with a view of the Pöstlingberg and the tranquil Danube. Even this short walk feels like a little highlight.

Lentos Art Museum: Modern architecture meets panoramic views of the Danube

After a few minutes, we arrive at the Lentos Art Museum. Even from the outside, the building looks like a work of art in itself. The modern glass façade, nestled in the Danube panorama, radiates a special tranquility. Our gaze immediately falls on a banner advertising the exhibition “Mädchen* sein?!“. That’s exactly why we’re here. Our highlight: how the light from the Danube is reflected in the ceiling of the museum entrance.

Thanks to our KlimaTicket Ö, we even get a discount on admission and pay € 11 instead of € 12. With our tickets in hand, we head straight to the exhibition rooms—ready for new perspectives and an inspiring afternoon.

As soon as we enter, we sense that the exhibition “Mädchen* sein?!” does not ask quiet questions. It takes a critical look at the role models for girls and young women in our society. Many of the works show young women caught between external perceptions and self-determination—between what they are supposed to be and what they really are.

The photographs in particular touch us deeply—we recognize ourselves in some of the works and are reminded of moments from our youth and childhood. We sit down on a bench and let the surroundings sink in.

We linger in one room for a particularly long time. It deals with the comparison of self-portraits and the external representation of young women and girls. We quickly realize how strongly social images—often shaped by male perspectives—continue to influence our self-image to this day.

We were also particularly impressed by “The Room,” where visitors are given space to express their own feelings and thoughts about their realities as young women and girls in the form of short statements and posters. The results give us pause for thought, and we leave our own thoughts there.

The exhibition shows girls not only as a projection screen, but as self-determined individuals. It is not only about pressure and attributions, but also about resistance, courage, and solidarity. About voices that are becoming louder. We agree on one point: there are no easy answers to the question “Mädchen* sein?!” – it is more of an open conversation. One that you take with you.

Restaurant tip: “Be Right Back” – Asian delicacies in the heart of Linz

With all these impressions in mind, we then make our way to the Be Right Back restaurant. Just a 10-minute walk from Lentos, we turn into the small, charming alley where the restaurant is located. Inside, we are greeted by a warm, cozy atmosphere—the perfect spot to round off our afternoon.

The menu offers a variety of delicacies, from aromatic soups and fresh bowls to creative pasta dishes – there really is something for every taste here. We are particularly pleased with the large selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Thanks to our 1+1 gift voucher from the 1000things culinary book, we can sample our way through the menu for a flat rate of € 30 – whatever our hunger and heart desire. We choose Vietnamese spring rolls, two different bowls and, for a sweet finish, mochi ice cream with coconut.

Evening stroll through Herrengasse

When we leave the restaurant, it is already evening and the city is bathed in warm light. We want to enjoy the atmosphere a little longer and decide to stroll the 30 minutes to the main station without any time pressure.

Our route first takes us through the charming Herrengasse, past small boutiques and impressive old buildings. Muffled voices drift out of bars and cafés, accompanied by the occasional clinking of glasses and cutlery. A little later, we find ourselves standing in front of the impressive St. Mary’s Cathedral, which almost inspires a sense of awe in the darkness. The illuminated façade, the tall towers, and the filigree details of the Gothic architecture make us pause for a moment.

When we finally arrive at the main station, we all agree: this spontaneous trip was more than worth it. Thanks to KlimaTicket Ö, the journey home is also easy and uncomplicated. A quick glance at the display board and we decide on an ÖBB Railjet train to Vienna Central Station. A little later, we are sitting on the train – and are back home almost as quickly as we left.