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Linz am Rhein

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City
—°114
Linz am Rhein (Germany)
ℹ️

Practical info — Linz am Rhein

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Park in the 'Stadtmitte' garage, as the historic town center is almost entirely a pedestrian zone.
  • Visit the glassblowing workshop at Linz Castle to watch master craftsmen at work and buy unique pieces.
  • Take the ferry across to Kripp for a striking panoramic view of the 'Colorful Town' from the Rhine.
  • Wear flat, comfortable shoes to navigate the appealing but steep and cobbled streets of the old town.
  • Head to the Buttermarkt square for the most iconic views of the brightly colored half-timbered houses.

🍽 Food

🍽
Linzer Strünzer

A local pastry specialty named after the town's residents; find it in old town bakeries.

🍽
Middle Rhine Riesling

Enjoy a crisp white wine from the nearby steep slopes in a cozy local wine tavern.

🍽
Rhenish Sauerbraten

A regional classic pot roast, best enjoyed in one of the historic inns on the market square.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Linz Glassworks

Unique glass art pieces created on-site; you can often watch the process in the castle yard.

🛍
Buttermarkt Boutiques

Small, owner-managed shops selling pottery, gemstones, and local crafts.

🛍
Weltladen Linz

A 'World Shop' on Rheinstraße offering fair-trade delicacies and regional specialties.

🧘
Rhine Promenade

A beautiful riverside path, excellent for a slow stroll while watching the ships go by.

🧘
Kaiserberg Viewpoint

Hike up to this hill above town for peace and an impressive view of the Rhine valley.

Linz am Rhein, widely known as the "Colorful City on the Rhine," is a scenic jewel in northern Rhineland-Palatinate that immediately captivates visitors with its animated hues. The historic center is defined by densely packed, ornately decorated, and brightly painted half-timbered houses spanning five centuries, giving the winding alleys a truly fairytale character. A walk through the old town inevitably leads to the historic town hall on the market square, whose glockenspiel regularly draws the attention of passersby. Also worth visiting is Linz Castle, a former toll fortress of the Electors of Cologne, which today houses a Roman glassworks demonstration and a medieval torture chamber exhibition. Thanks to its prime location right on the riverbank, Linz has excellent opportunities for romantic boat cruises on the Rhine or leisurely cycling trips along the water's edge. The town is also a fantastic starting point for hikes on the Rheinsteig trail, which reveals spectacular panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and the Ahr Valley on the opposite bank. In the small cafes and wine taverns of the historic center, visitors can perfectly round off the day with a glass of regional wine.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C01491317191814951
Rain mm705757477170757658606976

Geography

Population
6,008
Coordinates
50.57030, 7.28470

Facts

  • Area: 17.98 km².
  • Town hall built: 1517.
  • City rights since: 1320.
  • Former ruler: Electorate of Cologne.
  • Number of city gates: 2 (Rhine Gate, New Gate).
  • Key hiking trail: Rheinsteig.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Linz am Rhein (11)

Linz Castle🏰 castle

This 14th-century electoral castle houses a glassblowing workshop and a historical torture chamber.

Rhine Gate📍 landmark

A historical 14th-century city gate that once protected the town from floods and invaders.

Market Square📍 landmark

The heart of the old town, lined with colorful half-timbered houses and cozy cafes.

Strünzer Fountain📍 landmark

A prominent fountain dedicated to the 'Strünzer', the residents of Linz known for their boasting.

Burg Ockenfels🏰 castle

Ockenfels Castle above Linz am Rhein is a striking castle complex that is now privately owned.

Burg Dattenberg🏰 castle

Dattenberg Castle is a medieval fortress near Linz, of which mainly the residential tower is preserved today.

Erpeler Ley🌿 nature

Erpeler Ley is a striking basalt rock on the Rhine, offering expansive views over the river valley.

Mündungsgebiet der Ahr🌿 nature

The nature reserve at the mouth of the Ahr preserves one of the last near-natural river mouths on the Rhine.

Steinmuseum🏛 museum

The Stone Museum in Linz am Rhein presents a diverse collection of regional rock types and their processing.

🆓

Dorfmuseum Altes Spritzenhaus🏛 museum

A small museum in a former fire station that provides insights into local village history.

🕒 "nach Vereinbarung"🆓

Pulverturm🏺 historical

A historic defensive tower that was part of the former city fortifications of Linz am Rhein.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Linz called 'The Colorful City on the Rhine'?
The name is derived from the many brightly colored half-timbered houses that characterize the historic old town.
What is there to see at Linz Castle?
The castle gives a torture chamber, a glassworks with demonstrations, and knightly gastronomy in a historic atmosphere.
Is a Rhine cruise from Linz worth it?
Yes, Linz is a handy starting point for tours through the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley with its castles and vineyards.
When does the famous Linz antique market take place?
The large antique and flea market traditionally takes place on Ascension Day and in August, attracting thousands of visitors.
How steep are the alleys of the old town?
Some alleys are quite steep and cobblestoned. Sturdy footwear is therefore highly recommended for a stroll through the town.
Linz am Rhein: where is it located?
Linz am Rhein is located in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Linz am Rhein: what is there to see?
Highlights include Linz Castle, Rhine Gate, Market Square.
Linz am Rhein: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Linz am Rhein: why is it worth visiting?
Linz am Rhein, widely known as the "Colorful City on the Rhine," is a scenic jewel in northern Rhineland-Palatinate that immediately captivates visitors with its animated hues.
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