Linz's Hauptplatz (Main Square), laid out around 1230, is the heart of the old town in Upper Austria and, at roughly 13,000 m² (219 × 60 m), one of the largest enclosed squares in Austria. At its centre stands the 20-metre white-marble Trinity Column (1717–1723), erected in thanks for surviving plague, war and fire, while the Old Town Hall — still the mayor's seat — anchors a ring of Baroque and historicist façades. In 2026 it remains a transport and sightseeing hub served by every tram line and a stage for year-round events, from the winter Christmas market to July's street-art festival. It makes an ideal starting point for exploring the Danube riverfront and the old town on foot.
Trinity Column (Dreifaltigkeitssäule): the 20 m Baroque landmark of white Untersberg marble, completed in 1723 in gratitude for surviving plague, war and fire
Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus): built 1513–1514, still the mayor's seat and home to the LinzGenesis city museum
The surrounding ensemble of Baroque and historicist façades framing the square, part of the 'Street of Emperors and Kings' route
Pöstlingbergbahn valley station: the 1898 mountain tram departing from the square up to the pilgrimage church on the Pöstlingberg
The link into Landstraße, Linz's roughly 1.2 km pedestrian shopping street that begins at the square
Good to know
SafetyTrams actually run across the square, so it is not a full pedestrian zone — watch the tracks and check the direction of approaching cars before posing for photos.
CautionDuring busy periods such as the Christmas market or street festival, pickpockets can operate on the square and aboard trams. Wear bags in front and keep wallet and phone in an inner pocket.
RulesBuy tram/bus tickets before boarding and follow the validation rules; fare evasion carries heavy fines. If you plan to sightsee, the Linz-Card (transport plus museums) from the square's tourist office is convenient.
SeasonThe square is very crowded during the late-November-to-December Christmas market and the July Pflasterspektakel street-art festival, when tram lines may be rerouted. Dress for sub-zero winters and cool summer evenings.
MannersThe square and nearby churches are part of local daily life: keep quiet inside churches, avoid overly revealing clothing there, and in cafés and restaurants a tip of about 5–10 percent (rounding up) is customary.
Practical info
From Linz Hauptbahnhof (main station) tram lines 1, 2, 3 and 4 all stop at Hauptplatz (about six stops) right beside the Danube's south bank and the old town. The square itself is an open public space, free to visit at any time, and hosts the tourist information office, Linz-Card sales and the Pöstlingbergbahn valley station. Fares and operating hours for the Linz-Card and mountain tram can change, so check the latest information before you go.
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