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When you go strolling around and through downtown Linz, you can’t miss Hauptplatz. Unlike other cities where the Main Square isn’t always where the action is, it’s right where it’s supposed to be in Linz. One of Austria’s most spacious plazas is lined by an impressive architectural ensemble. On the north side, it opens up to the Nibelungen Bridge connecting the Urfahr neighborhood across the Danube; to the south, it morphs into Landstraße, which you might call Linz’s main artery.
Trolley cars traverse the square, as does, since 2009, the Pöstlingberg narrow gauge railway—which is why you’ll occasionally notice little trains lounging about. Nearby is Trinity Column, erected as an expression of gratitude for the prevention of a war and a conflagration and survival of the plague in 1717 and 1723. The Old Cathedral isn’t far off. City Hall, where the mayor performs his official duties to this very day, is right on Hauptplatz. Baroque and rococo façades make for a friendly atmosphere. The structures are all so slim because rents were so high at this location that the only solution was an architectural one.
A visit to one of the many sidewalk cafés here is a great way to relax between Ars Electronica events on summery days. When hunger calls, pay a visit to Warmer Hans adjacent to the Nibelungen Bridge. The hotdog stand is great.

Hauptplatz Linz © Wikipedia, Rsuessrb

http://www.linz360.at/

http://www.linzansichten.at/hauptplatz/hauptplatz.htm

The Brucknerhaus is sitting pretty: right on the banks of the Danube, a mere stone’s throw from the AEC (which we’ll get to in a moment).
The planning that went into the Brucknerhaus was protracted to say the least. It wasn’t until 1974 that Linz got an appropriate venue for classical concerts. Needless to say, there was never any question about whom it would be named after—Anton Bruckner, the province’s most important composer.
Today, the Brucknerhaus hosts a full calendar of events. Seating capacity is about 2,000, so the Ars Electronica Festival will settle in quite comfortably in September, thank you!