The city of Linz, also known as the European Capital of Culture in 2009, is the third largest city in Austria after Vienna and Graz and truly preserves its traditions and rich cultural side across borders. The capital of Upper Austria, Linz lies in an attractive location on both banks of the River Danube which makes it an ideal spot for a river excursion or exploration of the surrounding countryside and attractions. The city is renowned for its many fine cathedrals, museums, art galleries, classical buildings, shopping districts and cultural activities. While here, enjoy a captivating view from the top of Pöstlingberg, explore the vibrant shopping streets and vintage boutiques, try the local craft beer, buy yourself tickets to one of the famous operas, musicals and plays or be a part of one of the ongoing festivals that showcase the most outstanding representatives of contemporary and socio-political cinema from across Europe. If you’re visiting Linz and want to do some shopping, let us suggest a few things to make things easier for you. Here’s a list of what to buy in Linz, Austria.
1. Mozart sugar treats
These delightful treats are sugar confections that are covered in chocolate and have a flavorful nutty taste. Also known as Mozartkugel, this typical Austrian specialty has a rich tradition and is a well-known masterpiece of Austrian confectionery. It consists of vibrant pistachio marzipan wrapped in a thin layer of nougat and rolled into the shape of a ball. The smooth chocolate spheres are then coated in warm dark chocolate, and wrapped in foil. Boxes of authentic Mozartkugeln can be found in tourist and confectionery shops throughout Linz.
2. Zotter chocolates
The art of making chocolate is something that has been passed down for generations in Austria and Linz is no exception. It is home to several chocolatiers all with their own delicious brand, and Zotter is one of them. It offers an incredible range of taste combinations to appease all palates and comes in multiple flavors like pineapple-paprika, cheese & apricot, apple-balsamic vinegar, chilli and rum, roasted nuts, strawberry, and milk & oats. They will not cramp up too much room in your suitcase and your friends back home will love you if you bring back a box of these traditional Austrian sweets.
3. Beethoven bust or fridge magnets
In Linz, you can also find an array of Beethoven, Strauss, Mozart and Schubert-related souvenirs including magnets that have famous faces of these 19th-century composers etched on them. If you are keen to know their origin, you might want to visit The Beethoven Pasqualati House, where Beethoven lived for close to a decade, composing his famous fifth and sixth symphonies. The gift shop there is perhaps the best place to pick up a variety of items related to the composer, such as a tiny clay bust or, simply a fridge magnet.
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4. Schnapsen card deck
Schnapsen is the national card game of Austria and it is often played in Austrian bars. The game revolves around Sixty-Six and consists of a deck of 20 cards in total. The game can be played using French cards, but playing it with German card just lends it a special touch. The game is essentially a tightened-up version of the classic German game Sechsundsechzig and if you are familiar with any member of the Ace-Ten game family, you can perhaps grasp the essentials quickly. The game is an inherently tense game that calls for a great amount of concentration, but it’s nevertheless a challenging game whose interest never wavers.
5. Manner wafers
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re not a chocolate fan but would still like to pick up something sweet, why not buy yourself a pack of the iconic Manner wafers? The sweet treat can be found in most supermarkets for around 2 Euros. Or if time permits, you can also visit their flagship store in Vienna’s Stephansplatz and indulge your sweet tooth in their wide range of sweets. Nicely wrapped in vintage-style baby pink, these are another of Linz’s prized and best-selling sweet treats. The tasty bite-sized Neapolitaner hazelnut cream wafers are very popular among Austrian families, and the basic recipe which consists of four layers of hazelnut cream between five layers of wafers has not changed until today. These wafers are available at Manner shops throughout Linz and make for great gifts.
6. Snow globe
While you may not be able to stay in Linz forever, you can take a piece of this enchanting city with you in the form of a snow globe which is a century-old Austrian tradition. These make wonderful collector’s items since they capture famous Viennese landmarks such as the Great Ferris Wheel, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Mauthausen Memorial or even the winter scene of the city. These prized Austrian gifts make a great souvenir from your trip to Linz and can be found in the city’s main tourist office and shop. Choose from over hundreds of designs, and take home a miniaturized view of Linz and remember all the amazing places you visited whenever you shake up the snow.
7. Austrian porcelain
Austrian Porcelain is something that dates back to the 18th century and is very unique to this part of Europe. Porcelain sold in Linz is known to be one of the best in the world. It is made with a hard paste and features elaborate design and decorations that are often found on older and more expensive pieces but contemporary designs and patterns also make a great gift for those visiting Linz. Porcelain is a traditional Austrian heirloom and is a very common wedding gift in today’s times.
8. Styrian pumpkin seed oil
Styrian Pumpkin seed oil is a delectable and unique Austrian delicacy that is not too expensive and makes a great thing to carry back and give your home cooking a new flair. The pumpkin seeds are first washed, dried, crushed, roasted and then pressed to release the oil which has a slightly nutty taste and goes in pretty much everything. It tastes great with food in either a sauce for lamb or beef, soups, rice dishes, pasta and even in salad dressings. Owing to its dark green to nearly black color, it is often called the “black gold of Styria”. You can pick up a bottle of quality oil from the farmer’s market or make a quick stop at any of the local supermarkets.
9. Austrian wine
Austrian wine tastes nowhere close to your typical Italian or French wine, but enjoys a certain kind of cult status among wine connoisseurs. It is usually served in fine dining and more gourmet style restaurants, and it is an integral part of the Austrian culture. Linz is unfairly not universally applauded for its wine-making culture. However, take our word for it, and try it once on your trip to Linz and even pick up a bottle to impress your friends back home with your knowledge of Grüner Veltliner which is Austria’s most popular dry white wine. You can always thank us later!
10. Sachertorte
Linz is known for its many culinary delights and bakeries are definitely one of them. Continuing on our trend of tasty Austrian treats is this delicious chocolate cake, Sachertorte, that can be found in almost all affordable as well as upscale bakeries across Linz. If you want to pick a fancier piece of the cake to impress your loved one, or even perhaps a whole classic cake, you can buy from one of the little markets that are scattered around the city.
Linz: a hidden gem waiting to be discovered
The stunning Austrian city of Linz with its beautiful pastel-colored buildings and grand churches has a modern edge underneath all this beauty. Away from the over-tourism that can be found in some of the major cities in Austria, Linz has its own quiet charm in terms of history, nature, and beautiful countryside settings. After you’ve visited the famous touristy attractions here like Linz Castle, Mauthausen Memorial, Ars Electronica Center, The New Cathedral and Wilhering Abbey, make sure you buy yourself some or all of these major souvenirs to take a piece of this marvelous destination back home with you. The items on this list are a great place to start, and there are several more unique options in shops throughout the quaint city. Happy Shopping!
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