Linz Town Hall | Linz

Linz operates two primary city hall structures: the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) located on the Main Square, and the New City Hall (Neues Rathaus) located in the Urfahr district.

Visual Characteristics

Old Town Hall: A historic complex featuring a Renaissance courtyard and a distinctive Baroque facade added in 1644. It is characterized by its ochre color, an astronomical clock on its tower, and an integrated arcaded courtyard.

New City Hall: A large-scale modern administrative complex (completed 1985) featuring functionalist brick and concrete architecture. It is defined by its sprawling horizontal layout and the "Linz Genesis" display in the foyer.

Location & Access Logistics

Old Town Hall: Hauptplatz 1-5, 4020 Linz. Accessible via all major tram lines (1, 2, 3, 4) at "Hauptplatz".

New City Hall: Hauptstraße 1-5, 4041 Linz. Located at the northern end of the Nibelungen Bridge. Accessible via tram lines 1, 2, 3, 4 at "Ars-Electronica-Straße".

Parking: "Hauptplatz Garage" for the Old Town Hall; "Neues Rathaus Garage" for the new administrative center.

Entry: Public service areas are open Monday–Friday. The Old Town Hall courtyard and the tourist information center are generally accessible to visitors.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Old Town Hall has served as the municipal seat since 1513. It was reconstructed after the Great Fire of 1509. The New City Hall was built to centralize municipal services that had outgrown the historic site. Both buildings are situated near the Danube, with the Old Town Hall on the south bank and the New City Hall on the north bank.

Key Highlights & Activities

Linz Genesis: A permanent exhibition in the New City Hall foyer detailing the urban development of Linz.

Ceremonial Hall: Located in the Old Town Hall, used for city council sessions and official receptions.

Tourist Information: The main city information office is housed in the ground floor of the Old Town Hall.

Courtyard Events: The Old Town Hall courtyard frequently hosts small-scale concerts and cultural events.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The New City Hall houses the majority of citizen services, including registration and passport offices. 5G coverage is exceptional at both sites. The New City Hall is fully barrier-free; the Old Town Hall is partially accessible, with elevators retrofitted into the historic structure.

Best Time to Visit

The Old Town Hall is best photographed in the morning light on the Main Square. The New City Hall offers elevated views of the Danube and city center from its public terrace areas during business hours.

Facts & Legends

A historical oddity of the Old Town Hall is the integrated "model of the city" on the floor of the foyer. Legend states that the cellar of the Old Town Hall contains remnants of the medieval salt trade storage, as salt was once a primary commodity for the city’s economy.

Nearby Landmarks

Linz Main Square (Hauptplatz) – Adjacent to Old Town Hall

Ars Electronica Center – Adjacent to New City Hall

Linz Castle – 0.4km West of Old Town Hall

Nibelungen Bridge – Connects both sites