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Culture in Upper Austria

Anton Bruckner is celebrating his bicentenary, and everyone is joining in the festivities. Bad Ischl and the Salzkammergut region have been named the Cultural Capital of Europe. In 2024, we invite you to a year filled with unique cultural experiences. The entire province becomes a stage for festivals, music, craftsmanship, and design. Discover the rich tapestry of architecture and history in Upper Austria. Everyone is welcome to come and be a part of it.

CULTURE IT'S ALL OF US!
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Exploring Upper Austria’s diverse cultural offerings

Upper Austria’s culture boasts many facets. Immerse yourself in unforgettable concerts against the backdrop of magnificent cathedrals or castles. Attend vibrant festivals and intriguing museums. Peer through the windows of time at our castles and palaces. Be amazed by the impressive contemporary architecture and let yourself be inspired by technological innovation and exquisite craftsmanship. All this and much more awaits you.

Anton Bruckner 2024
Anton Bruckner 2024

Upper Austria is the home of Anton Bruckner. Born in Ansfelden in 1824, he was nurtured and trained at St Florian Monastery before becoming a celebrated improviser on the organ in Linz and a composer with a distinctive musical language. In 2024, the whole of Upper Austria will be the stage for a rich variety of celebrations to mark his 200th birthday.

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Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024
Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024

In 2024, the European Capital of Culture will be hosted by a rural, inner-Alpine region for the first time in its history. Together with 22 other communities, the flagship town of Bad Ischl is developing a cultural region that’s reinventing itself through interactions between art, culture, business and tourism.

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Festivals, stages and customs
Festivals, stages and customs

There’s room for everyone on the stages and in the concert halls of Upper Austria: operas, operettas and musicals, classical and modern theatre, concerts ranging from classical to rock, pop and punk. Whether in the Salzkammergut region, along the Danube, in castle courtyards or in arcades — Upper Austria’s most beautiful places become stages for festivals and events.

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History and UNESCO
History and UNESCO

Who made Upper Austria the province we cherish and admire today? The first miners in Hallstatt 7,000 years ago. The Romans who built roads and cities. Monks and nuns in monasteries. The “Black Counts” of the hammer mills. The linen weavers in the Mühlviertel region and the farmers in their four-sided courtyard farms.

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Architecture and industry
Architecture and industry

Upper Austria is an industrial powerhouse. From the forges along the Enns and Steyr rivers to the brew kettles of the salines, the region’s industrial prowess extends to high-tech steel production in Linz. Upper Austria also serves as an experimental ground for architecture and design, seamlessly merging functionality and aesthetics. 

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Craftsmanship and design
Craftsmanship and design

Traditional craftsmanship is the foundation. On this solid base, creative minds think further, and skilful hands continue to create innovative designs from Upper Austria. Brilliant new experiences can be made while watching over their shoulders or giving it a try yourself.

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Contemporary art
Contemporary art

Many renowned contemporary artists hail from Upper Austria. This scene inspires collectors, museums and art enthusiasts. Upper Austria is an international hotspot for media art with the Ars Electronica Festival, and Linz is a “UNESCO City of Media Arts.”

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Advent
Advent

The traditions that accompany us around Christmas and the New Year are deeply ingrained. From crafting nativity scenes to participating in the ‘Glöcklerlauf’ runs, from celebrating forest-themed Christmas events to experiencing the Advent at a castle, from the Steyr Christkindl to the candle-making in Linz.

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Top events
Top events

Immerse yourself in fantastic cultural events, from magnificent concerts and festivals to unforgettable opera performances.

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Success stories from Upper Austria

Upper Austria is home to 1.5 million cultural ambassadors. Culture ­– it’s all of them. Known beyond borders, they include people like Parov Stelar, the pioneer of electro-swing, singer-songwriter Ina Regen and the Bruckner Orchestra Linz. Then there are the St. Florian Boys’ Choir, young musical ambassadors of Upper Austria, travelling the world. Hundreds and thousands of them actively participate in 478 music bands, countless cultural initiatives and various associations. They collectively shape Upper Austria into this magnificent cultural cosmos, well worth experiencing and discovering.

Discover the culture of Upper Austria with professional guides

The best way to discover the most beautiful cities and cultural assets of Upper Austria is in the company of a professional Austria Guide. The state-certified city and tourist guides know the region like the back of their hand and accompany those interested in culture to very special cultural treasures. You will also learn a lot of background information and connections from them, as well as anecdotes to make you smile and some secrets that you won't find in any travel guide.

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Tips for Sisi fans

Former Empress Elisabeth of Austria, fondly nicknamed Sisi, still has many fans. Perhaps you’re one of those whose heart just melts when the trilogy of Sisi films starring Romy Schneider is shown on TV? If you are, you absolutely must visit Bad Ischl. This charming little town was Empress Elisabeth’s favourite summer retreat and the secret capital of the Habsburg or Danube monarchy. Here are our top tips for Sissi fans, ranging from film locations like the Kaiservilla and the Marmorschlössl to the confectioner to the Imperial and Royal Court and the Kaiserfest.

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