--- title: Culture url: "https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture.html" description: "Discover Upper Austria's rich cultural offerings, from historic architecture and vibrant festivals to renowned museums and contemporary art scenes. Enjoy concerts, theatre, and unique cultural experiences in stunning settings." image: "https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/user_upload/oberoesterreich-tourismus/Bilder/Special-Elements/Header-schmal-Gesamtbreite_1920x400/Linz_Sommer_Nibelungenbruecke-Foto_Donau_Oberoesterreich-Tourismus-GmbH_Robert-Maybach.jpg" date: 2017-10-31 modified: 2026-03-18 --- # Culture ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/a/f/csm_EN_Header_Kultur_ALLE_ALLE_1920x1080px_67b88a464f.png) ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/e/a/csm_EN_Header_Kultur_ALLE_ALLE_550x660px_58fe302588.png) Culture in Upper Austria ======================== Upper Austria is a land of culture full of unique experiences. Here, everyone is culture. And the whole country is a stage. For festivals, music and theatre. For crafts and design, museums and galleries. For architecture and history. In Upper Austria. And everyone comes and joins in. You too? ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/7/8/csm_Kulturkampagne2024Ballett_3s_eac6b9392b.jpg) CULTURE IT'S ALL OF US! The film [Video](//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow_Feb3m2WU "The YouTube video will open in a new window.") 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. ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/a/8/csm_KulturKachelMusik_75d9067429.png) 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. [ Learn more ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture/festivals-stages-and-customs.html) , Festivals, stages and customs - turn over the card ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/7/f/csm_KulturKachelUNESCO_cd07774cac.png) 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. [ Learn more ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture/history-and-unesco.html) , History and UNESCO - turn over the card ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/a/a/csm_KulturKachelArchitekturTechnik_4baefc6274.png) 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. [ Learn more ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture/architecture-technology-industry.html) , Architecture and industry - turn over the card ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/3/e/csm_KulturKachelHandwerkDesign_aa9f4b6bbc.png) 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. [ Learn more ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture/craftsmanship-and-design-in-upper-austria.html) , Craftsmanship and design - turn over the card ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/a/0/csm_KulturKachelZeitgenoessisch_3cd116067d.png) 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.” [ Learn more ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture/contemporary-art.html) , Contemporary art - turn over the card ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/0/c/csm_KulturKachelAdvent_56a8eab1c4.png) 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. [ Learn more ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/advent.html) , Advent - turn over the card ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/f/6/csm_KulturKachelBruckner_9c4d5ef615.png) 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. [ Learn more ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture-and-customs/anton-bruckner-2024.html) , Anton Bruckner 2024 - turn over the card ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/e/3/csm_KulturKachelKHS_e5a8862b9d.png) Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024 Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024 For the first time in history, the European Capital of Culture 2024 took place in an inner-Alpine, rural region. Together with 22 other municipalities, the banner city of Bad Ischl developed a cultural region that is reinventing itself through the interplay of art, culture, business and tourism. [ Learn more ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture-and-customs/salzkammergut-european-capital-of-culture-2024.html) , Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024 - turn over the card ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/d/d/csm_KulturKachelEvents_acb9305e02.png) Top events Top events Immerse yourself in fantastic cultural events, from magnificent concerts and festivals to unforgettable opera performances. [ Learn more ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture/top-cultural-events.html) , Top events - turn over the card 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. ![](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/f/0/csm_KulturCarouselBotschafter_fe3ca66cdd.png) Culture – it’s all of them On stage, at the easel, in the workshop or in the studio, in words and in sound, whether solo stars or ensemble performers, grand or intimate. © Open copyright © Foto: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach: Zeugfärberei Gutau Close copyright ![Stoffe beim Blaudruckfärben in der Zeugfärberei Gutau](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/d/e/csm_Zeugfaerberei-Faerben-6_Robert-Maybach_3s_9ac0250eea.jpg "Foto: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach: Zeugfärberei Gutau") The blue printers Blueprinting is a rare craft that is alive and well in the Mühlviertel. About ideas that give fresh impetus to an old profession. And about people who "make blue" in hectic times. [ Blue miracle ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/visiting-the-blue-printers-and-linen-weavers.html) © Open copyright © Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Martin Fickert: Der Karikaturist Gerhard Haderer im Cafe Traxlmayer in Linz. Close copyright ![Der Karikaturist Gerhard Haderer sitzt an einem Tisch im Cafe Traxlmayer in Linz.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/9/d/csm_20LinzHaderer_OberoesterreichTourismusMartinFickert_72a48bfc01.jpg "Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Martin Fickert: Der Karikaturist Gerhard Haderer im Cafe Traxlmayer in Linz.") Gerhard Haderer Gerhard Haderer is the most important caricaturist in the German-speaking world. His persifages appear in renowned newspapers. The heart of the eternally young at heart beats for Linz. [ A sharp pen ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/gerhard-haderer.html) © Open copyright © Foto: Volker Weihbold: Sabine Grünberger links und Barbara Marksteiner rechts von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg Close copyright ![Sabine Grünberger links und Barbara Marksteiner rechts von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/6/6/csm_Goldhauben_Sabine_Gruenberger_-li_und-Barbara-Marksteiner_re_2_Foto-Volker-Weihbold_0669e87de0.jpg "Foto: Volker Weihbold: Sabine Grünberger links und Barbara Marksteiner rechts von der Goldhaubengruppe Perg") The Goldhaube Worn on festive occasions, the Goldhaube has been part of traditional costume culture since the Biedermeier period. And symbolises the social commitment of its wearers. [ Golden splendour ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/the-goldhaube.html) © Open copyright © Foto: Jan Kohlrusch: Marcus füreder alias Parov Stelar Close copyright ![Marcus füreder alias Parov Stelar](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/8/f/csm_Parov-Stelar_Jan-Kohlrusch_1140x641_4634fa122f.jpg "Foto: Jan Kohlrusch: Marcus füreder alias Parov Stelar") Parov Stelar He is regarded as the inventor of electroswing and was the first Austrian after Falco to land a deal with a US label. His "Booty Swing" has been downloaded millions of times. [ Read more ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/parov-stelar.html) © Open copyright © Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach: Singende St. Florianer Sängerknaben in Uniform. Close copyright ![Sechs uniformierte St. Florianer Sängerknaben beim Singen.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/6/d/csm_Chor_3s_0dd769f601.jpg "Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach: Singende St. Florianer Sängerknaben in Uniform.") St Florian Boys’ Choir In their sailor suits, the St. Florian Boys' Choir laughs from CD and DVD covers. They inspire the world with choral singing at the highest level. [ Music ambassadors ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/st-florian-boys-choir.html) © Open copyright © Foto Brucknerorchester Linz/Petra Moser: Markus Poschner beim Dirigieren des Brucknerorchesters. Close copyright ![Ein Dirigent dirigiert ein Orchester auf einer Bühne.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/b/4/csm_LinzBrucknerorchesterMarkusPoschner_OberoesterreichTourismusGmbHPetraMoser_3bf3753611.jpg "Foto Brucknerorchester Linz/Petra Moser: Markus Poschner beim Dirigieren des Brucknerorchesters.") Bruckner Orchester Linz The Bruckner Orchestra Linz is in the front row when its namesake turns 200 years old. The musicians and their chief conductor Markus Poschner know what makes Bruckner's music so exciting. [ Anton's enthusiasts ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/markus-poschner.html) © Open copyright © Foto Carina Antl: Ina Regen sitzt auf einer Stehleiter. Close copyright ![Die Sängerin Ina Regen sitzt auf einer gelben Stehleiter. Sie trägt einen modernen, rosafarbenen Hosenanzug. Ihr Kopf ist nach links leicht abgewinkelt, sie lächelt.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/8/c/csm_InaRegenOutdoorLeiter_OberoesterreichTourismusGmbHCarinaAntl_94fdcfdc60.jpg "Foto Carina Antl: Ina Regen sitzt auf einer Stehleiter.") Ina Regen From the background singer to a celebrated solo artist. The Upper Austrian talks about the local cultural scene, the attraction of the stage and places of power at Mondsee. [ Powerful voice ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/ina-regen.html) © Open copyright © Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Martin Fickert: Der Musiker und Oberösterreich Kulturbotschafter Fazlija in einem Motorboot auf dem Attersee. Close copyright ![Der Musiker und Oberösterreich Kulturbotschafter Fazlija sitzt im Heck eines fahrenden Motorboots auf dem Attersee und zeigt auf den Betrachter.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/e/b/csm_05AtterseeFazlija_OberoesterreichTourismusmGmbHMartinFickert_0dc4cf8380.jpg "Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Martin Fickert: Der Musiker und Oberösterreich Kulturbotschafter Fazlija in einem Motorboot auf dem Attersee.") Fazlija The Linz native with Bosnian roots is one of the biggest international TikTok stars thanks to his hit "Helicopter". Fazlija is Upper Austria's International Cultural Ambassador 2024! [ Helicopter takes off ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/magazine/fazlija-the-cultural-ambassador.html) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 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. [ To the guides ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture/austria-guides.html) [ ![Ingrid Buchegger, Guide bei der Brauerei Schloss Eggenberg empfängt zwei Frauen am Eingang der Brauerei Schloss Eggenberg in Vorchdorf im Salzkammergut.](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/e/1/csm_EggenbergBrauereiIngridBuchegger_OberoesterreichTourismusTraunseeAlmtalStefanMayerhofer_95cc0d5267.jpg "Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus/Traunsee-Almtal/Stefan Mayerhofer: Guide Ingrid Buchegger begrüßt zwei Frauen vor der Brauerei Schloss Eggenberg in Vorchdorf im Salzkammergut.") Austria Guides Discover the many facets of Upper Austria's culture with professional, state-certified tourist guides. The Austria Guides look forward to showing you their piece of Upper Austria. ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture/austria-guides.html) © Open copyright © Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus/Traunsee-Almtal/Stefan Mayerhofer: Guide Ingrid Buchegger begrüßt zwei Frauen vor der Brauerei Schloss Eggenberg in Vorchdorf im Salzkammergut. Close copyright [ ![Ein Mann blickt mit einem Fernrohr vom Pöstlingberg nach Linz](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/b/6/csm_LinzPoestlingbergFernrohrIngoPertramer_OberoesterreichTourismusGmbHMarcoMestrovic_b619aa2dfc.jpg "Foto Oberösterreich TourismusMarco Mestrovic Ein Mann blickt mit einem Fernrohr vom Pöstlingberg nach Linz") Discover culture Explore Upper Austria's cities, experience festivals, discover lively customs. ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture/city-and-culture-trips.html) © Open copyright © Foto Oberösterreich TourismusMarco Mestrovic Ein Mann blickt mit einem Fernrohr vom Pöstlingberg nach Linz Close copyright 1. © Open copyright © Foto: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Röbl: Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl Close copyright ![Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/_processed_/c/9/csm_Bad-Ischl-Kaiservilla-OOE-Roebl_2s_4cc3a97e8b.jpg "Foto: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Röbl: Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl") 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. [ Read more ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/activities/culture/tips-for-sisi-fans.html)