Linz, Austria
1-3 December 2025
© Leonhard Niederwimmer from pixabay
Venue
VINCI 2025 will take place at Johannes Kepler University (JKU) Linz, Austria at the Uni Center.
© Johannes Kepler University Linz
© Johannes Kepler University Linz
© Johannes Kepler University Linz
Parts of the program will take place at the Ars Electronica Center and the University of Arts Linz.
Adresses
JKU Campus
Altenberger Strasse 69
4040 Linz
Ars Electronica Center
Ars-Electronica-Straße 1
4020 Linz
University of Arts Linz
Hauptplatz 6
4020 Linz
Interactive map with the venues, hotels, restaurants, and sights:
© Johannes Kepler University Linz
Getting to Linz
Plane
Linz Airport
The closest airport to Linz is Linz Airport. Linz Airport has direct flight connections to different European airports and is served by airlines such as Austrian, Lufthansa, or Ryanair. Airport bus 601 is connecting the airport with the main bus terminal next to the Linz train station.
Vienna International Airport
Vienna International Airport is Austria’s largest airport served by many major airlines. If you’re coming from outside Europe this is a convenient entry to Austria. Direct trains connect the airport with Linz, take about 1h40 to 2h00, and run about twice an hour. You can check train connections with Scotty. Seat reservations might be advisable.
Munich International Airport
Depending on where you come from, Munich International Airport might be a good alternative. It is also served by many major carriers. From the airport you can reach Munich Central train station with line S8 in about 45 minutes. From there, there are direct train connections to Linz which take around 2h45 to 3h10 and run roughly twice an hour. Seat reservations might be advisable. You can check train connections via Deutsche Bahn or Scotty.
Train
Linz is well connected by train to various cities in Austria such as Vienna, Salzburg, or Graz and cities in neighbouring countries such as Germany. Trips between Vienna Westbahnhof or Vienna Central station take about 1h15 to 1h30. Trips between Salzburg and Linz about 1h10 to 1h20 and between Munich and Linz around 2h45 to 3h10. Please check the timetable of the Austrian rail company ÖBB called Scotty for connections.
Getting around Linz and to JKU
Linz is a compact city with a walkable city center. The Johannes Kepler University is located on the outskirts of the city and can be reached by tram lines 1 and 2. These lines run through the main train station and the main square. The trams take about 30 minutes from the train station and about 20 minutes from the main square and run regularly up to every 5 minutes. Johannes Kepler University is the terminal station. From there it’s about a 5 minute walk to the conference venue (Uni Center).
You can plan your trip using the Linz AG website or Google Maps. You can buy tickets, e.g., at the ticket machines at the tram station, through the LinzMobil-App, or the tourist office at the main square.
Accomodation
Participants will find a variety of accommodation options in Linz. Most hotels are located in the city center which is well connected to the JKU campus by public transportation. Some recommended hotels are:
Sommerhaus Hotel
(closest to JKU, ~10 min walk)
Julius-Raab-Straße 10, 4040 Linz
Phone: + 43 732 2457-376
Web: sommerhaus-hotel.at
Hotel Motel One Linz-Hauptplatz***
Hauptplatz 10-11, 4020 Linz
Phone: +43 732 210011-0
Web: motel-one.com
Austria Classic Hotel Wolfinger***
Hauptplatz 19, 4020 Linz
Phone: +43 732 7732910
Web: hotelwolfinger.at
Park Inn by Radisson Linz****
Hessenplatz 16-18, 4020 Linz
Phone: +43 732 777 100
Web: radissonhotels.com
These hotels are within walking distance to tram line 1 and 2 which go directly to the JKU campus. The Ars Electronica Center and University of Arts Linz are on or close to the main square (Hauptplatz).
Further hotel recommendations can be found on the website of Linz Tourismus.
Food and Drinks
If you’re looking for a place to eat or have a drink, some suggestions are listed below and marked in the interactive map above. Of course Linz has more to offer, so feel encouraged to further explore the dining scene in the city.
k.u.k. Hofbäckerei
Oldest bakery in linz, try the Linzer Torte (oldest documented cake recipe dating to 1653)
Pfarrgasse 17, 4020 Linz
kuk-hofbaeckerei.at
Zur Liesl
Pub of Linz Brewery in the old tobacco factory (don’t worry, its non-smoking now)
Peter-Behrens-Platz 1, 4020 Linz
zurliesl.at
Gösser Keller
A traditional Austrian inn serving traditional Austrian food
Pfarrgasse 8, 4020 Linz
goesserkeller.at
Leberkas-Pepi
A linz streetfood institution serving traditional Austrian “Leberkäse”
Rathausgasse 3, 4020 Linz
leberkaspepi.at
Mama Indiya
Another street food classic, take-away only
Schmidtorstraße 1, 4020 Linz
mamaindiyalinz.at
Attractions in and near Linz
There are plenty of things to do in and around Linz. Below are some inspirations.
Sights in Linz
Main Square
The main square forms the heart of the city. A large column dedicated to the Holy Trinity is located in the middle of it. Many shops and restaurants are located in its vicinity. Trams 1 and 2 to JKU pass through the square.
Old Town and Schlossmuseum
The old town behind the main square offers many historical buildings and a relaxed atmosphere. The castle of Linz towers atop of it and houses a large museum with exhibits related to nature, culture, and technology. There is an elevator on Tummelplatz which takes you up to the museum.
Mariendom (New Cathedral)
The Mariendom was finished in 1924 and is Austria’s largest church. You can climb up to the tower (395 steps!) of the imposing neo-gothic building for nice views of the city.
Ars Electronica Center & Art Museums
The renowned Ars Electronica Center is located across the bridge from the main square at the banks of the river Danube. At night the facade is illuminated. The conference registration will include a tour of the center. In addition Linz offers various art museums such as the Lentos or the Landesgalerie.
Pöstlingberg
Pöstlingberg is Linz’s local mountain. You can take the Pöstlingberg tram from the main square or if you feel ambitious walk up. It offers nice views of the city and if you’re travelling with kids consider the Grottenbahn.
Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are an Austrian tradition and will open at the end of November. There are different markets located across the city such as on the main square, the Volksgarten next to the main railway station, or in front of Mariendom. You can shop for gifts, handicraft, or continue your conference discussions over a mulled wine or punch.
Sights near Linz
Salzburg
Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart, and a popular tourist destination with its Fortress looming above the old town and Schloss Hellbrunn is a 70 minute train ride away and makes for a wonderful day trip.
More info: www.salzburg.info
Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria and former seat of the Habsburg court, with its rich history and culture can be reached in about 90 minutes per train. Historical buildings, museums, and a lively culture scene will keep you busy. Some examples are: the Old Town with St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Ringstraße with many historical buildings, the State Opera House, Schloss Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere, Albertina Museum, and the MuseumsQuartier.
More info: wien.info
Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a small town overlooking the Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt). It has become a popular tourist destination due to its ancient history and picturesque setting. It can be reached by train from Linz in about 2 to 2h30 with a transfer in Attnang-Puchheim. A regular ferry service will meet each arriving train and take you to the town across the lake.
More info: hallstatt.net
Traunsee
The Traunsee is Austria’s fourth largest lake, it can be reached from Linz by taking a train to Gmunden (at the shore of the lake). Travel duration is approximately 50 to 90 minutes depending on the connection. It is a picturesque lake, well known for Schloss Ort (a castle located on a small island). A ferry runs across the lake but has limited service in Winter. Make sure to check timetables.
More info: gmunden.at & traunseeschifffahrt.at
Kalkalpen National Park
While it might admittedly be a bit chilly in December, the outdoors and mountains are not far from Linz. For instance, the Kalkalpen National Park can make for a nice experience, even in winter. The park can be reached by public transport but a rental car might give more flexibility.
More info: nationalparksaustria.at & kalkalpen.at
More recommendations can be found on the official website of Linz Tourism, the website of Upper Austria, and on Austria Info.