The Heart of Linz: Innenstadt

• HelloServus
  [ser-voos]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bee-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-di-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [vee gayt es deer?]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [goot oont deer?]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-leesh?]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [eech fair-shtay-eh neekt]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [eech hah-teh gehr-neh dee shpy-zeh-kahr-teh, bee-teh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [eech ess-eh kine fly-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [eech merkh-teh bee-teh tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hill-feh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [geh vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsai]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen ahr-tst]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [eech hah-beh meesh fair-eert]
• I'm illMir ist schlecht
  [meer ist sh-lekht]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [eech merkh-teh ... kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [eech sh-ow-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [vee feel koh-stet dahs]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs eest tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Könnten Sie den Preis senken?
  [kern-ten zee den prees zehn-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpeht eest ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es eest iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb zehn
  [halb tsayn]
• MorningMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahk-mee-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bend]
• YesterdayGestern
  [gehs-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• 1Eins
  [iyns]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvai]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [foontf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [ahkt]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [voh eest iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Wie lautet die Adresse?
  [vee lowt-et dee ah-dreh-sai]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kern-en zee meer tsay-gen (ouf dehr kahr-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr n-ehk-steh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [iyn-eh fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh ....)]

Linz’s Innenstadt, the historical center of the city, dates back to Roman times when it was known as Lentia. The Roman settlement was established around 15 BC, serving as an important military and trade hub due to its strategic location on the Danube River. The remnants of Roman walls can still be seen, highlighting the area’s ancient foundations.

By the Middle Ages, Linz had developed into a significant urban center. The city's layout began to take shape in the 13th century, with the construction of the city walls and the establishment of market rights. The influence of trade and commerce led to the growth of the Innenstadt, which became a bustling marketplace, further enhanced by its location along the Danube, facilitating trade routes.

During the Habsburg rule, especially in the 16th and 17th centuries, Linz flourished culturally and economically. The construction of the Linz Castle and the establishment of various religious and civic buildings, such as the old cathedral (Alter Dom), marked this period. The Habsburgs promoted art and architecture, which contributed to the rich cultural tapestry of the Innenstadt.

The 19th century brought significant industrial growth to Linz, particularly with the development of iron and steel industries. This industrialization transformed the Innenstadt, leading to the construction of new buildings and infrastructure. The establishment of the Linz State Theatre in 1803 marked a cultural milestone, making the city a center for performing arts in the region.

Linz endured considerable destruction during World War II, with many historical buildings damaged or destroyed. Post-war reconstruction efforts focused on revitalizing the Innenstadt, restoring historical sites, and modernizing infrastructure. The Linz Cultural Capital of Europe initiative in 2009 revitalized the area and emphasized its cultural heritage.

Today, the Innenstadt is a vibrant cultural hub that hosts numerous festivals, markets, and events. The Ars Electronica Center, dedicated to technology and media art, embodies Linz’s innovative spirit. The blend of historical architecture, contemporary art, and lively public spaces makes the Innenstadt a focal point for both locals and tourists, celebrating Linz’s rich cultural legacy.

Innnenstadt is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Linz. From the main train station (Linz Hauptbahnhof), take tram line 1 or 2, which will take you directly to the city center in about 15 minutes. Buses also connect various neighborhoods to Innenstadt, with several stops located throughout the area. For those traveling from the airport, a taxi or shuttle service can bring you to Innenstadt in approximately 20 minutes.

Within Innenstadt, public transport is efficient and convenient. Trams and buses operate frequently, making it easy to navigate the area. Bicycles are a popular option for locals and tourists alike, with bike rental stations available throughout the neighborhood. Walking is also a pleasant way to explore the many shops, cafes, and historical sites. For longer distances, taxis and rideshare services are readily available.

In general, Innenstadt is a safe area for tourists. However, like any city, it is wise to remain vigilant. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places, especially around tourist hotspots such as the main square and shopping districts. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in busy areas, so it's advisable to keep valuables secure.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance in Austria. Local hospitals and clinics are available within Innenstadt, and it is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are well-stocked and can provide over-the-counter medications. Always carry a copy of your identification and emergency contact information.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for the occasion, especially when visiting churches or formal events. Avoid overly casual attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially during religious observances. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly or disabled passengers. Don't talk loudly or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and enjoy meals in local restaurants. Don't engage in loud or disruptive behavior in public spaces.

To experience Innenstadt like a local, visit the weekly markets held in the main square, where you can find fresh produce and artisanal products. Engage with local shopkeepers and ask for recommendations on hidden gems in the area. Take time to enjoy a coffee at one of the many traditional cafes, and don't miss out on the cultural events that frequently occur in the neighborhood, such as exhibitions at the Lentos Art Museum and performances at the Musiktheater.