Font Size:
A+ | A | A -

Group hikes combining music, literature, ecology and history.

Linz is synonymous with culture, nature, industry and diversity. The routes of the GET OUT INTO LINZ city walks to interesting spots around town—both familiar and little-known—were designed by ecologists, sociologists and artists. Short hikes together with a group open up a leisurely approach to discovering a new and different Linz. Each is an innovative blend of music and literature, getting into nature and contemporary history, featuring interesting encounters with folks along the way, their activities and accomplishments, and culminating in the gemütliche atmosphere of a local hospitality industry establishment.

An integral element was the integration of various individuals living and working along the route of each hike. In addition to information about ecology & nature, contemporary history and urban development & sociology, the tours featured artistic interventions of both a musical and a literary nature. In cooperation with sociologist Peter Arlt, historian Michael John, and artist Gotthard Wagner of sunnseitn who has organized numerous art excursions, this project offered lots of fascinating experiences for everyone who took part.

Route 1 took visitors from the Danube up Pöstlingberg and featured an organ recital in the Petrinum, the studio of an artist working with felt, organic gardens, a sea of plants and trees in bloom along the Way of the Cross and a breathtaking vista of the city. Route 2 headed for the industrial zone with stopovers at the Fischoase, the district heating plant, the glider landing field, botanical and zoological rarities, a trip on the Danube, fish grilled over an open fire and gypsy music in the company of the only man in Linz who fishes his living from the river. Route 3 was through southern Linz: Solar City–Weikerl Lake–Traun Wetlands–allotment gardens–golf course–Pichling sports complex–Luna Square.

These urban hikes are being offered again in 2010.


WHAT // Exploring the city
WHEN // On six Saturdays from April to August 2009
WHERE // Pöstlingberg, Industry Zone, Solar City/Weikerlsee

IDEA / CONCEPT / IMPLEMENTATION // Friedrich Schwarz/Nature Station of the City of Linz, Gotthard Wagner/sunnseitn, Peter Arlt