A Cultural City Flourishing Along the Danube—4 Recommended Souvenirs from Linz
table of contents
[x] close
A Cultural City Flourishing Along the Danube—4 Recommended Souvenirs from Linz
1. Linzer Torte
When it comes to Austrian cakes, the famous Sachertorte from Vienna might come to mind. While Sachertorte was created in the modern era in 1832, Linz is home to a torte that’s even 200 years older—the Linzer Torte, whose recipe was first written down in the 1600s, making it the oldest known cake recipe in the world.
Linzer Torte is made by mixing almond or walnut flour with spices like cinnamon and cloves, then layering it with redcurrant jam and baking it with a lattice pattern on top. Just one bite unleashes a vibrant harmony of spices and redcurrant on your palate. These days, there are also variations with chocolate or nuts, and each shop offers its own unique flavor. Linzer Torte has a long shelf life, making it perfect as a souvenir. You can find souvenir versions of Linzer Torte almost everywhere in town.
2. Tea
While Austria is often associated with coffee—like the famous Viennese coffee topped with whipped cream—tea is also widely consumed. If you visit supermarkets in Linz, you’ll see a wide selection of teas from various brands.
In addition to classic black teas like Earl Grey and Darjeeling, there are also varieties rare in other countries, such as redcurrant, blueberry, chamomile, and fennel. These teas can be bought affordably at supermarkets, making them great for souvenir giveaways. For a more refined personal gift, why not choose a high-quality tea from one of the specialty shops located throughout downtown Linz or in shopping centers?
3. Traditional Austrian Costume "Tracht"
“Tracht” is known as Austria’s traditional costume. The name is said to derive from the German verb tragen (to wear), and it was traditionally worn by farming communities not only in Austria but also in Switzerland and southern Germany, especially around the Alpine region.
Men typically wear leather trousers, a white shirt, and a vest, while women wear blouses that highlight the décolletage, brightly embroidered garments, and skirts with checkered aprons. The design of Tracht varies slightly by region. Why not consider Tracht as a souvenir from Linz? While opportunities to wear it in everyday life may be rare, it could be perfect for a special occasion or a child’s performance. There are several specialty shops for Tracht in Linz, so feel free to pick your favorite one as a memorable gift!
4. Austrian Wine
Austrian wine has been gaining attention in recent years. While Austria doesn’t produce wine in large quantities, its dry white wines are highly regarded. Particularly, wines made from the uniquely Austrian Grüner Veltliner grape are a staple, with white wines from the Wachau region being especially famous.
Gifting such rare Austrian wines to wine lovers as a souvenir from Linz would surely be appreciated. These wines can be purchased at specialty wine shops or department stores within the city. Also, the world-renowned wine glass manufacturer RIEDEL is an Austrian brand. Why not pair a fine wine glass that enhances the flavor of the wine with the wine itself as a thoughtful souvenir from Linz?
Summary
We’ve introduced four recommended souvenirs from Linz. In Austria, organic products labeled “BIO” have become increasingly popular in recent years, and items such as BIO teas and jams are also favored souvenirs.
And of course, chocolates—an essential treat in sweet-loving Austria—make for can’t-miss gifts. The LENTOS Art Museum, known for its modern architecture, also offers a wide variety of unique and innovative souvenirs. Be sure to visit Linz and find your own special keepsake!
