Franz Josef-Warte, Linz

Perched at the highest point of Linz’s scenic Freinberg, the Franz Josef-Warte is a historic observation tower offering one of the city’s most breathtaking panoramic views. Built in 1888 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Emperor Franz Josef’s reign, this five-storey brick tower stands as a monument to both history and the enduring charm of Linz’s natural surroundings. Designed by Ignaz Scheck of the Upper Austrian Construction Company, the tower replaced an earlier wooden structure and has been a beloved destination ever since.

After ascending more than one hundred wooden steps within the tower, visitors are rewarded with a 360-degree view stretching across the Linz cityscape, the winding Danube River, the vibrant district of Urfahr, the iconic Pöstlingberg, and even the distant Eferdinger Basin. Its crenellated viewing platform and distinctive pointed arches make the tower a striking architectural feature amidst the treetops of the Freinberg.

The Franz Josef-Warte is easily accessible for nature lovers and city explorers alike. A scenic 45-minute walk along the Freinberg city hiking trail, starting from Linz’s main square via Schlossberg, leads to the tower. For a quicker route, bus line 26 stops just a short 10-minute walk away at “Vergeinerstraße.”

Since its solemn inauguration on August 3, 1889, the tower has welcomed countless visitors, with a gatekeeper’s apartment added in 1912 to care for the site. For history, architecture, or simply an unforgettable perspective over Linz, the Franz Josef-Warte stands out as a must-see landmark.