Linz to Steyr Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Hidden Gems

The drive from Linz to Steyr along the B139 and A1 is more than a simple commute. It follows the ancient salt road, a medieval trade artery that connected the salt mines of Hallstatt to the Danube. The Enns River accompanies you for most of the journey, its deep green waters carving through limestone gorges.

This 35-kilometer route typically takes 30-40 minutes by car, but with the right stops, it can easily fill a whole day. Understanding how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities transforms this drive into a memorable adventure.

Key waypoints: start at Linz Hauptplatz (48.3069° N, 14.2858° E), follow B139 through Steyregg and Enns, then merge onto A1 at Enns Ost. Exit at Steyr (48.0431° N, 14.4214° E). Along the way, you will cross the Enns River three times, each bridge offering a different perspective of the valley.

Note: The B139 is a two-lane road with a speed limit of 80 km/h in some sections; expect moderate traffic during peak hours. Plan for an extra 15-20 minutes if you encounter roadwork near Enns.

Fuel stations are plentiful along the B139 and at A1 service areas. At Enns Ost, a Shell station (48.2102° N, 14.4828° E) offers diesel, E5, E10, and AdBlue. Prices here are typically 5-10% higher than in Linz, so fill up before leaving the city.

Toll roads: The A1 requires a vignette (€9.40 for 10 days). The B139 is toll-free. If you take the scenic route via Steyregg and the Enns riverbank, you avoid tolls entirely.

• Parking in Steyr: Altstadt garages charge €2/hour, with day rates around €15. Free parking exists at P+R Wehrgraben (48.0400° N, 14.4180° E).
• Public transport alternatives: Bus line 400 runs Linz-Steyr hourly (€8 one-way, 50 minutes). The train from Linz Hauptbahnhof to Steyr Bahnhof takes 35 minutes and costs €6.50.
• EV charging: There are fast-charging stations at Enns (IONITY, 350 kW) and at Steyr's Ennspark mall (50 kW).

Best stops Linz to Steyr include the Enns town square (one of Austria's oldest), the Erlebniswelt climbing park in Ternberg, and the Mauthausen Memorial (a short detour). For a true hidden gem, visit the Stausee Staning—a serene reservoir with picnic spots and walking trails.

Is it worth driving Linz to Steyr? Absolutely, but only if you invest in the detours. The direct highway is unremarkable; the B139 and local roads reveal the region's charm.

The B139 has several blind curves and unprotected embankments. Drive with caution, especially in wet conditions. The A1 is a modern controlled-access highway with emergency call boxes every 2 km. Rest areas are located at Enns Ost (20-min parking limit) and A1 Raststation Enns (long-term parking with a restaurant).

For fatigue management, plan stops at the Enns River viewpoint (48.2100° N, 14.4820° E) or the Steyr Altstadt square. The average driver should take a 10-minute break every 90 minutes.

Family and child suitability: The hidden gems between cities often appeal to children. The Erlebniswelt climbing park near Ternberg offers courses for ages 4+ (€12-20). Another favorite is the Saustall petting zoo (free), located in Steyr's outskirts.

• Playgrounds: Spielplatz Ennsdorf (just off B139) has slides and swings. Steyr's Reithofferpark features a water play area in summer.
• Raststätte Enns: A clean family restroom with baby changing facilities, high chairs, and a children's menu.

Pet-friendly framework: Dogs are allowed on public transport in carriers, but not on buses without a muzzle and leash. The B139 has no designated pet rest areas, but you can stop at any of the many meadows. Many Gasthöfe in Enns and Steyr welcome dogs (Gasthof Ennsblick provides water bowls and treats). The Enns riverbank walk is dog-friendly, but keep them on a leash due to wildlife.

Infrastructure safety: The route is well-lit except for the section between Enns and Steyr on the B139. Emergency services response time averages 10 minutes. Road quality is excellent on the A1, but the B139 has some patched pavement; watch for potholes after winter.

The Enns Valley is a tapestry of meadows, steep wooded hills, and limestone cliffs. In spring, wild garlic carpets the forest floor; in autumn, the foliage turns the valley into a mosaic of amber and gold. The river itself is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing (permit required from local tourism offices).

One notable natural phenomenon is the Ennsloop near Steyr, where the river performs a tight meander, creating a peninsula of ancient oak forest. Hike the Ennsuferweg trail (6 km, easy) for panoramic views of the water looping back on itself.

Local commerce thrives on small-scale agriculture and craft brewing. Farm-to-table produce is sold at roadside stands in their season: asparagus in April-May, plums in September, and pumpkins in October. The town of Enns hosts a weekly farmers market every Saturday morning at the Stadtplatz.

• Brewery Linde in Steyr: A traditional Gasthaus brewing its own Märzen and Zwickl. Tours available on Fridays at 4 PM.
• Handmade ceramics at Töpferl, a family workshop in Asten (48.2200° N, 14.4100° E). Open Tuesday to Friday 9-12 and 14-18.
• Cheese from Almkäse Enns, raw milk products aged in alpine huts near the Enns valley.

Things to do between Linz and Steyr include visiting the Universität für künstlerische und industrielle Gestaltung in Linz's old town (free entry to the courtyard), exploring the 13th-century Erlakogel castle ruins near Enns, and joining a guided torchlight walk at the Mauthausen Memorial (by reservation). For families, the Ópernwirt petting zoo near Steyr is a hit with kids.