Muralist Leonhard Gruber on Why Linz Should be on Every Traveler’s Austrian Itinerary

Long inspired by subcultures that champion unbridled creativity, Linz resident Leonhard Gruber built his professional career in industries that flourish under their own rules. In the Tyrolean mountains in the noughties, he was organizing snowboarding events for athletes and enthusiasts before eventually entering the world of graffiti and street art. This journey led to the 2012 founding of Mural Harbor, where he invites the planet’s most sought-after graffiti artists to transform Linz’s long-abandoned industrial harbour into a dynamic, modern open-air museum.

Exploring Austria’s Unique Identity

When I think of Austria, especially abroad, I envision fresh air and clean tap water that surpasses any soda. In describing it to someone who hasn’t been, I typically start with the picturesque landscapes, architectural beauty, rich art history, and vibrant music scene. However, Austria’s contemporary cultural landscape is equally important. Due to its size and geopolitical position, Austria has always been influenced by Western trends while also drawing from Slavic and Eastern European cultures. Consequently, this has fostered an ‘Austrian movement’ contributing to various trends, including hip-hop and snowboarding subcultures.

Why Travel to Austria?

A cultural gold mine, Austria is not just rich in art history, but it also plays a vital role in the present and future of various art forms and subcultures. Moreover, its stunning Alpine landscape offers a plethora of nature-based activities and action sports; after all, Red Bull originated in Austria! The country’s compact size allows for a combination of activities in one trip — one can enjoy skiing in the morning, explore the largest collection of Egon Schiele art in the afternoon, and dive into the vibrant club scene at night.

Secrets of Austria

Did you know that the roots of graffiti extend back to Austria? In 1825, Joseph Kyselak traveled around the Austrian Empire, scratching his name on significant buildings. Some of these tags still exist today, and legend has it that his tagging did not go unnoticed, leading to a conversation with the emperor where Kyselak promised to stop, only to leave his name and the date scratched on the emperor’s desk.

Reasons to Visit Linz

Linz may not often top travelers’ lists, yet it offers the perks of a bustling city combined with the peace of a smaller town. Notably, it is home to the Ars Electronica Center, a museum dedicated to the intersection of art, technology, and society, featuring multimedia art exhibitions, a festival for digital music, and innovative research and development labs. Another highlight is Mural Harbor, showcasing an exceptional collection of urban art in a unique harbor environment.

The Appeal of Mural Harbor

The global street-art community has resonated deeply with Mural Harbor. The involvement of artists such as ROA, Aryz, and Nychos—who is Austrian—has contributed to a significant buzz, prompting many to visit. Our success lies in our dedication to engaging with the core graffiti scene, embracing the authenticity of street art as an evolving movement rather than merely capitalizing on trends.

What to Do After Your Visit to Mural Harbor

After exploring Mural Harbor, consider indulging in the traditional Viennese coffeehouse culture that has significantly influenced Austria’s artistic landscape. Cafe Traxlmayr in central Linz maintains its charming Art Nouveau façade and offers a selection of over 100 international newspapers and magazines for visitors to enjoy with their coffee. For dinner, The Cubus, located atop the Ars Electronica Center, boasts stunning views of the city and river. Concluding the night, you can enjoy drinks at Stadtwerkstatt or Salonschiff Fräulein Florentine, both essential spots in Linz’s alternative scene and away from typical tourist traps.