Enns is a small town in Upper Austria with a big claim: it’s widely described as the oldest town in the country. Duke Leopold VI of Austria granted it town privileges in 1212, and the date is still shown on the tall tower that dominates the main square. If you’re travelling between Linz and Vienna, or cycling the Danube, Enns makes a calm half-day stop.
Why Enns counts as Austria’s oldest town
There’s a small caveat. The Romans were here far earlier. Their legionary camp, Lauriacum, stood on the site now covered by the Lorch district of Enns, and some sources say it housed around 6,000 soldiers. In the medieval sense of a chartered town, though, Enns was first, with the 1212 charter. So you get two layers of history in one place.
What to see
The Stadtturm
The free-standing town tower on the Hauptplatz was built in the 16th century (Britannica gives 1554 to 1568) and rises roughly 60 metres. It’s the obvious landmark and a handy compass point. Photograph it from the corners of the square, where the colourful gabled houses frame it.
Lauriacum Museum
The Roman finds are in a museum in the former town hall in the centre, founded in 1892. It holds more than 1,200 objects plus reconstructions and multimedia stations. Opening times and admission change by season, so check the official site before you plan around it.
Old town walk
The historic centre is compact and walkable. Look for the arcaded courtyards, the old town wall sections and the shop-lined streets running off the square. The regional tourism office publishes a town experience trail that links the main sights if you like a route to follow.
Getting there
- Train: Enns is on the main western rail line, with regional services from Linz and from St. Valentin. Check ÖBB for current timetables.
- Bike: The Danube Cycle Path runs close by, and Enns is a common stop for riders heading toward Mauthausen or Vienna.
- Car: It’s close to the A1 motorway, but the old centre is best explored on foot.
A relaxed half-day plan
- Arrive mid-morning and start on the Hauptplatz under the tower.
- Spend an hour at the Lauriacum Museum.
- Have a Mittagessen at one of the inns on the square. Austrian staples such as schnitzel or a seasonal soup are easy picks.
- Walk a loop of the old town walls and side lanes.
- If you’ve time left, head toward the riverbank, where the Enns meets the Danube, for a short walk or ride.
When to go
May to September gives the longest days and the best cycling weather. Summer has outdoor terraces on the square. Winter is quiet and some attractions have shorter hours, so confirm before you travel. Weekday visits are usually calmer than weekends.
Combine it with nearby sights
Linz is a short train ride west and has the Ars Electronica Center and a lively riverfront. In the other direction, Melk Abbey and the Wachau valley are a longer day trip. The Mauthausen Memorial is also not far away and is a serious, sobering visit for those who want it.
Good to know
Enns is small enough that you can see the main sights without a plan, but a little preparation makes it better. Bring comfortable shoes for the cobbles, and carry some cash for small cafes just in case. German is the main language, and English is understood in the tourist office and many restaurants, but a friendly Grüß Gott goes a long way. If you’re on a Danube bike trip, the town has places to stay, so you can split the stage into two shorter days. Families will enjoy the open square, and history fans can read the information panels along the old walls. In short, Enns suits slow travel.
One more tip: if you arrive by train, the walk from the station to the Hauptplatz takes only a few minutes, so you won’t need a taxi. Ask the tourist office for a town map and for any seasonal events, since markets and concerts on the square can change what’s open.
Small as it is, Enns rewards curiosity. The Roman remains, the medieval charter and the cheerful square all sit within a few minutes’ walk. For deeper background, Enns on Wikipedia covers its history in detail. Pair this stop with the Danube, and it’s an easy, low-cost addition to an Austrian road or rail trip.
Mehr dazu: Linz Austria: What to See, Eat and Do in the Danube City und Engelszell Abbey: A Danube Monastery in Upper Austria
