Things To Do
in Enns

Enns is a historic town in Upper Austria located on the Enns River just upstream from the Danube. Its well-preserved medieval core sits along charming cobbled streets and a scenic riverside promenade. The town serves as a convenient base for exploring the Enns Valley and nearby Alpine scenery.

It blends old-world charm with easy access to culture, nature, and regional cuisine.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Enns and settle into your cozy accommodation. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee. Take a slow stroll through the charming streets to get acquainted with the beautiful architecture.

afternoon
:

Visit the Enns Museum to learn about the area's rich history, from Roman beginnings to medieval times. After the museum, indulge in a traditional Austrian meal at a nearby restaurant, sampling local specialties. Spend some time exploring the vibrant shops for unique souvenirs.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a walk along the banks of the Enns River for stunning views of the twilight sky. Find a cozy spot at a local wine tavern and enjoy a glass of Austrian wine while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Head back to your accommodation for a restful night.

day 2
Historical Sites Tour
morning
:

Start your day early with a visit to the iconic Enns Tower, a significant landmark offering panoramic views of the city. Climb the steps and marvel at the surrounding countryside from the top. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at a nearby café with a view of the tower.

afternoon
:

Explore the Main Square, where you can find the impressive Stadtpfarrkirche (Town Parish Church) and the Old Town Hall. Have lunch at a traditional restaurant, savoring homemade dishes that reflect the region's culinary heritage. Afterward, visit the nearby monastery for a glimpse into Enns' religious history.

evening
:

For dinner, choose a local eatery that specializes in Austrian cuisine, such as Wiener Schnitzel. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the town as the lights come on, creating a magical ambiance. End the evening at a quaint café, enjoying a slice of Sachertorte and coffee.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🥤Bottle of water$1-2
🎬Cinema ticket$12-15
🍺Beer in a pub$4-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable historic town
  • Scenic river setting and easy access to nature
  • Rich local cuisine and beer culture
  • Close proximity to the Alps and regional cultural sites
  • Small nightlife scene compared to big cities
  • Limited large-scale urban amenities
  • Can be crowded with day-trippers in peak season
  • "Grüß Gott" - Hello / Good day
  • "Danke schön" - Thank you very much
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Entschuldigen Sie" - Excuse me / Pardon
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?

Places to Visit in Enns

Visit one of these nice places.

Hauptplatz and Town Hall Facades

Colorful historic buildings along the main square, best shot at early morning or golden hour with soft light.

Schloss Ennsegg and River Vista

Exterior views of the castle with the Enns River and bridges in the foreground; dramatic at sunset.

Enns River Promenade

Scenic riverside path with reflections of old town architecture and boats on the water.

Old Town Bridge

Historic bridge crossing the Enns, offering classic composition with the town’s skyline.

Culinary Guide

Food in Enns

Enns sits in a region famed for hearty Austrian fare, regional produce, and comforting dishes. Expect generous portions, seasonal ingredients, and comforting classics paired with local beer or wine.

Enns Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Wiener Schnitzel

A thinly breaded veal or pork cutlet, typically served with lemon, parsley potatoes, or potato salad.

Must-Try!

Gulasch

A rich, paprika-spiced beef stew often enjoyed with bread or dumplings.

Käsespätzle

Egg noodles with melted cheese and crispy onions; a comforting regional favorite.

Apfelstrudel

A warm apple strudel with vanilla sauce or whipped cream for dessert.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Hauptplatz Market

Weekly farmers market in the town square featuring fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and regional specialties.

Danube Riverfront Stalls

Seasonal food stalls and pop-ups along the river offering quick bites and local snacks during festivals.

Climate Guide

Weather

Enns experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm but generally comfortable, winters can be cold withpossible snow, and spring and autumn offer milder temperatures. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, so a light rain jacket is handy year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Courtesy

Greet with a polite 'Grüß Gott' or a friendly 'Hallo.' A handshake is common in formal settings.

Punctuality

Being on time is appreciated in meetings and reservations; plan a few minutes early for appointments.

Conversations

Keep conversations respectful and polite; English is commonly understood in tourist areas, but a few phrases in German are appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

Enns is a safe town with typical European-level safety. Standard travel precautions apply: keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas, especially near tourist sites and markets, and use well-lit streets at night. Emergency numbers and healthcare access are readily available in the region.

Tipping in Enns

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Leaving a small tip (about 5-10%) in restaurants and for taxi rides is customary if service is good. In cafés and casual spots, rounding up is common.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, and most places also take credit/debit cards and contactless payments. ATMs are readily available in town.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with long daylight hours; occasional showers. Perfect for riverside strolls, outdoor cafés, and local festivals along the Danube.

Autumn

Mild days with colorful foliage in the surrounding hills; harvest festivals and fewer crowds make for relaxed sightseeing.

Winter

Cold temperatures and possible snow; Christmas markets in town centers and cozy cafés provide festive charm.

Spring

Fresh greens and blooming trees; comfortable weather for city walks and nearby hikes, with some rain possible.

Nightlife Guide

Enns at Night

Enns offers a relaxed nightlife scene focused on small pubs, beer gardens, and intimate live music venues along the river. After dinner, locals often gather for a drink and conversation rather than late-night clubbing. The town is more suited to casual evenings and cultural events than high-energy nightlife.

Hiking in Enns

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Enns River Valley Trail

Easy to moderate riverside hike with scenic views of the town and surrounding farmland.

Castle Ennsegg Park Loop

Forested loop around the castle grounds offering tranquil viewpoints.

Alpine Foothill Trails (Linz region)

Short day hikes in the Alpine foothills within a reasonable drive from Enns, offering panoramic perspectives.

Airports

How to reach Enns by plane.

Linz Airport (LNZ)

Located near Hörsching, about 60 km from Enns, with connections to central Austria and a selection of international flights.

Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Austria’s largest international airport, roughly 150-180 km from Enns; frequent rail and road connections include direct trains and long-distance bus options.

Salzburg Airport (SZG)

Regional hub about 150-180 km from Enns; good rail links via Linz and public transit to Enns.

Getting Around

Walkability

Enns is a compact town with a well-preserved historic center. Most major sights are within a short walk of the Hauptplatz, and the riverfront is easily navigable on foot or by bike. Bike rental and good pedestrian paths make exploring relaxed and enjoyable.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Predominantly native Austrian residents with small immigrant communities from neighboring European countries. The town has a family-friendly, community-oriented vibe.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Local clubs and regional matches are popular; easy to catch a community game.

Cycling

Extensive routes along the Danube and Enns valleys; great for day trips.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Nearby Alpine resorts offer winter sports with accessible day trips from Enns.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Enns is generally light and manageable. The town has good road links to Linz, Steyr, and the surrounding countryside, with reliable public transport options. Peak hours can see some slower movement around the Hauptplatz and major intersections; otherwise, navigation by car or bike is straightforward.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Enns.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most restaurants offer vegetarian options like KäseSpätzle, salads, bread-based dishes, and vegetable sides. When ordering, ask for meat-free stocks and confirm dressings or sauces contain no meat broth.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public healthcare is available in the region with local general practitioners and pharmacies. For more extensive care, residents typically travel to Linz or Steyr where larger hospitals are located. EU citizens can use their EHIC for necessary services; travel health insurance is recommended for visitors.

Discover Austria

Read more in our Austria 2025 Travel Guide.

Austria Travel Guide