Anyone been to either of these two locations? Any information would be helpful

I have passed through Linz, and stayed with relatives there. Probably a nice place to live, but not scenic or interesting to me.

Hadn't heard of Steyr, so I did a search on Google. Looks more interesting than Linz...

Dont go to Linz, there really isnt much to see. We took a 2-day trip there and even with the Museum, the church up on the hill, and the Christkindlmarkt, we still came back home early. In my opinion, Graz is the place to go if you have the time.

Thanks for the input. I contacted the Linz Tourist Office and they sent me all kinds of brochures which make the " Old Town" look really interesting but then you have to take into cosideration that you are dealing with the Tourist Office. So it's always best to find out from the people who have been there. Have been to Graz and are very familiar with Vienna just thought we'd try something new.

Besides Steyr, which is itself a charming city with a nice old town on the river, there are lots of other pleasant villages in the area around Linz. Try Mauthausen, Kremsmunster, Wels, or Lambach. Only slightly farther southwest is the Traunsee, one of the lovliest lakes in Austria. The village of Traunkirchen is very nice and is in a spectacular setting on the lake shore. Good luck.

Thank you Wayne. I may be wrong but wasn't Mauthausen a Concentration Camp during WWII? If this is so I would rather not visit it. However have made note of the other suggestions. Looking at the map they seem to be easily reached from Linz.

Pipsil, just responded to your point on booking Vienna Neumarkt hotel. Steyr does not appear to be on any must do lists as provided by my Viennese colleagues, so have not been there. But totally second Traunkirchen recommendations for exquisite location. Two main hotels there - not that great actually (stayed at both for business). One right on lake has more modern bedrooms but joke of bathroom, fantastic views. Older hotel (Post hotel I think) has dated rooms, but restaurant is very good.