Linz is the third-largest city in Austria and the capital of Upper Austria, one of the country’s nine states. Located on the river Danube , the city is just 19 miles from the border with Czechia .

Linz is taking on a lot. On New Year's Eve the Austrian city will kick off a three-day opening festival with fireworks and drum rolls, to celebrate its year as Europe's 2009 Capital of Culture.