Upper Austria one of the nine states or Bund slander of Austria. Its capital is Linz. Upper Austria borders on Germany and the Czech Republic, as well as on the other Austrian states of Lower Austria, Styria, and Salzburg. With an area of 11,980 km² and 1.3 million inhabitants, Upper Austria is the fourth largest Austrian state by land area and third largest by population.

Upper Austria is Gentle hilly landscapes covered in mysterious forest, gushing rivers meander through romantic valleys, fruitful plains with blooming meadows and corn fields. In the south and southeast majestic mountains rise up into the sky and frame crystal-clear seas.

Upper Austria is drained by the Danube River and three of its tributaries, the Inn, the Inns, and the Traun, and includes a large part of the Salzkammergut resort area. Agriculture is still an important branch of the economy, with dairy farming and cattle breeding being the most important.

There are salt mines, oil wells, and gas fields in the region and a large number of electric power stations. Industry is centered at Linz, Steyr, the Traun and Ager valleys, and Ranshofen. Manufactures include chemicals, iron and steel, aluminum, processed foods, motors, trucks, ships, beer, agricultural machinery, sports equipment, shoes, optical utensils, and textiles.

The area of Upper Austria was included in the Roman province of Noricum. In 1156 it was made a duchy by Frederick I and given to the Babenberg dukes of Austria. The province was invaded by the Turks in the 16th cent. It was a site of battles during the Thirty Years War (1618-48) and during the campaigns of Napoleon.