The first reference to Oberosterreich appeared in 1264, discussing a region above the Enns River partitioned by King Ottokar II of Bohemia. Formally, it was called “Osterreich ob der Enns” (Austria above the river Enns). In 1490, the area was given a measure of independence in the form of status as a principality, but this was taken away in 1564 at the hands of the Hapsburgs.

In 1918, the name Oberösterreich was first formally used. When Austria was annexed by Adolf Hitler, Upper Austria became the Reichsgau of Oberdonau. After 1945, it reverted to its earlier name.

Upper Austria was separated from Lower Austria during the reign of King Ottokar II Premysl. From 1489 to 1493 the Habsburg Emperor Frederick III ruled the Holy Roman Empire from Linz. The Mondseeland region was acquired in 1504. The Inverted became part of Upper Austria after the War of Bavarian Succession in 1779. Since then the province has existed within its present borders. It was given the name Upper Austria in 1919.

Today’s Republic of Austria is a small country located in the center of Europe. The origins of present-day Austria can be traced far back into history. The country has been populated since pre-historic times, and numerous peoples have passed through it.

As a nation at the heart of Europe, Austria has had its full share of the continent’s history, including the suffering. Over the centuries it developed from a border region into a powerful empire and a multinational entity which collapsed at the end of the First World War.