Description

A small railway that heads into the rock of the Schloßberg and along the way recounts fairy stories (all in German). The railway follows some of the passageways and tunnels that were dug out of the rock to create air-raid shelters for the citizens of Graz during WWII.

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 47.073327; Longitude: 15.436981
What3Words: thrilled.drive.model

Photos

      

Web Link

www.grazermaerchenbahn.at

Description

The museum tells the history of the city from it's first mentions in the 12th century through until it being the European Capital of Culture in 2003. Along the way it compares the city to other major Austrian cities to ask why Graz has developed in the way it has and why it no longer has an impressive fortress.

Charge

Charge, discount on joint ticket available with Graz 3 day tourist ticket

Getting There

Latitude: 47.072625; Longitude: 15.436462
What3Words: respects.indirect.bronze

Photos

      

Web Link

www.grazmuseum.at

Description

A small island in the middle of the Mur river has been built up into a café and staggered bridge that create a focal point on the water. You can walk across from either bank and take in the views from the centre of a fast mountain river.

Charge

Free to walk across the bridge

Getting There

Latitude: 47.073162; Longitude: 15.434558
What3Words: treating.paraded.breed

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

The dominant feature of the city, towering over the centre and with the remains of the city fortress on the top. From the top of the Schloßberg the views over the city are excellent

Charge

Free

Getting There

Latitude: 47.075273; Longitude: 15.436991
What3Words: skews.rope.shopper

Photos

      

Web Link

www.holding-graz.at/freizeit/schlossberg

Description

The symbol of the city this giant clock sits on the Southern end of the Schloßberg and is visible from much of the city

Charge

Free

Getting There

Latitude: 47.073545; Longitude: 15.437717
What3Words: trailer.class.large

Photos

      

Web Link

www.holding-graz.at/freizeit/schlossberg

Description

A funicular railway rising up from near the river to the top of the Schloßberg area

Charge

Charge, included in Graz 3 day tourist ticket

Getting There

Latitude: 47.074887; Longitude: 15.43503
What3Words: takeover.shams.sweeper

Photos

      

Web Link

www.holding-graz.at/freizeit/schlossberg

Description

Carved into the cliff itself the lift rises from Schloßbergplatz to just above the Uhrturm in a matter of seconds. The glass roof of the lifts mean you can watch the light approach as you shoot up inside the rock.

Charge

Charge for both ascent and descent

Getting There

Latitude: 47.073918; Longitude: 15.437602
What3Words: branch.dairies.includes

Photos

      

Web Link

www.holding-graz.at/freizeit/schlossberg

Description

The city's natural history museum that tells the geological and zoological history of the region, including an impressive geology collection. Special exhibitions expand on the themes.

Charge

Charge, Joint ticket for all Universalmuseum sites available. Discount on joint ticket available with Graz 3 day tourist ticket

Getting There

Latitude: 47.068626; Longitude: 15.438157
What3Words: unusually.giggles.climate

Photos

      

Web Link

www.museum-joanneum.at

Description

The city's art gallery showing key items from the collection

Charge

Charge, Joint ticket for all Universalmuseum sites available. Discount on joint ticket available with Graz 3 day tourist ticket

Getting There

Latitude: 47.068455; Longitude: 15.437554
What3Words: totals.ranks.cursing

Photos

      

Web Link

www.museum-joanneum.at

Description

The palace is located on the edge of the city in spacious grounds. The main palace building houses a number of exhibitions and museums (all closed in late February). The grounds are open year round and offer a lovely space to have a walk round - including taking in the peacocks, which on a cold snowy Sunday in February did not look like happy creatures!

Charge

Charge, Joint ticket for all Universalmuseum sites available. Discount on joint ticket available with Graz 3 day tourist ticket

Getting There

From the centre of town Tram 1 runs regularly to Schloß Eggenberg tramstop, taking about 10 minutes from the Hauptplatz.
Latitude: 47.073947; Longitude: 15.391303
What3Words: larger.friend.clinked

Photos

      

Web Link

www.museum-joanneum.at

Description

The city's Cathedral, in places resembling more of a palace than a place of worship (though for many centuries the city was ruled by Prince Archbishops).

Charge

Suggested Donation

Getting There

Latitude: 47.797812; Longitude: 13.046876
What3Words: mugs.curable.prickly

Photos

      

Web Link

www.salzburger-dom.at

Description

The fortress dominates the city looming down over the city centre. Today you can visit most parts of the complex including one of the main towers for stunning views over the city, as well as the state rooms. A museum dedicated to Marionettes is also located in the castle complex and is included in the entrance fee. When the museums have closed for the evening you can still look round the courtyards of the castle for either the cost of a ride on the funicular, or a hefty hike up the hill.

Charge

Charge, Free with a Salzburg Card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.795019; Longitude: 13.047847
What3Words: custard.roaring.rooftop

Photos

      

Web Link

www.festung-salzburg.at

Description

The funicular railway links the centre of the old town with the fortress. It's the only way to reach the fortress without slogging up the steep roads. The views from the train as it climbs the hill are stunning, particularly of the Dom that it rises just behind

Charge

Charge, Free with a Salzburg Card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.79644; Longitude: 13.046087
What3Words: melons.fake.spooked

Photos

      

Web Link

www.festungsbahn.at

Description

Located across the road from the Abbey complex the Franciscan church is much more subdued that the brasher churches that surround it, however this makes it much quieter and a more relaxing place to visit

Charge

Suggested Donation

Getting There

Latitude: 47.798209; Longitude: 13.043802
What3Words: deform.fool.revision

Photos

      

Web Link

www.franziskaner.at

Description

As over the top as only a Baroque church can be, the Collegiate church at the rear of the university campus, at the time of visiting, had only recently been restored to how it would have looked when it first opened. The brilliant white walls and excesses of plasterwork make quite a sight for the eyes

Charge

Suggested Donation

Getting There

Latitude: 47.799117; Longitude: 13.043212
What3Words: penned.divider.crest

Photos

      

Web Link

www.kollegienkirche.at

Description

Three lifts whisk you up the inside of the city centre mountain to the modern art museum at the top, and stunning views over the city and surrounding countryside

Charge

Charge, Free with a Salzburg Card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.800862; Longitude: 13.038824
What3Words: combines.camps.pictured

Photos

      

Web Link

www.moenchsbergaufzug.at

Description

Part of the modern art museum of Salzburg, housing a changing collection of 20th and 21st century art

Charge

Charge, Free with a Salzburg Card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.800883; Longitude: 13.038293
What3Words: noting.supposed.misfits

Photos

      

Web Link

www.museumdermoderne.at

Description

The museum is home to a large panoramic painting of Salzburg made in the 19th Century which toured many parts of Western Europe before coming back to the city. After many different homes, damage from both botched restorations and the war and several years spent in storage in the fortress, the painting is now in a permanent home in the former central post office, now part of the Salzburg museum. There is some background information on the painting, as well as a small gallery of other images created by the artist.

Charge

Charge, Free with a Salzburg Card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.79827; Longitude: 13.047579
What3Words: twinge.colleague.miracle

Photos

      

Web Link

www.salzburgmuseum.at

Description

A four hour tour that departs from the city and heads over the border into the Berchtesgaden area of Bavaria to visit a salt mine (I went on the tour on Good Friday, consequently the salt mine near Berchtesgaden was closed so instead we visited the Hallein Salt Mine in Bad Dürrenberg on the Austrian side of the border). The tour includes a stunning ride up over the mountains and a brief stop at the Obersalzburg, the area that housed Hitler's 2nd headquarters during much of the war, before ending with about 30 minutes to explore the town of Berchtesgaden before heading back to Salzburg along the river. The drive acts as guide and gives a running commentary for much of the tour

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 47.806121; Longitude: 13.042904
What3Words: arrived.cake.jacket

Photos

      

Web Link

www.panoramatours.com

Description

The museum, housed in the New Residence, tells the history of the city and it's Prince Archbishops. There are also spaces for regularly changing temporary exhibitions

Charge

Charge, Free with a Salzburg Card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.798313; Longitude: 13.047917
What3Words: origin.ripples.skins

Photos

      

Web Link

www.salzburgmuseum.at

Description

Originally built as a Spanish riding school, with a viewing gallery carved into the side of the cliffs, since the 1920's this has been home to the Salzburg Festival. There are daily tours that take you behind the scenes of the two major stages (the modern Mozart Haus and the original rock theatre)

Charge

Charge, Free with a Salzburg Card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.798475; Longitude: 13.041764
What3Words: country.oils.smug

Photos

      

Web Link

www.salzburgerfestspiele.at

Description

Regular 40 minute tours up the Salzach river to a landing stage near Hellbrunn and then back down into town. Pre recorded German and English commentary is supplemented by the captain as you are told about the sights, and the impressive boat you are travelling on that can travel against what is a fast flowing mountain river.

Charge

Charge, Free with a Salzburg Card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.801672; Longitude: 13.041587
What3Words: nappy.dreaming.orders

Photos

      

Web Link

www.salzburgschifffahrt.at

Description

Built as a summer palace for relaxation and play by the then Prince Archbishop Markus Sittikus it included a number of trick fountains designed to amuse and entertain (and soak) the archbishops visitors. There is a 25 minute tour of the trick fountains, during which you are guaranteed to at least get splashed, after which you can tour the palace building itself. There is also a small folk art museum located in a small hillside lodge up from the gardens.

Charge

Charge, Free with a Salzburg Card

Getting There

From the centre of town take bus 25 to the bus stop Schloß Hellbrunn, it's then a short, very obvious walk, down to the palace
Latitude: 47.762262; Longitude: 13.060663
What3Words: plots.script.aviation

Photos

      

Web Link

www.hellbrunn.at

Description

The Abbey Church, inside it oozes money with a veritable gallery of artwork on the walls and gold leaf on almost every statue.

Charge

Suggested Donation

Getting There

Latitude: 47.797071; Longitude: 13.044403
What3Words: mess.ordering.tenders

Photos

      

Web Link

www.stift-stpeter.at

Description

The cemetery of St Peters has a large number of ornate graves and is a beautiful point of tranquillity away from the bustle of the city centre (when there isn't a tour group passing through)

Charge

Free

Getting There

Latitude: 47.796743; Longitude: 13.045299
What3Words: himself.warping.retained

Photos

      

Web Link

www.stift-stpeter.at

Description

Hewn out of the rock face that looks down on the Abbey of St Peters the Catacombs are an eerie place. There isn't very much to see as no bodies are stored in them, however the main reason for visiting is just the enormity of the work that must have taken place to create these caves, and the stunning views over the town centre from the top cave

Charge

Charge, Free with a Salzburg Card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.796544; Longitude: 13.04473
What3Words: robots.speaks.noodle

Photos

      

Web Link

www.stift-stpeter.at

Description

One of many salt mines in the region, this one closed for commercial production in 1989 but has been a tourist attraction for many years prior to that. After donning protective overalls you are taken into the mine on a rail carriage along the old mine tracks deep into the side of the mountain. From there the tour continues via a number of audio/video presentations, two wooden slides that you use to move down levels, a boat ride across a salt water lake and finally, what no good mine should be without, an escalator back up to the train.

Charge

Charge

Getting There

From Salzburg take the S3 train to Hallein (hourly, 25 minutes) change there to the number 41 bus to Bad Dürrnberg Salzbergwerk (hourly, 10 minutes).
Latitude: 47.667253; Longitude: 13.089974
What3Words: roosts.rocker.hamper

Photos

      

Web Link

www.salzwelten.at

Description

A small and pretty Bavarian town located just over the border from Austria and about 25KM from Salzburg. If it hadn't been for the purchase of a nearby mountain retreat by Hitler then it's possible that Berchtesgaden wouldn't be known outside of the local area, but instead the town has now been forever linked to the Eagles Nest cliff-top retreat for not only Hitler but other senior members of the Nazi Party.

Charge

Getting There

From Salzburg take the 840 bus to Berchtesgaden (Infrequent, 45 minutes)
Latitude: 47.633025; Longitude: 13.002115
What3Words: prefix.babysit.fogging

Photos

      

Web Link

www.berchtesgadener-land.com

Description

Originally a quiet mountain top retreat with a couple of hotels and houses it's place in history would be assured when Adolf Hitler took a liking to one of the houses which he purchased as his Bavarian retreat. By the end of the war virtually the whole area had been turned into a military fortress with the Eagles Nest at the top of the mountain acting as Hitler's 2nd headquarters. Towards the end of the war virtually everything was destroyed by allied bombing, apart from the hotel (which was returned to the family the Nazi's had seized it from in the late 30's) and the Eagles Nest itself. The whole area was cleared in the 1950's apart from the Eagles Nest which can still be visited between May and October. The views from the visitors centre over the mountains are spectacular in themselves.

Charge

Getting There

From Salzburg take the 840 bus to Berchtesgaden (Infrequent, 45 minutes) and change onto the 838 bus to the Stop Dokumentation Obersalzberg (10 minutes)
Latitude: 47.630711; Longitude: 13.041683
What3Words: stint.electrify.prattled

Photos

      

Web Link

www.obersalzberg.de

Description

Located part way up the Hungerburg the zoo houses a large number of predominantly alpine animals, or those from similar climates including Brown bear, Lynx and Wolves.

Charge

Charge, Free with Innsbruck card

Getting There

From the Marktplatz bus W runs to the main entrance every 30 minutes taking around 10 minutes to make the journey. Alternatively the third stop on the Hungerburgbahn is specifically for the zoo
Latitude: 47.281276; Longitude: 11.398092
What3Words: brittle.stutter.grass

Photos

      

Web Link

www.alpenzoo.at

Description

The city's spectacular Cathedral including a spectacular painted ceiling and enough gilding to prove how fantastically wealthy the Hapsburgs were.

Charge

Free, Suggested Donation. Charge to take photos

Getting There

Latitude: 47.269404; Longitude: 11.39384
What3Words: tablet.sides.district

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

One of the main sights of the city is the Golden roof, an ornate balcony on a building in a prime position on the old town hall square. The museum tells a little about the history of the building and Innsbruck, as well as it's most famous resident Maximillian who helped to build the Hapsburg empire.

Charge

Charge, Free with Innsbruck card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.268672; Longitude: 11.393276
What3Words: attends.desk.remover

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

The highest point that can be reached by cable car, from here it’s a short well laid path up the final couple of hundred foot ascent to the peak (though in the middle of winter still quite icy and with sheer drops best not attempted). Another small restaurant and cafe terrace offer views down onto the restaurant and ski resort at Seegrube.

Charge

Getting There

The only access is via the cable car from Hungerburg via Seegrube
Latitude: 47.312176; Longitude: 11.383852
What3Words: wages.cares.plunger

Photos

      

Web Link

www.nordkette.com

Description

The imperial palace located in the city centre. You can wander around a number of the state rooms including the hall of giants and many of the royal suites

Charge

Charge, Free with Innsbruck card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.268652; Longitude: 11.394583
What3Words: gift.chills.linked

Photos

      

Web Link

www.hofburg-innsbruck.at

Description

The church houses the ornate tomb that was supposed to take Maximillian's body when he died, instead it's empty as he was buried in Weiner Neustadt. The tomb is guarded by a number of larger than life size statues of both members of his family and famous kings from history including Arthur (of Camelot fame).

Charge

Charge, Free with Innsbruck card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.268399; Longitude: 11.395287
What3Words: raft.finders.gift

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

Located at the foot of the main peaks of the Nordkette, Hungerburg offers stunning views over the city and the valley and across to the Patscherkofel rising behind the city on the opposite side of the valley

Charge

Getting There

You can get to Hungerburg either by the Hungerburgbahn, Bus J or a very stiff walk up.
Latitude: 47.286012; Longitude: 11.400003
What3Words: spark.dishing.courage

Photos

      

Web Link

www.nordkette.com

Description

The funicular climbs from the Congress centre by the Hofburg up into the Nordkette mountains stopping at the Alpenzoo along the way. Starting as a small tram in the centre of town the train rotates in it's own carriage as it starts its steep climb up through the mountain and up to the Hungerburg.

Charge

Charge, One free return trip with Innsbruck card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.271124; Longitude: 11.395354
What3Words: courier.mocked.section

Photos

      

Web Link

www.nordkette.com

Description

The short single car cable car climbs the final 1,200 or so feet from Seegrube to the station at Hafelekar from where you are 7,400ft up. The car runs every 15 minutes, taking about 4 minutes to make the journey. At busy times it runs almost constantly but as there is only a single car and a counterweight the frequency is still only one car every 10 minutes. From the top there are several very difficult ski and snowboard runs down the mountain so the upward journey in ski season is packed, but on the way back down sightseers can get a lot more space.

Charge

Charge, One free return trip with Innsbruck card

Getting There

The only access to the Hafelekarbahn is from Seegrube by the Seegrubebahn
Latitude: 47.306586; Longitude: 11.379843
What3Words: vegans.ventures.jogging

Photos

      

Web Link

www.nordkette.com

Description

Starting from Hungerburg this large cable car rises up to the ski slopes at Seegrube at 6,250ft. The journey takes about 5 minutes, with cable cars timetabled to run every 15 minutes, though at busy times in the ski season they run constantly doubling the frequency of ascent and descent.

Charge

Charge, One free return trip with Innsbruck card

Getting There

The Seegrubebahn takes off from the Hungerburg. This can be reached by the Hungerburgbah, bus J from the city centre or a very stiff up hill hike
Latitude: 47.286214; Longitude: 11.398987
What3Words: mimics.boarding.speeches

Photos

      

Web Link

www.nordkette.com

Description

A cable car located to the South of the city that offers stunning views from it's 2000m summit over the city and the opposite Nordkette mountain range that rises up behind the city to the north. The journey is strange as there are two gondoliers on each cable so you take the lower car up to the middle station then have to swap over to the other side to pick up the upper car on up to the summit

Charge

Charge, Free with Innsbruck card

Getting There

From the centre of town take bus J direct to the lower cable car station in the Igls district of Innsbruck. Buses are every 15 minutes and take around 10 minutes to make the journey
Latitude: 47.229501; Longitude: 11.413819
What3Words: nano.denoting.antibiotics

Photos

      

Web Link

www.patscherkofelbahnen.at

Description

One of the main ski locations of the city, being just a 20 minute ride up the mountain from the city centre. Here a large restaurant offers a stunning location in which to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat taking in the mountain views and down into either the clouds or the valley below.

Charge

Getting There

The only access is via the cable car from Hungerburg
Latitude: 47.30631; Longitude: 11.379461
What3Words: sang.physics.hands

Photos

      

Web Link

www.nordkette.com

Description

A tiny museum located in the Nordkettebahn station at Hungerburg telling the history of the Nordkette cable cars

Charge

Free

Getting There

Latitude: 47.286085; Longitude: 11.398943
What3Words: defining.honestly.drop

Photos

      

Web Link

www.nordkette.com

Description

Located in the city centre, the city tower offers excellent views over the city and across to the surrounding mountains. Access is via the 133 step double staircase which ensures you don't have to pass people coming the other way

Charge

Charge, Free with Innsbruck card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.268237; Longitude: 11.39344
What3Words: catch.claims.shopper

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

Run by the local bus company this bus runs past the main sightseeing points in the centre of the city. Pre-recorded commentary tells you about the main sites. Includes a 15 minute photo stop at Bergisel to take in the views over the city centre

Charge

Charge - includes full days travel on all local buses and trams, Free with Innsbruck card

Getting There

Latitude: 47.267455; Longitude: 11.390719
What3Words: amber.crisps.snapper

Photos

      

Web Link

www.ivb.at

Description

Located in the Danube park on the other side of the river and canal to the city centre this communications tower also boasts a viewing platform as well as a revolving café and restaurant

Charge

Charge

Getting There

From the centre of Vienna catch the U1 to the Vienna International Centre stop (also called Kaisermühlen) and then walk into the park, past the international centre and through the housing blocks into the Danube park. The path then leads directly to the tower
Latitude: 48.240406; Longitude: 16.409216
What3Words: ended.topical.tipping

Photos

      

Web Link

www.donauturm.at

Description

A 75 minute cruise up the Danube canal from the centre of the city to the Northern lock gate that protects the city centre from the worst that the Danube can throw at it. A commentary in German and English is given of the key sights along the way.

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 48.212216; Longitude: 16.378022
What3Words: forks.flicked.dripped

Photos

      

Web Link

www.ddsg-blue-danube.at

Description

This was originally a museum to the Viennese Philharmonic Orchestra (which still have one floor) but is now also a museum to sound and music, with lots of hands on displays and exhibits

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 48.203892; Longitude: 16.373167
What3Words: trips.finishes.case

Photos

      

Web Link

www.hdm.at

Description

The winter palace of the imperial family and the dominating structure in the centre of the city. The Hofburg is a massive complex with lots of interesting buildings

Charge

Free to look around

Getting There

Latitude: 48.205479; Longitude: 16.364884
What3Words: congas.cookies.newest

Photos

      

Web Link

www.hofburg-wien.at

Description

The imperial apartments give a glimpse on the lifestyle that the Emperor and Empress led

Charge

Charge, Ticket also gives entry to the Imperial Silver Collection and the Sisi Museum

Getting There

Latitude: 48.207628; Longitude: 16.366139
What3Words: secondly.nimbly.firm

Photos

      

Web Link

www.hofburg-wien.at

Description

The imperial silver collection displays the kitchenware's and banqueting paraphernalia that the family collected over its many centuries of rule

Charge

Charge, Ticket also gives entry to the Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum

Getting There

Latitude: 48.206779; Longitude: 16.365187
What3Words: mistress.mistaken.dude

Photos

      

Web Link

www.hofburg-wien.at

Description

Located just behind the back entrance to the palace, these ruins show how some of the buildings were constructed in the past. There is also some evidence of Roman ruins

Charge

Free

Getting There

Latitude: 48.207866; Longitude: 16.366515
What3Words: coughed.operated.friday

Photos

      

Web Link

www.hofburg-wien.at

Description

The treasury houses many of the important works that were left to the state after the Habsburg empire ended.

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 48.207136; Longitude: 16.364919
What3Words: turned.trades.goodbye

Photos

      

Web Link

www.hofburg-wien.at

Description

Sisi (Empress Elizabeth) is a modern myth in Austria, Revered in the same way that Princess Diana is in some parts of the UK. This exhibition goes on to tell the story of the life, eccentricities and death of Sisi

Charge

Charge, Ticket also gives entry to the Imperial Silver Collection and the Imperial Apartments

Getting There

Latitude: 48.205385; Longitude: 16.364307
What3Words: sweeping.discount.harps

Photos

      

Web Link

www.hofburg-wien.at

Description

Located on Jüdenplatz this museum tells the story of the 1420 expulsion of the Jews from Vienna as well as giving some background on what it means to be Jewish. The museum also houses the ruins of the original Synagogue from the 15th Century. In front of the museum is Vienna's first memorial to those who lost their lives in the death camps of World War II

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 48.207135; Longitude: 16.369377
What3Words: truth.rattler.estimate

Photos

      

Web Link

www.jmw.at

Description

One of the most impressive churches in the city. You can take the lift up into the top of the dome for an up-close view of the frescos, and the views over the city. There is also a small treasury museum housed in one of the towers.

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 48.198241; Longitude: 16.372005
What3Words: squeaks.miracle.funny

Photos

      

Web Link

www.karlskirche.at

Description

Possibly the most enduring image of Vienna is the Ferris Wheel in the Prater amusement park. From the top of the wheel the views are spectacular. You can even dine in one of the cabins

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 48.216688; Longitude: 16.395861
What3Words: dart.passion.absorbs

Photos

      

Web Link

www.prater.at

Description

Located just below the Hoher Market, and accessed via a Café these ruins show how old the inhabitation of the city is with parts of a substantial fort visible

Charge

Charge, Free on Sundays

Getting There

Latitude: 48.210828; Longitude: 16.372472
What3Words: smirks.carpets.kipper

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

Located close to the Hauptbahnhof this is another of the Habsburgs many palaces. The site is made up of two palaces, one at the top and one at the bottom of the formal gardens. The palaces now house galleries

Charge

Charge to view exhibitions, free to walk around the grounds

Getting There

Latitude: 48.191497; Longitude: 16.380959
What3Words: terribly.shelter.loses

Photos

      

Web Link

www.belvedere.at

Description

The cathedral of the city and visible from all over the city. The cathedral itself is quite dark, but you can catch a lift to the top of the North tower for stunning views, not only of the city, but also of the amazing pattern tiled roof

Charge

Free to look around Cathedral, charge for lift

Getting There

Latitude: 48.20847; Longitude: 16.373186
What3Words: spell.joke.rankings

Photos

      

Web Link

www.stephansdom.at

Description

The Blue route is an 80 minute tour of the city that starts at the Stadpark and heads out East out of the city along the side of the Danube Canal, before heading over to the Prater and Messe areas of the city. From there it heads over the Danube itself and stops at the Danube Tower and the UN area before heading back into town. Multi-lingual pre-recorded commentary tells you about the sights as you travel round

Charge

Charge, Joint ticket for all Vienna Sightseeing tours available

Getting There

Latitude: 48.206783; Longitude: 16.381947
What3Words: decays.pushing.inflict

Photos

      

Web Link

www.viennasightseeing.at

Description

The Green route is a 90 minute tour of the city that starts at the Votivkirche and heads out north out of the city to the wine growing suburb of Grinzing before taking the scenic road up to the Kahlenberg from where (assuming it's not shrouded in fog as it was on the day I went) there are views over the whole of the city. From the Kahlenberg the bus returns to the city centre. Multi-lingual pre-recorded commentary tells you about the sights as you travel round

Charge

Charge, Joint ticket for all Vienna Sightseeing tours available

Getting There

Latitude: 48.215129; Longitude: 16.359827
What3Words: peachy.recoup.sugars

Photos

      

Web Link

www.viennasightseeing.at

Description

The Night tour is a 60 minute tour of the city centre that starts at Opera House. It follows a similar route to the Red day route, but it deviates off over to Prater in the West and in the South heads on a loop via the Arsenal and Schloß Belvedere. Multi-lingual pre-recorded commentary tells you about the sights as you travel round

Charge

Charge, Joint ticket for all Vienna Sightseeing tours available

Getting There

Latitude: 48.20263; Longitude: 16.36908
What3Words: sizing.master.drips

Photos

      

Web Link

www.viennasightseeing.at

Description

The Red route is a 60 minute tour of the city centre that starts at the Opera House and follows the route of the Ring Straße around the city centre. Multi-lingual pre-recorded commentary tells you about the sights as you travel round

Charge

Charge, Joint ticket for all Vienna Sightseeing tours available

Getting There

Latitude: 48.202582; Longitude: 16.36947
What3Words: pilots.dusts.panel

Photos

      

Web Link

www.viennasightseeing.at

Description

A 25 minute journey round the central ring tram line, taking in the main sites in the centre of the city including the Rathaus and Hofburg. A limited commentary gives you some information on the sights you are seeing. In reality, unless this in part of the inclusive ticket with the hop-on-hop-off bus tours this isn't worth taking as the commentary is so limited. You can do the same journey with a mixture of the number 1 and 2 trams for considerably less.

Charge

Charge, Joint ticket for all Vienna Sightseeing tours available

Getting There

Latitude: 48.211654; Longitude: 16.377886
What3Words: appealed.rides.ruin

Photos

      

Web Link

www.viennasightseeing.at

Description

The Yellow route is a 90 minute tour that starts at the Opera House and heads out west towards Schloß Schönbrunn before returning into town via the Arsenal and Schloß Belvedere. Multi-lingual pre-recorded commentary tells you about the sights as you travel round

Charge

Charge, Joint ticket for all Vienna Sightseeing tours available

Getting There

Latitude: 48.202632; Longitude: 16.369226
What3Words: delivers.upper.toenail

Photos

      

Web Link

www.viennasightseeing.at

Description

This large church is located on the Northern Edge of the ring, and was partly built in celebration of the Emperor of the time surviving an assassination attempt. It still is the tallest building on the Ring, though the 5m high statue on the top of the Rathaus takes the Rathaus to 4m taller if it's included. With a church so large it's naturally a massive space inside with a very high ceiling and lots of stained glass.

Charge

Free

Getting There

Latitude: 48.215484; Longitude: 16.359095
What3Words: restrict.speeches.verge

Photos

      

Web Link

www.votivkirche.at

Description

The Wien Museum tells the history of Vienna from its original days as a prehistoric settlement up to the end of the Habsburg Empire at the end of the First World War.

Charge

Charge, Free on a Sunday

Getting There

Latitude: 48.199169; Longitude: 16.373172
What3Words: bonkers.captive.cactus

Photos

      

Web Link

www.wienmuseum.at

Description

Perched on the top of a hill overlooking the city this castle houses several museums to the history of Slovakia and Bratislava, as well as displays on Slovak culture and tradition

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 48.142186; Longitude: 17.100123
What3Words: ranking.reply.pastels

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

Located in the city centre this is the Cathedral for the city.

Charge

Suggested Donation

Getting There

Latitude: 48.145286; Longitude: 17.106813
What3Words: tarred.means.tuck

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

This is billed as one of the best places to take in views of the city, looking down on the Danube valley and the city centre. On the day I visited a thick fog had descended on the city which meant that you couldn't even see more than about 100 yards. Nearby there are lots of trails through the woods, including up to further view points and viewing platforms. At the main terrace is a Polish church on the site where the Polish Army camped overnight before the final relief of Vienna in the final Ottoman war.

Charge

Free to take in the views (if there are any)

Getting There

You can take the hop-on-hop-off bus up to the view point, alternatively take the U4 north to the end of the line at Heiligenstadt and change there for a 38A bus that goes all the way to the view point car park, or take the 38 tram from the city centre to the end of the line at Grinzing and change there for the 38A. The 38A buses are very frequent, with at least one bus every 10 minutes, rising to one every 4-6 minutes on Sundays as the city heads to the hills. Total journey time from the city centre to the peak is around 45 minutes.
Latitude: 48.274993; Longitude: 16.336346
What3Words: hurt.bracelet.rents

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

Located opposite the palm house, the desert house has displays on desert dwelling animals as well as plants that have adapted to survive in arid conditions

Charge

Charge, combined ticket with the Zoo and Palm House

Getting There

Latitude: 48.183557; Longitude: 16.301308
What3Words: offers.surging.readings

Photos

      

Web Link

www.schoenbrunn.at

Description

The summer residence of the Habsburgs, the apartments give a glimpse into the lives that several generations of the Imperial family lived.

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 48.184859; Longitude: 16.312187
What3Words: rather.writings.tries

Photos

      

Web Link

www.schoenbrunn.at

Description

Located in the grounds of the castle the Maze and Labyrinth offer you the opportunity of getting hopelessly lost!

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 48.182641; Longitude: 16.309376
What3Words: trio.spines.budding

Photos

      

Web Link

www.schoenbrunn.at

Description

Locate next to the Zoo the palm house has a selection of plants from across the globe

Charge

Charge, combined ticket with the Zoo and Desert House

Getting There

Latitude: 48.18428; Longitude: 16.302987
What3Words: shields.tells.subject

Photos

      

Web Link

www.schoenbrunn.at

Description

Billed as the worlds oldest Zoo this was originally the Habsburgs menagerie that every good place shouldn’t have been without

Charge

Charge, combined ticket with the Desert House and Palm House

Getting There

Latitude: 48.182298; Longitude: 16.302938
What3Words: downturn.office.agreeing

Photos

      

Web Link

www.schoenbrunn.at

Description

The capital of Slovakia is less than 70Km down stream on the Danube from Vienna and makes an easy day-trip. The city itself is not particularly beautiful with Soviet housing blocks on the opposite bank of the Danube casting a gloom over the whole of the city. The castle houses several exhibitions and the Old town is interesting to look around.

Charge

Getting There

Trains leave every two hours from the Hauptbahnhof in Vienna to the central station in Bratislava. Journey time is about 1 hour 15 minutes including a stop for border checks at the border. Alternatively, during the summer months there are high-speed ferries that run from Schwedenplatz to the centre of Bratislava, taking about 70 minutes to make their journey. N.B. it is advisable to carry photo ID with you for the journey, whilst Austria and Slovakia are both members of the Schengen zone you may be asked to identify yourself prior to boarding the ferry or at the border crossing on the train.
Latitude: 48.148376; Longitude: 17.10731
What3Words: shifting.speaks.provider

Photos

      

Web Link

www.bratislava.sk

Description

This small wine growing town has long been subsumed into the growing city, but it still houses a number of wine cellars and vineyards wrapped over the hills. Despite being part of the city it still retains a pleasant small village feel

Charge

Getting There

From the centre of town take the number 38 tram all the way to the end of the line in the centre of Grinzing. Journey time is about 25 minutes with trams at least every 10 minutes.
Latitude: 48.255787; Longitude: 16.341856
What3Words: inflame.heats.spill

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

The out of city summer residence of the Habsburg imperial family. The palace is set in acres of stunning park land with spectacular views as well as a zoo and botanical gardens

Charge

Charges to entre the apartments, zoo, botanical gardens and maze. Free to wander around the grounds

Getting There

Catch the U4 from the city centre to Schönbrunn station. Leave by the exit half way down the platform and follow the signs across the road to the palace.
Latitude: 48.181482; Longitude: 16.310234
What3Words: barman.kitten.physical

Photos

      

Web Link

www.schoenbrunn.at

Description

The city's aquarium, located just opposite the main central station. From initial looks, it could come across as a bit childish with its talking octopus. However, the information on the displays is written for an adult audience (or at least the English translation is) There are lots of displays, but the most spectacular is left for last as you walk through a tunnel surrounded on all sides by fish and sharks.

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 51.219166; Longitude: 4.421069
What3Words: accent.fumes.legwork

Photos

      

Web Link

www.aquatopia.be

Description

The cathedral is in the process of being repaired, with most of the work complete. Inside it is very light despite the forest of pillars. The cathedral has seven aisles, which create a massive sense of space. There are several paintings dotted around the church including a few by Rubens.

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 51.220264; Longitude: 4.401505
What3Words: stove.verges.blinks

Photos

      

Web Link

www.dekathedraal.be

Description

The museum presents a down to earth and interesting expose of the worlds most lusted after gem. With an audio guide instead of lots of multi-lingual information boards the museum tells the history of diamond, from its creation 2 billion years ago, through its importance in the past, up to the modern methods of creating spectacular gem stones (as well as creating diamond itself) and the way diamonds are mined and traded today.

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 51.218124; Longitude: 4.421713
What3Words: post.variety.direct

Photos

      

Web Link

www.diamantmuseum.be

Description

A large park to the south of the city, where a sculpture park has been created. Works include many from famous sculptures. The park was expanded a few years ago and now also has an exhibition of modern sculpture

Charge

Free to look around, Charge for an Audio guide

Getting There

From the centre of town you can catch either tram 7 or 15 to the stop Koninklijke Laan. The very last road crossed before the tram pulled into the stop leads directly to the park. Walk down it for about 1KM and you will reach the mid point between the upper and lower parts of the park. To the right in the modern sculpture area is the information kiosk where you can get the audio guides. Alternatively catch the number 17 bus from Antwerpen Centraal station. Get off at the stop after the stop outside the Crown Plaza hotel and Texaco petrol station (the bus will cross over a main road and turn right. The park is behind you on the other side of the dual carriageway road. Maps inside the park show the location of the statue park.
Latitude: 51.180984; Longitude: 4.412577
What3Words: recorder.airbag.feast

Photos

      

Web Link

museum.antwerpen.be/middelheimopenluchtmuseum

Description

The main pedestrian link from the leftbank area of Antwerp to the Old city. The tunnel is accessed through art deco houses at either end, access either by massive lifts or down ancient wooden escalators

Charge

Free

Getting There

Latitude: 51.218712; Longitude: 4.395894
What3Words: generals.slim.from

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

Once one of the main defence points for the city, the Steen resembles a castle in all ways. However, only part of it survives. You can walk around the grounds and into some of the internal courtyards, but to access the inside of the building you must pay the entrance fee to the Maritime museum that it houses

Charge

Free to look around the outside and courtyard, charge to enter museum

Getting There

Latitude: 51.222685; Longitude: 4.397382
What3Words: spoken.cafe.moped

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

Located slap bang next to the central station the Zoo is one of the oldest in Europe and has the usual assortment of animals including Lions, Tigers, Elephants and Giraffe.

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 51.216347; Longitude: 4.423306
What3Words: pools.cans.kneeled

Photos

      

Web Link

www.zooantwerpen.be

Description

Running between the city exit from the St Annatunnel and the Steen the South Terrace offers stunning views over both the leftbank and the city centre

Charge

Free

Getting There

Latitude: 51.220036; Longitude: 4.39539
What3Words: squares.vineyard.blocking

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

The seriously touristy way to see Ghent, but informative and a way of getting a different perspective on the city. The captains also provide a multi-lingual commentary

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 51.055427; Longitude: 3.720556
What3Words: widget.slab.anchors

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

Quite a dark building, in the process of being repaired. The main attraction is the painted alter piece which has long queues of people waiting to see it

Charge

Free, Donation suggested for the Cathedral. Charge to see the Altar Piece

Getting There

Latitude: 51.053683; Longitude: 3.72591
What3Words: wharfs.ketchup.curve

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

A proper castle with battlements and everything! Located towards the north of the city centre it has been used as a fortress, a prison, a court house and now a tourist attraction. You follow a signed walk that takes you around the whole of the building, through its many winding passages and hidden staircases. The views from the top of the castle over the city are worth the entrance fee themselves

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 51.057193; Longitude: 3.720653
What3Words: sharpen.echo.staging

Photos

      

Web Link

www.gent.be/gent/historis/monument/gravensteen/en/fr_hist.htm

Description

(St Nicholas church), is currently being repaired, so you can only see half of it. What you can see is a very light and bright church with lots of gold and paintings.

Charge

Free, Donation suggested

Getting There

Latitude: 51.053896; Longitude: 3.722858
What3Words: fans.entrust.instance

Photos

      

Web Link

www.stniklaas.com

Description

Ghent is a pretty medieval city located at the junction of the railways canals and rivers that join Bruges, Antwerp and Brussels. Whilst not as large and picture book beautiful as Bruges it does benefit from less tourists and a proper castle

Charge

Getting There

There are regular trains (2 an hour) from Antwerp to Ghent Sint Pieters station, from where it’s a 2KM walk due north (or 10 minutes on the tram) to the Korenmarkt. There are also regular trains from most other parts of Belgium (the trains from Brussels to Burges all stop at Ghent Sint Pieters station.
Latitude: 51.048301; Longitude: 3.720932
What3Words: succeed.rail.twirls

Photos

      

Web Link

www.gent.be

Description

Part of the 1950's world fair site and one of the most famous landmarks of Brussels. This, now slightly tired, museum houses some simple displays and is best for the views it affords over the city.

Charge

Charge, Joint ticket with MiniEurope available.

Getting There

Latitude: 50.894954; Longitude: 4.341402
What3Words: easy.chickens.tramps

Photos

      

Web Link

www.atomium.be

Description

One of the main churches in Brussels, and often referred to as one of the ugliest buildings in the city. Modelled on it's namesake in Paris the building is very impressive, if not slightly over imposing. The views from the top of the main dome are breath

Charge

Free to look around the inside of the church, charge for the tower

Getting There

Latitude: 50.867078; Longitude: 4.317284
What3Words: herds.crib.podcast

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

Charting the history of one of Belgium's other great exports, the comic book, including exhibitions on the history of Comics, how comic strips are put together, how animation is put together and an exhibition on the most famous of the Belgium comic book w

Charge

Charge, free with a Brussels Card

Getting There

Latitude: 50.84025; Longitude: 4.368246
What3Words: radar.dialect.posts

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

A small statue of a little boy taking a leak, and one of the most famous symbols of Brussels, what else can you say about the Belgium's that isn't summed up by that statement

Charge

Free

Getting There

Latitude: 50.845016; Longitude: 4.349808
What3Words: ordering.also.nuggets

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

A project of EU proportions. Some of the most famous buildings from each of the EU's 25 members (but at the time of visiting, just a few weeks after 10 new countries joined the EU only Poland had been added to the original 15!) including the Eiffel Tower,

Charge

Charge, joint ticket with the Atomium available

Getting There

Latitude: 50.894331; Longitude: 4.338763
What3Words: priced.since.kitchens

Photos

      

Web Link

www.minieurope.com

Description

Once a museum dedicated to showing how nice Leopold I and the Belgium's had been to the peoples of their former colonies (today the DR Congo, Rwanda and Burundi), today the museum now shows a more realistic view of the way the colonies were run, happily using words like Genocide, plunder and looting to describe how the artefacts made it back to Belgium.

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 50.830906; Longitude: 4.518471
What3Words: rivers.armrest.success

Photos

      

Web Link

www.africamuseum.be

Description

The Audio Visual show uses maps and graphics to tell the key points of the battle showing how the battle turned with the arrival of the Prussians/

Charge

Charge: Joint ticket with other battle field attractions available

Getting There

Latitude: 50.679302; Longitude: 4.405936
What3Words: ranked.doll.spacing

Photos

      

Web Link

www.waterloo1815.be

Description

You can join a battlefield tour which takes a route round the edge of the battlefield from the British lines, across the French lines, to where the Prussians joined late in the afternoon to turn the course of the battle. Commentary is in French, English and Dutch

Charge

Charge: Joint ticket with other battle field attractions available

Getting There

Latitude: 50.679641; Longitude: 4.40585
What3Words: global.daring.national

Photos

      

Web Link

www.waterloo1815.be

Description

The monument was raised on the site of the battle of Waterloo, at the point where the prince of Orange was injured, and now is the focal point for the attractions relating to the battle that transformed Europe

Charge

Charge: Joint ticket with other battle field attractions available

Getting There

Latitude: 50.678458; Longitude: 4.404788
What3Words: left.riders.owns

Photos

      

Web Link

www.waterloo1815.be

Description

The Panorama painting shows that battle at its height

Charge

Charge: Joint ticket with other battle field attractions available

Getting There

Latitude: 50.679356; Longitude: 4.405174
What3Words: loves.fells.violin

Photos

      

Web Link

www.waterloo1815.be

Description

The wax museum tells some of the story of the build-up to the battle, including basic biographies of the key players on both sides

Charge

Charge: Joint ticket with other battle field attractions available

Getting There

Latitude: 50.67973; Longitude: 4.405657
What3Words: kitchen.sector.holiday

Photos

      

Web Link

www.waterloo1815.be

Description

Located 12Km from the coast in the Flemish speaking part of the country Bruges is one of the finest examples of a medieval city in the world.

Charge

Getting There

Hourly trains leave from the main stations in Brussels to Bruges taking about 45 minutes. It's then a 20 minute walk or 5 minutes on the bus (from the front of the station) to the medieval market square.
Latitude: 51.209434; Longitude: 3.225238
What3Words: printing.oppose.thin

Photos

      

Web Link

www.brugge.be

Description

Tervuren is about 10Km from the centre of Brussels located on the edge of woodland in one of the greenest parts of the city

Charge

Getting There

Tervuren is easily accessed by the number 44 tram which runs from Montgomery in the centre of Brussels to Terverun, ending a short distance from the museum. Trams take about 40 minutes to complete the journey
Latitude: 50.824234; Longitude: 4.5140344
What3Words: dashes.owners.mulls

Photos

      

Web Link

www.tervuren.be

Description

Once a quiet town, it was thrust to the attention of the world following a single day's battle here is 1815. The outcome changed the face of Europe, signalling the defeat of Napoleon and eventually the formation of much of Europe as we know it today.

Charge

Getting There

Waterloo is about 12KM south west of Brussels, over the linguistic divide into Wallonia. TEC busses (Route W) runs from Gare du Midi to Waterloo, and then on the further 4KM to the actual battlefield
Latitude: 50.717384; Longitude: 4.396763
What3Words: cheat.hormones.handy

Photos

      

Web Link

www.waterloo1815.be

Description

The Blue route runs to the North out to the Atomium and the National Basilica. Multilingual commentary accomapnies the tour

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 50.846968; Longitude: 4.35669
What3Words: deals.smoothly.rotate

Photos

      

Web Link

www.city-sightseeing.com

Description

The red tour starts from the side of the Cathedral and heads out to the South East of the city taking in the Royal and European quarters. A pre-recorded commentary tells you about the key sights

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 50.847391; Longitude: 4.357591
What3Words: frowns.pony.swear

Photos

      

Web Link

www.city-sightseeing.com

Description

An impressive cathedral in the centre of the city. Very dark both inside and out, but with lots of colourful stained glass

Charge

Free

Getting There

Latitude: 50.643031; Longitude: 5.567182
What3Words: lawn.change.projects

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

The ruins of the Citadel now house a modern hospital, but from the outside of the walls you can get stunning views over the city

Charge

Free

Getting There

Latitude: 50.649979; Longitude: 5.577211
What3Words: dabble.became.anyway

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

373 steps rising steeply up to the Citadel, excellent exercise!

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 50.64809; Longitude: 5.577469
What3Words: amber.bubble.spilled

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

Chairlift that runs up from the amusement park at Coo into the hills above for stunning views of the area

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 50.394283; Longitude: 5.875481
What3Words: mottos.bumpy.mayor

Photos

      

Web Link

www.telecoo.be

Description

The real attraction in Coo is the impressive falls that cascade under the bridge that the town is built around

Charge

Free

Getting There

Latitude: 50.393479; Longitude: 5.876822
What3Words: repented.remedied.economy

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

The Cathedral is instantly noticeable with its massive fortress like front. Inside it's quite plane, and quite dark

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 50.848725; Longitude: 5.687367
What3Words: riding.owners.abolish

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

Hourly cruises down the Maas running from the city centre to the border with Belgium and back. You can break your cruise part way and go on a tour of the St Pietersberg caves

Charge

Charge, combined ticket with St Pietersberg cave tour available

Getting There

Latitude: 50.850418; Longitude: 5.694673
What3Words: pony.slicing.treat

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

The caves have been formed by the mining of the limestone since the Roman times. Today the total number of passageways total over 200Km. The tour of the caves is only in Dutch

Charge

Charge, Combined ticket with River cruise available

Getting There

The easiest way of reaching the caves is to go on the river cruise, alternatively they are about 2KM south west of the city centre
Latitude: 50.825837; Longitude: 5.694931
What3Words: scouts.leaps.escaping

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

Small town on the way to Luxembourg which has an impressive set of waterfalls and chair lift to view the surrounding countryside. Around the chairlift station an amusement park has been built up

Charge

Getting There

There are trains every other hour from Liège that take about 55 minutes. From the station walk up the access road and turn left, it's difficult not to hear the falls as you approach them! All other attractions are across the bridge
Latitude: 50.392693; Longitude: 5.876977
What3Words: portrayal.broadened.subgenre

Photos

      

Web Link

Description

Important town in the south of the Netherlands, home to one of Europe's most important treaties, and at the join of three countries (Aachen in Germany and Liège in Belgium are all within 25 minutes of the city)

Charge

Getting There

There are regular hourly trains from Liège to Maastricht that take about 30 minutes
Latitude: 50.844538; Longitude: 5.687485
What3Words: tiptoes.yell.hitters

Photos

      

Web Link

www.vvvmaastricht.nl

Description

The Belfry has played and important role in the life of the city since the 14th Century and continues to be one of the dominant sights on the city landscape. The tower now houses an exhibition on it's history and roll, as well as offering stunning views over the city centre. For those feeling lazy a lift goes from the first floor up to the viewing platform.

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 51.053624; Longitude: 3.724916
What3Words: outdoors.dreamer.pots

Photos

      

Web Link

www.belfortgent.be

Description

A proper castle with battlements and everything! Located towards the north of the city centre it has been used as a fortress, a prison, a court house and now a tourist attraction. You follow a signed walk that takes you around the whole of the building, through its many winding passages and hidden staircases. The views from the top of the castle over the city are worth the entrance fee themselves

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 51.057156; Longitude: 3.720676
What3Words: outlined.blurred.duke

Photos

      

Web Link

www.gravensteengent.be

Description

One of several companies offering tours through the waterways of Ghent. This company offers tours year round, including in covered boats, which in late December was a distinct advantage. A guide points out key sights as the boat glides, very slowly, round the centre of Ghent.

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 51.05533; Longitude: 3.720825
What3Words: pulp.reading.fishery

Photos

      

Web Link

rederijdegentenaer.be

Description

Originally a much larger building, today only half the building is still in use as a church. Inside the large widows make for a building flooded with light.

Charge

Free, Donation suggested

Getting There

Latitude: 51.05396; Longitude: 3.722887
What3Words: harmony.bunk.slider

Photos

      

Web Link

www.stniklaas.com

Description

At the time of visiting in 2013 the Cathedral was still in the process of being repaired (as it was when I took a day trip here from Antwerp in early 2006!). Inside there are the usual large number of side chapels, as well as an extensive crypt that houses some of the Cathedrals treasures. The main attraction is the painted alter piece which has long queues of people waiting to see it

Charge

Free, Donation suggested for the Cathedral. Charge to see the Altar Piece

Getting There

Latitude: 51.052965; Longitude: 3.727149
What3Words: magpie.finishing.scary

Photos

      

Web Link

www.sintbaafskathedraal.be

Description

The remains of a once mighty abbey, today a mixture of museum, conference centre and university teaching space. You take a guided tour around the site using a video guide that tells you more about each area.

Charge

Charge

Getting There

Latitude: 51.042399; Longitude: 3.727005
What3Words: maximum.pining.island

Photos

      

Web Link

www.sintpietersabdijgent.be