Things to do in Wels

Zoo Schmiding / Museum - meeting of cultures

Aquapulco

STAR MOVIE Wels

Welldorado (Wels)

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is located in the foothills of the Alps in Bavaria, Germany, near the Austrian border and not far from the small town of Füssen. Built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a tribute to composer Wagner and inspired by the legend of the "Swan Knight" Lohengrin, construction began in 1869. Its fairy-tale appearance—white walls, blue domes, and scattered spires—served as the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. It is perennially regarded as Germany's tourism icon. The castle interior was originally planned to have over 200 rooms, but by the time of the king's death in 1886, only a dozen had been completed, each exquisitely crafted. The throne hall's dome is painted with a star-studded blue night sky, while the floor features mosaic patterns of flora and fauna, with a chandelier modeled after a Byzantine crown hanging high above. The Gothic double bed in the king's bedroom took over four years to carve by more than a dozen sculptors. The relatively large singers' hall in the castle, adorned with murals of "Lohengrin" and "Parsifal," was modeled after the Wartburg singers' hall and still hosts concerts every September. Swan motifs are nearly omnipresent, appearing in murals, door handles, and washstands. Interestingly, this medieval-inspired castle was already equipped with telephones, central heating, hot water, and automatic flushing toilets at the time, making it remarkably advanced for its era. To capture the classic postcard-perfect shot, head to Marienbrücke. This pedestrian bridge, suspended over the Pöllat Gorge, faces the southern facade of the castle and is not far from the bus drop-off point. It gets crowded in the afternoon, so an early visit is recommended. You can take the shuttle bus, a horse-drawn carriage, or hike up the mountain. The hiking route offers a bird's-eye view of the castle, and along the way, you can also see the yellow Hohenschwangau Castle, the old royal palace on the opposite hill. The castle's ending carries a touch of tragedy: Ludwig II built it with his private funds and loans, facing strong opposition from his ministers. On a late night in June 1886, he was arrested in his castle bedroom and mysteriously died days later by Lake Starnberg. Seven weeks later, the castle opened to the public. Today, visiting the interior requires following a guide, and photography is prohibited inside. Live guides provide commentary in English or German, while an audio guide is available for Chinese. Visitor guide To the castle There are three ways to reach the castle: taking the shuttle bus, riding a carriage, or going on foot. Most people choose to take the shuttle bus, then walk a short distance to Neuschwanstein Castle, where there is a viewing platform to overlook another castle—Hohenschwangau. You can also reach the castle by carriage, where you can enjoy picturesque scenery along the way, and the witty carriage driver will share legendary stories that happened here. After disembarking, it's just a short walk to the castle entrance. If you don't want to wait in line for the shuttle bus or prefer outdoor activities, you can also hike to Neuschwanstein Castle. Along the way, you can capture an aerial view of the castle, and there are relatively fewer travelers. Take a postcard-perfect photo of the castle Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) is located near the terminal stop of the uphill bus. This 100 m-high bridge spans between two cliffs, with its floor made of wooden planks that slightly bounce when stepped on. Here, you can capture the famous postcard-perfect shot of Neuschwanstein Castle. If you arrive early before your scheduled visit time, you can first head to Marienbrücke to photograph the beautiful view of Neuschwanstein Castle, as the bridge gets overcrowded after noon. Guided tour To visit the castle interior, you must follow the official guide. The guide provides services in English and German. You can also choose to use an audio guide (available in Chinese). After the visit, you can take a short break at the café inside the castle.

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Tropicana - die Cabrio-Therme

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Linz

New Cathedral

The church is a Gothic-style building and the second-largest Catholic church in Austria, located very close to Linz’s main square. The cathedral is situated in this quiet city, so it feels quite peaceful. The church is decorated with vibrant stained glass and is magnificent. Visitors can sit in the church to rest and feel a unique sense of peace.

Alter Schlachthof Wels

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Austria

Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Kunsthistorisches Museum was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph specifically to house the art collections accumulated by the Habsburg dynasty over the centuries. Designed by architects Gottfried Semper and Karl von Hasenauer, it officially opened in 1891. The museum building itself is a work of art, with its Renaissance-style facade, towering octagonal dome, and marble-decorated interiors complementing one another; the grand staircase leading to the upper floor features murals painted by Klimt and others, and the hall beneath the dome is equally worth pausing to admire. The collection is mainly divided into the Picture Gallery, the Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection, the Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities, the Coin Collection, and the Kunstkammer. The Picture Gallery is the highlight of the entire museum, with the paintings of Pieter Bruegel the Elder being particularly precious—the museum holds over ten of his oil paintings, including masterpieces such as "The Tower of Babel," "The Hunters in the Snow," and "The Peasant Wedding," a concentration of works rarely seen among museums worldwide. In addition, Raphael's "Madonna of the Meadow," Caravaggio's "The Crowning with Thorns," Vermeer's "The Art of Painting," Velázquez's portraits of the Spanish royal family, and Arcimboldo's "Four Seasons" series are all displayed here. The Kunstkammer houses the golden salt cellar crafted by Cellini, regarded as a representative masterpiece of Renaissance goldsmithing. The entire museum is worth spending the better part of a day savoring in detail, and ample time should be set aside especially for the Picture Gallery and the Bruegel room.