Guide To Travel Europe For Free During Heritage Days

September is a great time to travel Europe for free during the European Heritage Days. Celebrated across all European nations, this major cultural event offers rare access to historical sites usually closed to the public. With curated programmes, free guided tours, and exclusive insight into preservation work, it’s a unique travel experience worth planning for.

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What are The European Heritage Days?

The European Heritage Days have been a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Commission since 1999, building on a programme first launched in 1985. In each participating country, events are organised by local heritage organisations and volunteers, such as the German Foundation for Monument Protection in Germany. Today, the European Heritage Days have grown into the continent’s largest cultural event.

Held each September, the European Heritage Days are a highlight for cultural travellers and a valuable opportunity for travel content creators. Some countries organise their events around a specific theme, such as Brussels’ “New Heritage” in 2024, with site selections and activities reflecting that focus. Over several days, visitors can explore local heritage and deepen their connection to the cultural landmarks in their cities.

The European Heritage Days span multiple countries and don’t take place all on one weekend. Instead, countries take turns, so the event is spread throughout the month, with different countries participating on different weekends. As the event is popular, some activities require prior reservations, so it’s important to be organised, plan ahead and be quick to book early.

Prepare Your Visit to The European Heritage Days

Everyone, yes even my US readers, can join the European Heritage Days and travel Europe for free. Just make sure to book your tickets to the respective sites early, as they sell out fast and some tours have limited capacity. 

The best Heritage Days programmes happen in cities, where there’s a rich mix of historic sites, monuments, and local preservation institutions. Simply choose the cities you want to visit, then check the dates for their country’s turn during the month.

Top Tips to Travel Europe for Free During Heritage Days

• When planning your agenda, leave some room for spontaneous events. Tour guides are usually laid-back with solo travellers and often let individuals join even if the tour is fully booked.
• Sometimes online programmes aren’t easy to scroll through or search quickly e.g. Germany), so it’s best to ask local Tourism Boards for a physical copy of the programme.
• The programme has stayed mostly the same (at least in Germany), so if you missed the 2024 edition, you can prepare for 2025 by reviewing last year’s schedule and planning your visits accordingly.
• Free guided tours and cultural offerings are mostly held in the country’s native language, with English tours offered occasionally.

While taking part in the European Heritage Days is a fun and unique travel experience, there are some downsides. I’ve shared my own experience below to help you avoid disappointment and set your expectations right.

• When you’re onsite, try to start your day early. Walk-in and no booking required events are popular, so you might need to queue up well in advance.
• For some events, you need to secure tickets months in advance.
• Tour availability is limited. Often there are only two tours per site, each with small capacity.
• The programme can change at the last minute, which is common with EU projects. Sometimes organisers underestimate demand and label an event as “no ticket required,” but tours may only accommodate 12 people.
• Tours usually happen in the morning or early afternoon, which can clash if you want to visit other sites.
• In Germany, the event is often used to promote onsite donations, which are completely optional.

Travel Europe For Free: Germany

For the past two years, I’ve taken part in the European Heritage Days in Germany, known locally as “Tag des Offenen Denkmals.” It’s one of the best ways to travel Europe for free, with access to churches, workshops, and cultural sites that are usually closed to the public. Germany’s programme mainly features churches and youth workshops, though the event’s homepage can be tricky to navigate. If you spot an event or tour that interests you, click on “more information” for ticket instructions and contact details

European Heritage Days in Leipzig

Stadtbad – The former city bath is an exquisite example of late Art Nouveau and one of Europe’s finest lido complexes. Featuring separate pools for men and women, plus wellness offerings like a Finnish sauna and a lavish Turkish bath on the upper floor, the Stadtbad was modern and popular. A rare Undossa wave maker in the men’s pool was another highlight. Although currently under repair and only partially restored, some areas are used occasionally for events. Its beautiful tiles and stained glass add old-world charm. It was a surprising find for me, especially the lavish oriental sauna landscape and Turkish bath, which I haven’t seen elsewhere in Germany.   

This unique lido is supported by the Forderstiftung Stadtbad Leipzig and offers limited paid for tours outside of the European Heritage Days.

Auerbachs Keller – The basement of Auerbach’s, now a local restaurant, gained worldwide fame through Goethe’s Faustus, where it marks a key moment in the story. Auerbach’s has been a Leipzig institution for centuries. Originally a regular pub, it was preserved when local businessman Mädler built his lavish arcade by purchasing Auerbach’s, ensuring its survival for over 500 years. Known as the pub for merchants visiting the fair, there’s a local saying: “You haven’t been to Leipzig if you haven’t stayed at Auerbach’s.” Goethe himself spent more time here than studying. Since the Faustus legend was popular but lacked a specific setting, Goethe placed his novel in Auerbach’s Basement, cementing its fame worldwide.

The barrel and table from which the Devil drew wine are popular tourist highlights. The basement has several chambers, with the oldest part resembling the arched vault of St Thomas Church. The guided tour was insightful, and even as an ex-Leipziger, I learned a few new things.

Paul Möbius architecture tour – Leipzig is one of the few German cities that still has some Art Nouveau buildings intact, largely shaped by architect Paul Möbius. While I’m not a huge fan of his style, his influence on Leipzig’s cityscape especially in the Gohlis neighbourhood is undeniable. A two hour walking tour led by a Möbius expert started at the Möbius Centre which also hosts a new exhibition on his life and work. The exhibition flyer includes the walking tour route so you can explore it yourself when you visit Leipzig.

Fortuna Cinema –  In 1889, the industrial area gained a generator house built with clinker stone and colourful paintings by decorator Paul Edlich. Its Art Deco façade still features a statue of the goddess Fortuna above the entrance. The cinema originally held around 900 seats and was actively used and rebuilt several times until the 1980s but has stood vacant since. The building is in urgent need of restoration, with no functioning bathrooms onsite. The interior is reduced to the showroom, which retains a derelict imprint suggesting an earlier movie screen. A small exhibition highlights the cinema’s history, and visitors are allowed a glimpse inside the showroom.

Other monuments of interest you can visit during the Heritage Days include The Schiller House, where Schiller worked on Don Carlos and Ode to Joy, and The Battle of Nations Monument, Europe’s biggest memorial and commemorating Napoleon’s defeat in 1813.

READ MORE: FREE Leipzig City Guide For First Time Visitors

European Heritage Days in Berlin

Confession time: I know Vienna or Antwerp way better than my own home ground. So whenever there is a free travel experience you can bet, I’ll be there! I have been positively surprised by the new corners of Berlin which the Heritage Days allowed me to explore for free.

Stadtbad Prenzlauerberg – Public lidos were essential for hygiene in early 20th-century Germany, as most homes lacked functioning bathrooms. The lido in Prenzlauer Berg, one of the last preserved in the borough, opened in 1902 to provide private bath rooms and a public pool. It operated until 1986, when decay forced its closure. In 2011, a business family purchased and restored the site, now part of a boutique hotel and language school. Architecture enthusiasts can visit the lido on a free tour every first Tuesday of the month. Whilst it doesn’t have the exquisite extras of the Leipzig lido, the architecture is still fine. 

UNESCO Housing Estate Hufeisensiedlung – I took a free two-hour guided tour through the UNESCO-listed Hufeisensiedlung, recognised for its Berlin Bauhaus/New Objectivity estate architecture. Designed by Bruno Taut between 1925 and 1930, the estate was built during a time of severe housing shortage in Berlin. It required careful urban planning and today includes a complex of 2,000 units. Several housing estates form the architectural ensemble that was certified by UNESCO in 2008. Based on the concept of “light, air, and sun,” it features open spaces and public gardens. Its oldest resident has lived there since 1928. Preservation efforts aim to restore the ensemble to its original condition, but modern sustainability standards pose a challenge. Monumental care regulations limit the integration of modern technologies, which can make eco-friendly upgrades difficult and pose an ongoing challenge for preservation – an issue to watch!

Teufelsberg, Street Art Gallery – Entry to the site is free, but guided tours cost extra. The artificial hillside and former spy listening station is being transformed into Europe’s largest street art gallery. More than just a symbol of Berlin’s post-war architecture, it’s also a key meeting point of history and culture. Former office spaces now serve as open canvases, featuring works by renowned artists like Nina Valkhoff and Dan Kitchener. Today, the site is privately owned and classified as a museum, with a separate events space, exhibition, shop, and chill-out area with street food trucks. A spacious rooftop offers stellar views over Grunewald and West Berlin.

READ MORE: The Teufelsberg Graffiti Gallery might be Berlin’s latest Hot Spot

Other sites and monuments, which you can visit during the Tag des Offenen Denkmals are: PETRI (a new archeological site), the UNESCO housing estate White City or Siemens Stadt, Renaissance Theatre (art deco cinema), Topographie des Terrors, as well as an architectural tour around TV Tower and Nikolai Quarter. 

Final Insight: Germany’s Tag des Offenen Denkmals is not well-promoted, and its offerings often lack creativity and diversity. The atmosphere can feel bureaucratic and dry, with visitors frequently encouraged to donate towards monument preservation. Having visited Leipzig and Berlin, I’d say the experience varies greatly depending on which city you choose for the European Heritage Days.

Travel Europe For Free: The Netherlands

When I travelled Europe for free during Heritage Days, my experience in the Netherlands stood out compared to Germany. It started with the website for the Open Monumentendagen. It was well structured, offering a quick overview of events by city. Tours and activities included clear instructions on timings and how to join them. The programme was more versatile and interesting than Germany’s.

Unlike Germany, the event generated real excitement, with heavy promotion through banners and adverts. Visitors in Den Haag received freebies like coffee vouchers, and information stalls across both cities handed out physical programmes.

Unfortunately, the online programme was not always up to date. I picked up physical copies for Amsterdam and Den Haag on site but still missed some activities due to last minute changes and some requiring onsite registration which made it tricky if you aren’t local. Popular sites such as the Anne Frank House or Rijksmuseum did not participate.

European Heritage Days in Den Haag

Binnenhof – The administrative centre of The Netherlands, currently undergoing extensive reconstruction until 2028, offered a thorough insight into both the building works and historic rooms. The self-guided tour of the 13th-century former royal residence included the Ridderzaal, the Great Hall used for state banquets and official visits, as well as the modern sections housing the first and second chambers of the States General. Towards the end, visitors gained insights into excavations and discoveries made during the renovations. Free information material on the historic finds and brochures on the Binnenhof were also available to take away.

TOP TIP: Outside the Binnenhof, a free viewing platform is located on the opposite side of the Hofvijver pond.

Cabinet of the King – This event required no prior booking and was a true walk-in experience, though queues could get long. The king’s cabinet is located right by the Binnenhof in an exquisite stately home overlooking the Hofvijver. The lavish baroque interior from 1635 consists of two chambers used as the king’s cabinet since 1914. It was well attended on the day, and additional information was handed out free of charge.  

Royal Waiting Room at Den Haag HS – I had no expectations when I booked a ticket, but this turned out to be one of the most fascinating sites I discovered during the Open Monumentendagen. Part of a wider royal rail network, the waiting rooms for kings and queens across Europe are unique. The one in Den Haag is still in use and invites visitors to explore its living chambers, bathrooms, stately cabinets, and an impressive neo-Renaissance staircase portal. The visit even inspired me to track down a Dutch book on Royal Waiting Chambers, which I found and bought online at a bookstore in Zwolle. 

Other interesting sites in Den Haag included the Honey Gardens, the Art Nouveau cinema Pathe Buitenhof, and the Art Deco department store De Bijenkorf. Missing out on De Bijenkorf was frustrating because the official programme did not specify tour dates and times. Only when I was onsite did I find a registration QR code revealing two early morning tour slots, which I had already missed.

European Heritage Days in Amsterdam

Canal House Vasari – In the morning, I visited the canal house Vasari, renowned for its impressive painted ceilings and one of the rare houses with a water basement. This typical Dutch style house overlooking the Herengracht is home to the Vrije Academie, the country’s largest educational institute for art and culture. Part of the space is also used to showcase art, and during my visit, Mart Visser’s The Reset exhibition was on display, a blend of paintings and sculptures focused on his main subject, the human head.

UNESCO canal tour – I managed to join the first tour of the day at 11 am, which was already sold out. By lunchtime, the Open Monumentendagen’s Instagram warned visitors not to come to the jetty as all five tours were fully booked. This tour departed from the H’ART Museum near Waterlooplein and focused on the south side of the Grachten network. Canal tours start from various points and cover specific sections, so they don’t travel across the entire city. 

City Archive – I previously visited the archives in the impressive De Bazel building, where the treasure room and the exhibition on Amsterdam’s city development are generally free to visit. During the Open Monumentendagen, there was also the chance to walk through a secret foot tunnel across Keizersgracht. Unfortunately, this “turn just up” opportunity was another disappointment as it was completely overrun.

Central Market Hall – In use since 1934 and built in the Amsterdam School style, this huge complex still functions as an event space and food storage facility. The market hall processed all incoming food supplies for distribution to vendors, restaurants and supermarkets across the city. Several guided tours were available during the Heritage Days, alongside a pop-up urban street art exhibition, onsite artists and live music. The venue also hosts major events such as indoor sports games and matches throughout the year.

Final Insight: I really wanted to join an underground crime tour to Amsterdam’s catacombs, which was advertised on the online programme as a “just turn up and come along” activity with no tickets required. At 9:30am, more than 50 people had turned up, only to be told that the group would take 14. This was really frustrating and I sent an angry email to the organisers.

Overall, I preferred the Open Monumentendagen to Germany’s execution. The programme included a variety of exciting sites, from canal houses and stately homes to modern activities like festivals and free canal tours. As a non-local, the last minute changes to the programme were unfortunate. Younger generations and families took an active part and the general vibe was upbeat and friendly, with free promotions and plenty of information, something I found more authentic and less pushy than in Germany. Plus The Netherlands are a small country so I was able to visit Open Monumentendagen in two different cities.

READ MORE: FREE 3 Days In Amsterdam Itinerary For First Time Visitors

Travel Europe For Free: Austria

Even though the agenda never changes and the event is always held on the last weekend of September, the Tag des Denkmals remains hugely popular with locals and tourists. Quality sites such as the Postsparkasse, Hofburg and Secession can be visited for free. It’s certainly one of the most rewarding experiences when you travel Europe for free.

European Heritage Days in Vienna

In Vienna, the event is heavily promoted through modern advertising and marketed at the City Information at the Town Hall. During the Heritage Days, I was able to visit the following sites for free: 

French Embassy – This fine building at Schwarzenbergplatz, near the Ring boulevard, is one of the rare embassy buildings in Europe specifically designed and built for that purpose. It combines Viennese and French art nouveau styles, resulting in a palace-like complex with grand staircases, luxurious fittings, and bespoke décor and artwork. When it opened in 1909, locals criticised its ornate style for clashing with the traditional Habsburg preference for Baroque. Today, it remains one of Vienna’s most luxurious buildings, with a beautifully restored façade. During the European Heritage Days, I had the unique chance to visit inside and was delighted by the light, spacious rooms and the typically French abundance of floral ornamentation.

Secession – Vienna’s Kunsthalle for contemporary art was designed and founded by the Secession in 1897. Klimt, one of the movement’s founders, regularly showcased his works here. At first glance, a tour through its gallery may seem unspectacular but it continues to provide a platform for young emerging artists who challenge modernity and introduce fresh perspectives. In the basement, Klimt’s revolutionary Beethoven Frieze is permanently displayed. This monumental mural created in 1902 visually interprets Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony expressing themes of human suffering and redemption.

Ahnensaal – Located within the Bundesdenkmalamt, Austria’s preservation office in the Hofburg, this historic room is decorated with paintings and portraits of powerful Habsburg monarchs and rulers. It also includes the private rooms of Emperor Franz Ferdinand. During the Heritage Days, the room hosted an immensely interesting talk on the Habsburg Monarchy’s history, covering its origins in the idea of a united Europe and the legendary reigns of Maria Theresia, Franz Joseph and Sisi. Inspired by the engaging presentation, I purchased three books recommended by the speaker and can’t wait to dive in.

Prunksaal, Austrian National library – I ended the day with a free one hour guided tour of the lavish Baroque Prunksaal library. It is one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe and truly a treat. The library houses 200,000 books within a space measuring 80 metres in length and 20 metres in height. Four Venetian globes, frescoes and an elaborate ceiling make it outstanding. The library was designed with two entrances reflecting symbolic meanings. The eastern entrance, where the rising sun appears, was intended for the ruler, who was seen as appointed by God. The western entrance with darker tones was for the public. This east-west symbolism is also found in church architecture. The tour also covered the organisation of the books and the modern digitalisation of the collection. The Prunksaal is regularly open to visitors but it is always a special experience to come here and enjoy this unique space. Especially rewarding when you travel Europe for free, it would be rude not to go.

Did You Know? The Prunksaal can also be visited for free during Austria’s National Day, 26th October.

Final Insights: Other sites of interest were diverse parts of the Hofburg,such as the Sisi museum, the palace at Lainzer Tiergarten, Postsparkasse, and the atelier at Schönbrunn which allowed a rare tour and insight into preservational works and restorations.

Austria in particular offers an engaging and rewarding experience when you travel Europe for free. The sites open during the Heritage Days are world class. Many I had visited before and will visit again, as they remain fascinating and captivating. I also noticed how well informed the Viennese are, with a broad knowledge of their city. Sharp and intelligent questions followed every tour, showing a high level of engagement and interest. 

READ MORE: Best 15 Activities and Free Museums in Vienna

This contrasts with The Netherlands, where the Heritage Days felt more social and like a family or community festival, quite different from the traditional and rather formal tone of the German experience. Regardless, September 2024 was an exciting month of jetting off to a different country every weekend, immersing myself in local history, culture and preservation work.

If you’re looking to travel Europe for free while diving deep into its rich history and culture, the Heritage Days across different countries offer a unique chance to do just that — each with its own flavour and surprises.

Making of “Travel Europe For Free During Heritage Days”

• Travelled to several locations in Europe to take part in the European Heritage Days at my own expense
• Spent time researching onsite and selecting culturally interesting sites
• Researched onsite using brochures, programmes and local tour guides
• Processed information to provide a well-rounded overview and rewarding article for my readers

FAQs about “Travel Europe For Free During Heritage Days”

I understand this post is quite detailed and complex, and you may have a few quick questions about this unique and free travel experience. Feel free to consult any section for more information on your trip. If you have any questions or need assistance, please get in touch. 

How often are the European Heritage Days? 

The European Heritage Days take place every September. It is Europe’s biggest cultural event, celebrated across different weekends by various countries, as not all participate on the same weekend.

What is so special about this free travel opportunity?

It allows you to participate in Europe’s biggest cultural event and travel Europe for free. You can visit rare historical sites and join free guided tours to learn about their significance and preservation efforts. Ultimately, this experience offers local insights and creates a special bond with the destination, making you appreciate and care for it even more. Besides, the Heritage Days are a great way to discover lesser-known sites that carry just as much significance as their more famous counterparts.

Are the European Heritage Days really a FREE travel experience? 

Yes, indeed! All cultural events held during the European Heritage Days are free to join. This includes workshops, guided tours, talks, presentations and entry to the participating sites. Of course, transportation costs are on you but considering that many sites such as the world famous Hofburg in Vienna usually have hefty admission fees it is a worthwhile investment of your resources. Everyone is welcome and I hope my article encourages you to come to Europe and take part.

What other countries would you recommend to travel Europe for free during the Heritage Days?

I feel Belgium would be incredible. Cities like Brussels or Antwerp have a rich architectural heritage, especially with art nouveau and art deco buildings that regularly take part in the European Heritage Days. Paris is also high on my list for the same reasons. Utrecht is another contender with its beautiful UNESCO sites including the cathedral and tower.  

I could also see Prague or Brno being of interest, though I would need to do more research to understand the local offering and which sites are actually worth the visit.

I’ve looked into Spain, Sweden and Finland as well, but found their programmes rather low-key. The level of organisation and overall buzz seemed limited, and the available information was not always clear. This makes planning a trip there more of a risk.

Thanks so much for reading. If you’ve enjoyed my free guide and would like to support my blog & research, you can do so via Buy Me a Coffee.

Till next time,

Carolin

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