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Regensburg GermanyFrom its magnificent Gothic cathedral (below) and Romanesque and Baroque style buildings to its museums and boat trips on the Danube to its vibrant bars and cafes there is something here for everyone to enjoy. And the city is easily accessible from the rest of Bavaria. The autobahn runs directly from Munich and there are plenty of trains from both the Bavarian capital and Nurnberg.
The history of the city can be traced all the way back to 179AD when the Romans built a fort there and by the thirteenth century the city on the Danube was the richest and biggest in all of Southern Germany. The trade routes that followed the River Danube through the city meant the city continued to prosper and as wealthy merchants settled there it soon became a centre for the arts and culture. Unfortunately, and much to the chagrin of the residents, the city's charms failed to entice the House Of Wittelsbach despite building them a palace, and by the fourteenth century the duchy's ruling family had transferred much of the trade to Nurnburg and Augsburg. But, despite a decline in trade and influence, and possibly because of it, Regensburg maintained its character and pride if not its wealth. Since the 1960s though the city has undergone something of a renaissance with the building of a university and some high profile companies such as BMW and Toshiba establishing factories there. Added to that is the growing tourist trade that is attracted to the city by its unspoilt beauty and its status as a World Heritage site that was bestowed in 2006. As a final note Regensburg thankfully escaped the ravages of war that destroyed so much of Bavaria in the 1940s. In fact the only time that the city did suffer from conflict was when Napoleon tried but failed to level the city. Something that today's visitors, and of course the residents, will be most thankful for. The City Of Regensburg Germany Dominating the city is the massive Regensburg Cathedral, a truly awe inspiring Gothic building which soars over the rest of the city. Nearly 800 years in the making the cathedral was begun in the mid thirteenth century. Nestling the shadow of the cathedral is the Domschatzmuseum. This Cathedral Treasures Museum is housed in a bishops palace displays centuries old artefacts and is well worth a visit. As is the smaller Diozeanmuseum St Ulrich which is a 12th century building at the rear of the cathedral.
The bridge has a colourful history. The builder of the bridge had a bet with the architect of the cathedral on who would finish their building first. The builder of the bridge won and and his distraught opponent threw himself off the cathedrals Donkey Tower. The bridge builder was said to have made a pact with the Devil to help him win the bet. Around The City Of Regensburg Germany For those who like to combine history with food a visit to the Historische Wurstkuche should be high on their to do list. This amazing little kitchen / takeaway has been serving its famous pork sausages for hundreds of years and counted Mozart amongst its many devotees. Originally built as a canteen for the workers who were building the Steinere Bucke the kitchen does a roaring trade and the essence of touring Regensburg is sitting beside the Danube munching on a Regensburger Wurst. Highly recommended! The medieval centre of Regensburg is beautifully preserved and one of the highlights is the Altes Rathaus (below). Quite unassuming from the outside nevertheless the interior of the building is magnificent. The torture chamber is a personal favourite though the Imperial Hall appeals on altogether other level. The Imperial Diet (Government) of the Holy Roman Empire met in the Imperial Hall from 1663 to 1806 and modern day visitors can see the Emperors chair and the differently coloured benches for the princes and other members of the Diet.
Things To Do In Regensburg Germany Regensburg is a delightful place to just wander around with a maze of ally's and narrow streets to explore and lovely shops to potter around. Whilst strolling through the town the tourist will happen upon lots of terrific and traditional beer gardens. There are lots to choose from but don't miss the Bischofshof am Dom. This beer hall is in what used to be the bishops garden at the foot of the cathedral and is a great place to while away the time with jugs of Bavaria beer and tasty German food. There are also lots of quality restaurants and cafes to suit all budgets. Hemingway's American Bar is not a typical Bavarian bar and visitors from the States and Europe will either love it or hate it. My tip is to avoid it and go for the authentic Bavarian experience. Festivals In Regensburg Germany Bavarians love festivals and the biggest in Regensburg is the Altstadt festival. This spectacular is held every summer and features street theatre and music. Unsurprisingly there is also lots of food and drink available. Regensburg holds two annual beer festivals; Fruhjahrsdult and Herbstdult which both take place over two weeks; the former in May and the later in August & September. There is a lovely Christmas market and a craft fair which has a wonderful atmosphere and though not the best in Bavaria it is certainly worth a visit. Related Articles Regensburg Germany And The Rest Of Eastern Bavaria Tourist Attractions In Germany |
