In certain parts of Europe, as you soak in the sights and marvel at the architecture, in the back of your mind, you are always thinking about how it might have looked before World War II. This is especially true in Germany. But much of the historic medieval city center of Regensburg was spared. As such, there is a remarkable wealth of things to see and do in Regensburg, Germany. It is one of the driving reasons to take a day trip to Regensburg, but not the only reason.
The town is full of history going back to the Romans. Today it is a university town with a young population that is said to have the largest concentration of bars in the country.
Brief History of Regensburg, Germany
Located in the eastern central region of Bavaria, Regensburg sits on the Danube River, where it is joined by the Naab and Regen Rivers.
The roots of the city go way back. Around the first century, it was the site of a Roman fort, and less than a hundred years later, a new Roman fort, Castra Regina, was built there. The remains of the East Tower of the fort’s gate, Porta Praetoria, are still standing today.
By the 10th century, Regensburg was continuing to grow. A bridge, known now simply as the Stone Bridge, was built over the Danube River. This opened up a new world of possibilities when it came to international trade. And it brought a lot of wealth to the town.
In 1245, Regensburg was named a Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire, meaning it was granted a certain level of autonomy. From 1663 to 1806, it was a permanent seat of the Holy Roman Empire’s Imperial Diet. And then finally in 1810, the town became a part of the Kingdom of Bavaria.
Today, the Regensburg Altstadt is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Things to See and Do in Regensburg
Regensburg, Germany is small enough that many of the most popular attractions and sites can be enjoyed in a day. But you will undoubtedly be unable to really see every part of the town so there will be a few things to save for a future trip. Part of the joy of exploring the city is wandering around and finding plaques noting the history that happened there.
In the Altstadt you can appreciate the historic beginnings of Regensburg by visiting the Porta Praetoria. The unassuming site is one of only two remaining Roman gates north of the Alps. The gate is built of limestone blocks and was completed in 179 AD as a fortification to protect the nearby territory of Germania.
The astronomer Johannes Kepler spent his final months in the town and the house where he died has been preserved as a museum.
When Regensburg was promoted to a Free Imperial City in 1245, the town gained a new town hall. The 13th century building is now known as the Old Town Hall and visitors can take a tour of the historic building. On display inside is the Fragstatt, an original medieval torture chamber in the basement as well as the Imperial Diet Museum.
Stone Bridge & the Danube River
The Danube River brings many, quite literally, to Regensburg as they arrive on cruises or ferry boats. For others, the river simply draws them in as one of the town’s many scenic viewpoints. It is perfectly framed by the majestic Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke) that joins Regensburg’s Altstadt with Stadtamhof, a small island that was once a medieval village and remains full of historic buildings and a bustling neighborhood atmosphere.
The 12th-century bridge was built to replace a nearby wooden bridge that was built by Charlemagne. Notably, and somewhat amazingly, for centuries, the Stone Bridge was the only bridge over the river between Ulm, Germany, and Vienna, Austria; and for nearly a millennium it was the town’s only bridge over the Danube. The Stone Bridge is comprised of sixteen arches and has been exclusively for pedestrian and bicycle traffic since 2008.
From the nearby Iron Footbridge (Eiserner Steg), you can get stunning views of the town and the Stone Bridge. It also offers easy access to a sidewalk along the Danube on the northern bank. From the sidewalk, you can stroll past local residences and spots to sit and hang out while still stealing views of the Altstadt. The sidewalks are a good way to get away from some of the crowds, too.
Regensburg Cathedral
Perhaps the most impressive of Regensburg’s sites are the churches. The town cathedral, St. Peter’s, is a Gothic building finished in 1520. It began construction in 1280 to replace another church destroyed by fire.
The church also reminds us of darker moments in history and the things we, as a society, still need to learn from and where we can do better. On the exterior of the church, facing what was then the Jewish quarter, is an obscene and offensive stonework called a Judensau, depicting Jews suckling on a pig. A nearby sign explains the historical context that serves as a lesson we can all learn from.
Museums
If you happen to see two men in Lederhosen walking across the Stone Bridge with three dachshunds, as I did during a visit to the town, then you will know that the Dackelmuseum, or Dachshund Museum, is nearby. The charming museum pays tribute to the dog breed beloved all over Bavaria, but most especially in Regensburg, it seems.
If your interests in Bavarian culture and history aren’t limited to those of the four-legged variety, the Haus der Bayerischen Geschichte, or House of Bavarian History, is for you. The museum’s permanent collection follows Bavaria’s timeline, from kingdom to one of Germany’s Federal States. There is also an ever-changing schedule of special exhibits.
Sites to See Near Regensburg
A day trip to Regensburg can easily be combined to check out some other nearby attractions. There is Walhalla, the remarkable and massive Parthenon-inspired neo-classical building that offers stunning views over the river and the surrounding valley.
Then there is Kelheim, a welcoming Bavarian town where you can walk to the Befreiungshalle or Liberation Hall, an impressive rotunda complex sitting atop a hill that was built to commemorate a win over Napoleon in the German campaign of 1813.
And, of course, not to be forgotten is Kloster Weltenburg. The Benedictine Abbey is located on the banks of the Danube River, just past the Danube Gorge. The spot is best experienced by arriving on the water to enjoy the scenic waterway. Anyone who knows anything about Bavaria won’t be surprised to hear that they brew beer at Kloster Weltenburg and claim to be the oldest monastic brewery in the world. There’s a charming Biergarten and restaurant.
If you do not have a car, there are several different ferries, including Schifffahr Klinger and Donauschifffahrt Wurm & Noé, that operate different cruises on the Danube from Regensburg providing transportation to and from some of these spots.
Restaurants in Regensburg
With the proximity to Kloster Weltenburg, you can take a cruise and visit the beer-brewing monks in person to sample some of their tasty beer and food. Or, you can simply visit the Weltenburger am Dom, located across the street from the town’s cathedral, St. Peter. The restaurant offers traditional Bavarian fare in a cozy tavern setting.
The Historische Wurstkuchl is not to be missed. The small building sits on the banks of the river in the shadow of the Stone Bridge. Said to be the oldest sausage kitchen in the world, they have table service as well as a to-go window where delicious sausage sandwiches are sold.
Getting There & Getting Around
Regensburg is conveniently located roughly halfway between Munich and Nuremberg. There are direct connections from Nuremberg and Munich to Regensburg by train. The train is an easy, typically stress-free option for getting in and out of the city, especially since regional trains are included if you have the Deutschland Ticket.
Alternatively, with the town located right along the Danube River, you can arrive by boat or river cruise.
Once you get to Regensburg, it is easy to get around on foot. The Altstadt is relatively compact and features many narrow alleyways and meandering streets that are best experienced on foot. There are some gentle hills, but nothing too steep around town.
Of course, if you want to get a lay of the land, there are tours available, including the Bimmelbahn tourist train.
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All photos, as well as opinions, are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
