BEST PLACES TO VISIT
Located within the state of Bavaria, the German town of Regensburg lies on the banks of the Danube River. On my river cruise through the region I visited for a day and loved the charming atmosphere of this medieval gem, full of authentic heritage sights which have been well-preserved through history, and the old town centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the city has remained intact and not been rebuilt.
The city is more laid back than the bigger German cities and is ideal for a day trip or short stay. I loved the blend of historic monuments, Bavarian culture and riverside beauty the city has to offer travellers.
A guided walking tour escorted us through some of the main landmarks and beautiful parts of the city, providing knowledgable insight along the way.
Regensburg History
Once a fortress of the Roman Empire called Castra Regina, the city was a strategic location of northern Europe’s frontier, an important trade route on the waterways.
It became the capital of the Kingdom of Bavaria in 530, and lasted 700 years. The city flourished as a centre for trade during the Middle Ages.
Regensburg held the Holy Roman Empire’s parliament meetings (DIET) with emperors and kings of Europe continually from 1663-1806, making it Europe’s first permanent parliament.
The visiting dignitaries brought wealth to the thriving city and it grew to be a diplomatic capital, until the Holy Roman Empire dissolved.
It wasn’t until 1871 that the German Empire was born.
Roman Ruins
I was fascinated to see ancient Roman walls still in existence, up to 10 metres in height. Our walking tour took us to the ancient wall of the Castra Regina northern gate, called Porta Praetoria, on the street Unter Den Schwibbögen, which was built in 179 AD. Castra Regina (meaning camp on the Regen) was the name of the Roman fort built here for 6,000 legionnaire soldiers.
The old limestone blocks visible have since been integrated into a white-washed building which was formerly a Bishop’s brewery in the 1600’s, and now it’s a hotel.
It is fascinating how the ancient site has been preserved, amongst the surrounding urban landscape and was only discovered in the 1800’s. Now it’s a main tourist attraction for history buffs and can be visited for free. More Roman walls still exist below ground, under present day buildings, which you can also tour.
Danube River And Old Stone Bridge
The Danube River has always connected the city with the rest of Europe and was paramount in building the city since medieval times, when merchants travelled the waterway trading.
The Old Stone Bridge, Steinern Brücke, is a medieval construct built in the 1100’s across the Danube River, connecting Regensburg to the district of Stadtamhof on the other side. It is said to be the oldest bridge in Germany, and was considered a miracle of medieval engineering, a model for other bridges such as the Prague Charles Bridge. These days the arches are too low to allow commercial watercraft to pass under.
Walking or biking the riverbank promenade and the Old Stone Bridge is a popular activity.
Taking a boat ride up the Danube is a fabulous way to sightsee.
Regensburg Cathedral
The most prominent monument, visible from everywhere in the city, is the main Cathedral, St Peter’s or Regensburger Dom. This major landmark established in 1520 is a Gothic church with tall twin towers and ornate exterior. The church is also renowned for its enormous stained glass window. An equestrian statue of King Ludwig I of Bavaria sits outside.
Open most days, but the tower stairs are closed indefinitely.
Entry is free.
St. Emmeram's Abbey And Palace Complex
St Emmeram’s Abbey and Palace Complex, also known as Schloss Thurn und Taxis, is a large estate comprising a former monastery, church, stables, and the Thurn And Taxis Palace consisting of more than 500 rooms, and belongs to the postal dynasty family of Thurn and Taxis who have lived here for 200 years.
Postal Dynasty
Thurn and Taxis was a noble family and princely house which dominated postal delivery in Europe from the late 15th to 18th centuries, fast and efficiently with tens of thousands of riders.
In the 19th century the Thurn And Taxis postal business was bought and taken over by the government of the Kingdom of Bavaria.
Old Monastery
Part of the payment to the family for purchase of the postal business was the ancient monastery complex and extensive land, which they developed into their palatial ancestral home.
Now it’s the residence of Prince Albert II, the 12th Prince of Thurn and Taxis.
The Abbey dates from the 12th century, with Gothic medieval cloisters. St. Emmeram’s Church, with its stunning Rococo interior, is named for St. Emmeram who was a bishop and patron saint of Regensburg.
St. Emmeram Palace / Thurn and Taxis Palace
In my opinion the highlight of the city is the palace complex. Inside this opulent palace we visited the magnificent state rooms which form the museum, and admired the grand marble staircase, impressive ballroom, lavishly decorated suites and sitting rooms. Most notable were the elegantly styled salons with meticulously colour coordinated decor – a blue room, a yellow room, a green room.
Unfortunately photography wasn’t permitted.
Only guided tours are allowed.
The whole complex covers 5 hectares, including gardens, offices, and the old stables which can be visited opposite the main palace.
The palace often hosts events in the courtyard, like concerts and markets.
Main Squares
There are numerous historic squares around the city. In these public spaces you’ll find architectural landmarks, shops, restaurants. They are the beating heart of the city and serve as open-air social arenas.
Rathausplatz – In the centre of the city with the medieval Old Town Hall and tower.
Emmeramsplatz – Here you’ll find the Government building, a contemporary landmark which replaced the Old Town Hall. Adjacent to this building is St Emmeram’s Abbey and Palace Complex.
Neupfarrplatz – Houses the Neupfarrkirche, New Parish Church, a 16th century church. Below is the Neupfarrplatz underground museum, which houses archaeological remains you can visit.
Domplatz – Named for the square of the main Cathedral, St Peter’s.
Bismarckplatz – Is the old Jewish quarter, with 2 large fountains and the local Theatre.
Haidplatz – A triangular plaza, with the old Neue Waag Weigh House, and Golden Cross House which was once a hotel for kings.
Old Town Streets
Regensburg’s Old Town consists of narrow cobblestoned lanes lined with well-preserved historic buildings. A stroll through the streets enables you to marvel at the beautiful medieval architecture on display, and the many towers which were built by wealthy families as part of their homes. Most of the buildings are shades of lovely pastel colours.
Old Town Hall
One of the most important historic buildings is the Gothic Old Town Hall, from 1245, which held parliament assemblies in the Imperial Room for the Holy Roman Empire (DIET) from 1663 to 1806, to discuss European policy.
Visit the Reichstag Museum here, where you can also see the old court, prison cells and torture chambers below. Access with a guided tour only.
Snazzy Tips For Regensburg Travel
- The closest major city is Nuremberg, 100km away.
- Use Interrail Germany Pass to travel the country by train.
- Ride the sightseeing train through the old town on the Bimmelbahn.
- Take a short Danube River boat ride.
- Visit Museum of Bavarian History, a modern landmark on the banks of the Danube.
- Free access to most museums first Sunday of the month.
- Book an exciting Day Trip from the city to visit nearby sights.
- For tourist information, go to Rathausplatz.
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One Comment
Regensburg looks like such a charming city to explore! I’d love to wander through the medieval Old Town, see the impressive St. Peter’s Cathedral, and walk across the historic Stone Bridge. The colorful buildings and narrow streets make it look like a perfect place to explore on foot.