Augsburg is easily accessible from Munich and one day is enough to see everything. Historic buildings coexist with modern structures in this 2000 year old small city along the state of Bavaria.
The Augsburg City Hall presents the typical Renaissance architecture. It is believed that this is the first established town hall in Germany, which at the time of completion was more than six floors.
During World War II, the Town Hall was seriously damaged, but was rebuilt in 1955 and again began to be used as the administrative center of Augsburg.
Perlach Building is a former watchtower built in the 11th century, as evidenced by the inscription on the base.
The tower has a height of about 70 meters and is located in the central square next to the Town Hall in Augsburg.
It is one of the symbols of the city. You can climb all the way to the observation deck at the top of the tower and see the entire city of Augsburg from a height of 70 meters.
Best time to visit Augsburg?
The autumn months of May to June and the summer months of July until August are the greatest months to appreciate the beauty of Augsburg.
You will experience the summer climate without feeling excessively hot and there aren’t the same numbers of vacationers as compared to the high season of September, October, (because of the beer festival-Oktoberfest) and December (for the Christmas Market).
However, avoid the month of November because of the rainy season. In November, the climate changes drastically. The days are a great deal shorter and aside from the constant rain, the weather becomes icy, stormy, dim, and foggy.
This kind of weather limits the chance to enjoy any outdoor activities and things to do in Augsburg.
Winter in December is also one of the exciting months to plan a tour because of the well known German Christmas markets and Christmas time itself, a chance to enjoy Glühwein (hot wine with flavors) and not to overlook, exploring the options to ski in the nearby mountains.
Best things to do in Augsburg
These are the top attractions and my favorite things to do in the city of Augsburg…
Cathedral of St. Maria (Dom St. Maria)
The Cathedral of St. Maria is a huge majestic cathedral. Inside you will find the oldest stained glass windows in Europe and admire the rich interior.
According to historical data this is where the first stained glass windows were delivered in Europe. The cathedral can be seen from the Town Hall and it is mandatory to see it regardless of religious denomination.
The church opens late, and although it is constantly visited by people because of the scale and significance, the solemn atmosphere allows you to forget about all earthly and transitory things and focus on prayer.
The first version of the St. Mary Cathedral started in the 8th century, although the first more or less complete version dates from the late 12th century.
After that, the cathedral was rebuilt and reconstructed several times and has undergone changes from the Gothic through the Baroque to neo-Gothic.
Many call it the smaller version of the Cologne Cathedral – in terms of the duration of construction and quality of its acoustics.
You will admire its grandeur and location on the inner ring of the Old City of Augsburg that serves like a gateway to the city.
My favorite stuff to do in Augsburg
Church of St. Ulrich and St. Afra
The Church of St. Ulrich and St. Afra is located along the main street of Augsburg. It looks spectacular even from afar.
It has impressive interiors aside from looking solemn and monumental. It is dedicated to St. Ulrich- the bishop and savior of the city from the devastation of Hungary in the 10th century and St. Afra, who was martyred for his faith.
It is also in this Lutheran church where they are buried.
This church embodies tolerance and the possibility of the peaceful coexistence of people of different faiths.
It is a place of worship for Catholic and Protestants (they even share the same building); it does not have anything but goodwill towards all sisters and brothers in Christ.
It is adjacent to the Basilica Evangelical Church of St. Ulrich. If you happen to be in Augsburg, be sure to visit.
Popular Augsburg tourist attractions
St. Anne’s Church
is one of the most interesting places in the city and a must-see destination for the faithful devotees.
Inside the building there is a lot that is worth seeing like; the collection of paintings, where there are paintings by Lucas Cranach the Elder, as well as some interesting chapels with old wall paintings. This church is also one of the major historical sites in the city.
It is here where the clergy was going “to disassemble” with Martin Luther, but warned him in time making him able to escape from the violence.
The Church of St. Anne’s Chapel is also the official tomb of the Fugger family. It is considered the oldest Renaissance sacred burial north of the Alps.
In this chapel rests Jakob Fugger – a merchant and banker from Augsburg. He was the richest man of his time as well as a well-known philanthropist and benefactor that the locals deeply admire and respect.
It is a Lutheran church located in the city center and very close to the Town Hall Square. During the Reformation, the church of St. Anne became the first Lutheran Church of Augsburg.
Among the paintings that adorn the church are several artworks done by Cranach, including a portrait of Martin Luther.
If you want to see all of his work, just go to the old chapel jewellers to admire the preserved frescoes on the walls.
Fun things to do in Augsburg
Fuggerei
is a very interesting place in Augsburg. It is located close to the center and you need about 1 hour to admire this instructive spectacle.
Fuggerei was built in the early 16th century and it is one of the world’s oldest social housing projects (more than 500 years old). It is a picturesque and atmospheric place and it is common to see authentic old houses with facades covered in ivy.
The Fugger Family Foundation (founding district) decides who can live in these houses and the selected residents pay a nominal rent. The adult entrance ticket costs 4 Euros and there are discounts for children, seniors, etc.
It may seem unimaginable, but this social housing in the settlement was built by Jacob Fugger in the sixteenth century.
In the museum you can see the apartment of past centuries and see how the current residents live and survive in the settlement.
Hans Fugger was a simple village weaver who moved from the neighborhood Graben in Augsburg in 1367.
Along with pursuing livelihood projects about handicrafts and fabrics, he laid the foundation for the family business. For several generations, the Fuggers has grown rich through trade, including with the United States.
Fuggerei is defined as a “city within a city”, it was built in 1514 and has undergone so many revisions in the period of 23 years. They originally built a 53-storey house, which can accommodate two families, with a separate entrance.
Each house has a small garden and a flower garden. The structures were similar, differing only on doorknobs and bells.
The town has its own church, a school and even a hospital. In the XVI century, only the poor citizen of Augsburg can live there or a Catholic with an untainted past.
Fuggerei is defined as a “city within a city”, it was built in 1514 and has undergone so many revisions in the period of 23 years.
They originally built a 53-storey house, which can accommodate two families, with a separate entrance. Each house has a small garden and a flower garden. The structures were similar, differing only on doorknobs and bells.
The town has its own church, a school and even a hospital. In the XVI century, only the poor citizen of Augsburg can live there or a Catholic with an untainted past.
Every year, residents paid one Rhine Guilder for accommodation and three times a day had to say a prayer for the brothers Fugger.
During the second world war, the city was partially destroyed in the bombing, but was restored again by the Fugger Foundation.
The town kept all its original features, and rehabilitated its utilities – water, electricity, and heating system.
Today, the settlement has around 200 people.
As before, the fund Fugger family decide who can live in these houses, but now, applications are accepted from all those in need – and certainly the Catholics living in Augsburg for at least two years.
The town is undoubtedly the most remarkable attraction in Augsburg for its amazing history; the social commitment and dedication of the family to serve their fellowmen.
What else to do in Augsburg?
Augsburg City Hall (Rathaus)
In the center of Augsburg is a beautiful place called the Augsburg City Hall (Rathaus). Pay the entrance fee of 3 Euros and you can tour inside and you will not regret it. Souvenirs and gifts with the symbols of the city can be bought at the entrance to the town hall, without buying a ticket.
The main and most interesting room of the Rathaus is the Golden Hall, which hosts the local receptions, ceremonies and other celebrations. The Golden Hall is located on the upper floors, you can climb the stairs or the elevator.
It looks enchanting and it is where the Nobel Peace Prize was given to Mikhail Gorbachev. The hall looks impressive, especially for those who love yellow.
The View Hall is mandatory and it is really a must see when in Augsburg because it focuses on the point of view of a tourist who see Augsburg for the first time.
At the entrance, you can take a special booklet (available in different languages), which contains basic information about the Town Hall.
The official date of its discovery is considered to be August 3, 1620, when the new town hall served as the first site for the elections to the City Council. The city has spent for the construction of 100 thousand gold florins – a huge sum in those days.
After the Second World War, it was badly damaged by bombing. The town hall was eventually restored – from the front first and gradually with the whole structure.
Before its 2000th anniversary, the city town hall was completely renovated according to historic documents. Today, the town hall is under the protection of the Hague Convention on the Conservation of cultural monuments of world importance.
It houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions, and the main room of the town hall – a magnificent golden hall, and to this day, it has become the center of social life of the city, a favorite place for special occasions – awards, receptions, concerts and festivals.
The Golden Hall and the lower hall are both open to the public daily.
Is Augsburg worth visiting?
Yes Augsburg is worth visiting, because it is such a beautiful city.
Especially if you visit:
Augsburger Puppentheater Museum
It is a place where you will return to your childhood and delight your own kids if you have one.
The history of the Augsburger Puppentheater Museum narrates that the dolls were found by chance in the street and were first used for home theater, and then to the yard, but later acquired such fame that it began to collect a lot of admirers.
The puppet museum will delight both young and old people.
The history of the Augsburg Puppenkiste is discussed there, and you will observe many puppets in various stagings (pirates, cowboys), and you will also find the famous characters like Aladdin or The Little Prince.
In the museum, there are also a few fun activities for kids and teens like; disguise, drawing with magnets, games, and reading books in tents.
If you want to see a show, you have to buy your ticket several months in advance to be assured of a seat.
What else to see in Augsburg?
Perlach Tower
The Perlach Tower allows the chance to see and admire Augsburg from above. From the 70 meter high tower you’ll have a beautiful view in all directions over the city.
However, it requires a steep climb of 270 steps. Pay attention when the bells ring; otherwise you’ll become deaf. It is worth the climb and the admission fee of 2 Euros is fair and affordable.
On top of the tower you can see the Perlach center and across the rooftops of the houses and buildings in Augsburg.
The stairs are very narrow and partially low in this 1000 year old tower. The view is magnificent and on a clear day, you can see as far as Italy and the Swiss Alps.
Popular places to visit in Augsburg
Augsburg Zoo
The Augsburg Zoo is a nice day trip for families with small children. This zoo has something homely and familiar, even if there are now fewer animals under its care.
There are great events, jungle activities for kids, and boasts some beautiful things and of course animals. Some enclosures are somehow empty and overgrown with grasses.
On the other hand, there is a lot of construction and a new aviary is now finished along with a new beaver and otter area.
Feeding the seals is absolutely worth seeing and truly entertaining. The zoo is easily accessible and you can observe everything within three hours.
The playground is the best option for the little ones after a tour of the animal enclosures.
Things to do in Augsburg with kids
Schaezlerpalais
It is a beautiful palace that now preserves a museum where you can see pictures of the old German masters of art.
The Schaezlerpalais was not damaged during the bombardment of the city in World War II and it has remained amazingly elegant, especially the ballroom that was built in the rococo style.
The palace houses the German Baroque Gallery, which shows the work of German artists from the XVII-XVIII centuries.
Attached to the palace is a former church, but is now serving as the Bavarian State Gallery, where there’s a magnificent portrait of Jakob Fugger and artwork exhibits done by Albrecht Dürer.
The palace talks about the artist lectures, several paintings by Hans Holbein works and his son, the works of Lucas Cranach the Elder, and one of its famous variants, “Samson and Delilah”.
It is a wonderful museum in Augsburg and highly recommended.
Things to do around Augsburg
Augustus Brunnen
The Augustus Brunnen fountain is situated on the August Town Hall Square and at the Town Hall tower Perlahtum and forms a single architectural ensemble. It looks very organic; and made of bronze and marble in the 16th century by the Dutch sculptor.
In general, it symbolizes the glory, wealth, and prosperity of the city. The monument fountain in the center of the city was created in honor of the founder of Augsburg – Roman Emperor Augustus.
The fountain was installed in the town hall square in the year marking the 1600th anniversary of the city.
At the top of the marble pedestal is where the 2.5-meter figure of the emperor Augustus is securely mounted.
The majestic posture symbolizes the ruler of an appeal to the army, which is seen from the position of its right hand that is outstretched in a special gesture.
At the foot of the pedestal stands the figure of the Greek god Triton – the patron saint of the marine element and assistant explorers in their journeys.
On the three sides of the marble pedestal there are affixed brass plates with the names of the great men who played an important role in the history of the city.
My vacation activities in Augsburg
Augsburg is a beautiful German city that is worth a visit. It is a small city that is rich in history. The atmosphere is conducive to strolling and walking tours and everywhere you go, there are nice cafes, restaurants, busy square, candy store, and souvenir shops with a cozy setting.
The city has a special charm. It is a fairly small city, but it is not too flashy.
When in Germany, and you need to see interesting historic sites, old religious structures, and panoramic views, visit Augsburg City.