Regensburg is a beautiful town located in the Upper Palatinate region of the Bavaria territory.
It is actually the oldest pedestrian street in all of Germany.
Regensburg is a small town that is also perfect for independent or solo visits and in order to see everything, it will be enough to spend one day.
The best time to come is in the middle of July; for the annual jazz festival.
It’s a very colorful festival where the central square gets lined with tables, wine, treats, and non- stop street partying where the ambiance creates a friendly and lively atmosphere.
The first tourist attraction that you need to check out is the Cathedral of St.
Peter, which is situated in the heart of this ancient fortress of the Roman Empire in Europe.
The monumental Cathedral built in Gothic style looks very inspiring with its nice outdoor and sculptural decoration filled with religious figures, statues, and reliefs.
The interior is decorated with antique stained glass windows and interesting murals.
Inside there is a treasure chest, which holds the relics of a medieval Christian.
This majestic cathedral can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.
It is located not far from the train station and along the way you can admire the beautiful houses, empty streets, narrow lanes, and other historic buildings of the city.
If you like magnificent architecture, Regensburg is definitely worth a visit.
Best time to Visit Regensburg
Regensburg City in Bavaria is known for its mainland atmosphere, which is for the most part exceptionally mellow and wonderful.
The summer season is never hot and the winters are never extremely cold.
This makes for a perfect spot to visit in Germany, where a few layers of clothing is enough to make you easily adjust to its continental climate and pleasant weather all year round.
There are various attractions all through the city, and as you’ll likely need to stroll around, the best time to visit is amid the late spring (May to June) and the summer season (July to August); this is the point at which the temperatures are warm with a lot of sun; however, it is never excessively hot.
There can be incidental days of high humidity yet these instances are very rare.
August is ordinarily a month filled with occasional chances of rain, yet for the most part this is credited to a couple of days of overwhelming precipitation.
If you feel that you will be inconvenienced by heavy downpour amid the summer season, avoid the month of August.
The season of fall (from the month of September to November) and winter (from the month of December to March) make up the cold season and relentless downpour for a considerable length of time.
The chances of snow are dim and winters can for the most part be very mellow.
However, if you look at the mountains, there’s a presence of snow that is visible from January to March.
The temperature seldom goes below the freezing temperature and the city that has a lovely German forest trail and mountains along with its various old style structures makes it a charming destination for all kinds of travellers.
Best Things to do in Regensburg
These are the important attractions and things to do in the city of Regensburg…
Cathedral of St Peter’s
The Cathedral of St.
Peter’s is amazing both outside and inside.
The stained glass windows are very bright and it is in almost every window of the cathedral.
This church also has nearly 100 images of St.
Peter scattered all around the walls and important corners.
The cathedral is striking for its size and appears like a giant surprise when strolling through the pedestrian streets of the city.
For lovers of Gothic and medieval culture of this wonderful city, a visit to this cathedral is mandatory.
It is a monument of architecture under the open sky.
The Cathedral was started in the early eighth century and from time to time it is built and finishing work remains a constant sight to preserve its antiquity.
The towers of the cathedral were built in the early 19th century.
Inside the cathedral is a beautiful altar.
Last year (2014), the parishioners and citizens bought and installed a large organ.
If you visit during a holy service, you can witness a live concert of organ music.
The nearby Cathedral Square is also not to be missed and you can sit in one of the many cafes that are located everywhere.
The cathedral is very majestic and monumental.
It is considered one of the seven best cathedrals in Germany.
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What else to do in Regensburg?
Alte Kapelle (Old Chapel)
The full name of the church is Basilika Unserer lieben Frau zur Alte Kapelle in German.
The exterior construction is no different from many other Catholic churches in Germany.
Inside there is organ music streaming flawlessly even if there is no holy service.
The sacred chapel was built in the Gothic and Romanesque style.
Through the centuries the interior design incorporated the elements of Baroque and Rococo architecture style.
The interior is unique and the Baroque and Rococo elements give the interior a pristine and royal look with the heavy use of white and gold.
The golden altar shimmers in the sun.
The basilica also has the miraculous icon of the Mother of God with the Child, according to the legend written by St.
Luke.
The Old Chapel or the Alte Kapelle is one of the important places of Christianity in Bavaria.
St. Emmeram Church
The St.
Emeram Church is a remarkable example of the Bavarian Baroque architecture in Regensburg.
The design of its interiors was conceptualized by the Azam brothers.
This church is preserved from the former Benedictine abbey that was founded in the VIII century.
It flourished in the Middle Ages and was completely rebuilt in the XVII-XVIII centuries.
This Baroque inspired church was closed during the secularization in the early XIX century.
It is not far from the main train station of Regensburg and the official residence of the Princes of Thurn and Taxis, which is adjacent to a small park.
Entrance to the cathedral is free.
The patio leading to the entrance is full of frames set in stone, as if it was a picture gallery.
The path leads up towards the black and gold theme of Asam’s masterpiece about German Baroque architecture.
My favorite Regensburg tourist attractions
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
The Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is an early Baroque pillar-less hall church in the old town of Regensburg, which was built from 1627 to 1631 according to plans by Hanns Carl.
It is one of the first Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Bavaria region.
The foundation stone of the Trinity Church (former name: Church of the Holy Trinity) was stated during the middle of the Thirty Years’ War on July 4, 1627.
The building was already established on December 5, 1631 shortly before the taking of Regensburg by the Swedes and the recovery of the city by an imperial army that it has completed.
The Nuremberg architect Hanns Carl established the Church as a pillar-less hall building with revolving wooden galleries.
In 2008-2013, the church was renovated inside and out for 3.5 million Euros.
If the weather is favorable at the belfry section, you have a wonderful view over the whole city and the surrounding area.
Admission fee is € 2 (as of July 2015).
Things to do around Regensburg
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Old Town (Regensburg)
The Old Town of Regensburg is gifted with so much history and differences in the form of architecture that can be seen from the high structures and religious cathedrals that surround it.
The city is not large and to walk around its historic center is not difficult.
You can choose to search for historical facts on the Internet or you can join a walking tour.
There are bus tours with guides that can easily be arranged from the hotel where you are billeted.
Regensburg and its Old Town is admired for its tranquillity and peace.
Everywhere is quiet and not crowded.
You can safely walk through the narrow streets and the ancient bridge and admire the surrounding antiquities.
Walking is highly recommended in any season and any weather here in Regensburg.
The city is a part of the world heritage site by UNESCO.
You’ll see quaint houses of different colors, narrow alleys, and everywhere there are shops selling ice cream, sausage, and beer.
It is full of bars, coffee shops and restaurants that serve typical German meals.
The city was fortunate that the bombing of the Second World War hardly affected its landscape and old buildings.
The Old Town was neatly preserved and not rebuilt unlike many other German cities that suffered heavy bombings during World War ll.
Do not forget to go over the edge of the Danube.
What to see in Regensburg?
Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall of Regensburg)
The Altes Rathaus building is well-known not only as an architectural monument, but also for the fact that it was here where the news about the end of the Roman Empire was announced, as well as the fact that it was also here where the regular meetings of the Reichstag was consistently held.
Not far from the town hall is a site called the “room mate”, which was once the site of torture but is now a museum of torture.
The area in front of the town hall is now full of places of recreation.
It is in the city hall where weddings and local events are usually held within its large and bright banquet hall.
In the heart of the city is the Old Town Hall of Regensburg , which is easily recognizable by its huge clock.
The area is always lively.
The building houses an information desk where you can purchase souvenirs and tickets for a tour of the Town Hall.
Regensburg must see places
Old Stone Bridge
In the old city center of Regensburg is where you will find the Old Stone Bridge .
It is more than 800 years old.
The bridge is very wide and always has a lot of tourists.
Taking a walk along the waterfront and wandering on it is definitely recommended.
It offers a great view of the cathedral and the Old Town.
The Old Stone Bridge leads to the old town and runs through the three channels of the Danube.
Next to it there is an excellent restaurant that serves Bavarian sausages according to ancient recipes and excellent beer.
In addition to hearing stories about the bridge; you’ll have a good view of the Danube that diverges into three separate streams while enjoying your meal.
The bridge was built during 1135 and considered as an integral part of the medieval center of Regensburg.
It’s nice to walk on this bridge while marvelling at how strong and durable it was built from many centuries ago.
Haidplatz Square
The Haidplatz Square is one of the beautiful and historic places in Regensburg.
It does not only consist of historic buildings, but there are many cafes and restaurants that can be found here.
In addition, it is on Haidplatz where local events and fairs are usually held.
Regensburg has many beautiful places and this is one of them.
In this busy square is where the weekly market takes place.
Anyone who wants to can see the old underground cemetery with a guide.
In winter, there’s the Christmas market and you will see and meet different nationalities on its pedestrian zone.
It is centrally located and a wonderful place to enjoy an early dinner in the summer nights or have a heavy breakfast in the morning.
The square is well paved and there are several restaurants and cafes to choose from with plenty of seating capacity.
The only downside is the frequent arrival of tourist bus coaches and private delivery vans.
The old buildings were from 1250 and almost all of the buildings here are renovated.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Places to visit near Regensburg
Besucherzentrum Regensburg
The Besucherzentrum Regensburg or the visitor center of the city is situated on the stone bridge in a former salt storage.
It is accessible on foot or by public transport and you can park in the parking garages or parking areas of the Old Town.
The exhibition provides information about the interactive story of Regensburg.
You can also get free city maps that are filled with information and can help you embark on the nearby attraction in Regensburg.
A visit to the center is free, but for a minimum entrance fee, you can climb the tower and view the entire Regensburg City.
Oskar Schindler House
The Oskar Schindler House is located near the cathedral in Watmarkt.
In the house, where he lived after the war temporarily, there is a memorial plaque placed in his honor.
Since it is located near the Cathedral and the street is very picturesque, it is worthwhile to pass there.
He is known worldwide as a hero of World War II, the one who saved many people from the Nazi Massacre and gave rise to the 1993 Steven Spielberg film “Schindler’s List”.
This is the first of the two houses in which Schindler lived in Regensburg.
One of the commemorative plaque reads; Oskar Schindler, who saved more than 1,200 Jews from certain death during the Nazi terror, from November 1945 to May 1950.
He lived in Regensburg, first at this place and then at the house in the High Street Number 25.
This house is located in a small street just opposite the cathedral.
There is lots of history in every corner, making this house truly worth a visit.
Fun things to do in Regensburg
Porta Praetoria
This building was built by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, about 2000 years ago as a strategic fort on the banks of the Danube.
Part of the ancient wall is still visible today.
Also, there is a sign indicating the exact date of the building’s construction.
Regensburg was founded by the Romans and Porta Praetoria is part of the legend and the gateway through which the ancient Roman era was held in the city.
These are the remnants of a gate built by the Romans when they occupied the region.
A newer building was built on these remains.
It’s an interesting point to be known in the city of Regensburg.
Regensburg is one of the most visited and highly developed cities in Germany.
The town is small and the places to see are grouped in a fairly limited space, but a visit is a required activity when in Regensburg.
Certainly, the Dom of St.
Peter makes a good impression as well as the other Gothic and Baroque church around the central part of the city.
The city can be explored in one day and this includes a visit to the medieval quarter where you can witness the remains of the Porta Pretoria (at the building of Castra Director Roman, which was built by Marcus Aurelius).
You can also explore; The Rathaus Platz, Bismarkplatz and various streets around, buildings with rich decoration in memory of the commercial power of this city, and other significant monuments of the city.
Transportation is not a problem because everything around here is easily accessible.
The buildings that are typical with their finishes and their architectural designs that were well restored in the Middle Ages makes it nice to wander through the city aimlessly.
Regensburg is truly worth seeing and you will be amazed by its rich history and religious importance to Germany.
