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Regensburg
If you think a medieval town shaped by 2,000 years of history might be slightly on the quiet side you'd be greatly mistaken: Regensburg is full of life and full of surprises. The word 'magical' does not even come close to describing the town's magnificent squares and architecture, as well as its art...
Country: Germany
Regensburg is situated in eastern Bavaria, on the northernmost point of the Danube, some 100 kilometres from Nuremberg. With a population of around 130,000, it is the fourth-largest city in Bavaria.
Few other places in central Europe can offer perspectives of more than 2,000 years of history whichever way you look. Regensburg has over 1,500 listed buildings; of these, 984 form the 'Old Town with Stadtamhof' ensemble, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006.
City Highlights
The Stone Bridge, the salt storehouse (Salzstadel), the Reichstag Museum in the Old Town Hall, Thurn & Taxis Palace, the Walhalla memorial, the medieval patrician towers and the Trinity Church are among Regensburg's most significant architectural monuments – yet they represent just a fraction of the city's fantastic sightseeing opportunities. Clearly visible from afar, St. Peter's Cathedral is Regensburg's most famous religious landmark and a sublime example of the Gothic style in Bavaria. Its current form took shape between 1260 and 1520. On a tour of the cathedral, visitors are struck by the many treasures and, in particular, the five Gothic altars, as well as the breathtaking windows dating from between 1220 and 1370. Just as diverse as the sights in Regensburg's old quarter is the city's cultural scene, combining traditional and modern elements with influences from around the globe. With countless plays, dance shows, concerts, festivals and exhibitions, there is sure to be something for everyone – whether it's in a trendy modern venue, somewhere steeped in history or on one of the many picture-perfect squares that are bursting with atmosphere.
A whole host of shops, both big and small, offer a wide array of products. Whether you prefer international specialities or handmade local crafts, the beautiful pedestrian precinct in the old town is the perfect place to shop 'til you drop. On Untere Bachgasse in the city centre you'll find the Händlmaier mustard manufactory, famed for Luise Händlmaier's sweet Bavarian mustard. Any number of restaurants, bars and clubs tucked in among the narrow lanes and alleyways are ideal for evenings out. Regensburg stands up well against any major city, and not just because it has one of the highest concentrations of pubs in Germany.
No trip to Regensburg would be complete without a visit to the historical Wurstkuchl – a bar like no other. For over half a century people have been coming here, to the world's oldest bratwurst kitchen, to enjoy generous portions of würstl sausages cooked over an open charcoal fire, served with sauerkraut and washed down with a freshly poured glass of cold beer – this is Bavaria, after all!
Opening times: daily 8am-7pm
Must-sees of a less culinary nature include St. Ulrich Church with its Diocesan Museum, Haidplatz square, Bismarckplatz square, the Document museums (Neupfarrplatz square, Niedermünster and the Snuff Factory), Rathausplatz square and Porta Praetoria. The cathedral is also home to the Regensburger Domspatzen – arguably the world's most famous boys' choir.
Regensburg: drink in the culture.
This UNESCO World Heritage town boasts 2,000 years of history, a vast array of architectural monuments and Germany's highest concentration of bars. And then there's the wealth of museums and galleries. The History Museum presents art and culture from the Stone Age through to the 19th century, with a focus on prehistory, early history, Roman times, medieval Regensburg, religious art and 16th to 19th century arts and crafts. Kunstforum Ostdeutsche Galerie is another of East Bavaria's outstanding art museums. It preserves the artistic heritage of the former German settlements in Eastern Europe with a collection featuring internationally admired artists such as Corinth, Kollwitz, Polke and Sieverding. Some would argue that Regensburg is also known for another art form: the bratwurst. They certainly think so at Wurstkuchl, the world's oldest bratwurst eatery.
Did you know that in 1594 Regensburg town hall became the sole venue for Imperial Diets of the Holy Roman Empire? After 1663 the diet was made a permanent body, assembling as the Perpetual Diet of Regensburg until 1806.
Contact:Stadt Regensburg
Altes Rathaus
Rathausplatz 1
93047 Regensburg
Tel.: +49 (0)941 507 4102
Website: www.regensburg/tourismus.de
Email: pressestelle@regensburg.de, tourismus@regensburg.de
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