Regensburg

Germany

Regensburg Cathedral Regensburg is one of Germany's oldest towns, founded by the Romans in 179 AD. It's in the German federal state of Bavaria, at the northernmost point of the river Danube. As capital of the district of Upper Palatinate and also its biggest settlement, Regensburg today is a thriving city of about 137,000 inhabitants. It has two universities and many landmarks and little chapels, most dating back to the Middle Ages (e.g. the Cathedral of St. Peter, the Old City Hall and Imperial Diet, and the Stone Bridge). According to legend there are so many chapels here, that there would always be at least one church bell ringing. Since 2006 the historic city center of Regensburg and Stadtamhof has been a UNESCO World Heritage site. Because of its narrow alleys Regensburg is often called the northernmost city of Italy.

The earliest settlements in the area date back as far as 5000 BC and the first Celtic settlement, called Ratisbona, was in the city's present-day vicinity since the first millenium BC.

The official history starts in 179 AD, when the Romans built the fortress Castra Regina at the northernmost bend of the river Danube. For the following 200 years the fortress served as the Romans main military base in the province of Raetia. After the Romans left the area during the Barbarian Invasions, the town became a civil settlement.

From about 500 Regensburg was the seat of the Bavarian dukes and was therefore referred to as the first Bavarian "capital". In 739, the bishopric of Regensburg was founded by St. Boniface, making it one of the oldest on German soil.

Regensburg grew to strength and prosperity during the Middle Ages. In the 9th century Regensburg was one of the most important cities in the Kingdom of the East Franks. Through the long-distance trade to Paris, Kiev and Venice Regensburg experienced an economic boom in the 12th and 13th century and was one of the most populous and prosperous cities. A sign of the prosperity of the time is the construction of the Stone Bridge (c. 1135-1146). In 1245, Emperor Frederick II raised Regensburg to the Free Imperial City, and remained so until 1803.

The constructions of the cathedral started in 1273, and the building continued for nearly 600 years until 1872 when the structure was complete. Both the Stone Bridge and the Regenburg Cathedral have survived unchanged and are the city's main sights today.

When the Empire dissolved during the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon forced Regensburg to agree to become a part of the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1810, which ended to the city's political importance. This decline in importance in the 19th century, meant that industrialisation and modernisation of that time had a limited effect on the city, and many building prior to this period were preserved.

Regensburg economically regained some strength because of its role as a river port for crude oil imports from Eastern Europe. Although Regensburg was target to 20 allied bombings during World War II, because it was home to one of Messerschmitt's main aircraft factories as well as an oil refinery, the historic city center took only little damage. There were two sub-camps of the Flossenbürg concentration camp located in the vicinity of the town for a brief period of time in early 1945. In 1960 the university was founded and several large companies like Siemens, BMW, Infineon, and Toshiba built factories in the city. In 2006 Regensburg's historic city center was appointed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Regensburg was also home to the German Pope - Joseph Ratzinger. He spent a long time in Regensburg and from 1969 on he taught theology at Regensburg University.

As one of the few cities in Germany that remained mostly undamaged during World War II, Regensburg boasts the largest preserved medieval city centre in Germany. It contains the highlights of the city: the Regensburg Cathedral and the Stone Bridge. The city is sometimes called "the northernmost city of Italy" due to the lively places and streets with lovely outdoor cafes during summer, as well as the large number of Italian-style medieval merchant houses and towers. The historic centre lies next to the river Danube (German: Donau), and crossing the medieval stone bridge into the town provides a perfect entrance to the city and a great view over the whole historic city centre.

Regensburg Cathedral Regensburg has many churches, chapels and former monasteries. According to legend there are so many of them, that there would always be at least one of them with bells ringing.

  • Minor basilica Unserer lieben Frau zur Alten Kapelle, Schwarze-Bären-Straße 7, +49 941 57973. The church was first mentioned in 875. It was renovated several times and nowadays the interior is a great example of Rococo architecture. Especially the altar is of outstanding beauty.
  • Neupfarrkirche, Neupfarrplatz 5, +49 941 5920112. Neupfarrkirche is a Protestant church at the central square of Regensburg. The first structures were built in 1519, shortly after the Jewish population, who lived in the neighbourhood, was illegally chased out of the city during a power vacuum caused by the death of emperor Maximilian I.
  • Regensburg Cathedral, Domplatz 1, +49 941 5971660. Apr-May & Oct 06:30-18:00, Jun-Sep 06:30-19:00, Nov-Mar 06:30-17:00. The Cathedral of St. Peter is the seat of the Catholic diocese of Regensburg and the prime example of Gothic architecture in Bavaria. Construction commenced in 1273 and the church was finished in 1872, after more than 600 years of work. The cathedral is open for visitors outside mass. Tours are available for individuals as well as groups. free.

* Regensburg Domspatzen. A highlight of a visit to the cathedral is a concert or rehearsal of the world famous boys' choir Domspatzen who perform during the Sunday mass - except in the summer season.
  • Scots Monastery, Jakobstraße 3, +49 941 29830. Daily 08:00-18:00. Founded around the year 1070 by Hiberno-Scottish missionaries, the church was in the hands of Irish and Scottish monks most of its history. The most famous architectural element of the structure is the dark north portal with its enigmatic composition of ornamental and figural sculptures. Contrary to the dark outside, the interior is very bright and friendly. free.

Minor basilica Unserer lieben Frau zur Alten Kapelle, Schwarze-Bären-Straße 7, +49 941 57973. The church was first mentioned in 875. It was renovated several times and nowadays the interior is a great example of Rococo architecture. Especially the altar is of outstanding beauty.

Neupfarrkirche, Neupfarrplatz 5, +49 941 5920112. Neupfarrkirche is a Protestant church at the central square of Regensburg. The first structures were built in 1519, shortly after the Jewish population, who lived in the neighbourhood, was illegally chased out of the city during a power vacuum caused by the death of emperor Maximilian I.

Regensburg Cathedral, Domplatz 1, +49 941 5971660. Apr-May & Oct 06:30-18:00, Jun-Sep 06:30-19:00, Nov-Mar 06:30-17:00. The Cathedral of St. Peter is the seat of the Catholic diocese of Regensburg and the prime example of Gothic architecture in Bavaria. Construction commenced in 1273 and the church was finished in 1872, after more than 600 years of work. The cathedral is open for visitors outside mass. Tours are available for individuals as well as groups. free.

Scots Monastery, Jakobstraße 3, +49 941 29830. Daily 08:00-18:00. Founded around the year 1070 by Hiberno-Scottish missionaries, the church was in the hands of Irish and Scottish monks most of its history. The most famous architectural element of the structure is the dark north portal with its enigmatic composition of ornamental and figural sculptures. Contrary to the dark outside, the interior is very bright and friendly. free.

  • Historic Sausage Kitchen, Thundorferstraße 3, +49 941 466210. Daily 08:00-19:00. This tavern by the Danube was the first sausage kitchen in the world and already served the construction workers of the Stone Bridge and the Cathedral in the 12th century. That allegedly makes it the first fast food joint ever. It is still a restaurant specializing in all kinds of sausage dishes and a definite must-see for every Regensburg visitor.
  • Palace St. Emmeram, Emmeramsplatz 5, +49 941 50480. Tours: Daily 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30. St. Emmeram is a palace of the Princely House of Thurn and Taxis, a former key player in postal services in Europe. The palace can only be visited as part of a tour, as the owners still live here. The treasure chamber and royal stables can be visited daily 11:00-17:00 for €4.50 without booking a tour. Adults €13.50, Concessions €11.
  • Porta Praetoria, Unter den Schwibbögen. The Porta Praetoria is claimed as Germany's most ancient stone building (although the Drususstein tower in Mainz can be certainly dated to 9 BC). It is dating back to 179 AD and was the northern gateway of the Roman settlement and military camp Castra Regina.
  • Stone Bridge, Steinerne Brücke. The Stone Bridge is Regensburg's most important landmark, besides Regensburg Cathedral, and a masterpiece of medieval architecture. It was built 1135-1146 and today is a pedestrian bridge that connects the city center with Stadtamhof.

Historic Sausage Kitchen, Thundorferstraße 3, +49 941 466210. Daily 08:00-19:00. This tavern by the Danube was the first sausage kitchen in the world and already served the construction workers of the Stone Bridge and the Cathedral in the 12th century. That allegedly makes it the first fast food joint ever. It is still a restaurant specializing in all kinds of sausage dishes and a definite must-see for every Regensburg visitor.

Palace St. Emmeram, Emmeramsplatz 5, +49 941 50480. Tours: Daily 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30. St. Emmeram is a palace of the Princely House of Thurn and Taxis, a former key player in postal services in Europe. The palace can only be visited as part of a tour, as the owners still live here. The treasure chamber and royal stables can be visited daily 11:00-17:00 for €4.50 without booking a tour. Adults €13.50, Concessions €11.

Porta Praetoria, Unter den Schwibbögen. The Porta Praetoria is claimed as Germany's most ancient stone building (although the Drususstein tower in [[Mainz]] can be certainly dated to 9 BC). It is dating back to 179 AD and was the northern gateway of the Roman settlement and military camp Castra Regina.

Stone Bridge, Steinerne Brücke. The Stone Bridge is Regensburg's most important landmark, besides Regensburg Cathedral, and a masterpiece of medieval architecture. It was built 1135-1146 and today is a pedestrian bridge that connects the city center with Stadtamhof.

  • Old Town Hall and Museum of the Imperial Perpetual Diet, Rathausplatz 1, +49 941 5073440. Tours: Nov-Dec & Mar 14:00, Apr-Oct 15:00. Regensburg was the seat of the Perpetual Diet of the Holy Roman Empire 1663-1806. The museum, which is located in the Old Town Hall, focuses around the Holy Roman Empire and its influence on German and European history. €40 + (per person) €4.
  • Walhalla memorial, Walhallastraße 48, Donaustauf (Apr-Oct by ferry (close to the Stone Bridge), +49 9403 961680. Apr-Sep 09:00-17:45, Oct 09:00-16:45, Nov-Mar 10:00-11:45 & 13:00-15:45. The Walhalla is a hall of fame that honours laudable and distinguished people, and famous personalities in German history – politicians, sovereigns, scientists and artists. The neo-classical structure was built 1830-1842 and is considered to be the most important building commissioned by King Ludwig I. It is located outside the city of Regensburg on a hill next to the Danube. The most scenic way to get there is by ferry, which docks close to the Stone Bridge. Alternatively you can take the local bus route 5 to the "Walhallastraße" stop in Donaustauf. Both routes require you to climb about 358 steps on the most direct route up the hill. Adults €4, Concessions €3.

Old Town Hall and Museum of the Imperial Perpetual Diet, Rathausplatz 1, +49 941 5073440. Tours: Nov-Dec & Mar 14:00, Apr-Oct 15:00. Regensburg was the seat of the Perpetual Diet of the Holy Roman Empire 1663-1806. The museum, which is located in the Old Town Hall, focuses around the Holy Roman Empire and its influence on German and European history. €40 + (per person) €4.

Walhalla memorial, Walhallastraße 48, Donaustauf (Apr-Oct by ferry (close to the Stone Bridge), +49 9403 961680. Apr-Sep 09:00-17:45, Oct 09:00-16:45, Nov-Mar 10:00-11:45 & 13:00-15:45. The Walhalla is a hall of fame that honours laudable and distinguished people, and famous personalities in German history – politicians, sovereigns, scientists and artists. The neo-classical structure was built 1830-1842 and is considered to be the most important building commissioned by King Ludwig I. It is located outside the city of Regensburg on a hill next to the Danube. The most scenic way to get there is by ferry, which docks close to the Stone Bridge. Alternatively you can take the local bus route 5 to the "Walhallastraße" stop in Donaustauf. Both routes require you to climb about 358 steps on the most direct route up the hill. Adults €4, Concessions €3.

  • Visit a mass in the cathedral on Sunday morning when the world-famous boys' choir "Domspatzen" is singing.
  • Visit the theatre
  • Visit the Dult when it's May or September! It's like a small "Wiesn" for Regensburg.
  • The Bürgerfest is taking place in Stadtamhof every 2 years (2013, 2015,...)
  • Every year in December the Christmas Market is at the Neupfarrplatz.
  • Domspatzen boys' choir, Domplatz 1, +49 941 79620. During Sunday mass. Visit a mass in the Cathedral on Sunday mornings when the world-famous boys' choir Domspatzen is singing. Free.

Visit a mass in the cathedral on Sunday morning when the world-famous boys' choir "Domspatzen" is singing.

Visit the theatre

Visit the Dult when it's May or September! It's like a small "Wiesn" for Regensburg.

The Bürgerfest is taking place in Stadtamhof every 2 years (2013, 2015,...)

Every year in December the Christmas Market is at the Neupfarrplatz.

Domspatzen boys' choir, Domplatz 1, +49 941 79620. During Sunday mass. Visit a mass in the Cathedral on Sunday mornings when the world-famous boys' choir Domspatzen is singing. Free.

Regensburg made its fortune trading in salt, however it is unlikely that you will be taking this home as a souvenir. Regensburg has many centuries worth of old breweries, so perhaps some local beer, or perhaps a litre Stein (glass) would be a good purchase. Try some "Händlmaier's Senf", the typical sweet mustard that is usually served with white sausages.

There are several shopping malls in Regensburg:

  • Regensburg Arcaden. Handy if you have some time to kill at the station, and has many food shops.
  • Donaueinkaufszentrum (DEZ). Very big shopping mall, you can find almost everything in it
  • The Alex Center
  • The KÖWE Center

Regensburg Arcaden. Handy if you have some time to kill at the station, and has many food shops.

Donaueinkaufszentrum (DEZ). Very big shopping mall, you can find almost everything in it

The Alex Center

The KÖWE Center

Regensburg has a superb variety of places to eat, from snacks, to traditional brewery fare, past international cuisine to high-class restaurants. There is sure to be something to please every taste. One famous place is the "Wurstkuchl", just at the Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge), founded over 900 years ago and presumably the oldest fast food restaurant in the world. There is a small beer garden right at the river bank where you can enjoy the sausage specialties served by waiters in medieval dress. For Bavarian specialties, try the "Kneitinger" on Arnulfsplatz.

Regensburgs main drink is, just as usual for Bavarian cities, surely beer. The city boasts three functioning breweries and two brew pubs, producing a variety of beer styles, from lighter Pils to heavy Dunkels; Weißbier (wheat beer) is also locally made. A typical pub to visit would be the "Kneitinger" at the Arnulfsplatz 3. Also the beer gardens near the Danube "Alte Linde" and "Spital Garten", both reachable from the Stone Bridge, offer a perfect way to taste Regensburg-brewed beer. The Bischofshof beer can be tasted next to the cathedral in the court of the "Bischofshof", where the brewery used to be.

In the inner city there are over 350 bars, cafés, clubs and discos. The most famous ones, especially for young people studying here, are:

  • The Suite 15: St.-Peters-Weg
  • The Gloria: Simadergasse
  • The Scala: Pustetpassage, Gesandtenstraße
  • The Zap: Rote-Stern-Gasse
  • Gasthaus Kneitinger The beer from the Thurn und Taxis brand is primarily no longer brewed in Regensburg, but an exception is the Thurn und Taxis brew pub "Fürstliches Brauhaus" in the Waffnergasse 6.

The Suite 15: St.-Peters-Weg

The Gloria: Simadergasse

The Scala: Pustetpassage, Gesandtenstraße

The Zap: Rote-Stern-Gasse

Regensburg is, like many Bavarian cities, a very safe place. The biggest threat to your health is the local beer drinking culture in combination with the easy availability of alcohol - be careful, when you try to keep up with the locals in the art of drinking.

  • Runway Internet Café, Luitpoldstraße 2 (close to Albertstraße bus station, +49 941 584080000. Daily 09:00-01:00. The internet café has modern equipment. The software installations of the workstations include everything you might need for travel purposes, like Skype or Open Office. €1/h.

Runway Internet Café, Luitpoldstraße 2 (close to Albertstraße bus station, +49 941 584080000. Daily 09:00-01:00. The internet café has modern equipment. The software installations of the workstations include everything you might need for travel purposes, like Skype or Open Office. €1/h.

  • Cham is a town in Upper Palatinate, 60 min away by train form Regensburg to the north-east, close to the Czech border.
  • Landshut, the capital of Lower Bavaria, is a short 40 min away by train to the south. The city's main attractions are the quadrennial Landshut Wedding, which takes place in the well preserved medieval city center, and St. Martin's Church, the highest church in Bavaria.
  • Munich is the capital of Bavaria and its only city of over a 1,000,000. It is best known for the annual Oktoberfest, but is foremost a city of culture and arts. It's located to the south Regensburg and a 90 min train ride away.
  • Passau is a quaint university town at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Iller and Ilz. Passau is located close to the Austrian border and it takes approx. 60 min by train to get there.
  • Weltenburg Abbey (Kloser Weltenburg) and the Danube Gorge are two famous sites, located upstream of the Danube to the west.

[[Weltenburg|Weltenburg Abbey]] (Kloser Weltenburg) and the Danube Gorge are two famous sites, located upstream of the Danube to the west.