Regensburg is the Bavarian city that most people skip on the way to Munich or Nuremberg, and that’s their loss. It sits on the Danube in eastern Bavaria and has one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Germany, plus a Roman gate and a bridge that has been carrying people across the river for almost 900 years.
You can easily see the highlights on a Regensburg day trip. I strolled across the Stone Bridge, spent about an hour in St. Peter’s Cathedral, stumbled on the old Roman gate in a quiet street, and ate bratwurst at the world’s oldest sausage kitchen. This guide covers the famous sights, the quieter corners, and what has changed since I first wrote it, so you don’t show up to a closed treasury or a tower you can’t climb.
Before we get into all the things to do in Regensburg, the history and location of the city will give some context into what makes it special.
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Where Is Regensburg and How Long Do You Need?
Regensburg is in Bavaria, in southern Germany, where the Danube is joined by the Regen and Naab rivers. Munich is about 1 hour 25 minutes away by direct train and Nuremberg is under an hour.
One day covers the cathedral, the Stone Bridge, the Old Town, a sausage lunch, and either the Walhalla cruise or a tour of St. Emmeram’s Palace if you time it right. Give it two days if you want to slow things down with the cruise and add a museum or two, or if you’d rather linger in beer gardens than race the clock.
What is Regensburg, Germany Known for and Is it Worth Visiting?
When I first started planning a trip to Germany, I stumbled upon a mention of how it was a hidden gem that I simply had to visit. After doing some research, I discovered that this city has a fascinating history that dates back nearly 2,000 years.
A Short History of Regensburg
The Romans founded the fortress of Castra Regina here in 179 AD, which makes this one of Germany’s oldest cities. By the Middle Ages it was a rich trading hub on the Danube and a Free Imperial City. From 1663 to 1803 it hosted the Perpetual Imperial Diet, the permanent parliament of the Holy Roman Empire, which is why diplomats, palaces and a lot of money ended up here. The Old Town, together with Stadtamhof, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
Is Regensburg Worth Visiting? My Honest Take
Yes. It’s walkable, far less crowded than Munich, Nuremberg and Bamberg, and you get Roman ruins, a Gothic cathedral and a beer garden within a few minutes of each other. But Regensburg isn’t just a city stuck in the past. It’s managed to preserve its historic charm while still embracing the present. As I wandered through the winding streets of the Old Town, I encountered lively beer gardens, cozy cafes, and plenty of students from the local university.
If you only have time for one more Bavarian stop, this is a strong pick. Even though I only visited it on a day trip, I can absolutely see it as a good base for a few days from where you can visit the surrounding region. Check out hotel and holiday apartment options in the city center of Regensburg here.
One Day in Regensburg: A Day Trip Itinerary
Regensburg is compact, so one day is enough to see the highlights. The only real choice is between the Danube cruise to Walhalla and a tour of St. Emmeram’s Palace, because you can’t fit both. Here are both plans, from 9:00 to 18:00.
Option A: With the Cruise to Walhalla
- 9:00 Scots Monastery. A quick look at the church and its famous north portal.
- 9:35 Regensburg Cathedral. Give it about 45 minutes.
- 10:35 Alte Kapelle. A short stop to see the rococo interior.
- 10:55 Porta Praetoria, Haidplatz and the Golden Tower courtyard.
- 11:40 Early lunch at the Historic Wurstkuchl, right next to the boat docks.
- 12:30 Cruise to Walhalla. On the Crystal Fleet cruise, the 12:30 sailing includes about two hours at Walhalla, and you’re back around 16:15.
- 16:30 Stone Bridge, Stadtamhof and the Spitalgarten. Finish the day with a beer, with plenty of cushion if the boat runs late.
Option B: With St. Emmeram’s Palace
- 9:00 Scots Monastery.
- 9:35 Regensburg Cathedral.
- 10:35 Alte Kapelle.
- 10:55 Porta Praetoria, Haidplatz and the Golden Tower courtyard.
- 11:30 Early lunch at the Historic Wurstkuchl, right by the Stone Bridge.
- 12:30 Stone Bridge, Stadtamhof and the Spitalgarten. Cross the bridge for a stroll and a drink.
- 14:00 Old Town Hall tour. This is the English one.
- 15:00 Café Prinzess for coffee and cake.
- 15:50 Basilica of St. Emmeram, next door to the palace.
- 16:30 St. Emmeram’s Palace tour. It runs about 90 minutes and is the perfect last stop before you leave.
Boat and tour times change by season, so check the current timetables before you go. If you’d rather not plan it yourself, a 1.5-hour guided walking tour of the Old Town covers the highlights in order.
Top Sights and Historic Monuments in Regensburg
Regensburg is packed with amazing old buildings and sites. I explored many of them and here are my favorites. From towering cathedrals to ancient bridges, there’s so much history to take in.
Regensburg Cathedral (St. Peter’s)
This is the one building you’ll see from everywhere. Its 105-meter twin spires take 600 years of on-and-off construction to explain: work on today’s Gothic cathedral began in the 1270s, and the spires weren’t finished until the 1860s. That makes the cathedral about 750 years old.
Walking in is free. Inside, the tall medieval stained glass is the draw. It looks best in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun comes straight through. Look for other rich decorative elements, from the imposing high altar to numerous ornate chapels. The All Saints’ Chapel, constructed by Italian craftsmen in the mid-12th century, stands out for its unique architectural style, evoking memories of Ravenna’s artistic heritage.
Don’t miss the impressive organ – it’s one of southern Germany’s largest! The cathedral is also home to the Regensburger Domspatzen boys’ choir, one of Germany’s best-known.
When I visited, much of the front facade was covered in scaffolding. Restoration here is close to constant, so expect it. Two things have changed that you should know. The towers can’t be climbed, so for a high view head to the Dreieinigkeitskirche tower (see below). And the cathedral treasury is closed for a redesign, with reopening planned for 2027-2028 as part of a new art quarter next to the cathedral.
Guided tours leave from the info center at Domplatz 5, usually at 12:30 on weekdays (45 minutes) and 14:30 daily with the cloister (75 minutes). Allow about 45 minutes to an hour if you’re just wandering in and around it.
Alte Kapelle (Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady)
This Baroque church, also called Alte Kapelle, is not far from the cathedral and is less crowded but just as impressive in its own way.
Its bright white facade stands out among Regensburg’s medieval buildings. The church, founded by Charlemagne in the 8th century, boasts over 1,200 years of history. Today’s building, mostly from the 12th century, blends Romanesque elements like thick walls and sturdy columns with Gothic features such as pointed arches and ribbed vaults.
The real highlight is the church’s 13th-century frescoes, covering the walls and ceilings with vibrant, detailed scenes from Jesus and Mary’s lives. Gold leaf glitters everywhere you look. The elaborate altar and pipe organ are other highlights.
The Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady is also connected to a former monastery, serving as its chapel for centuries, with remnants of this history visible in the adjoining cloister.
Scots Monastery and the Schottenportal
Irish Benedictine monks founded St. Jakob in the 11th century, and the monastery was later run by Scottish monks. It’s not an active monastery anymore: it was dissolved in 1862 and the buildings now house a priests’ seminary. The church is open daily from 8:00 to 18:00.
The reason to come is the north portal, the Schottenportal, a wall of strange Romanesque carvings that scholars still argue over.
Still an active monastery today, it features a museum that showcases its rich history and offers unique products made by the monks. If you’re interested in history, architecture, or experiencing a slice of medieval life, the Scots Monastery is definitely worth a visit. Just remember to be respectful, as it remains a working religious site.
The Stone Bridge
Talk about impressive medieval engineering! The Stone Bridge has been connecting Regensburg’s Old Town to Stadtamhof since the 12th century. As one of Germany’s oldest medieval bridges still standing, it’s played a crucial role in the city’s development and trade routes. Fun fact: this bridge is often said to have inspired Prague’s Charles Bridge!
Stretching nearly 1,000 feet across the Danube, the Stone Bridge is a masterpiece of medieval construction. Its massive stone arches have withstood centuries of rushing water and heavy traffic. Keep an eye out for the bridge’s famous salt storehouse, a reminder of the city’s prosperous trading past.
At night, the bridge lights up beautifully. It’s a great spot for photos any time of day. Allow 20-30 minutes to cross the bridge and soak in the atmosphere. Longer if you want to linger and people-watch.
Want to see the bridge from below? The Strudel cruise takes about 45-50 minutes and passes through the bridge’s arches. Check availability for the Strudel boat trip or the 45-minute city highlights cruise. Right beside the bridge, the free World Heritage Visitor Center is a good first stop.
St. Emmeram’s Palace and Basilica (Thurn und Taxis)
What began as a Benedictine Abbey from the 12th century transformed into the magnificent residence of the Thurn und Taxis family. With more than 500 rooms, this is one of Europe’s largest privately owned palaces.
This massive complex includes a church, palace, cloisters, stables, and a treasury. The blend of monastic simplicity and aristocratic grandeur creates an fascinating contrast throughout the palace grounds. St Emmeram Palace perfectly demonstrates the evolution of architectural styles through centuries, from Romanesque to Rococo.
Inside the palace you can only visit with a guided tour, and it runs about 90 minutes (tours go at 10:30, 12:30, 14:30 and 16:30 at the time of writing). The Princely Treasury and Marstall (the old stables) is a separate museum with its own ticket, open Thursday to Sunday, 11:00-16:00. Expect to pay around €14 for the palace tour, so check the current price before you go.
The Basilica of St. Emmeram, part of the Benedictine monastery, boasts over 1,300 years of history. It is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture with its massive stone walls, round arches, ornate carvings, and an impressively tall nave lined with columns. The crypt, located underneath the choir, is home to the tombs of Bavaria’s early medieval rulers. The atmosphere there is dark, quiet, and a little bit spooky, yet totally fascinating.
The peaceful gardens are perfect for a stroll after all that indoor sightseeing. Give yourself at least 2 hours to see everything.
Visiting in winter? The Romantic Christmas Market in the palace courtyard runs from November 20 to December 23, 2026. It’s ticketed (around €9.50 on most days, more on Saturdays), and one of the prettiest in Germany.
Porta Praetoria
Want to step back into ancient Rome? Porta Praetoria is your ticket there! This impressive Roman gate stands as a testament to Regensburg’s rich history, dating back to when the city was a crucial Roman military outpost. The Porta Praetoria was constructed in 179 AD under the orders of Emperor Marcus Aurelius as an integral component of the Castra Regina fortress.
As one of Germany’s best-preserved Roman gates, Porta Praetoria in Regensburg offers a fascinating glimpse into imperial engineering. The massive stone blocks, still marked from Roman tools used to shape them, and distinctive archway showcase classic Roman construction techniques that have withstood nearly two millennia. The gate’s enduring presence in Regensburg’s urban landscape serves as a powerful reminder of the city’s evolution from Roman fortress to medieval trading powerhouse.
It only takes a few minutes to check out the gate, but it’s a must-see.
Read more: Northern Bavaria has quite a few gems to visit, so don’t miss out on them. Use our travel guides for Nuremberg, Würzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Bamberg.
Old Town Hall
At the heart of Regensburg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town stands the impressive Old Town Hall, a symbol of medieval civic pride and power. This architectural gem tells the story of a city when merchants and politicians shaped the destiny of this Danube trading hub. The building’s prime location reflects its central role in city governance and commerce throughout the centuries.
The building’s Gothic facade and impressive tower dominate the cityscape, while its grand assembly halls showcase intricate woodwork and period furnishings.
For almost 140 years (1663-1803) the empire’s parliament met here, which is why such a small city has a town hall this grand. Tickets are sold at the tourist office in the same building. The tour takes about an hour and runs all day in German, with an English tour at 14:00 and audio guides in other languages.
Don’t miss the historic Imperial Hall, where centuries of important decisions were made. The medieval courtroom and torture chamber in the basement still maintains its original character, complete with holding cells that offer a glimpse into medieval justice.
Hidden Gems and Quirky Stops in Regensburg
Stadtamhof
Just across the Stone Bridge lies Stadtamhof, a charming neighborhood that’s included in the UNESCO Heritage designation. The area’s well-preserved medieval layout offers a perfect contrast to the bustling Old Town across the river. I loved wandering its narrow streets lined with colorful houses. The area has a laid-back vibe, perfect for escaping the busier parts of Regensburg.
Don’t miss the St. Mang Church with its beautiful Baroque interior. I also stumbled upon some great little cafes and shops here. Plan to spend about 1-2 hours exploring Stadtamhof at a relaxed pace and stop by Spitalgarten (see below), a lovely beer garden with views of the old town across the river.
Golden Tower Courtyard
At about 50 meters, the Golden Tower is the tallest patrician tower north of the Alps, built by a wealthy merchant family to show off. It’s a student residence now, so you can’t go up. You can walk into the courtyard from Wahlenstraße, which has Renaissance arcades and dark wood paneling. It takes five minutes and costs nothing.
Goliathhaus Mural
This gem is so easy to miss! The Goliathhaus is a medieval building from the 13th century with an impressive mural from the 16th century on its facade. It shows the biblical story of David and Goliath in vivid detail.
The house gets its name from the giant Goliath depicted on the wall. It’s fun to spot all the little details in the painting.
Goldener Turm
The Golden Tower is easy to miss, tucked away on a side street. This medieval tower was once part of a wealthy merchant’s house. Climb the narrow spiral staircase to the top for some great views of the old town.
Inside, there’s a small exhibit about the tower’s history. It only takes about 20-30 minutes to visit, but it’s worth the climb.
Haidplatz
Haidplatz, one of the oldest and most stunning squares in Regensburg, started as a triangular meadow near the old Roman fort. Over time, impressive buildings were constructed around it, and the square hosted huge jousting tournaments with up to 300 participants, attracting spectators, jugglers, and merchants from all over. Regensburg’s people have been throwing lavish parties on Haidplatz for centuries.
The “Golden Cross,” now a café and hotel, was once a popular spot for emperors and kings during the Perpetual Diet. Next door is the classicistic Thon-Dittmer-Palais, built by Regensburg’s most successful 18th-century merchants. The palace’s Renaissance arcaded courtyard hosts various cultural events on warm summer evenings.
The red building of the “Neue Waag,” where the city scales and a “gentlemen’s drinking room” were located in the Middle Ages, gained fame for the religious discussions between Philipp Melanchthon and Johannes Eck in 1541.
document Niedermünster
Under the Niedermünster church by the cathedral, you walk down through layers of Roman buildings, a medieval convent and older structures. You can only visit on a guided tour (about 75 minutes), which also takes you inside the Porta Praetoria tower. Tours are booked at the Domplatz 5 info center, and the October 2026 schedule listed Sundays and Mondays at 14:30. Times change, so book ahead.
Regensburg Museum of History
Give yourself at least 90 minutes to explore the Regensburg Museum of History. It’s in a cool old monastery building right in the historic center. The exhibits cover 2,000 years of the city’s past, from Roman times to today.
See ancient artifacts and learn how Regensburg grew into an important medieval trading hub. The model of the old city is super detailed and helps you picture what it looked like back then. There’s a lot to take in, but the layout makes it easy to see the highlights if you’re short on time. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00-16:00, and free on the first Sunday of the month.
Haus der Bayerischen Geschichte
This modern museum on the Danube opened in 2019 and covers Bavarian history from the 1800s on. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00-18:00, with a guided tour on Sundays at 11:00. It’s the best rainy-day backup in town.
World Heritage Visitor Center and a Dachshund Museum
The World Heritage Visitor Center by the Stone Bridge is open daily and has free tours worth asking about. If you want something quirky, the city’s own listing also includes a dachshund museum, open daily 10:00-17:00.
Scenic Spots: Walhalla, Danube Cruises and Parks
Regensburg has some amazing views that shouldn’t be missed. Here are a few standout spots that offer breathtaking scenery and photo ops.
Walhalla
Walhalla is a Greek-style temple on a hill above the Danube, built in the 1800s to honor important Germans. Climb the 358 steps and you’ll find more than 130 busts and 65 plaques inside. The terrace has the best views. Entry is €5 (under 18 free) and it’s open 9:00-18:00 from April to October, with shorter hours in winter.
There are around 350 grand marble steps leading up to it, and inside there are over 130 busts and plaques of famous Germans. But the real star is the view from the terrace. You can see for miles across the river valley. It’s especially pretty at sunset.
There’s a small fee to enter and a free app you can download on your phone to learn about the famous people you’re looking at. Even if that doesn’t interest you, it’s worth at least climbing up for the views.
The easiest way to get there is by boat from Regensburg. The two operators handle the stop differently. On the Crystal Fleet cruise, the 10:30 and 12:30 sailings give you about two hours at Walhalla. On Klinger’s cruise, only the 14:30 sailing stops (about an hour), and the earlier ones turn around without letting you off. Boats are reduced to weekends in late October, so check the timetable. Prefer a guide? There’s also a 3-hour Walhalla and Donaustauf Castle tour with pickup.
Herzogspark and Oberer Wöhrd
For a more natural setting, head to Herzogspark. This pretty garden has winding paths and lots of flowers.
Nearby, Oberer Wöhrd (Upper Wöhrd) is an island in the Danube with walking trails. It’s a peaceful spot to escape the bustle of town and just stroll along the riverbank while watching boats go by.
Climb the Dreieinigkeitskirche Tower
Since the cathedral towers are closed, this is the best way to get above the rooftops. The tower is listed as open Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00-18:00, and can close for church events.
Where to Eat and Drink in Regensburg
Regensburg is a great place to eat your way through the day: a sausage kitchen from the Middle Ages, one of Germany’s oldest coffeehouses, and a beer garden just over the bridge.
Historic Wurstkuchl
Craving a taste of medieval Regensburg? The Historic Wurstkuchl began as the construction office for the Stone Bridge (1135-1146) and became a cookhouse for the workers. They served boiled meat for centuries and only switched to grilled sausages around 1800. The little stone building you see today dates from 1651, and it may be the world’s oldest continuously operating public restaurant.
This tiny culinary landmark maintains its authentic medieval charm. It features a traditional open charcoal grill where sausages are prepared just as they were centuries ago. The kitchen’s smoke-darkened walls and original stone architecture tell the story of countless meals served to generations of locals and travelers alike.
Grab a spot at one of the outdoor tables overlooking the Danube – you’ll enjoy your sausages with a side of tangy sauerkraut, sweet mustard, and stunning river views.
Spitalgarten
Just over the Stone Bridge in Stadtamhof, the Spitalgarten is the beer garden to aim for. It’s attached to the Spital brewery, which has been brewing since 1226. That makes it older than the cathedral across the river, and the beer is made right next door. The garden sits on the Danube with a view of the Old Town, the cathedral and the Stone Bridge, and the entrance is a short walk from the bridge. The kitchen serves Bavarian classics like roast duck with red cabbage, and the garden only opens when the weather is good, so check before you cross.
Café Prinzess
Café Prinzess on Rathausplatz claims to be Germany’s oldest coffeehouse, founded in 1686 (other cities dispute the title, and nobody disputes the cakes). It’s a nice reward after the Old Town Hall tour or before you leave Regensburg. Grab a slice of the house torte and watch the square.
Café Goldenes Kreuz
While Cafe Prinzess holds the title of Germany’s oldest coffee house, it can feel overly touristy and cramped. In contrast, Café Goldenes Kreuz matches the historic gravity perfectly while providing a far grander, traditional European coffee house experience. The café is housed inside a magnificent, castellated patrician palace that dates back to the 13th century. It famously hosted Roman Emperors, kings, and diplomats, including Emperor Charles V.
Tips for Visiting Regensburg
Best Time to Visit
Late spring and early autumn are comfortable for walking and beer gardens. In winter, the Christmas markets are the reason to come.
Where to Stay
If you want to linger, compare hotels and apartments in Regensburg’s center.
Regional trains are covered by the Deutschlandticket and Bavaria tickets, and the Old Town is roughly a 15-minute walk from the station.
Getting to Regensburg
Munich, Nuremberg, and Würzburg are the three largest cities closest to Regensburg. It’s pretty straightforward to get there if you’re staying in any of these three cities. Regional trains are covered by the Deutschlandticket and Bavaria tickets, and the Old Town is roughly a 15-minute walk from the station.
It’s easy to book and store your train e-tickets via Omio.com. If you prefer to drive, Discover Cars has a user-friendly platform and works with a large selection of car rental companies to give you the best range of cars at competitive prices.
Nuremberg is 50-60 minutes away by direct train, depending on the kind of train you take. If you drive, it can take you anywhere between 1 hour 10 minutes and 2 hours 10 minutes.
Munich by direct train is about 1 hour 25 minutes away. The drive is about the same as it is from Nuremberg.
Würzburg is farther away but just as straightforward by train. The direct train takes 1 hour 50 minutes. The drive is probably too long to make a day trip worth it. It would take you about 2.5 hours each way.
Day Trips from Regensburg
Walhalla is the classic add-on. A half-day trip to the Danube Gorge at Weltenburg adds a monastery and a dramatic stretch of river, and a day trip to Passau works if you have longer. Coming from Munich? There’s a private day tour that combines Walhalla, Regensburg and Landshut.
Regensburg FAQ
How many days do you need in Regensburg?
One day covers the main sights, plus either the Walhalla cruise or a tour of St. Emmeram’s Palace. Two days lets you do both at a relaxed pace.
Can you visit Regensburg as a day trip from Munich?
Yes. Direct trains take about 1 hour 25 minutes each way, which leaves a full day in town.
Is Regensburg Cathedral free to enter?
Entry is free, but guided tours cost extra. The towers aren’t open to visitors, and the treasury is closed for a redesign.
