Last updated on August 6th, 2025
Regensburg is a true Bavarian treasure. It is a charming city that’s worth a stop on any trip to this region of Germany. It has a well-preserved medieval Old Town and you can easily spend a day exploring Regensburg’s mix of famous landmarks and lesser-known spots.
The city sits along the beautiful Danube River, adding to its picturesque appeal. I enjoyed strolling across the Stone Bridge, Germany’s oldest bridge still in use. It’s a great spot for photos, especially at sunset. St. Peter’s Cathedral is another must-see. I spent about an hour admiring its stunning Gothic architecture inside and out.
But Regensburg isn’t just about the big attractions. I stumbled upon some cool hidden corners too. The old Roman gate tucked away in a quiet street was a neat surprise. And don’t miss the world’s oldest sausage kitchen – I had a tasty bratwurst there for lunch. It’s been serving up sausages for over 500 years!
Before we get into all the things to do in Regensburg, the history of the city will give some context into what makes it special.
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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. Regensburg was actually founded by the Romans back in 179 AD, making it one of the oldest cities in all of Germany.
Regensburg played a significant role during the Middle Ages. Back in the 13th century, it was a thriving trade center and was even declared a Free Imperial City, meaning it was self-governing and only answerable to the Holy Roman Emperor himself. This status helped the city flourish, and it became known for its stunning Gothic architecture and its role as a cultural hub.
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. 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.
So, is Regensburg worth visiting? In my opinion, absolutely! It’s a city that offers the perfect blend of history and modernity, with plenty of hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone looking for a unique and authentic German experience, Regensburg won’t disappoint.
Regensburg’s Old Town has a very interesting history and lots of architectural and hidden gems that make taking a guided walking tour worth it. This 1.5 hour guided walking tour of the Old Town is the most popular one and allows you enough time to see the rest of the city in the remaining time.
Historic Landmarks
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
Ever wondered what happens when architectural ambition meets six centuries of dedication? The Gothic Architecture of St. Peter’s Cathedral tells exactly that story. It influenced many later designs, marking the shift from Romanesque to High Gothic styles. Its UNESCO World Heritage status, alongside Regensburg’s Old Town and Stadtamhof, confirms its exceptional universal value and architectural importance.
Rising 105 meters into the Bavarian sky, this masterpiece took an astounding 600 years to complete, making it one of history’s most patient construction projects.
What started as a humble bishop’s church in 700 CE transformed into Bavaria’s crown jewel of Gothic architecture. With its revolutionary engineering, stunning twin spires, and Germany’s largest collection of medieval stained glass, Regensburg Cathedral stands as a testament to human persistence and artistic brilliance.
Unfortunately, a good part of the front facade was covered in scaffolding for restoration when I was there, but I could still see some of its impressive exterior details.
The cathedral’s innovative Gothic design showcases pioneering architectural elements that challenged medieval engineering limits. Pointed arches and ribbed vaults create a breathtaking vertical emphasis while ensuring structural stability. Flying buttresses allowed for taller, more elaborate walls, and the cathedral’s 105-meter twin spires dominate the skyline, embodying Gothic architecture’s pursuit of grandeur.
You can visit the cathedral for free. It houses Germany’s most extensive collection of medieval stained glass, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries and comprising tens of thousands of colored glass pieces arranged in intricate mosaic patterns.
The interior spaces showcase 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 world-renowned Regensburger Domspatzen boys’ choir, whose angelic voices have filled these hallowed halls for generations.
You can climb the tower for great city views but be prepared for about 500 steps! The Treasury next door is closed until May 2026. Set aside at least an hour to fully explore the cathedral and its treasures.
The best time to appreciate the cathedral’s stained glass is during early morning or late afternoon when sunlight streams through the windows, creating a mesmerizing display of colored light throughout the interior.
Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady to the Ancient Chapel
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
The Scots Monastery, founded by Irish Benedictine monks in the 11th century, is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. The monastery church, known as the Schottenkirche St. Jakob, boasts thick walls, arched windows, impressive stone carvings, and a beautiful cloister.
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 served as a model for other famous crossings, including 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.
St. Emmeram’s Palace and Basilica of St. Emmeram
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 palace is the largest private residence in Germany.
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.
You can only tour the state rooms and cloisters by guided tour, but the stables and treasury can be seen without a tour as long as you have your entrance tickets. You’ll see lavishly decorated state rooms, including everyone’s favorite – the opulent Hall of Mirrors. The church’s painted wooden ceiling is a showstopper.
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.
The Christmas market held in the palace courtyard is one of Germany’s most atmospheric yet lesser-known holiday experiences.
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.
You can buy your tickets at the tourist office in the same building and take a tour (English tours only once a day, but audio guides are available in other languages) to step inside this medieval masterpiece. You’ll find yourself surrounded by centuries of political history. The building’s Gothic facade and impressive tower dominate the cityscape, while its grand assembly halls showcase intricate woodwork and period furnishings.
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.
Historic Wurstkuchl
Craving a taste of medieval Regensburg? The Historic Wurstkuchl (Sausage Kitchen) has been serving up authentic German sausages for over half a millennium! This charming establishment started as a modest food stand for dock workers and bridge builders in the 12th century. Today, it stands as the world’s oldest continuously operating sausage kitchen, dishing out the same time-honored recipes that once fueled medieval laborers.
This tiny culinary landmark maintains its authentic medieval charm. The cozy stone building 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.
Hidden Gems
Regensburg is packed with lesser-known spots that are just as amazing as the main attractions.
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, a lovely beer garden with views of the old town across the river.
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.
The Document Niedermünster
Under the Niedermünster church lies a fascinating archaeological site. You can see remains of Roman buildings, parts of a medieval convent, and even older structures dating back to the 8th century.
The site is well-preserved and has informative displays explaining the different layers of history. You can spend about an hour here, but history buffs could easily stay longer.
Join a guided tour if possible. The guides really bring the site to life with their stories.
Regensburg Museum of History
Spend a couple hours exploring 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.
Give yourself at least 90 minutes here. There’s a lot to take in, but the layout makes it easy to see the highlights if you’re short on time.
Scenic Spots
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 stunning monument perched on a hill overlooking the Danube. It looks like a Greek temple but was built in the 1800s to honor important German figures.
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 absolute best way to get to Walhalla is to take a boat tour from Regensburg proper. You’ll enjoy a nice ride on the Danube and have the option to up, visit inside the monument and have a small snack if you choose one of the morning trips. If you choose the afternoon trip, you will not be able to step off the boat and can only see the monument from below. Choose the Crystal Fleet or the Klinger’s boat tour. Both are similar and offer drinks on board.
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.
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. 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.
