Discover Regensburg: Medieval History, the Cathedral and the Danube

Regensburg combines a medieval street plan that has been preserved to this day with striking buildings, archaeological layers and museums. The Old Town with Stadtamhof is an exceptional example of a Central European medieval trading centre and illustrates the exchange of cultural and architectural influences. The Old Town has preserved its original medieval layout since the 14th century. Stadtamhof lies on an island between the Danube channels and, together with the Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Medieval City and Striking Buildings

St Peter’s Cathedral is the only Gothic cathedral in Bavaria and houses the most extensive surviving collection of medieval stained glass in the German-speaking world. The Porta Praetoria is also one of the highlights of a visit to Regensburg. The Stone Bridge offers another glimpse into the city’s history: construction began in 1135. The surviving bridge tower on the city side of the bridge offers an excellent view over Regensburg.

Archaeology, Museums and Courtly Culture

Beneath the Romanesque Niedermünster Church, next to Regensburg Cathedral, lies document Niedermünster, an archaeological excavation site. It presents historical development from the 2nd to the 12th century using state-of-the-art 3D reconstructions and an innovative lighting concept. Here, archaeological layers and their interpretation stand side by side.

The House of Bavarian History is located directly on the Danube. There, visitors can experience historical theatre and staged presentations across 30 stages, alongside around 1,000 exhibits, numerous multimedia installations and an area of approximately 2,500 square metres. The extensive complex of buildings of the former Imperial Abbey of St Emmeram offers a different approach to history: since 1812, it has been the principal residence of the Princes of Thurn and Taxis. A guided tour of the Palace Museum presents courtly domestic culture from the Baroque period to Historicism in lavishly furnished living and reception rooms. The extensive collection at the Stables Museum of the Princely Thurn and Taxis Museums includes carriages, sleighs, sedan chairs and carrying chairs from the 18th and 19th centuries.

City Tours and Routes through Regensburg

Certified guides offer classic city tours and themed walks focusing on history, architecture or local life. The visitor programme also includes boat trips on the Danube; you can explore Regensburg on foot, by bus, boat or bicycle. These different perspectives help you decide what to focus on during your stay. When looking for a place to stay, you can therefore consider whether you mainly want to explore architectural history and collections, or include destinations in the wider Regensburg destination area as well.

More Experiences in the Wider Regensburg Destination Area

In Donaustauf, Walhalla is one of Germany’s significant Neoclassical buildings. Its exterior is Doric and features 52 columns. Since 1842, this memorial hall has honoured notable Germans and figures connected with German history with marble busts and commemorative plaques. From Regensburg, near the Stone Bridge, passenger boats operated by Klinger and Wurm & Noé travel along the Danube to the foot of Walhalla from Easter to October. Check operating days before your trip. From the bus stop, it is about a 20-minute walk to Walhalla via 358 steps.

A different experience awaits at the nine-hectare Nepal Himalaya Park in Wiesent. It brings together Asian culture and nature, with a Nepalese temple, a biodiverse perennial garden and numerous Asian artworks. The park also includes a Himalayan garden and a Chinese garden, as well as more than 6,200 different plant species. In Altenthann, Dream Alpakas offers guided alpaca walks, also known as alpaca trekking, from its alpaca farm; confirm availability before booking.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Nittendorf, Bernhardswald, Wiesent, Neutraubling, Donaustauf, Regenstauf, Duggendorf, Sinzing.

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