From the cathedral to the town hall to the Wurstkuchl. The old town of Regensburg has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. The city on the Danube is easy to explore on foot. You should not miss these stations.
Regensburg Cathedral
Alongside Cologne Cathedral, St. Peter’s Cathedral is the most important Gothic cathedral in Germany. And like its counterpart, it was only completed in the 19th century. In 2019, the people of Regensburg celebrated the completion of the cathedral towers 150 years ago. They make the cathedral a landmark of Regensburg that can be seen from afar.
Porta praetoria, Castra regina
The founding of the city of Regensburg goes back to the Roman legion camp Castra Regina from the second century AD. Remnants of the fortification wall have been preserved to this day, just as parts of the Roman north gate characterize the facade of the bishop’s courtyard.
Neupfarrplatz
The floor relief in front of the Neupfarrkirche is reminiscent of the synagogue in Regensburg’s medieval Jewish quarter. For 500 years there was a Jewish community that fell victim to a pogrom in 1519. Hatred and resentment of the Jews led to the expulsion of the community and the demolition of the quarter. Of course, it was no coincidence that the city decided to build a church in the place of the synagogue.
Reichssaal building, old town hall
The 13th-century Old Town Hall (right) is older, but the Reichssaal building (center) is more famous. The Reichstag of the Holy Roman Empire met in the hall on the upper floor for more than 200 years. The local economy was of course happy that emperors, electors, and envoys all came and went in Regensburg, as the rulers also had to eat and sleep.
Salt barn
The salt barn from 1620 was used for a long time to store salt that was shipped to Regensburg via the Danube. The striking building on the Steinerne Brücke was extensively renovated in 1991. Today, in addition to gastronomy and exhibition areas, the Regensburg World Heritage Visitor Center is located here.
Stone bridge
In addition to the cathedral, it is Regensburg’s second landmark, the Stone Bridge, which has crossed the Danube since the 12th century. It is considered the oldest preserved bridge in Germany. It has been extensively renovated in recent years and can only be passed by pedestrians and cyclists.
Historical Wurstkuchl
Right next to the Stone Bridge is the historic Wurstkuchl, one of the oldest of its kind. During the construction of the bridge, the building served as a warehouse and office, after completion it was converted into a cookshop. For over 850 years people have been able to eat here, and the bratwurst with sauerkraut and sweet mustard are popular.
Oberer Woehrd
The Obere Wöhrd is one of two Danube islands in the middle of Regensburg, which can be reached via the Stone Bridge. It is used as a local recreation area and houses an outdoor pool and beer gardens from which you can enjoy a good view of the old town.
Stadtamhof
The stone bridge leads from Regensburg’s old town directly to Stadtamhof. The formerly independent city was incorporated in 1924 and is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The baroque classicist architecture from the beginning of the 19th century dominates here. In 1809 more parts were destroyed in the Franco-Austrian War.
Bishop’s Court
The last stop on a walk could be the Bischofshof. The former residence of the bishops houses not only the Cathedral Treasury Museum but also a beer garden. Travelers found accommodation here as early as the time of the Everlasting Reichstag in the 17th and 18th centuries.
