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Regensburg really is the hidden gem of Bavaria and is actually quite often overlooked by visitors to Europe. As it was once the bustling empire of the entire Holy Roman Empire, it was one of the most important cities in Europe from 788 to 1806. Yet, it’s often overlooked for larger and more popular towns like Nuremberg or Munich but is one of the most scenic destinations in Bavaria!
As an expat who has lived in this city for 10 years, I have come to learn all the treasures this town has to offer and I can never stop raving about it. It truly is a diamond in a world of trendy hot spots, but has also been named as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, so I’d say I hit the jackpot when I moved to one of the most STUPID PRETTY towns in Europe! And I can say 100%, after 10 years here, Regensburg is definitely one of the best kept secrets in Germany and one of the best secret cities in Germany that is just so beautiful it’s surprising that we are not drowning in mass tourism.
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Goethe once proclaimed, “Regensburg is beautifully situated! The area had to attract a city!”
History of Regensburg
As an easy day trip from Munich, Regensburg is a great place to immerse yourself into Bavarian history and architecture! Many people call Regensburg the “Northern Most Italy” because the summer is fantastic here and the streets are lined with cafes and small alleys that meander and wind through the whole town and many beautiful colored buildings. It’s impossible to get lost with the spires of the Regensburg Cathedral always leading you home. With three rivers, the Naab, the Regen and the Danube, the first settlement was founded during the Stone Age and because of its great location, a Roman fort was built here called Castra Regina in 79 AD. It was then the capital of Bavaria from 530 to the 13th century and grew into a vital medieval trading route when the Stone Bridge was built between 1135 and 1146. After the Napoleonic Wars, Regensburg was into the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1810.
Regensburg was lucky to escape the Second World War with almost no damage even though it was the home of an aircraft factory and an oil refinery. Both of these were destroyed and luckily only one of Regensburg’s most important cultural buildings was lost and never rebuilt. Otherwise, the entire town is still in its original state and is protected by a law which saves cultural buildings in Germany. Therefore, the entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Regensburg is definitely one of the must-see destinations in southern Germany and still very much one of Germany’s hidden gems!
Today, Regensburg is also rated as one of the happiest places in Germany, beating Hamburg, Berlin and Munich with a whopping 61% of residents (including myself) who are “very happy” with our beautiful city! I get that makes Regensburg the Best of Bavaria!
How this Guide Works:
I have written this post by dividing the Old Town into sections which will include points of interest, places to eat and places to stay in each region. This guide can have two different starting points, depending on how you arrive to the city. If you arrive by train or bus, then I suggest starting with Maximilianstraße, the main shopping area. Either or, you will follow a simple round about walk through the Old Town! If you arrive by car, I suggest parking at Dachauplatz (Dr.-Wunderle-Straße 8, 93047 Regensburg). With this self-guided walking tour of Regensburg, you won’t need to do a walking tour! I’ve got you covered the whole way!
This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSMyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article!
Maximilianstraße
As soon as you exit the Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) or get off the bus at Albertstraße, you will head straight for the main thoroughfare. Not the most exciting street in the Old Town, so don’t get bummed out. Instead, it offers a few restaurants, a historic cafe and some affordable shopping.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Weidenhof: Located along Maximilianstraße, this charming little hotel has recently been renovated and is within 5 minutes walking distance from the train station.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Eurostars Park Hotel Maximilian – By far the most impressive hotel in Regensburg with a soft yellow and white stucco facade, the hotel offers absolute comfort and class in the heart of the Old Town!
Where to Eat:
Ganesha: For delicious Indian food and a great cultural ambiance, come here, however, take the customer service with a grain of salt.
Cafe Fürstenhof Cafehaus: a historic cafe offering delicious coffee and cafe with a flair of Viennese charm as well as a wonderful breakfast and a balcony to enjoy the day.
Dachauplatz
Here, you’ll find one of our largest & closest parking garages to the Old Town. On the ground floor of the parking garage, you’ll surprisingly find a portion of the Ancient Roman Walls of Ratisbona which once surrounded the entire city. Upon exiting the parking garage, you’ll find the Neues Rathaus (New City Hall), the Historical Museum of Regensburg and a lovely little square.
Where to Stay:
Ferienwohnung Sonnenschein: Recently built, the hotel is decorated in a fresh modern look and is located directly above a Rewe grocery store.
Where to Eat:
Anadolu Döner: Everyone has their favorite Döner shop and this is mine! Just a few feet away is my favorite ice cream shop!
Unter den Schwibbögen
If you continue walking north from Dachauplatz in the direction of the Danube (Donau) River along Adolph-Kopling-Straße, you’ll eventually turn left and walk down Unter den Schwibbögen, but before you do, check out the recently built and slightly controversial new Museum of Bavarian History (opening 2018). Why are you walking down this small lane? Because you’ll eventually come to Porta Praetoria, the northern gate of more ancient Roman ruins which was discovered in 1885 during renovations to the Bischofhof Brewery. Be sure to walk through the gates for a glimpse of the back side of the Regensburg Cathedral.
- The Porta Preatoria is Germany’s oldest above-ground structure and the only preserved camp gate.
Domplatz
The Regensburger Dom (Cathedral)
Also known as Dom. St. Peter, the cathedral dominates the center of the Altstadt (Old Town). It was originally built to look like the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in the classic French Gothic style, but King Ludwig I of Bavaria commissioned the cathedral to add spires and was completed in 1872 after nearly 600 years of construction! The stained glass windows are still originals from the 13th and 14th centuries and are the largest collection of medieval original glass north of the Alps. They were thankfully taken out and protected during the Second World War.
Standing in front of the cathedral always reminds me of EXACTLY WHY I moved to Europe. They just don’t make ’em like this back home!
- The Regensburg Cathedral is home to the world’s oldest boys’ choir called the Domspatzen which dates back over 1,000 years! You can also hear them live on Sundays at 10am during mass except during the summer break August-mid September.
- The Cathedral also houses the world’s largest suspended cathedral organ weighing 36 tonnes!
My favorite place in the whole city is one of the top rated attractions in Regensburg. Directly in front of the Dom are several café shops and an ice cream shop. I love spending a beautiful day sitting outside and looking up at this big, beautiful, gargantuan cathedral and look at the differences between the left and the right side while sipping on a Café Latte with Baileys at Haus Heuport. Nothing makes for a better afternoon!
For the best view in town, head to the Galleria Kaufhof located at Neupfarrplatz and head to the top floor to the restaurant which has a balcony that overlooks the square and has an awesome view of the cathedral. This is honestly one of the best things to do in Regensburg!
Where to Stay:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Hotel Bischofshof am Dom – this historic and quaint hotel is just feet from the heart of the city center and the Regensburg Cathedral with period furnishings and a deliciously classy restaurant. Highly recommended by family reviews as one of the best hotels in Regensburg!
Hotel Kaiserhof am Dom – For more affordable accommodation directly in front of the Regensburg Cathedral and near several cafes & restaurants, you couldn’t get a better location!
Where to Eat:
Haus Heuport: My favorite cafe/restaurant to have a cuppa Cafe Latte with Bailey’s while enjoying a direct view of the cathedral. On a rainy or cold day, meander inside and go upstairs for a unique atmosphere, however, should the weather be nice, sit outside!
Weltenburg am Dom: If you’re looking for the best place to eat in Regensburg, this would be it! For the BEST schnitzel and beer in town with adorable Bavarian decor, come here, but make a reservation before hand! Seating is limited and it’s quite popular with tourists and locals alike! Be sure to order the Weltenburger Bockbierschnitzel! Your welcome! Plus, they have a great biergarten!
Alter Kornmarkt
Just behind Weltenburg am Dom, you’ll find the Alter Kornmarkt square which also has a small parking area. But what’s important here is that you’ll find several churches here and a weekly farmer’s market on a Saturday morning. Of importance here because it’s pretty on the inside is the Alte Kapelle (Old Chapel).
This is a Marian collegiate church which has been remodeled several times and contains some of the most stunning Rococo stuccoes in Regensburg. However, you won’t be able to walk around the chapel as it is fenced off on the inside, so you’ll have to admire it from behind the iron gate. The defining characteristics of the Old Chapel is the gold leaf – everywhere.
Neupfarrplatz
To the left of the Dom, you will come to Neupfarrplatz which is dominated by another small church in the square called the Neupfarrkirche. It is here, around the entire church that the Christmas market is predominantly built and people gather to sip of glühwein. During the rest of the year, this square is filled with locals and tourists hanging out enjoying an ice cream on a bench. Here, you’ll also find several banks to fill your pockets for souvenirs!
However, the secret to this square is the large, out-of-place, 70’s style cement building which houses the Galleria Kaufhof. Once inside, take the elevator all the way to the top floor for an amazing and FREE view of the beautiful square and of the Regensburg Cathedral & Neupfarrplatz.
Where to Stay:
Regensburg-Apart – directly above the ALEX Regensburg restaurant, the hotel is totally affordable, comes with simple decor and an amazing view over Neupfarrplatz!
Where to Eat:
ALEX Regensburg: For a mixture of any and all food, with a great atmosphere inside and outside, Alex offers a variety of food for anyone who is picky. From burgers to schnitzel to salads and pasta.
Hacker-Pschorr s’Wirtshaus im alten Augustiner Kloster: For more traditional Bavarian cuisine and a biergarten, walk through a small tunnel into the inner courtyard.
Kramgasse & Tändlergasse
Either from Domplatz or Neupfarrplatz, you can meander these small alleys which are so small a car cannot even drive through here, although they have certainly tried. Here, you’ll find quaint antique shops, jewelry shops and even der Hutmacher – famous for having made the Mad hatter’s Hat from Alice in Wonderland. It’s incredibly romantic to see the Regensburg Cathedral peaking out through the small alleys.
Brückstraße to The Stone Bridge
If you turn left from Hotel Bischofshof am Dom when near Domplatz, you’ll walk along a “pedestrian only” street, only residents may drive here. Here you’ll find a bakery, an Italian restaurant and most importantly the Goliath Haus, which was built in 1260 and is considered one of the most well-known landmarks of Regensburg with its painting of David and Goliath done in 1573. Theology students were called Goliards as their guardian angel was called Golias. It is believed that the present Goliath house was built on the location of the quarters in which these traveling theology students often stayed during the 12th century.
From here, you can walk down Brückstraße to the Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge). At one end of the bridge, you’ll find a the Bridge Museum and UNESCO World Heritage Visitor Center. To feel like a local, grab some beers and head down to the banks of the Danube and watch the sunset or smoke some hookah!
Where to Stay:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Hotel Goliath am Dom – this elegant hotel provides exquisite comfort in the heart of the city center just feet from the Stone Bridge and has a sauna to relax!
Where to Drink:
Irish Harp: A quaint little Irish pub located on the banks of the Danube river and next to the Stone Bridge. Get here early because space is limited but the vibe is awesome, especially when there is live music! Don’t come here for a Bachelor/ette party as they won’t serve you!
The Stone Bridge
The historic 16 arched stone bridge dates back to the 12th century and is the oldest bridge in Germany which has never been rebuilt. The title of oldest bridge in Germany in general goes to Trier. However, Charlemagne had a wooden bridge built here but was inadequate, so it was later built in stone. For more than 800 years, this was the only bridge to cross the Danube linking the Old Town with Stadtamhof until 1930. Halfway over the bridge, you’ll find a secondary bridge jutting off to the left which will lead you down to the best biergarten in town, the Alte Linde, which has the best view of the Old Town & cathedral.
- What makes the Stone Bridge important is the fact that it is also the only bridge on the Danube between Ulm and Vienna.
- The Stone Bridge was used as a model for the Charles Bridge in Prague.
There is a legend that the Bruckmandl, who built the bridge, made a bet with the Master builder of the cathedral as to who would finish first. Seeing that the cathedral was making far more progress than the bridge, the Bruckmandl made a deal with the devil so that he could finish the bridge before the cathedral was finished. The devil agreed to help him but promised that the first three souls to cross the bridge would die. The Master builder of the cathedral was so over come with despair he jumped from the top of the cathedral. On the day the bridge was to be inaugurated, before the devil could collect his three souls, the Bruckmandl shooed two birds and a dog. The devil was so enraged that he tried to destroy the bridge, which would explain its crooked shape.
If you want to visit Regensburg like a local, then be sure to catch a sunset down by the banks of the Danube River. Be sure to bring a few beers, perhaps a little Brotzeit or even your hookah bong and just simply enjoy the long summer nights!
Just east of the Eisener Brücke along the banks of the Danube River, you’ll also find the Königliche Villa, which is another Royal Palace, but is not related to the Thurn and Taxis castle, but instead was built by the Bavarian King Maximilian II in 1854-56 as a summer residence. Next tot he Royal Palace is one of Regensburg’s small but lovely parks, Villa Park. Just in front of the villa is the Ostentur, the east gate that was once part of the Medieval walls that surrounded the city.
The Historical Wurstküchl
Also by the river is the historical Wurstküchl – a sausage kitchen which dates back hundreds of years. Here you can enjoy a delicious sauerkraut with bratwurst with Regensburg’s famous Händlmaier Senf (Sweet Mustard) and drink a good beer while looking at the Stone Bridge and the Danube river. The kitchen was built in order to cater to the workers who were building the bridge and has been around for 900 years.
- Be sure to check out the Regensburg Händlmaier Store back in town!
Stadtamhof
If you walk over the entire length of the Stone Bridge, you will find a small island called Stadtamhof with a main street of colorful rainbow houses with a beautiful view of Dreifaltigkeitskirche up on the hill overlooking Stadtamhof. Technically, Stadtamhof was a small neighborhood in the middle of Regensburg and wasn’t incorporated into the city until 1924, therefore, you’ll you’ll enjoy quite a different vibe than the historic city center. Along the banks of the river, people love to lay out on the grassy weisse on sunny days and BBQ or hang out with their hookah bongs. There is also another beautiful church which overlooks a portion of the grassy lawn. Here, you’ll find several ice cream shops, a few restaurants, second hand shops and the Spital Biergarten.
- Stadtamhof is one of the best preserved medieval metropolis with over 1,000 UNESCO heritage-listed buildings.
Where to Stay:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ SORAT Insel-Hotel Regensburg – located on a small island on the Danube River, this hotel decorated in 1930s decor offers the BEST view in town of the Old Town & Cathedral and is next to the best biergarten in town! Can’t get much better than that!
Hotel Lux – Located at the northern end of Stadtamhof, this charming little hotel is decorated with classy antique decor, this new hotel is affordable for all and is pet friendly!
Where to Eat:
Early Bird Frühstücksküche: For a delicious breakfast, come to this quaint little restaurant which brings in local produce from around the region.
Greek Restaurant Perivoli: For the best Greek food in town with an authentic feeling where even local Greek families are known to gather, come here!
Kohlenmarkt
Walk back across the bridge and up Brückstraße again, turn right when you see the Goliath House again. As you continue walking, you’ll come to Kohlenmarkt, a lively little square where locals and tourists gather for ice cream, Italian food or a good burger while off in the distance someone is casually playing his accordion and children play in the fountain. If you were to turn left here, you would walk up Untere Bachgasse, lined with crooked buildings and more shops.
However, if you continue walking west, you’ll eventually come to the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and the Ratskeller. Here, you’ll also find the tourist information center and Cafe Prinzess – the oldest coffee house in Germany which sells delicious pralines, coffee and cake. Head upstairs for the historic cafe! The Regensburg City Hall was built over several centuries, but the Reichsaal (Parliament Hall) is even more well-known. Here, you’ll also find one of Germany’s one-of-a-kind torture chambers where everything has been left in its original condition.
Guided Tours: Every 30 min from 9:30-12pm and 1:300-4pm (English tours April-October at 3pm daily, November-January 2pm daily)
Where to Stay:
Hotel Orphée – Kleines Haus: This charming hotel offers a lovely balcony view over Kohlenmarkt, decor which includes 4-poster beds and a restaurant practically unchanged since 1896!
Where to Eat:
L’Osteria Regensburg: For extra extra large Italian pizzas and pastas, this is the place to be and is beloved by all Regensburgers. A reservation is highly recommended as it’s always busy here!
Hans im Glück: For an environmentally friendly, hipster environment and a delicious burger & fries, this chain restaurant is beloved by many Germans!
Haidplatz
Just beyond the Altes Rathaus is Haidplatz which is the central square of Regensburg popular for all the different types of restaurants with endless rows of tables outside to enjoy the beauty of this square. Every building in this square in unique in it’s own right with a water fountain in the center to top off the glory of this part of town. During the Medieval Ages, jousting tournaments were held here when it was originally a grassy field.
Where to Stay:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotel Goldenes Kreuz – Stay in one of Regensburg’s best hotels, once used for emperors in former centuries which dominates this square which are elegantly decorated to receive your highness!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Altstadthotel Arch – just opposite is another historic hotel dating back to the 12th century and offers modern rooms, along with two restaurants and a bar!
Where to Eat:
Da Tino: a popular Italian restaurant for having large portions of pasta in the afternoon for an affordable price! In the evenings though it’s highly recommended to make a reservation!
Peppers Regensburg: For a taste of Mexico, try this popular restaurant, especially for Fajitas on Monday nights. If you’re not into Mexican food, they also serve Burgers and Spare Ribs!
Where to Drink:
Just off Haidplatz is another little alley where you can find Hinterhaus, a very small medieval style bar which serves German beers and other drinks. You’ll find locals often playing card games here!
Arnulfplatz
As you continue walking west, you’ll eventually come to Arnufplatz, a main bus hub and a beautiful square lined with colorful buildings, each more unique than its neighbor. Of importance here is without a doubt Kneitinger, one of Regensburg’s local beer producers which is often crowded with locals coming for a beer throughout the day. They have been brewing beer here for over 150 years!
Where to Stay:
Arnulfsplatz Aparts: Recently renovated, this hotel is offers comfortable & modern rooms with an outside Jacuzzi!
Where to Eat:
Kneitinger: Offers traditional Bavarian cuisine in a beer hall style restaurant where you can pair any meal with a delicious beer!
Sushihaus: Hidden back in a corner of Arnulfsplatz is this super tiny Japanese cuisine restaurant. Space is limited and the food is FANTASTIC, so make a reservation beforehand! My favorite: Duck Sushi!
Jakobstraße
Walk around the corner from Arnulfsplatz via Neuhausstraße to Jakobstraße where you will the Scots Monastery which was founded in the 11th century by, you guessed it, Scots. The most famous architectural element of the church is the Schottsportal (Scots’ Portal) on the northern side of the church and is richly decorated with both ornamental and sculptures. It is the last piece of the original structure and is today, enclosed in a protective glass case and has been thoroughly interpreted since the 19th century.
Bismarkplatz
Just around the corner from Arnulfsplatz is the popular hang out spot for all Regensburgers of all ages. Don’t ask me why. In the summer months, this square is crowded with locals wanting to enjoy a drink with friends sitting anywhere and everywhere. Here, you’ll find the Regensburg Theater and Haus der Musik. So if you want to feel like a local, grab a drink and somewhere to sit on the ground or one of the two fountains and hang with friends! Grab an ice cream from Stenz Eis which offers organic ice cream and don’t be surprised if you have to wait 20+ minutes in line!
Gesandtenstraße to Neupfarrplatz
Head back towards Neupfarrplatz by casually strolling down Gesandtenstraße which is lines with more restaurants, shops and cafes. Eventually you’ll come upon Dreieinigkeitskirche which I highly recommend checking out and climbing the tower for 2 €. You’ll be greeted by yet another amazing view over the Old Town and the Regensburg Cathedral.
Obere Bachgasse to Schloss Thurn & Taxis
Before you completely reach Neupfarrplatz, turn right and stroll down Obere Bachgasse where you’ll find a few restaurants, bars and more colorful crooked buildings. Continue on and turn right on Emmeramsplatz which will lead you to Regensburg’s castle.
Thurn and Taxis Palace which is also known as the St. Emmeram’s Abbey. In 1812 the monastic buildings were granted to the Princes of Thurn and Taxis, who had St. Emmeram’s Abbey converted as a residence known from then on as Schloss, although it’s mostly a bnch of mismatched buildings with beautiful turrets crowned by a golden crown. The St. Emmeram Abbey is a hidden treasure in Regensburg with beautiful stucco and lavish gold throughout the church. But you have to stand behind a metal gate in order to get a view of the church.
- Thurn & Taxis is Europe’s largest inhabited palace which has more rooms than Buckingham Palace in London!
The Thurn and Taxis is a noble family which played a large part in the postal service of Europe during the 16th century. The family gained its wealth in the middle of the 18th century when the princes of Thurn & Taxis founded the first large-scale postal service in Europe. They also host a beautiful Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) during the Christmas season and the Princess Gloria participates in the festivals.
Where to Stay:
Brook Lane Hostel – For two weeks I lived in this comfy and affordable hotel in the heart of the Old Town which has a small supermarket downstairs, so don’t be fooled that this isn’t a hostel. It is definitely one of the best hostels in Regensburg!
Where to Eat:
Brauhaus am Schloss: Associated with the castle, this brewery restaurant serves traditional Bavarian cuisine, has large copper distillers and a quaint biergarten in the back.
The Towers of Regensburg
Throughout the town, you might have noticed that there were numerous towers. Why? What’s with all of the towers? Well, when they were built, they were symbols of that time, when that town belonged to the wealthiest metropolises of Europe and today Regensburg is home to the largest number of “dynasty towers” (Patrician Towers) north of the Alps. The most impressive one of these towers is the Golden Tower, which rises up to 50 m with nine floors. They say that wealthy patrician families competed against each other to see who would be able to build the highest tower of the city. Rumor has it that there are at least 94 towers in Regensburg, but some are hard to spot as buildings have been built higher over the centuries.
Hiking in Regensburg
If you’re interested in stretching your legs and getting out for a bit of a leisurely or brisk walk, then head over to Auf der Winzerer Höhe by taking Bus 17 to Schelmengraben (or drive and park further up the hill to the parking lot which saves about 10 minutes walking) Then after about 40 minutes walking (give or taking stopping for pictures and playing in the leaves), you’ll come to a big grassy field which has amazing views over the Danube and the entire Old Town. We are quite lucky here in Regensburg that every autumn, we are plunged into a “Golden October” for as far as the eye can see, therefore, Regensburg is one of the best places to visit in Germany in autumn!
Events in Regensburg
Germany’s Largest Craft Beer Festival / Deutschland’s Größtes Craft Bier Festival
For a few short days a year in May, the main square, Neupfarrplatz, turns into Germany’s largest craft beer festival in Regensburg. Considering that the square is not very large, you definitely get the impression that Craft Beer is not a full blown trend here and it is still catching on. Nonetheless, thee festival takes place every year and there are over 50 different varieties offered from around the regional, nationally and internationally. By attending, you pick up your special Craft Beer glass before meandering from on brewer to the next and sampling whatever tickles your taste buds!
Regensburg’s Dult – The New Oktoberfest!
Twice a year, on the Dultplatz across the river you’ll find the town’s biggest party, Dult – a smaller, quainter, cheaper version of Oktoberfest where you can actually get into a tent and afford more than one beer! Known as Maidult and Herbstdult, the beer festival takes places in May and end of August-September. Coming for HerbstDult is one of the best fall festivals in Germany!The two large tents at Dult are the Hahnzelt and the Glöckl. If you’re looking for a real hardy-party tent, Hahnzelt would be the one!
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Regensburg’s Christmas Market / Regensburger Weihnachtsmarkt
Typically from the last weekend in November until December 23rd, you can find several magical Christmas Markets in Regensburg, scattered throughout the town, including at the Thurn & Taxis Palace. Like many Christmas Markets in Germany, you can find a variety of Christmas gifts, Glühwein (mulled wine) and delicious festival food.
Day Trips from Regensburg
- If you’re looking to spend a few more days in Regensburg, then I highly recommend check out Walhalla, a large hall of fame to Germans who have contributed to the country. The memorial offers beautiful panoramic views over the surrounding country side and locals love to come here in the evenings to watch the sunset! Either go by boat, by bus 5 to Donaustauf or by driving and parking up at the memorial.
- Also recommended is doing a boat cruise down the Danube from Kehlheim to Weltenburg Abbey, a abbey built on the curve of the Danube river which has the world’s oldest brewery dating back to 1060!
- Consider making a day trip to the small town of Abensberg and visit the Kuchlbauer Brewery which is known for producing delicious Weissbier! Assocaited with the brewery is with Hundertwasser Tower, designed by the Austrian artist Friedrich Hundertwasser.
If you’re interested in visiting Germany and are looking for more information, I highly recommend using the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide! Without these guides, I would be lost! This is my travel Bible!
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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might make a little extra spending money, at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own and these products/services have been found useful during our travels and come highly recommended to you from yours truly!
For more on the best things to do in Regensburg:
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Great guide! I’ve only been to Regensburg once, and you’ve inspired me to return!
I’m glad I could inspire you! If you ever come for a visit give me a heads up and I’d be glad to show you the local’s Regensburg! 🙂
That’s very kind, thank you!
another cute German town I need to visit some day:) #the weekly postcard
Wow, yet another beautiful European city I now want to visit. So many cities drawing me in, I am never going to see anywhere else in the world at this rate LOL Thank you for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard
I feel that way too! I want to see so much of the world but now that I live in Europe I keep finding beautiful things to see!
Now, you’ve gone and done it! I have to try and overcome my Jo’s desire to go back to England and Scotland, with mine to return to Bavaria, where my family lives. Marital discord to ensue.
You had me at people refer to Regensburg as the other Northern Italy! I also love the colorful architecture. Your photos are stunning. Thank you so much for writing about Regensburg as it’s going to the top of my bucket list.
#theweeklypostcard
It’s a great town! I’m really glad I picked it when I was looking for a job!
Gorgeous! I love towns like Regensburg – from the history to the current culture. Great post – makes me want to visit. Like…right now! 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Nobody should visit Germany without first reading all your brilliant blog posts! Yet another example of how stunning parts of Germany can be. It really looks like a gorgeous city. Love your new bio pic by the way…
Awww you’re so sweet! Thank you! 🙂
You’re very welcome. It’s all very well deserved.
WOW! This place looks seriously beautiful. I feel like there are so many wonderful cities to explore in Germany that it would take a lifetime.
What an amazing place and your photographs are stunning. I really made a mistake by not visiting when I lived in Germany. The history is fabulous, especially the legends but I love the idea of eating in a 900 year old restaurant too. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Ooh that’s a shame! You’ll just have to come back!
The town looks like it came out of a Disney movie! 🙂
It is pretty special!
I love the look of this Regensburg, the colourful and historic buildings and the fact it resembles a northern Italy town. I haven’t visited Bavaria before but it’s up there on my list. I hope you are ok after the events in Munich on Friday. xx #citytripping
Thank you! Yes, we are ok! We’re actually in Bruges at the moment, but the attack hits a little too close to home as we usually shop there!
If you ever go to Munich, be sure to come up to Regensburg as its only an hour and a half away! I’d be happy to show you around!
Oh my goodness…that it close to home. Glad to hear you are good. Awww, thanks for the offer…I may take you up on that one day when we finally make it over. Xx
My hometown… you did a great job :-).
Nothing more to add.
You made me feel a little bit homesick cause I moved to Messina, Sicily 3 years ago and haven’t had the chance to go back home until now.
I’m also teaching English here cause I’m half American.
“Bussi”
Oh how awesome! Yes Regensburg is a lovely town! Thanks for stopping by!
great post! so informative. I’m also in love with your layout! Great job.
Thank you!! Thanks for stopping by!
Hello from Northern California! I am so excited to have found your blog. We are traveling to Germany/Austria at the end of Septmber and your blog has been great for planning…especially for Regensburg as I will be wandering around solo for a few days while my hubby is working!
P.S. Conratulations on your upcoming wedding!
Oh so glad you found it useful! Hope you love Regensburg! It’s my adopted German hometown!
It’s my hometown and I entrust to visit Regensburg to everyone traveling to Germany. Trust me, Regensburg tops Heidelberg in many reasons (Heidelberg is more famous only because there is/was a huge army base). Maybe it compares a little when people from Europe want to visit LA but the better deal would be San Diego (as an example – hope you unterstand what I mean)… And there is one reason on top to visit Regensburg: Bavarian Beer. Regensburg is located in the middle of Bavaria and you only get the “real” beer (blonde or lager style) everyone is talking about there in bavaria. The rest of germany only serves Pilsener Style brew. …and you have a good starting point to visit the Alpines and Austria, Castle Neuschwanstein, Munich, Bavarian Forest and also Prague and Pilsen in Czech (where you get real Pilsener Style Beer 😉 Every destination I mentioned is between 100km to 250km away.
I agree! That’s why I love living here!
Thank you for this really lovely portrait of Regensburg, my home town. Enjoy the summer there.
I live here so I had to do it justice! 🙂
ooh do you know I’ve never even heard of it, so thanks so much for introducing me to it. You sound as though you had a really fab time. #Citytripping
I live here so I know it pretty well!
What a beautiful looking place. Def one for the list #citytripping
Thanks for sharing this – I didn’t really know anything about Regensburg so it’s opened my eyes to a wonderful place! The decor in the Old Chapel is mindblowing! #citytripping
You live in an amazing and quaint place how wonderful! I love the colorful rows of homes, the gorgeous buildings and all the history! A very comprehensive guide. #citytripping
Thanks so much for the tour around your home city! What a wonderful, detailed post. Beautiful photos too. I just love the colourful buildings! Thanks for linking #citytripping
We love Regensburg, it’s just so beautiful – especially at this time of year! I could probably eat at the Historisches Wurstkuchl every day if I lived there! 😀 #citytripping
So awesome you’ve been here! Hope you took home some of Regensburg’s delicious händlmaier senf!
Such a pretty place!! Thanks for this grand guide!
#FarawayFiles
Lori this guide is incredible and I am wondering why I haven’t read it before. I think DK Guides should hire you! Regensburg looks like a fascinating place to visit and you’ve definitely put it on my radar. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
It’s an old one I recently redid – if you ever come for a visit I’ll be happy to show you around!
I love that your guide features lots of ice cream and beer! I love Bavaria and just got back from Oktoberfest, maybe a tamer festival is just the thing for next year! #farawayfiled
I hadn’t realised that Regensburg was so colourful. Just look at those brightly painted houses! Just love them. It’s always great to go on a guided tour with a local and this post will be the perfect guide when I make it to this adorable town. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
You’re always welcome to visit!
I’m so jealous you got to call this charming city home! It’s centrally located between Munich and Nurembourg which is perfect! I would love, love to live in Bavaria, it’s so beautiful there!
I’m so glad I took new pictures of the town, makes me appreciate it more!
How is it even possible to live in such a place without pinching yourself daily! I thought Copenhagen was cute and colorful. Regensburg rocks! I love a thorough guide from a local. This is amazing. Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles, Erin
Sadly I don’t go into town that often and I’m just minutes away! Really should start going in more! But the pictures have made me appreciate it more!
This is a great, detailed guide! One of my friends said I must go to Regensburg as I left for Switzerland last month. She was a little confused on geography, but I did look up this charming town. So next time we go to GERMANY, I’d like to include this in our itinerary!
Be careful, there is a Regensburg, Germany and a Regensburg, Switzerland!
Once again, Lori, you’ve left no stone unturned in your always-thorough guide! Sometimes the best places to write about are those of – and around – your hometown (in your case expat hometown). I just love all the colorful houses. #citytripping
Thanks Corey! I felt it was time to write a really thorough post! Hope I’ve done my town justice!
I stayed in the youth hostel in Regensburg when I was 13. It is an incredibly beautiful place. We were there during Whitsun and the Dom bells rang loud and long every morning! #CityTripping
That’s so awesome! I love those church bells! I can hear them every day from where I live!
WOW…what a comprehensive guide. We’re headed to Europe next Spring and haven’t gotten our route 100% planned so seeing this post is perfect. We’ll be adding Regensburg to our list.
You’ll love it! Thanks for stopping by!
Such a beautiful town – the architecture is stunning and everything is so colourful! Another place to add to my list of places to see in Germany! Thanks for sharing
I have wanted to visit this time for quite some time. Believe me, I feel like I need to dedicate an entire trip to Bavaria. i didn’t know there was so much to do in the city. I love all the plazas and colorful houses. The fact that this town is in the river makes it more special. Now I know I need to dedicate a couple of days to the town and its surroundings. Thanks for all the insider advice. #feetdotravel
Wow! What an extensive guide that must have taken you quite a while to write. Before reading this post, I had only heard a little bit about Regensburg, but it is definitely on my radar now!
Just don’t confuse it with Regensburg, Switzerland! I had a free Sunday to re-write the whole post!
What an incredible place to explore:) Oktoberfest! Twice a year!! :)) Must visit.
Well here in Regensburg it’s called Dult but we are lucky to have it twice a year for two weeks each time!
These Rococo stuccoes in the Marian collegiate church are beautiful! Out of this world! I always wanted to visit Regensburg, because I know it’s very picturesque. Thanks for the tips!
Hope you can visit one day!
Great guide, Lolo! Love the layout and the way you’ve structured it. We’re just a little glazed over because we want to see it all – like, right now! Which makes this guide great – it gives us a good starting point. Thanks for sharing – and thanks for joining the #feetdotravel group. It’s a great bunch of peeps. Glad you’re part of it!
The The Regensburger Dom looks stunning, I’d love to photograph it. I love scnitzel too so your advice where to get the best one in town is super useful too!
It’s my favorite and I recommend that schnitzel to EVERYONE and when family or friends visit we always take them there!
Regensburg is indeed a revelation. The town is visually so stunning and looks great in terms of aesthetics. Some of the pictures reminded me of Florence. Really an enchanting city straight out of the imagination of an artists mind.
I feel like I have been to Regensburg with you without actually having to be there! You just have a way of trasfering your readers to any location you are describing. I . love how detailed this guide is and that you have also included places to stay (big plus) and my facourite-where to drink! Haha! I will definitely bring this up when I go back to explore Europe!
Thank you! I try to let my readers live vicariously through the blog like I do when I read other blogs! 🙂
Hi! I was recently in Regensburg, Germany and it was absolutely wonderful…My mother and I purchased 2 delicious strudels in a very tiny storefront bakery just on the inside of the old town. The owner was not a tourist lover but he was very accommodating…do you know the name of the shop I’m talking about because I’d like to recommend it to someone.
Was it in a link Tower? Did you eat a “Dampfnudeln”? I’ve lived here 5 years and never had one because he only opens when he feels like it and the people are rather unpleasant in my opinion, based on the one time we tried to go and get one.
Or maybe they Steudelei
What a lovely and informative post. I loved Regensburg and it’s indeed a hidden gem. I missed eating at Ganesha ?. I have made a note for the next visit. I loved the Goliath Haus and in fact every alleyway is so pretty. I have pinned your post for next time, I would definitely come back again. Thanks for this informative post.
So glad I found your blog. I was specifically looking for info on Regensburg as it’s the closest city to where we’re moving to. We’re a military family, and I have a feeling I will be getting to know Regensburg very well. It will be the perfect time to get there with the seasons changing, and all the festivities coming up. I’ll be looking at more of your German blogs. ❤️ Thanks.
You will love Regensburg! Hohenfelds/Grafenwohr are both not far so it’ll be easy to come into town for a day trip or whatnot!
Your information was wonderful! We will have an afternoon in Regensburg when traveling there in May (hopefully!), and enjoyed all you shared. I was really intrigued by something I read about tunnels in Neupfarrplatz, showing a tunnel system and WW II bomb shelters. Do you have any info on whether this is open to go through?
I am also interested in the medieval towers that are everywhere in Europe – first become fascinated with them on a trip to Italy, and was amazed at all the towers still standing in Florence! So, will check out the towers in Regensberg, too.
Thank you again for all your information!
This link will lead you to the Regensburg Dokument but it’s all in German. However at the bottom has the tour info and location. You may contact the tourist office at the bottom which you have to do nonetheless to make an appointment to visit the tunnels. It’s open, but it depends on the pandemic if at that particular time is available for tours.
https://tourismus.regensburg.de/fuehrungen-rundfahrten/besichtigungen/document/document-neupfarrplatz.html