A Complete Guide to Regensburg
Read our travel guide on Regensburg, Germany. It includes the best things to do and see, tips on how to get, where to stay, and when to go.
After leaving Ceske Budejovice early in the morning and making a few stops along the way (more about it later), we finally arrived in Regensburg.
Included on a UNESCO World Heritage Site list, Regensburg is a beautiful city on the Danube River in Bavaria that offers plenty of things to see and do for all visitors.
But the first impression exceeded all our expectations.
Our hotel was a bit out of the city center but still within walking distance.
So we didn't waste any time, and shortly after we checked in, we left for the city center.
It was a beautiful weekend in April, and the weather was beyond perfect.
Temperatures exceeded 25 degrees Celsius, which is not that common in this part of Europe at this time of the year. Why do we talk about the weather right from the start?
Regensburg is not only popular among tourists, it's also a city with a large amount of students.
So you can imagine this university city was buzzing with life on such a weekend. It was like a beehive.
The streets, parks, the river banks, sidewalk cafes, outdoor dining spots, everything was buzzing with life.
The energy in the air reminded us a bit of Brno, a popular university city in our home country. But Regensburg offers much more.
So, here's everything you should know about Regensburg before you go.
Best Things to Do
Regensburg is known for its beautiful, well-preserved medieval city center, vibrant cultural scene, interesting history, great restaurants, and lively nightlife.
Learn About the History
Once we got to Regensburg, one of the first things we did was to read up a bit on its history. Regensburg sits on a confluence of three rivers - Donau, Regen, and Naab.
Due to its strategic location, the city has been a major economic, political, and cultural spot since the Romans built here a fort in the 2nd century CE.
The location helped the city to keep its importance even during the following centuries.
Regensburg became a Free Imperial City during the Middle Ages and was the permanent seat of the Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire between 1663 and 1806.
In 2006, Regensburg was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list for its well-preserved medieval town center and imperial importance during the Holy Roman Empire.
Today, Regensburg is one of the most popular tourist cities in Bavaria and Germany.
Discover the Roman Attractions
While the Romans had played a vital role in the history of Regensburg, only a few structures survived to this day.
Most are buried underground, but you can still see a few of them if you know where to look.
Castra Regina Military Camp
First, we briefly visited the old Roman walls near the Maximilianstraße.
This was originally the main military camp of Castra Regina, the Third Italic Legion in Regensburg.
The 540x450 meter fort was built by Romans under the rule of Marcus Aurelius in 179 CE and could accommodate up to 6000 soldiers.
Not much is left here today, but it's the history that counts.
Porta Praetoria
Another remaining Roman attraction in Regensburg we liked even more was Porta Praetoria, a large gate in the old town.
The reason was simple.
The original 5-meter gate and the massive limestone blocks were incorporated into a modern building, and the result is imposing.
Porta Praetoria was built during the 2nd century, and together with Trier's Porta Nigra, it's the only still-standing Roman gate north of the Alps.
Walk across the Stone Bridge
We love stone bridges. No matter if it's Charles Bridge in Prague or the Augustus Bridge in Dresden, it's one of the spots that's always on our list.
Regensburg's Stone Bridge is a great example of its historical importance, engineering technology, and architectural beauty.
The 12th-century stone bridge was the only link between Regensburg's Old City and Stadtamhof until the 1930s.
For more than 800 years, it was the only way to cross the mighty Danube River at this point without a boat.
At the time of our visit, the bridge was full of tourists and locals admiring its beauty and watching the sun slowly setting down over the Danube River.
Later, we also saw some wonderful stone bridges in Bamberg and Wurzburg.
We can't fail to mention that we later saw a really cool Bridge Building exhibit at the Deutsches Museum in Munich.
Explore the UNESCO Old Town of Regensburg and Stadtamhof
Hands down, the best thing to do in Regensburg is just walking around its beautiful and well-preserved historical part.
Regensburg has a 2000-year history that includes the Roman period, medieval ages, and modern times.
Old Town
The reason why Regensburg was included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list is the combination of well-preserved 11th to 13th-century traditional buildings such as the city hall, cathedral, and market, Roman, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture, the 12-century stone bridge, and the general importance of the city throughout the course of time.
You can easily explore Regensburg's inner city on your own or take a guided tour to see and learn about places you might otherwise miss.
The best thing about it is that you can freely roam its streets without spending a single dime. Here are some of our favorite spots in Regensburg Old Town.
Goliathhaus
If you want to see a cool mural in Regensburg, head to Goliathstraße.
Here stands Goliathhaus, a 13th-century building with an impressive painting of the Biblical scene between David and Goliath.
By the way, the mural has been there since the 16th century, so don't miss it.
Altes Rathaus Regensburg
Located on Rathausplatz, the old town hall has typical Bavarian architecture and can be explored with a guided tour.
Regensburg Squares
Several lively squares, such as Neupfarrplatz, Bismarckplatz, Haidplatz, Domplatz, etc., can be found scattered around the Old Town.
These lively areas offer weekly markets, cute stores, medieval churches, photo opportunities, traditional restaurants, and much more.
Stadtamhof
The old city is truly stunning, but you should also visit Stadtamhof.
This charming part of Regensburg is technically an island easily accessible via the stone bridge. Stadtamhof is also part of Regensburg's UNESCO status.
As Stadtamhof is just a short walk from the Altstadt, don't miss it.
It's full of picturesque buildings and hidden corners and has its own unique history.
Note that Bavaria is full of picturesque towns and cities.
If you want to see more beautiful town centers during your Bavarian road trip, make sure to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber or Bamberg.
Regensburg City Walking Tour
This popular Regensburg City Walking Tour is a great introduction and ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time in the city.
You will get a chance to see the city's iconic landmarks, such as Stone Bridge, St. Peter Cathedral, Porta Praetoria, Old Town Hall, and much more.
Visit the House of Bavarian History Museum
Located beside the Danube River right next to the Eiserne Bridge, the House of Bavarian History is the best museum in Regensburg.
As the name suggests, the museum focuses on Bavaria, how it became a Free State, and the entire history of this fascinating region from Roman times to the 21st century.
In addition to the permanent exhibitions, they also have temporary exhibitions.
We don't have to mention that visiting the House of Bavarian History Museum (or any other museum in the city) is one of the best things to do in Regensburg on a rainy day.
The museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday, and the entry fee is €7 per adult.
The modern building is strikingly in contrast with the traditional architecture of Regensburg's old town, so the museum is worth seeing even if you don't plan to go inside.
Take a Scenic Cruise on the Danube River
No matter your travel budget and preferences, taking a scenic cruise on the Danube River is among Regensburg's most popular activities.
There are several sightseeing cruises, including boat trips around Regensburg and nearby towns and attractions.
The most popular Sightseeing Cruise to Walhalla includes a boat trip to this nearby iconic memorial.
Those who are pressed for time may enjoy the traditional Regensburg Sightseeing Cruise.
If you're visiting Germany on a budget, you can just walk along the Danube for as long as you want.
Obviously, it's not the same experience, but it's well worth it.
Museum of History
There are a few more interesting museums in Regensburg worth seeing.
The Museum of History (Historisches Museum Regensburg) is located in Minorite Monastery, focusing on Bavarian history, art, and culture from the Stone Age to the 19th century.
Document Kepler
A small memorial house was dedicated to Johannes Kepler, who had resided here since 1630 and died there only a month after his arrival.
Johannes Kepler was a great mathematician and astronomer known for his laws of planetary motion.
Ostdeutsche Galerie
This small art gallery is housed in a classicist building with unorthodox red columns and has various exhibits, ranging from Picasso to regional German painters.
Bruckturm Museum
The stone bridge is the most iconic landmark in Regensburg. This little museum is located at its southern end.
Apart from reading the history, you can climb the tower for a small fee and enjoy the views of the city and the stone bridge.
The historic building of Salzstadel is also home to the Regensburg World Heritage Visitor Center.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you have a car and are looking for fun things to do in Regensburg with kids, Straubing Zoo, Teublitz Hollohe Wildpark, or Dino Park Altmuhltal are popular places to visit.
St. Peter Cathedral
St. Peter Cathedral is one of the most stunning buildings you should see while in Regensburg.
The cathedral was built between the 13th and 16th centuries, though the first church stood here around 700 CE.
With a pair of 105-meter towers, St. Peter Cathedral dominates Regensburg's old city.
Regensburg's Cathedral's main features are the stunning stained glass windows from the 13th and 14th centuries.
As St Vitus Cathedral is one of our favorite structures in Prague, we were pretty disappointed that the St. Peter Cathedral was undergoing major renovations when we were there.
Its front facade and some sides were covered by scaffolding, taking away most of its beauty.
You can't climb the towers, unlike Frauenkirche in Munich.
By the way, you can also book a cathedral tour if you know more about what you see inside.
St. Peter Cathedral is free to enter, but there is a small admission to the treasury.
Take a Guided Tour at St. Emmeram's Palace
Also known as the Thurn and Taxis Palace (Schloss St. Emmeram or Schloss Thurn und Taxis in German), this is one of the must-see places in Regensburg for history lovers.
The Princely House of Thurn and Taxis have used the castle as their residence since the 19th century, though the complex has a history stretching for over 1000 years.
By the way, the House of Thurn and Taxis dynasty is known for modernizing the postal service in the 15th century, which they managed until 1806.
This year marks the end of the Holy Roman Empire and a year during which the post was nationalized.
The only tour available during our visit was in German language.
We got an English audio guide, which was informative and easy to follow but paled in comparison with the enthusiastic explanations of our tour guide.
If you know German, your experience will be significantly better.
Another thing you should know about St. Emmeram's Palace tours is that photography is unfortunately not allowed inside.
Basilica of St Emmeram
If you have time, see the Basilica of St. Emmeram. It is part of the palace complex, so it was the first place we visited there.
The 8th-century church with Romanesque and Baroque architecture is right by the entrance and has an impressive interior with beautiful paintings, frescoes, an ornate altar, and tombs.
Best Day Trips from Regensburg
There are several interesting places within a short drive from Regensburg you should consider including in your itinerary.
Walhalla
A majestic Walhalla Memorial built by Ludwig I during the 19th century is a fascinating place to see while in Regensburg.
The Greek-style temple on a hill overlooking the Danube River serves basically as a hall of fame for the most notable German people, rulers, scientists, composers, etc.
The outer side of the building is incredibly photogenic, and its interior is decorated with busts and statues.
Walhalla was definitely one of our favorite places near Regensburg.
Hall of Liberation (Befreiungshalle)
Shortly after, we visited another imposing memorial called the Hall of Liberation.
Ludwig I also built it during the 19th century. This time, it was to commemorate the German victory over Napoleon during the Wars of Liberation.
It is arguably even more impressive than the Walhalla.
The building is just huge from the outside, but we were even more impressed when we entered.
Weltenburg Abbey
If you like beer, monastic complexes, and beautiful nature, you should visit this oldest monastic brewery in the world.
Before you grab a traditional dark lager that's been brewed since 1050 CE, make sure to walk around a bit.
Weltenburg Abbey sits at the southern end of the Danube Gorge, a stunning limestone valley formed by the Danube River.
Where to Go Next
Some interesting cities near Regensburg are Nuremberg, Munich, and Bamberg.
By the way, Regensburg is relatively close to the Czech and Austrian borders. So you can easily make it a part of your more extensive European road trip.
In Czechia, popular stops are Karlovy Vary, Plzen, Cesky Krumlov, and eventually Prague.
Those traveling south often stop at Salzburg, Hallstadt, or Linz before heading finally to Vienna.
These are just ideas that you can include in your travel itinerary.
How Much Time Do I Need
We believe that a full day in Regensburg is more than enough for the majority of travelers.
This amount of time gives you plenty of time to see the main attractions within the city and even includes a short trip to Walhalla Memorial, Hall of Liberation, or Danube Gorge.
The city center is fairly compact and walkable, and the attractions outside the city are within short driving distance.
That said, we do recommend staying in Regensburg overnight during the warmer months of the year to enjoy the local food and drinks and soak in the lively atmosphere.
If you're short on time, a half-day in Regensburg will allow you to visit the most popular attractions within the city and get a sense of the area.
Some travelers who prefer slow travel can easily stay two days in Regensburg.
It's definitely an option, but we believe there is so much to see and do in Bavaria that staying that long in one place is unnecessary.
When to Go
From our own experience, mid to late spring is a perfect time to visit Regensburg (April to June).
Spring
If you are lucky with the weather, the city will come alive, people will be out, and you can feel the energy in the air.
We usually prefer to avoid crowds when traveling, but this experience was different.
It was not tourists but locals enjoying their day off, so it all felt really natural. Note that the weather can be tricky, though, during this period.
A few days later, we experienced freezing temperatures in Augsburg and Neuschwanstein, so you need to be prepared for every type of weather.
Autumn
Autumn, especially September and October, can offer a similar experience. Again, check the weather forecast before you go.
Summer
Summer is the ideal time to visit Regensburg for those who prefer warm, often hot weather and plenty of daylight.
Just be prepared that Regensburg is packed with tourists during summer, so expect high accommodation prices.
It's not just here but also in places such as Wurzburg or Bamberg.
Winter
Winters in Regensburg are quite cold, with short days, rain, and even snow. If you've enjoyed events like Prague Christmas Markets (or in any other European city), you should know that Regensburg also has them.
What to Pack
What to pack for Regensburg depends on the time of year you plan to visit and the activities you want to do while there.
Start with comfortable shoes. Regensburg is very walkable, so we did a lot of walking around the city, and proper footwear was a must.
In summer, a T-shirt with shorts and a dress should be fine, though we would still keep a lightweight rain jacket in our daypack just in case.
When it comes to springtime, the weather can be pretty variable, so just think layers, and you should be fine.
In winter, you will need extra warm layers, a winter coat, a hat, gloves, etc.
Don't forget to bring your phone or camera; Regensburg is very picturesque.
If you're not sure what to pack, here's our tried-and-tested Germany packing list.
How to Get There
There are several ways to get to Regensburg, including by car, train, bus, or plane.
We visited Regensburg during our Germany road trip and arrived there by car.
Car
Regensburg is easily accessible by car, no matter where you start your trip.
The city sits on A3, a major highway connecting the northwest and southwest of Germany.
From Munich, just follow A9 and then connect to A93. The 125-kilometer journey takes about 90 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Nuremberg is 110 kilometers northwest of Regensburg, and it should take around 75 minutes via A3 to get there.
Regensburg is about 80 kilometers from Ingolstadt and 150 kilometers from Augsburg.
The roads are generally well-maintained with good signage, so driving in Germany is easy.
Rent a Car
We use Rentalcars.com, a reliable rental website that helps you compare prices, find the best car rental deals, and make reservations for your next trip.
Parking
If you're arriving in Regensburg by car, try to find a hotel with free or paid parking.
If not, you can leave your car in one of the parking garages scattered around the old city, such as Petersweg Parking Garage and Dachauplatz Parking Garage.
Both places are just a stone's throw from the historic core of Regensburg.
Whenever we visit any European city by car, we always leave it in a secure garage.
While parking garages are usually quite expensive, they're safer than on-street parking.
Bus
Several companies run buses to/from Regensburg from various cities in Germany (and other European cities).
Flixbus is quite popular if you travel between large cities (German/European).
Train
Taking a train is one of the easiest and fastest ways to get to Regensburg.
The city is well-connected with other German cities, such as Nuremberg, Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, etc.
DB Navigator app or website is all you need for tickets and timetables.
Plane
The nearest airport is Munich Airport, a large international airport serving Bavaria.
You can rent a car here or take public transport to Regensburg.
Where to Stay
Regensburg offers a wide range of accommodations for all budgets.
If you want to stay as close to the action as possible, the best area to stay in Regensburg is the inner city, which includes Altstadt (Old Town) and the nearby Stadtamhof.
You will find all major tourist attractions, stores, cafes, restaurants, bars, and lovely hotels here.
The area that surrounds the Altdstadt has some great chain hotels and is still within a 10-minute walk from the center.
We stayed a bit further from the city center as the hotel we had booked was almost half the price of the centrally located accommodations.
Apart from the great price, the hotel was located in a quiet neighborhood, had free parking, and was close to the highway.
So, here are our tips on the best hotels in Regensburg.
Budget | Hampton By Hilton Regensburg - Located a 15-minute walk from the city center, this 3-star modern and clean hotel offers cozy rooms, tasty buffet breakfast, and express check-in/check-out. Paid private parking is available at the hotel. One of the best budget places to stay in Regensburg.
Mid-range | Novotel Regensburg Zentrum - This modern 4-star hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the city center. Apart from the convenient location, it has air-conditioned rooms, friendly staff, tasty food, and paid private parking. Great value for money.
Boutique | SORAT Insel-Hotel Regensburg - Located on a small island on the River Danube, this charming hotel offers stunning views of the old town and the stone bridge. The hotel has well-appointed rooms, a breakfast buffet, and paid underground parking.
Luxury | Hotel Goliath am Dom - Situated in the heart of Regensburg, this 5-star hotel offers comfortable rooms, delicious breakfast, a sauna, and valet parking. It's expensive but worth every penny.
Hostel | Hostel am Ostentor - Situated in the city center, only a 10-minute walk from Regensburg train and bus station, this hostel is a great place for budget-conscious travelers. It has both private rooms and dormitories, a well-equipped kitchen, a cozy lounge, and clean bathrooms. One of the best cheap places to stay in Regensburg.
Staying Safe
Regensburg is generally a very safe place to visit. That said, using common sense when visiting an unfamiliar place is always a good idea.
The city center gets busy and fairly crowded in some spots.
Pickpockets target tourists in these places, so keep your valuables secure. Don't keep your phone in your back pocket; make sure your wallet is safely tucked in.
Also, be aware of your surroundings, don't overdo it with alcohol, and stick to well-lit areas after dark.
Basically, just take basic precautions, and you should be fine.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Regensburg Worth Visiting?
While Regensburg is not as popular as Munich or Berlin, we believe the city has a lot to offer to every visitor.
There is a reason why it's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It's absolutely gorgeous, full of beautiful architecture, and packed with history.
The fact that we happened to be in the city on a lovely spring weekend only added to the overall experience.
For us, it was one of the highlights of our Bavaria road trip.
Therefore, we believe Regensburg is definitely worth seeing.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
