Regensburg travel guide – joy of life on the Danube

The big neighbour has much more to offer than motorways without speed limits and a hip capital. Spread throughout Germany, for example, there are 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are in the spotlight this year. A look at this list is pure inspiration for me. You discover so many places that you would like to see. How about the Wartburg, the old town of Bamberg or a trip to the Hanseatic city of Lübeck? My finger lands on Regensburg. According to architect Norman Foster, “one of the most beautiful cities in the world”. The last piece of Italy before the land of the wild Germanic tribes began.

Travelled – Arrival by train to Regensburg

We don’t just want to think about beautiful places and that’s why we used the long weekend around the “Böögg” (if you don’t know that now, you should travel to Zurich ;)) to pay a visit to the fourth largest city in Bavaria. By train, the journey takes a little longer, but is all the more comfortable. Exactly six hours and one change of trains later, we reach Regensburg on time.

 

Slept – Our hotel in Regensburg

We spend the night in the middle of the historic old town at the Hotel zum Blaue Krebs. Originally, the owner, a native of Salzburg, only ran the Dicker Mann restaurant, which is located in the narrow Krebsgasse. Over the years, he has made a dream come true for himself and opened a hotel next to the restaurant in a historic building. Each room is unique and designed with great attention to detail. As we climb the stairs up to the third floor, the old wooden beams hum and creak with every step. Just the way I like it! The combination of a hotel and a barrage tavern is very convenient for late-arriving guests like us. Before we go to sleep, we treat ourselves to a large piece of Wienerschnitzel in the Dicken Mann.

Done – Sights in Regensburg

Stroll through the World Heritage Site | Old town

The best way to discover Regensburg is on foot. The old town centre is mostly car-free. Charming alleys with cobblestones invite you to take a leisurely stroll. We start our tour on Haidplatz, right next to Krebsgasse. Here you can discover two inconspicuous heroes of Regensburg. On the one hand, it is a small board on which floor plans are depicted. The panels throughout the city show a selection of buildings (squares, parks) grouped together thematically and encourage puzzles. On the other hand, it is the little city mouse that brings good luck to the one who touches it.

Otherwise, there are exciting details to discover in every alley. I was particularly impressed by the many green backyards and of course the beautiful town hall, which also houses a really creepy torture chamber. The history of the building is also closely linked to the Reichstag. Guided tours are regularly offered to visit the town hall.

Survey the World Heritage Site | Holy Trinity Church

The bird’s eye view costs 2 euros. I have to climb up a tower in a city to let my gaze wander over the rooftops. Regensburg has a few towers, but the most comfortable way to climb is the tower of the Trinity Church. The view is well worth the steps.

Royal Tales | St. Emmeram Castle

If you regularly read the gossip columns, you may be familiar with the name “Thurn und Taxis”. Well, I knew the name, but I didn’t know that the former Benedictine monastery of St. Emmeram was the residence of Princess Gloria and her family. The castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour (costs from 10 euros depending on the tour). The old cloister and the crypt chapel are beautiful.

Regensburg in layers | Document Neupfarrplatz

Roman legion camp, medieval Jewish quarter, modern business centre – almost three centuries of urban history were uncovered as part of the redesign of Neupfarrplatz. Some stone remains of past times are now exhibited and accessible below the busy square in the place where they were found (access only with a guided tour 5 euros entrance fee).

Glorious Gothic | Regensburg Cathedral

A look into the cathedral is of course a must for the first-time visitor. The building is also a small marvel of Gothic architecture.

Flair of the Golden Hours | Jahn Island

Regensburg is a student city and this is especially evident on warm spring evenings. We cross the Stone Bridge to reach the Jahn Island – the link between Regensburg and Stadtamhof. The meadow along the Danube is populated with young people. The essence of happiness here consists of a few friends, a bottle of beer, rays of sunshine and the beguiling scent of blooming lilacs. We walk from the Iron Bridge to the Iron Bridge and are blown away by the unique evening atmosphere. Regensburg, you are adorable!

Eaten – Restaurants in Regensburg

Lunch | Historic sausage cakes

It is said to be the oldest bratwurst parlour in the world. Right next to the Stone Bridge, directly on the Danube strudel, is the Wurstkuchl. For 500 years, workers have been treating themselves to a well-deserved midday snack here. In the bright sunshine we also enjoy the classic menu – 6 on cabbage – consisting of sausages, cabbage, sweet mustard and a black croissant.

Sweet Break |

For a sweet break in between, I can recommend the Confiserie Prinzess. The selection of chocolates is almost endless and coffee with coffee beans from the Regensburg roastery Rehorik is served.

Another fine address is Haus Heuport, which is located directly opposite the west façade of the cathedral. Here you can find ice cream sundaes at moderate prices and an exclusive view of the cathedral.

Evening | Lessing

The Lessing is located just inside the Unesco perimeter opposite the train station. Here, modern, Italian-inspired dishes are served in a cosy atmosphere. Ideal for creating a culinary contrast to the typical Bavarian restaurant and getting to know Regensburg from a modern side.

However, I have to admit to my shame that we missed a few Regensburg culinary classics. That’s why one thing is clear, we have to go back to Regensburg at some point. Even if it’s just to stop by the legendary Dampfnudel-Uli. Ashes over my head! I only discovered it on Sunday and the restaurant is unfortunately only open Wednesday to Friday. Other tips include the cross cabinets with the best Wienerschnitzel, the Tigergreen Bagel Store and ice cream at Stenz. Oh man, why are there only three meals a day? ;)

Celebrated

After dinner we mingled with the crowd of students again. The fountain at Bismarckplatz is very popular. There is no free spot to be found around the fountain. The Jahn Island is cosier and more romantic here. With a view of the brightly lit skyline of Regensburg, we let the day come to an end.

Note: My stay in Regensburg was supported by Regensburg Tourism. As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm here.