Landshut

After the city was founded in 1204 by Duke Ludwig the Kelheimer, today's Hofgarten was used as a zoo (Hag) until the middle of the 18th century. After that, the area was converted into a cultural enterprise and a state fur school for the cultivation of fruit trees was founded and silkworm breeding began. After the royal university was relocated from Ingolstadt to Landshut in 1800, the courtyard garden became the property of the university on September 30, 1804. At that time it was designated as an economic garden and was used for agricultural and forestry experiments until 1826. In June 17, 1836 the city of Landshut was able to acquire the Hofgarten after many years of negotiations, and it was made accessible to the public in 1837.

Jodokskirche is Landshut's second oldest church, after Martinskirche. It was built between 1389 and the end of the 16th century in Gothic style. It features a 77 m (250 ft) high bell tower.

The church's construction began in 1385 and it took over 110 years until it was completed, around 1500. With an interior height of 29 m (95 ft) and a bell tower that measures 130 m (430 ft), Martinkirche is not only the tallest church in Bavaria and the tallest brick building in the world, but also one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in Germany and Landshut's number one landmark..

Duke Ludwig X commenced the oldest part of the city residence, the "German Building", in 1536. After a visit to Italy he decided to add the "Italian Building", inspired by the Palazzo del Te in Mantua. This addition is considered to be the first Renaissance building north of the Alps. There is a combination ticket available for the Residence and Trausnitz Castle (adults €8, concessions €6).

Landshut's historic city centre is mostly preserved in the state it was 500 years ago, and doesn't have to hide behind other shining examples like Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Today it is a pedestrian zone with a lot of shops, makeshift concerts on the streets during summer and a Christmas fair during Advent. It also serves as one of the stages for the quadrennial Landshut Wedding re-enactment.

Opened in 1998, the museum is located mostly underground within a hill, atop of which Trausnitz Castle is situated. It has on display works of sculptors, who lived or worked in the city. The museum is specialized in the works of Fritz Koenig, who is best known for his sculpture The Sphere, which was on display on World Trade Center Plaza in New York City from 1971 until the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The medieval castle is situated atop a hill overlooking the city of Landshut and amidst the former castle park. The oldest parts of the structure were built from 1204, and the castle was continuously expanded until the late 19th century, serving as the Wittelsbach ducal residence for Lower Bavaria, 1255-1503. Virtually unharmed by the turmoils of numerous wars, Trausnitz Castle is one of the best preserved and most complete examples of aristocratic medieval architecture. During the Landshut Wedding it serves as one of the venues for the re-enactment.

One of the smaller and cozier festivals of its kind, with only about 200,000 visitors each year. In contrast to Oktoberfest in Munich, you can still find original Bavarian traditions at this festivity.