//
City in Bavaria, Germany
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Grizurgbg assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Regensburg (Traditional English: Ratisbon) is one of Germany's oldest towns, founded by the Romans in 179 AD. It is in the German federal state of Bavaria, at the northernmost point of the river Danube. As capital of the district of Upper Palatinate and also its biggest settlement, Regensburg today is a thriving city of about 137,000 inhabitants. It has two universities and many landmarks and little chapels, most dating back to the Middle Ages (e.g. the Cathedral of St. Peter, the Old City Hall and Imperial Diet, and the Stone Bridge). According to legend there are so many chapels here, that there would always be at least one church bell ringing. The historic city center of Regensburg and Stadtamhof has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2006. Because of its narrow alleys Regensburg is often called the northernmost city of Italy.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The church was first mentioned in 875. It was renovated several times and nowadays the interior is a great example of Rococo architecture. Especially the altar is of outstanding beauty.
Neupfarrkirche is a Protestant church at the central square of Regensburg. The first structures were built in 1519, shortly after the Jewish population, who lived in the neighbourhood, was illegally chased out of the city during a power vacuum caused by the death of emperor Maximilian I.
Regensburger Dom
The Cathedral of St. Peter is the seat of the Catholic diocese of Regensburg and the prime example of Gothic architecture in Bavaria. Construction commenced in 1273 and the church was finished in 1872, after more than 600 years of work. The cathedral is open for visitors outside mass. Tours are available for individuals as well as groups.
A highlight of a visit to the cathedral is a concert or rehearsal of the world famous boys' choir Domspatzen who perform during the Sunday mass - except in the summer season.
Jakobskirche
Founded around the year 1070 by Hiberno-Scottish missionaries, the church was in the hands of Irish and Scottish monks most of its history. The most famous architectural element of the structure is the dark north portal with its enigmatic composition of ornamental and figural sculptures. Contrary to the dark outside, the interior is very bright and friendly.
Alte Wurschtkuchl
This tavern by the Danube was the first sausage kitchen in the world and already served the construction workers of the Stone Bridge and the Cathedral in the 12th century. That allegedly makes it the first fast food joint ever. It is still a restaurant specializing in all kinds of sausage dishes and a definite must-see for every Regensburg visitor.
Schloss St. Emmeram
St. Emmeram is a palace of the Princely House of Thurn and Taxis, a former key player in postal services in Europe. The palace can only be visited as part of a tour, as the owners still live here. The treasure chamber and royal stables can be visited daily 11:00-17:00 for €4.50 without booking a tour.
The Porta Praetoria is claimed as Germany's most ancient stone building (although the Drususstein tower in Mainz can be certainly dated to 9 BC). It is dating back to 179 AD and was the northern gateway of the Roman settlement and military camp Castra Regina.
Steinerne Brücke
The Stone Bridge is Regensburg's most important landmark, besides Regensburg Cathedral, and a masterpiece of medieval architecture. It was built 1135-1146 and today is a pedestrian bridge that connects the city center with Stadtamhof.
Reichstagsmuseum
Regensburg was the seat of the Perpetual Diet of the Holy Roman Empire 1663-1806. The museum, which is located in the Old Town Hall, focuses around the Holy Roman Empire and its influence on German and European history.
Walhalla
The Walhalla is a hall of fame that honours laudable and distinguished people, and famous personalities in German history – politicians, sovereigns, scientists and artists. The neo-classical structure was built 1830-1842 and is considered to be the most important building commissioned by King Ludwig I. It is located outside the city of Regensburg on a hill next to the Danube. The most scenic way to get there is by ferry, which docks close to the Stone Bridge. Alternatively you can take the local bus route 5 to the "Walhallastraße" stop in Donaustauf. Both routes require you to climb about 358 steps on the most direct route up the hill.
Visit a mass in the Cathedral on Sunday mornings when the world-famous boys' choir Domspatzen is singing.
Stadtmaus
The "Stadtmaus" offers tours through the historical city. The guide wears a historic costume and you meet costumed enactors on the way. Tours seem only to be available in German.
Bavarian specialties
Upper range, beautiful ceilings with chandeliers, and patio.
One of two hostels in the city and the only one in the very heart of town and a very inexpensive alternative to a hotel. It has all hostel style amenities, including an in-house supermarket. Furthermore, it's the only hostel in Regensburg that allows guest over the age of 26.
Near the station and the university.
Jugendherberge Regensburg
The hostel is located on Unterer Wöhrd island in the river Danube.
Very nice, small and comfortable Hotel right next to Regensburg Cathedral. You can reach every point of interest from here by foot.
High class hotel near the Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke) on one of the Wöhrd islands in the river Danube.
Hotel Vitalis
The hotel is just 3.5 km from city centre making it easy to get out and about and the motorway access is only a few minutes away.
Those of us old enough for senior railpasses may enjoy a contemplative soak in the tub - carefully as there may not be a grab rail and “warm” means piping hot. Whereas those of you still young enough for youth railpasses may prefer the art and complementary bottle of wine. All of us can dream of Paris.
On the north bank of the river with plenty of (paid) parking, this can be a good hotel for drivers. Walk along the river to the city or hire a bike from the hotel.
Handy if you have some time to kill at the station, and has many food shops.
Very big shopping mall, you can find almost everything in it
By train
By car
Regensburg is easily accessible via the German autobahn network, with two autobahns intersecting in the city:
By bus
Travelers to Regensburg by bus usually arrive at the big bus station in Stadtamhof, on the other side of the Danube.
By boat
On the banks of the river Danube, that runs via Vienna (Austria), Belgrade (Serbia) and Budapest (Hungary) to the Black Sea, Regensburg is the start and end point of regular river cruises along the…
By bus
For longer distances, Regensburg has a comprehensive public bus network, operated by RVV and RVB. Buses are frequent (10 min intervals during peak hours) and run until around midnight every day.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Munich · International · MUC
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Regensburg and Germany.
Travel tipsUnderstand travel insurance for a Schengen visa in 2026. Learn mandatory €30,000 medical coverage, zero deductible rules, and embassy-approved policies.
7 min read
Travel tipsEstimate your Europe trip cost for 2 weeks in 2026. Compare realistic budgets for lodging, Eurail trains, dining, and sightseeing across three styles.
8 min read
Travel tipsPlan your trip with our Oktoberfest 2027 guide. Learn how to reserve beer tent tables, understand Munich hotel booking windows, and budget daily costs.
8 min read
InspirationExplore the best castle and gothic hotel stays in Europe. Discover historic fortresses, medieval estates, luxury châteaux, and Spanish parador hotels.
6 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.