Discover the German Gem of Regensburg

Germany has so many great cities to visit it can be hard to decide where to start. But if you want a destination rich with history, culture, great food, and plenty to see and do, Regensburg gives family travelers a good place to do it all.

Located in Eastern Bavaria, Regensburg’s history dates back centuries, and today it is one of the biggest medieval cities you’ll find in Germany. The old town of Regensburg is not only easily walkable, but the cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings and beautiful murals hidden throughout the narrow lanes also make it the perfect place to explore.

© Eugenia Lazaris

The old town of Regensburg was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006, and there is an incredible visitor’s center housed in what was once the salt storage house for the city. The center, free to visit, is open 364 days a year and home to a number of interactive exhibits detailing the history of the city. It is also ideally located right next to one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, Stone Bridge, which connects the old and new parts of the city across the Danube River.

While you can walk along the 12^th-century Stone Bridge and enjoy the views of the river and city, you won’t want to skip a boat tour along this historic river. Donauschiffahrt Wurm & Noe is known for its fleet of ships decorated with Swarovski crystals, offering relaxing rides along the river to visit the nearby attraction known as Walhalla (pronounced Valhalla).

© Eugenia Lazaris

Completed in 1842, this massive monument overlooking the Danube was designed as a replica Parthenon, and the beautiful interior houses 132 carved busts of important people from Germany’s history, such as German astronomer Johannes Kepler and notable German composers like Mozart, Bach and Wagner. When the boat drops you off in front of Walhalla, you can either catch a bus up to the monument or hike up the hill, then return in time for the next boat ride back to Regensburg.

The city is home to a university and thriving culinary scene. There are endless places to grab a bite of traditional German food, along with great cafés, bars and sweet shops for a refreshing beverage or sweet treat. There are also plenty of places to shop for local goods, whether looking for souvenirs; a traditional dirndl or set of lederhosen; or a handmade hat from Der Hutmacher, also known as Hutkönig, a family-run hat maker making “a hat for every head” since 1875.

Regensburg is best reached via Munich (MUN), the closest international airport. From there, you can hop a train (there is a station in Regensburg to make it convenient) or travel by train or car.