Why You Should Visit Regensburg, Germany

Regensburg, split in two by the Danube River, has the Old Town on one side and its contemporary sister just across from it. Roughly an hour and a half northeast of Munich, this UNESCO World Heritage site is living history. Over 1000 monuments are miraculously preserved all over the city, dating back to the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, Old Town was a booming merchant city with luxury goods coming in and going out as far as China and India. However, the glory days eventually faded and Regensburg had its fair share of a tumultuous history. Only with the establishment of the Regensburg University did the city see a cultural and financial revival once again. Today the population is 150,000, with 20,000 college students, which seamlessly brings together the 2000 year old history with the millennial age.

The general vibe of Regensburg is homey and laid back. Visitors have no problem making themselves comfortable here. Although Germans are reserved by nature, southern territories like Regensburg are warm and welcoming. It’s the perfect setting for first time overseas visitors. Guests enjoy walks, shopping, and jogging by the river bank. Although early fall can be touristy still, the crowd dwindles down as the months go by. For the most part, locals fill the restaurants, cafés, and pastry shops in the afternoons. Nevertheless, servers are happy to engage with tourists and provide excellent dining experiences.

Regensburg is one of the most picturesque cities in Germany. The number one postcard-worthy view is right where the Old Town meets the New via one of the connecting bridges. Sometimes in the early evenings the city looks especially beautiful with a soft pink sky, glittering water and the St. Peter’s Cathedral towering over the Old Town. Historical beauty is easy to find here. Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque churches are scattered throughout but essentially connected by what once was a town hall. Most of the blue, orange, yellow houses you see were built in the 12th and 13th centuries. Ye Regensburg isn’t just one giant outdoor museum. The 21st century is definitely leaving its mark in a subtle yet confident manner. Even so, the emerging modern infrastructure leaves plenty of room to appreciate its predecessors.

Readers that have been enjoying the new third wave of coffee will find that Regensburg has reinforced the sweet bond between coffee-lover and a good German cup of Joe. The myriad of coffee shops in the city suit a variety of taste preferences. Whether looking for a quiet place or something more upbeat, you are sure to find a hit. Visitors comment that what they appreciate most is the effortless style and taste in each cup of cappuccino or latte. No Starbucks could match up with the aroma and smooth taste of a well-made German coffee.

This kitchen has been serving heavenly sausages for the past 850 years right next to the Old Stone Bridge and the Danube. Made of pure pork, garnished with homemade sauerkraut and topped with Wurstkuchl mustard. Seating, which is only located outside, is limited, but you are free to sit on a nearby bench and look out on the Danube while your taste buds get their treat. Visitors should check out the local mustard too: the unique blend of honey, various mustard powders and a hint of horseradish is what makes this topping so perfect for traditional sausages.