Regensburg - Where history of the Holy Roman Empire was being written

Hello there, how you doing?
Welcome to the new year! I am bringin a next from my little notes from travels across Europe. This time, I took a trip to one of the historical centers of Bavaria that has been a center of its region since the time of the Roman Empire. Welcome to Regensburg.

History of the town reaches to the ancient times. In the second century AD a settlement Castra Regina was built here and it quickly became one of the major crossworads in the neighborhood. Being situated on the Danube river, it was one of the important borderland checkpoints and places of trade of the northern parts of the Empire. In the middle ages, the city got its status of a Free Imperial City and held many of the famous sessions fo the Imperial DIets and housed more then a few Holy Roman Emperors.

Today, Regensburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations not only in Bavaria, but in Germany as a whole. It carries on the legacy of centuries passed. Let's take a look at least at a few of them.

The stone bridge is the perfect example of medieval architecture. For nine centuries, this has been the only bridge to have ever been built across the Danube. Isn't that just breathtaking? Today, it still remains one of the oldest bridges north of the Alps. In the 2010s it has undergone a major restoration, therefore I don't have many good pictures, but you get the gist. And if it's not enough, had to Regensburg yourself :) It may be finished by now. :)

The Regensburg Dom is the best example of the Gothic architecture in Bavaria and overall belongs among the top religious structures in Germany. If you choose to enjoy the interiours or just gaze in wonder from outside, I believe you will not miss this true landmark of the city. As usual for me, a reconstruction was taking place at the time of my visit, so a better picture of the front of the dome was not possible :/

Right next to the Stone Bridge, you may also find the oldest continuously open public restaurant in the world - Regensburg Sausage Kitchen. If meat is your thing, go get some sausage. And if not, you may still enjoy a typical bavarian beer there as part of your training for Octoberfest.

The old town hall, Altes Rathaus, is another example of typical bavarian architecture. Inside, you may find the rooms that were occupied by the Imperial Diet for over 200 years.

The historical center of Regensburg can easily be walked through within an hour, and almost at any corner, you find yourself staring at a peace of history. So, don't be limited by this list and just walk around and go exploring. I hope I got you hyped anough.

Wallhala
Saying that, let me give you one more tip while you are in the city. Just outside, about 10 km down the Danube, in a town Donaustauf, there is an amazing piece of architecture that you just have to visit. The Wallhala is the most grandious memorial to the German nation and history. This reproduction of the Parthenon rising on the hill high above the river will let you gasp for your breath. If you wanna go inside and look at hundreds of busts of German worthies, or just walk around and enjoy the view, it is certainly a must when visiting Regensburg. Just take the bus to Donaustauf or board one of the ships that will take you there on the waves of the Danube.

Getting there
There are no airports in Regensburg, but the city is well connected to all major travel hubs in the neighborhood. There are plenty of direct trains going from the Bavarian capital of Munich as well as from Nuremberg. There are also some international trains going directly to Prague, Paris, Zurich or Amsterdam. The main train station Hauptbahnhof is located in the city center.

Till next time

Lex :)