WHERE REGENSBURG LOOKS LIKE A VACATION!

There are many places in Regensburg where you can feel like you’re on vacation. Fancy a little trip around the world through Regensburg and the surrounding area? We’ll show you where in Regensburg you can feel like you’ve been transported to a completely different place.

Just like in San Gimignano!

In the Middle Ages, the so-called dynastic towers were built in Tuscany. These towers were used by influential urban families for residential and defensive purposes. At the end of the 13th century, the construction method was copied in some cities that had become rich through trade with Italy. This was also the case here in Regensburg – we have the most medieval family towers north of the Alps. Around 20 examples are said to have survived, including the “Baumburg Tower” with a height of almost 28 m and the “Golden Tower” with a height of 42 m. It is not for nothing that Regensburg is known as the northernmost city in Italy.

Just like in Prague!

Our Stone Bridge bears an unmistakable resemblance to the Charles Bridge in Prague. In this case, it was not Regensburg that copied it, but the people of Prague modeled their Charles Bridge on our Stone Bridge. The Stone Bridge is the oldest preserved bridge in Germany. Construction began in 1135, while the foundation stone of the Charles Bridge was not laid until 1357. Like its model, the Stone Bridge, Charles Bridge is an arched bridge with 16 arches.

Just like in Paris!

The Orphée describes itself as the most original French bistro east of the Rhine. And the Orphée really does make you feel like you’re in Paris: French bistro chairs, red velvet armchairs, wood-paneled walls, crémant, French wine and crêpes. Like a short vacation in France. And there’s a beautiful hotel to boot. Vive la France!

Just like in London!

London has its Buckingham Palace, we have St. Emmeram’s Palace, also known as Thurn und Taxis Palace. St. Emmeram’s Castle is even bigger than Buckingham Palace in London. However, the rumor that it is the largest inhabited palace in Europe is not true; that is the Spanish royal palace in Madrid. Our castle in Regensburg is, however, the largest inhabited castle in Germany. It was built on the site of the former monastery of St. Emmeram, which dates back to the 8th century, and is the ancestral seat of the Thurn und Taxis royal family.

Just like in Cologne!

Alongside Cologne Cathedral, our St. Peter’s Cathedral is one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in Germany. Construction began in Cologne in 1248 and in Regensburg only a little later in 1275. Incidentally, the two towers as we know them were only extended between 1859 and 1869. Here are the most important dimensions: total length of the cathedral inside 85.40 meters, width inside 34.80 meters, height of the central nave 31.85 meters, height of the towers 105 meters.

Just like in Egypt!

Yes, even that exists in Regensburg, and twice: on the one hand, an obelisk can be seen in Fürst-Anselm-Allee. In ancient Egypt, obelisks, like pyramids, represented the rays of the sun god in stone. However, the obelisk in Regensburg was erected in honor of Prince Carl Anselm using stones from the old city wall. You can even find a sphinx at St. Emmeram’s Castle. It is not the only sphinx, there is also one in Fürst-Anselm-Allee.

Just like in Greece!

Just outside Regensburg, in Donaustauf, 12 km away, Walhalla rises above the Danube. The neoclassical building was commissioned by the Bavarian King Ludwig I and built by the architect Leo von Klenze in the form of a Greek temple. Meritorious German-speaking men and women are honored here. A temple of fame like in Greece. Incidentally, the name “Valhalla” comes from Germanic mythology: Valhalla is a kind of warrior’s paradise, a heavenly royal hall and a resting place for fallen warriors.

Just like in Asia!

The Nepal Himalaya Park is located not far from Regensburg near Wiesent. On nine hectares, Asian culture and nature combine in a wonderful way. A visit is like a journey through Asia. The Nepal Himalaya Pavilion, the former Nepalese exhibition pavilion at Expo 2000 in Hanover, is located here. There is also a Japanese garden, the China and herb garden, the Himalayan garden, Little Bhutan and lots of Asian art to see. There are also more than 6200 different plant species in the Nepal Himalaya Park.

Have fun discovering!