Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Regensburg's medieval city center offers many impressive sights for tourists and locals alike. The Cathedral, Stone Bridge and ancient Roman walls are always worth a visit. With roughly 150.000 inhabitants, Regensburg is the fourth largest city in Bavaria and capital of the Upper Palatine. First settlements date back to the Stone Age, roman forts followed. Roman remains are still regularly found under the earth. Until the 13th century, Regensburg was capital of Bavaria. Its convenient Position at the three rivers Danube, Naab and Regen established it as trade center in the Middle Ages. Regensburg suffered only little damage during World War II, the medieval city center stays intact to this day. Apart from the various sights the city offers, it is highly recommendable to just walk through the city center with open eyes and take in the architectural beauty and details of the medieval buildings.
St. Peter's Cathedral
The Regensburg Cathedral is seen as the main work of gothic architecture in Bavaria. Founded in 1275 and completed in 1634, it took over 300 years to build, the two towers were not finished until 1869. Looking at the two towers closely will show, that they differ in style, due to their different completion dates. The Cathedral is also home to the Regensburger Domspatzen, a famous youth choir. Inside the Cathedral you can find many interesting monuments and artifacts on display.
The Stone Bridge
The Bridge was built between 1135 and 1146 and is a highlight of medieval bridge building. Legend has it, that the bridge builder and the builder of the cathedral had a bet who would finish their constructions first. The bridge builder made a pact with the devil in order to win. The devil demanded the first three souls to walk the bridge in exchange for his help. When the bridge was finished, the builder send a hen, a rooster and a dog over the bridge. In his fury, the devil tried to destroy the bridge, which is the reason for the bridge's bump. Today we know, that the bridge was completed long before work on the cathedral even started.
Schloss Thurn und Taxis
Originally a Benedictine monastery founded in 739, the Castle is still home to the princely family Thurn und Taxis to this date. The park around it covers five hectares and is closed to the public unless for tours and special events. In winter, it is the location for the romantic Christmas market, the largest and most beautiful Christmas market in Regensburg. In summer, the Schlossfestspiele bring internationally famous singers and bands to the town. Today, it also includes museums that can be visited.
Regensburg Sausage Kitchen (Wurstkuchl)
If you feel like having a snack iconic for the city, you should visit the notorious Sausage Kitchen right by the Danube and the Stone Bridge. It is popular with tourists and locals alike and is one of the cities main attractions with visitors.
Museum of Bavarian History
The Museum of Bavarian History opened only recently and features interesting exhibitions on the general history of Bavaria, as well as changing exhibitions of interest.
For more sights in and around Regensburg and information about the city, visit the Wikipedia article.