"Medieval Metropolis" a Regensburg Travel Page by dentremo

Regensburg is one of my favorite places in Europe (I am a little biased because I lived there for a year). Whether you like history, architecture, sports, culture, or nightlife, Regensburg has it all.

Regensburg’s history goes back 2000 years when it was a northern Roman outpost. Since then it has been the staging point for a crusade, the seat of the imperial diet for the Holy Roman Empire and a center of medieval European commerce.

Although the large old-city will bring you back to the 14th and 15th century, Regensburg is a modern regional city of 150,000 people boasting industry like BMW and Siemens, and a university. The university ensures an active nightlife ranging from Irish Pubs to Discos.
In the spring and summer there are festivals almost every weekend in and around the old city highlighted by the enormous Stadtfest, which takes place every 2 years (next one in 2007, but there is a smaller one in the even numbered years).

Another thing you will notice in Regensburg is that it is not overrun with tourists like Rothenburg a.d. Tauber or Nuernburg.

I have heard people say that Regensburg is the northernmost Italian city, and while admiring the 14th century buildings in the medieval old city, you get a sense of the Itialan flair (although the nearby city of Passau might have a little more).

Even if you get sick of the history and culture, there are plenty of outdoor activities in and around Regensburg. The over 400 km long Danube bike path passes through here, there are also mountain biking, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities, and nearby swimming holes. If you’re a spectator, there is a 3. Bundesliga football team (they were in the 2. Bundesliga a few years ago), a hockey team, and a baseball team.