Dom St. Peter and other Regensburg, Germany Things to Do Tips

This Gothic cathedral begun in the 14th century dominates the skyline of Regensburg like a medieval skyscraper. The interior is less impressive than its exterior, but well worth checking out (don’t miss the crypt underneath). You can take a tour in German if you'd like (see Regensburg Tourist website for times). The Domplatz in from of the cathedral still allows auto traffic, so watch out for lunatic taxi drivers as your crossing over to get a coffee, a bite to eat, or an ice cream at one the slightly overpriced restaurants or cafes across the street. While your on the other side, check out the statue of the eagle menacingly staring at the church - the story is that in medieval times, the plot of ground on which the Cathedral and bishop's residence stands, was its own state independent of Regensburg. The people of Regensburg were not huge fans of the Vatican, and one sculptor erected this statue right on the border between church land and city land to let them know that.
(Picture taken from goldener Turm)

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Address: Domplatz
Website: http://www.regensburg.de/tourismus/erleben/kirchen/index.shtml

In December up till the 23rd, like in most other German cities, Regensburgs holds its annual Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt or Christkindlmarkt) in Neupfarrplatz. At these markets you can buy all kinds of hand made crafts and clothing, in addition to delicious sweets. Most locals go there to meet friends, eat a Bratwurstsemmel, and drink either a few cups of Gluhwein (a sweet wine served hot) or Feuerzangenbowle (another hot drink that is made by lighting a rum soaked sugar cone and allowing it to drip into a kettle of warm red wine mixed with cinnamon and other spices). For children and non-drinkers, you can also order a warm Kinderpunsch.
There is another more romantic Christmas market at the Thurn and Taxis palace. It costs a few Euros to get in (the other one is free), but the setting inside the cozy courtyard of the palace gives it a unique character. In addition, the palace grounds are usually closed to the public except for guided tours.

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Address: Neupfarrplatz
Website: www.christkindlmarkt-regensburg.de

King Ludwig II's replica of Athen's Parthenon. This picture of Wallhalla partialy swallowed up by the wooded hill was taken from the nearby ruins of Donaustauf. Inside there are busts of famous Germans such as Albert Einstein and Sophie Scholl. Even if you don't want to pay the couple Euro entrance fee, it is a great place to pinic or just walk around in the nature around it.

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Address: East of Regensburg next to town of Donaustauf
Directions: You can take a boatride from the dock just east of the Steinerebruecke in Regensburg, bus number 5 from the Albertstr. bus stop (near the Train station) to Donaustauf Wallhallastr., take the Donau bike path (15k east), or drive (parking fee).
Website: http://www.regensburg.de/tourismus/erleben/ausfluege/01_walhalla.shtml

The Sweedes destroyed this medieval castle during the 30-years war. There’s not much left of it except for a number of walls and a large cylindrical storage chamber; however, the is no entrance fee and there is a good chance that you will be all alone to explore the overgrown ruins. The picture is of the view through a hole in one of its walls toward the Danube River.

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Address: Donaustauf (13k east of Regensburg)
Directions: see my directions to Walhalla
Website: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donaustauf

This Romanesque portal - now protected from the elements by a glass housing - is an entrance to the 12th century Schottenkirche (Scottish church), also known as St. Jakobs. It was built by Irish Benedictine monks in a spot that was at the time outside the city walls. There are fascinating carvings on either side of the portal: Carvings of Mary and Jesus are on the east side of portal (in the direction of Jerusalem), while images of the anti-Christ are on the western side (in the direction of the end of the world).

It is interesting to note that the first wave of the 3rd crusade assembled in front of this church began their journey to the east from here. They walked down from the church to some boats that were docked on the bank of the Danube. They only made it about one kilometer before crashing into the Steinerebruecke - I guess they tried again on the next day launching from the other side of the bridge.

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Address: between Bismarckplz and Jakobstor
Directions: Go west from Bismarckplatz on Jakobstr. Its on the left.

Although the Charles bridge in Prague in more famous, they got the idea for that one here in Regensburg. In one of the most impressive feats of medievel engineering, the Steineren Bruecke (Stone Bridge) was built between 1135-46 At the time it was only the third bridge to span the 3000 KM long Danube. There were once large towers on either end of the bridge that are long since gone. When you are there take a look at the southern end of the bridge. If the stones look more modern there, it is because they are. The Nazi's blew up this section of the bridge in April of 1945 as General Patton and the Americans approached.

Today, the Steineren Bruecke is still serving the purpose for which it was built. As of ten years or so, automobiles are no longer allowed on the bridge, but busses and Taxis still can still cross it. Otherwise, you will only see pedestrians and bikers on the bridge as they cross from the old city to the island that is formed by the Danube and the modern ship canal.

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