"Augsburg: Rich And Proud Imperial City " a Augsburg Travel Page by Kathrin_E

Together with Nürnberg, Augsburg was the richest and most powerful city in the whole Holy Roman Empire. The splendour of Augsburg's proud past still shows in the streets of the old town.

The old town is larger than you think. Take your time, there is a lot of walking to do if you want to do the city justice and see more than the usual Romantic Road tourist who 'does' the Fuggerei and the Golden Hall and then back on the tour bus.

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The last weekend in August is the opening day of the "Plärrer", Augsburg's annual big Volksfest. To be honest, I had no idea what was going on in town till I heard some oompah-oompah music and went to see what it was - so I stumbled upon the opening parade.

Are you dreaming of the Oktoberfest in Munich? Well, here's an alternative which is just as "Bavarian")* without skyrocketing hotel prices and tourist crowds!

)* Footnote, before the Swabians beat me up... Of course, Augsburg and surroundings geographically and culturally belong to the landscape of Swabia, not Bavaria. There are certain differences in culture, language etc. between this region and the "real Bavaria" which are emphasized and valued high by the locals. On the other hand, since the former imperial city of Augsburg became property of Bavaria in 1805/06, a lot of Bavarian customs and habits have been adopted. So take the "Bavarian" experience with a grain of salt and admire the citizens of proud independent Fugger-time Augsburg in their beautiful 16th century costumes who are taking part in the parade.