A Stroll Around Regensburg

Gate protecting the Steinbrucke across the Danube

One of the destinations in our Bavaria-Tirol travels in May 2018, was the city of Regensburg.  After departing Munich, the direct train to Regensburg was chosen as the means to reach the Medieval city.  Regensburg?  That was Nancy's question to me too when the itinerary was in the planning stage.  Scheduled midway through our holiday, Regensburg offered a chance to relax a bit before traveling on to Salzburg and Zurich.  I sold the stop as a chance to see a Medieval German city that averted destruction during WWII.  With her interest in ancient cathedrals, Regensburg was not a tough sell.  We would remain within the walled, old town.  Adding in the enjoyment of walking along the Danube and through the meandering, Medieval streets, two nights in Regensburg was really an easy decision.      

Old Stone Bridge across the Danube

Besides a cultural center, Regensburg (Ratisbon) played an important role at the beginning of Napoleon's 1809 campaign.  Perhaps, this historical tie provided the motivation on my part for the visit?  It was during the fourth attempt at storming Regensburg's Medieval walls that Lannes grabbed a scaling ladder prepared to lead the assault before being restrained by his aides.  The French attackers carried the walls on this fourth attempt.  Napoleon received a spent cannon ball to the ankle while watching this event.      

City plan for Regensburg

Following the battles of Abensberg and Eckmuhl, Napoleon used Regensburg as his residence and headquarters for a few days.  The building below displays a plague commemorating Napoleon's stay. 

Napoleon was here

Parts of Medieval Regensburg are still intact including the Medieval walls and gates.  The East Gate has become a major thoroughfare through the city. 

Ostentor

Regensburg still clings to an earlier time when Romans built and maintained an outpost on the banks of the Danube.  Elements of the Roman Porta Praetoria can be seen today along the narrow streets near the river's edge. 

Porta Praetoria

Porta Praetoria

Porta Praetoria

What about the churches and cathedral?  There are many worthy of a stop with St. Peter's Cathedral being one of the most impressive.  

St. Peter's Cathedral

St. Peter's dominates cityscape

Interior Niedermunster

Interior Niedermunster

Interior St. Emmeram's Basilica

Interior St. Emmeram's Basilica

Of course, being on the Danube, Regensburg is a popular stop for Danube River cruises.  These low-profile ships are seen frequently.  To pass under the arches of the Old Stone Bridge they must be low profile.  Perhaps, a Danube River cruise would be a fun escape? 

Regensburg is a beautiful city with much to offer to the traveler.  Time spent here is time well-spent.  I recommend it.  Regensburg was not the sole focus of my attention during the two night stay.  Early on the second morning, I boarded a local train and headed off for a quick battlefield walk while Nancy remained in town.  With a number of battlefields within reach, which did I choose?  That military-themed exploration is left for another time.