Regensburg

Visiting the Regensburg Christmas Markets and Historical Attractions

Regensburg, Germany is a quintessential medieval German village located on the Danube River about two hours by train from Munich Airport. It is often on Bavarian Christmas Market itineraries not only because of its charming stalls and decorations, but also because of its well-preserved medieval core.

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A stop in Regensburg fits well between a visit to Nuremburg (to the west), Munich (to the south), or Salzburg (to the southeast). For me, I was meeting my BFF here as a first stop before a week in Austria. We had visited the German Christmas Markets on a prior trip, but had missed Regensburg. So, we decided to fly into Munich and visit Regensburg first.

Regensburg is a compact city that is easy to navigate on foot. Once I arrived at the main train station, I was able to reach my hotel within 15 minutes with luggage in tow, all the while gawking down every cobblestone side street festooned with garlands and lights.

Above photos: Christmas decorations in Regensburg, Germany

There are multiple Christmas Markets around the city, as well as historic and cultural points of interest. This post will cover both! My lifetime friend and travel buddy, Kath, had a flight delay. So, I was on my own for the first part of the day. While everything is more fun when we’re together, I didn’t mind walking around by myself. Regensburg is tourist-friendly and very safe.

• Regensburg Historical Landmarks
• Regensburg Christmas Markets
• Where to stay
• Additional tips & photos

Regensburg Historical Landmarks

Regensburg has 1,500 listed buildings, 984 of which comprise the UNESCO World Heritage area of Old Town with Stadtamhof. While many villages in Germany were reduced to rubble during WWII, Regensburg was spared. Additionally, since the city was built in stone, rather than timber, the buildings bettered their chances against time and have maintained their authenticity.

Following is a list of my ten favorite historical landmarks in Regensburg:

• Kepler Monument in Schloss Emmeran Park
• Evangelical Ambassador Cemetery
• Old Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke)
• Stadtamhoff
• Historical Wurstkuchl
• St. Peter’s Cathedral
• Lower Minster Cathedral Parish Church (Dompfarrkirche Niedermünster)
• Patrician Tower Houses
• Goliathhaus
• Old Town Hall

Kepler Monument

You’ll probably pass the Kepler Monument in Schloss Emmeran Park as you make your way from the main train station into Old Town. This pretty focal point was built in 1808 in honor of Johann Kepler whose genius developed the laws of planetary motion.

Above photo: Kepler Monument in Schloss Emmeran Park

Evangelical Ambassador Cemetery

This narrow passageway adjacent to Trinity Church originated during the Thirty Years’ War. Somewhere around a hundred military personnel, ambassadors, diplomats and their families were buried here. However, the epitaphs and grave slabs have suffered quite a bit of damage over the years. A restoration project began in 2023 in an effort to preserve them.

Above photo: Baroque Epitaphs in Evangelical Ambassador Cemetery of Trinity Church

Old Stone Bridge

The Old Stone Bridge, or Steinerne Brücke in German, is perhaps the most recognizable historical landmark of Regensburg. Built in the 12th-century, the bridge connects the Old Town with Stadtamhoff, separated by the Danube River. For over 800 years, it was the city’s only bridge across the river. It’s about 1,000 feet long and offers great views of Regensburg from the Stadtamhoff side.

Above photos: Old Stone Bridge

Stadtamhoff

On the other side of the Old Stone Bridge is the quiet neighborhood of Stadtamhoff. Also part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation, the area has many historic buildings, including St. Mang and the hospital church of St. Katharina. There are wonderful restaurants and shopping boutiques lining the streets. So, don’t forget to check it out!

Above photo: Stadtamhoff

Historische Wurstkuchl

It’s the world’s oldest sausage kitchen (since 1146)! Need I say more? Located on the shore of the Daube River, this historic café  is a great place to stop for the best wurst and then wash it all down with some German beer.

Above photo: Wurtkuchl Sausage Kitchen

St. Peter’s Cathedral

Also known as Regensburg Cathedral, St. Peter’s Cathedral is the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Regensburg and is the only Gothic cathedral in Bavaria. The facade was partially surrounded by scaffolding while I was there, but it was nonetheless impressive. Besides the numerous stained glass windows and religious artifacts, it also houses the world’s largest hanging organ.

Above photos: St. Peter’s Cathedral

Lower Minster Cathedral Parish Church

Perhaps overlooked in favor of the ornate and imposing St. Peter’s and St. Emminam’s Cathedrals, Lower Minster Cathedral, or Dompfarrkirche Niedermünster in German, deserves a place on a Regensburg itinerary. This Romanesque monastery and imperial abbey has been through a few re-builds, but it retains much of it historical and architectural authenticity. Its striking towers and baroque interior design are well worth a look. The ceiling is especially captivating.

Above photos: Lower Minster Cathedral Parish Church

Patrician Tower Houses / Goliathhaus

Regensburg is well-known for its medieval patrician towers. These were originally built as residences for the city’s elite to show off their wealth. In fact, often the upper floors of these homes were never used by the families for anything but a status symbol to the outside world.

One such example is the Goliathhaus, which was built in 1260. Later, in 1573, the building was painted with a mural of the Biblical story of David & Goliath, and it is now one of the landmarks of Regensburg. A Michelin restaurant “Storstad” is located on the top floor.

Keep your eye out for other patrician towers as you walk through Regesnburg. They are everywhere!

Above photo: Goliathhaus

Old Town Hall

Last but not least on my list of historical landmarks is the Old Town Hall. The significance of this building is tied to Regensburg political history of a council governance, as opposed to lords or the church, for most of its time. Old Town Hall was built in the 1245 and added to over time. Today it stands as a three-section complex consisting of the tower, Imperial Chamber, and the Baroque town hall. Guided tours are available of the Imperial Chamber and the torture chamber in the cellar. 

Above photo: Old Town Hall

Regensburg Christmas Markets

And now what you really came for — the Christmas Markets. Regensburg’s markets are internationally acclaimed among the best and most popular Christmas markets anywhere. There are four annual Christmas Markets in Regensburg. It is possible to walk from one to the next on foot and see them all on the same day.

For complete details about this coming season’s opening dates and times, please visit the official Regensburg Heritage website.

• Regensburg Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt Regensburg)
• St. Katharinenspital Advent Market (Spital-Adventsmarkt)
• Arts & Crafts Market (Lucreziamarkt Regensburg)
• Romantic Christmas Market at Schloss Thurn und Taxis

Regensburg Christmas Market

The Regensburg Christmas Market, or Regensburger Christkindlmarkt am Neupfarrplatz in German, takes place in the main central town square of Neupfarrplatz. This is the oldest and most traditional market in Regensburg with wooden chalets, Glühwein huts, and regional food specialties.

Above photos: Regensburg Christmas Market

St. Katharinenspital Advent Market

The Advent Market in the Katharinenspital is located just on the other side of the Old Stone Bridge. So, it is perfect to stop in at this market while you are exploring the bridge and Stadtamhoff. This smaller market is a hidden gem and well worth a visit. The area is otherwise a beer garden when not occupied during the Advent season. Keep an eye out for the wool stall and their corral of sheep 🐑. Also, the baked goods here were amazing!

Above photo: St. Katharinenspital Advent Market

Lucrezia Market

The Arts & Craft Market, called Lucrezia Market, is where you can find all things hand crafted. I saw beeswax candles, pottery, hand painted ornaments, knitted accessories, and children’s toys. It is a bit smaller than the other markets, but the items here were really special.

Above photo: Lucrezia Market in Haidplatz and Kohlenmarkt

What I loved most about this market was the storybook setting in Haidplatz and Kohlenmarkt, formerly the town’s charcoal market. The area is surrounded by beautiful architecture and large trees with string lights dangling overhead as your wander through. There is a small fountain in the center called the Fountain of Life, or Lebensbrunnin in German. It’s adorable.

Above photos: Lucrezia Market

Romantic Christmas Market

Just before dusk, my BFF finally arrived in time for an evening at the Romantic Christmas Market at St. Emmeram Castle, the residence of the Thurn and Taxis royal family. This was my favorite market in Regensburg. The only complaint I had was the admission fee (but tbh, it was worth it). Schloss Thurn und Taxis is a Rococo palace complex on the foundations of a Benedictine monastery. It’s many ballrooms and state rooms are still used for private events.

The palace courtyard provides a magical setting for the Romantic Christmas Market. A path meanders through the grounds lined with wooden chalet stalls and open fire pits where you can warm up. The artisans featuring their wares at this market are exceptional.

Above photos: Romantic Christmas Market Thurn und Taxis

There was a champagne gazebo situated slightly above the market, which offered amazing views of the stalls below. And, of course, champagne!

Above photos: Romantic Christmas Market Thurn und Taxis

Where to stay in Regensburg

If you are visiting Regensburg to see the historical landmarks and Christmas Markets, I recommend staying somewhere in Old Town. Old Town is a very short walk from the main train station and will situate you right in the middle of all of the sights and action.

We stayed at the Bohemian Hotel, a cute little 4-star hotel right in the middle of Old Town, but a few blocks away from the main squares. Since it was the first night of our trip (after a long overseas flight), it was so nice to have some space to unwind and catch up on sleep!

Above photos: The Bohemian Hotel, Old Town Regensburg

Need help packing? Read my Christmas Market Packing Guide here.

Additional tips for visiting the Christmas Markets

More photos of Regensburg

Above photos: The streets of Regensburg

To read more about visiting other Christmas Markets in Germany, click here.