Dec. 10, 2022
Regensburg was the capital of the Bavarian region prior to Munich and is known as one of the most beautiful medieval cities in all of Germany.
The city's architecture is all original as it was fortunately not destroyed during the air raids of WWII.
Dom St. Peter
We were sad it was under construction when we saw it until we overheard a tour guide explaining to his group that it's always under construction. It houses what is likely the only extant statue of the Devil's grandmother and is the premier example of the Gothic in Germany.
A sampling of the town's Christmas markets.
This was the only town we went to that actually had an entrance fee for one of its markets. It isn't shown here. It's called the "Romantic Christmas Market" and it is located in the Royal Gardens. The reason why it isn't shown here is because we attempted to go to it, but it was 12 euros/person to get in and was cash only! And we were just a little bit short. Why you would make something that was that expensive (think if you're going as a family of 4 or 5 people) cash only is beyond me, but alas, it was what it was. I was actually very surprised at how much of Germany was "cash only." I was just in Italy a couple months ago and I don't think I used more than 20 or 30 euros in cash the entire time I was there. I just charged everything with no problem. But Germany.... it's a whole other ballgame. Parking garage with a 30 euro fee - cash only. Tips on your dinner bill - cash only. Absolutely every single item at every single Christmas market - cash only.
Wiener Schnitzel at the Hofbrauhaus
Prost!
Verdict: Regensburg was a lot bigger than I expected and a lot more crowded. We found a parking spot, then realized it was more than a 30 minute walk to the town center, so we stupidly decided to get back in our car and try to get closer. AN HOUR later (because of really bad traffic and the fact that every parking garage was full) we FINALLY found another spot that wasn't even all that much closer. I was kind of hungry and irritated by that point which put a sour taste for Regensburg in my mouth. But the town was actually delightful. I loved all the pedestrian walkways, Christmas shops and restaurants on the Danube. It was very "German" meaning tourists seemed far and few between. Everyone around us was speaking German. Our server at the Hofbrauhaus didn't know a lick of English, the people we sat next to were locals, etc. Just as I was thinking to myself "I'm glad we made it here and I had a good time after we finally found a parking spot and got some food in my belly, but I'm not sure I need to come back. I'm not sure this is really a "must do", my husband piped up, "I love this town! I want to come back here again and explore it more and spend more time here." So there you have it. While I'm not sure you have to experience Regensburg before you die, it probably is worth putting a "European river cruise" on your bucket list. And you may as well look for one that has Regensburg as one of its ports!
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