Regensburg Cruise Port

Regensburg is a Danube River cruise port and city in Bavaria, Germany, at the confluence of the Danube, Naab and Regen rivers. With around 155,000 residents, it is Bavaria’s fourth largest city. Regensburg is mainly a port of call on river cruises through Central Europe, although it can also serve as a turnaround port.

The Old Town is the main attraction for most visitors. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is filled with cobbled lanes and historic buildings, with Roman, medieval and later architecture woven into the city centre. Regensburg’s history reaches back to Roman times, when the military fort of Castra Regina was established here as part of the Danube Limes. The Porta Praetoria is one of only two surviving Roman gates in Germany. Elsewhere, the mustard coloured town hall has a 14th century clock tower and was once the meeting place of the Perpetual Imperial Diet. Gothic towers, Roman remains and a 12th century stone bridge add to the character of the historic centre, which is compact, pedestrian friendly and easy to explore on foot.

Food and drink are an important part of a visit. The Wurstküche, a traditional sausage kitchen, has served sausages since the 12th century, when it opened to feed stonemasons working on the nearby bridge. Regensburg is also known for its concentration of bars, while beer gardens provide places to enjoy locally brewed weissbier, or wheat beer. Käsespätzle, made with small noodles, cheese, onion and chives, is another familiar Bavarian comfort dish.

Beyond the Old Town, St Emmeram’s Palace, also known as Thurn and Taxis Castle, occupies the site of a former Benedictine abbey and has more than 500 rooms. Parts of the complex date back to the 12th century. Regensburg also has 20 museums, including the Regensburg Museum of History, which explores the history, culture and arts of Regensburg and Eastern Bavaria from the Stone Age to the present.