Ratisbonne, 2 hôtels

The Old Rathaus at the centre of Regensburg’s Old Town is the ideal starting point for a tour of the city. For one thing, this historical building is well worth viewing. It is also home to the tourist information bureau, providing visitors with plenty of tips and suggestions for a tour of the city. The Imperial chamber in the old Rathaus dates from the 13th century, and was the seat of the Perpetual Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire from 1663 until 1806. Since 1963, it has housed the Reichstag Museum, tracing the history of the Holy Roman Empire in Germany as a permanent exhibition.

The 105-metre-tall spires of St. Peter’s Cathedral can be seen from far and wide, and stand as a major landmark on the cityscape. St. Peter’s Cathedral is Germany’s second-tallest Gothic Cathedral – second only to Cologne Cathedral which is a little taller still. The construction work is thought to have begun at the end of the 13th century. However, final completion was not achieved until the 19th century, by King Ludwig 1 of Bavaria who completed the spires. The interior is adorned with magnificent altars, and a host of statuettes and sculptures. The valuable, medieval window panes are especially worth seeing. They are not painted, but instead made of stained glass.

If you feel like a little excursion, you should make a trip to Walhalla, the Hall of Fame and Honour on the Danube. You might even choose to travel on one of the passenger ships that sail along the Danube. The Walhalla was designed by architect Leo von Klenze following a commission from King Ludwig I in 1830. The temple was opened in 1842, to commemorate important historical and intellectual figures. To the present day, any German is entitled to make a submission to the Bavarian State Ministry for Science, Research and Art in Munich, to nominate people for the Hall of Fame.

Salt was once a valuable and rare commodity. As the trade flourished, Regensburg sought to capitalise when it regained control of the market in 1614. However, this project was compromised by direct competition from Stadtamhof, located on the opposite side of the Danube river. The famous Salzstadel dates from this period. Originally built as a salt store, today it serves as an events and exhibition centre for the city of Regensburg. Since May 2011, the city’s history can be experienced in the ‘World Heritage’ visitor’s centre, through exhibits and installations.

For centuries, Regensburg was the only city in Germany or Austria with a stone bridge crossing the Danube. Construction began in 1135, and the first traders and pilgrims crossed the bridge in 1146. With its 16 stone arches and (originally) three towers, the bridge measures 336 metres across and is regarded as a Medieval masterpiece. Today, only the tower on the southern side still stands. This affords a wonderful view across the old town and is home to the Bridge Tower Museum, which brings the history of the stone bridge to life.