Happy Thursday dear friends! Are you ready for a little armchair travel? As part of our 50th anniversary celebration, Butch booked a Viking river cruise in early January. We departed Atlanta on September 8th and arrived in Munich, Germany the following day. From Munich we were transported to scenic Regensburg, Germany, Bavaria’s fourth largest city to begin our river cruise down the famous Danube River!
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
Psalm 103:8
We had little knowledge of Regensburg, but some research prior to the trip had given us a glimpse into this charming city. Comfortable shoes were a must for navigating uneven cobblestone streets, so happy that we were prepared!
A City Tour is available on a neat train for a nominal price. Our grands love trains and when our Emma (EK) discovered the engine was named after her she was so excited! I think she wonders why we didn’t bring it home!
Typical, colorful housing along the river. A very pleasant scene meets the eyes here regardless of which direction you look!
Most of you are familiar with Schindler’s List. Oskar Schindler and wife Emilie lived in this Regensburg house from November, 1945 until September, 1946. Translating the lower part of this plaque…In the years of the National Socialist Dictatorship, they saved over 1200 Jews from death.
There are so many cathedrals in Europe. The Regensburg Cathedral, also known as Dom St. Peter, is a prime example of Gothic Bavarian architecture. The church has existed since about 700 AD.
Fires through the centuries devastated the original structures. The current high Gothic-style building was completed in 1320. A French architect oversaw the construction of the cathedral in the late 13th century, so you will see an abundance of French Gothic elements.
The Cathedral is such a towering, prominent landmark, it can be spotted from all around the city. We found it very easy to walk around old town and never feel lost. The Cathedral would guide you back to the center of the city and near the river. The twin towers are nearly 350 feet high!
Regensburg was spared much of the devastation that many other cities suffered during WWII.
We considered hopping on a scooter and saving a little wear and tear on our shoe soles. However, we remembered doing this in a strange place in the past, and it did not work out so well, so we decided to continue on foot!
Food and drink and alfresco dining abound throughout the old town. Wonderful cafes often occupy the first and second floors of beautiful historic buildings like this one, while upper floors are residential or office space. Regensburg boasts as having Germany’s oldest bratwurst restaurant (not pictured here), which is called the Old Sausage Kitchen.
The Stone Bridge, a twelfth century masterpiece of medieval construction, is an emblem of the city. For more than 800 years, it was the city’s only bridge over the Danube! The bridge is now open to pedestrians and bicycles. Our stroll across provided awesome views of the river and old town, as well as a personal feeling of absorbing some of the history that was lying beneath our feet!
One large courtyard that was filled with cafes and outdoor dining options, was also surrounded by buildings like this one with its gorgeous window boxes. This is the location of an original Roman fort built in AD 179 and today corresponds with what is the heart of the city. Some portions/stones of the old Roman fortress still remain.
We walked the city a couple of times on our own but also toured with a wonderful guide who was a local historian and history professor. She was absolutely a pleasure to spend time with and pointed out things we would’ve never known or noticed. This building for example, is not only taller and a different color than its neighbors, but each floor’s window design is different. As we attempt to remember so many details, we are thinking this is indicative of an Italian influence on the architecture?
Tower Houses like this one, were a display of wealth and prosperity in medieval times. Also known as Patrician Towers, these were status symbols and gave Regensburg a unique skyline!
Part of the town hall complex, this is another 13th century building. The upper floor contains a grand room where events like weddings are still held today! A visitors center occupies the ground floor.
The Goliath House was built in 1260. With its painting of David and Goliath done in 1573, it is considered one of the most well-known landmarks of Regensburg! Do you think Goliath looks somewhat arrogant with his arm resting on a window?
There were a number of clock towers in Regensburg. This tower, at approximately 180 feet, is highly visible and is part of the Old Town Hall complex. The tower was built in the 13th century on the city’s central market square.
It was a beautiful September day to spend walking about in this wonderful city. Regensburg feels quaint and small since the old town is so well intact, accessible, and right on the Danube, but the city has a population of about 170,000.
Our guide shared a story about an elderly lady who lives in an upstairs apartment in the white building. Of course there are no elevators in these centuries old structures so steps are plentiful! We forget exactly how long the dear lady has lived here, but it is very many years. She refuses to move even though she can no longer climb the stairs. Apparently she is making it with the help of neighbors? It seemed she is a well known, well respected, yet stubborn lady about town!
From the Stone Bridge, you can easily see why the cathedral serves to keep a stranger oriented and headed in the right direction as one wanders through the city.
The medieval city center of Regensburg was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. The city has such well preserved architecture and is the largest medieval city north of the Alps. The city was very important in the historical assemblies during the Roman Empire.
This clock tower, with its arches, is at the base of the Stone Bridge. Eventually almost everyone ventures here to make their way across the bridge!
For a final stop today we are choosing to take a look inside Dom St Peter. There are so many stained glass windows, most of which were installed in the 14th century and survive until this day!
Thanks for joining us. Stay tuned as we continue our journey downstream on the Danube!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Thank you for the armchair traveling this morning, Pam! What a beautiful and charming city filled with history and gorgeous architecture. I’m always amazed at the artistry and skill that went into churches hundreds of years ago, and are still standing today. Love the window boxes…I always wonder if someone hangs out those upper windows to maintain them. 😊 We were flipping around looking for something to watch on TV the other night and saw a Mighty Cruise Ship episode on the Smithsonian Channel that was featuring a Viking Longship cruise down the Danube and Budapest so I felt like I was travelling with you. Happy Thursday ♥
Mary, I wonder the same thing about the window boxes. In all of the the beautiful cities we visited, there were stunning window boxes. The episode on the Smithsonian Channel would be fun to watch! Happy Thursday, Mary 🧡
What a wonderful recap of your first stop! Thank you for sharing the detail. I want to go! What perfect weather you had this day. I enjoyed this very much.
Thank you, Rita. I think you would enjoy a river cruise!
I enjoyed your pictures and commentary very much. You are amazing remembering so many details.
Thank you, Bonnie. I know you have been on the Danube!
What gorgeous pictures you captured under that blue sky! I never knew anything about Regensburg until we visited, and it truly is a beautiful and walkable city. Can’t wait for your next installment.
Thank you, Roxanne and a special thanks for your tips and advice about our trip. I can’t wait to compare notes!
Having just returned from a river cruise thru France ,I enjoyed your photos and commentary of your trip. Next cruise…Germany!
Bev, how exciting a river cruise through France and plans for another!
What a fabulous stop on your trip. I’m not familiar with this town either but oh my! What a great start. I love those buildings (especially the yellow cafe) and the interior of that church is a stunner. I look forward to more Pam. What a great way to celebrate!
Jeanie, we both have a love for travel. This was really a quaint and beautiful city. It was a perfect couple of days to begin our trip down the Danube!
What a wonderful adventure you had Pam, and what a beautiful and delightful city! Thank you for taking us along, I look forward to hearing and seeing more. The cathedral is breathtaking! I have always wanted to take a Viking river cruise, please include photos and words about the boat and accommodations.
Thank you, Jenna. We will include info about Viking. I think you would love this trip!
How wonderful and fascinating. The color of the buildings and the wonderful architecture is amazing. What a beautiful trip. Thanks for taking us along. Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris. It truly is a beautiful city!
Congratulations, what beautiful memories you have to add to your continued celebrations and life together❣
Such beautiful weather and what an absolutely stunning town to begin our journey with you. Thank you so much for bringing us along. I am so looking forward to the next stop!
Sue, I am so happy you enjoyed our first stop. It was a gorgeous day!
Good morning, Pam! I have really enjoyed my armchair travel this morning. Thanks so much for taking us along. You took so many beautiful photographs, and your trip sounds wonderful! I can’t wait to read more about your adventures. Happy Thursday, sweet friend!
Thanks so much, Shannon. It was great to return to Europe after 8 years! The trip was everything we had hoped it would be.
Ha! The elderly woman who won’t move story made me laugh! I used to live in Pforzheim with a man whose elderly mother tried without success to get him to put in an elevator as his 52 steps were too much for her. He refused as he would never have privacy and she already had her maid checking on him. He cared for her for years after she refused to leave her own home due to the stairs. It is a common problem!
Thanks for sharing your interesting story., Vicki! He sounds like a good son!
Awesome photography Enjoyed the virtual tour
Thank you and I am so glad you enjoyed, Carolyn!
I enjoyed seeing this charming city and all its gorgeous architecture!
They sure do have beautiful window boxes!
What a fabulous weather day you had for your first stop!
I am looking forward to your river cruise pictures!
Thanks for so many details!
Thank you, Nancy. We had great weather. It only rained once and that was during the night. Happy Friday, my friend!
Be still my heart – the views just put a catch in my throat… One could stop anywhere in Regensburg,
close your eyes and just let the history of it all pour into your being. There is a quality of air and light
in some places in Europe like no other… We are not likely to see the artistry and workmanship of those centuries old buildings repeated in our day and in humbled gratitude we have been fortunate
that their beauty has been preserved. And the music ….. Dom St Peter puts a prayer in ones heart,
so beautiful and moving. Thank you for this enchanting passage through time… Looking forward to
the promise of what lies ahead….
Thank you, Mary. So much history is preserved in Europe. We tear down to build new constantly. I don’t understand why we think that is better. Their workmanship is amazing. Wishing you a lovely weekend, my friend ♥️
Amazing that Regensburg didn’t receive the damage from the war as some others. It is indeed a beautiful city. The cathedral is a beauty. Many in Europe removed their stained glass windows to protect them from bombing. Did this cathedral do that? I see the statures Are still standing in these old cities. They cherish their history. I love the colors of the buildings and the cobbled streets. The window boxes filled with flowers seems to be something the Europeans are good at. Looking forward to a pictorial down the Danube.
That is a good question if perhaps they removed their stained glass windows. I don’t think so, Regensburg was greatly spared of bombings during World War 2. I also love the flower boxes! Happy Weekend, dear friend ♥️
What a gorgeous historical center city! I love looking at all the beautiful architecture. The designs, colors, doors and windows are fascinating. The church is gorgeous! Isn’t it nice to have such a beautiful center city landmark to keep oriented? The bridge provides for a nice stroll and different vantage point along with lots of history. What a wonderful way to celebrate your 50th! We’re looking forward to more stops. We’ve always wanted to do a river cruise. Your pics will inspire us! Our 50th is in 5 years so we may just borrow your terrific idea! Have a great evening. Clara❤️
Thanks so much, Clara. I definitely recommend a river cruise. Y’all would enjoy it! Happy Weekend♥️
Thanks, for sharing a lovely part of our beautiful world!!!!
thank you so much Pam for sharing your wonderful journey with us. I love that we can feel that we are right there with you. A Viking cruise has been on our bucket list for years and you just make it sound and look like it will soon be in our sights. Have a great and wonderful week. Hugs my friend
Thank you, Kari! You and the Captain would enjoy a Viking river cruise. Happy October!
How wonderful! Thank you for this virtual tour!
You are most welcome. Happy October 🧡
Pam, I am sorry to be so late in commenting. The pictures are spectacular and the blue sky is so pretty. The cathedral is stunning and I am amazed at how old some of these buildings are and how well preserved they are! What a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for taking us on the lovely tour and I can’t wait to hear more about your cruise. Happy Tuesday!
P.S. I have been unable to subscribe to your blog in forever no matter what I did. I see WordPress has a new comment format so I am going to try the “notify me of new posts” and see if it works. Fingers crossed!
What a memorable way to celebrate your anniversary. I’m so happy to see that you had wonderful weather for your day in Regensburg, it is a lovely city to walk around.
Thank you, Karen. It is a lovely walking city!
Armchair travel, indeed! What a pleasure to see all the sights & have you share so much info. with us here! I seriously doubt I will ever leave American soil, so armchair is more than likely the only international traveling I will be doing, so thank you for taking me along on your wonderful adventure! The story about the old lady who lives in that white building was fascinating, and I found it so intriguing to think of all those structures and windows being so old and lasting for so long. Our country is so young compared to other countries. I so enjoyed seeing and reading all this today. God bless you!
Thank you, Cheryl. Traveling is an education. Thanks for going with us!