A Bavarian city with a unique walled enclave, the Fuggerei, where rent hasn't changed since 1516. Home to historic sites and a university.
Augsburg, founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, is one of Germany's oldest cities. This Bavarian city has a long history that you can experience at sites like the Renaissance town hall and the 11th-century cathedral. You can walk through the Fuggerei, built in 1516 as a social housing complex, or climb the Perlach Tower to see the city's red rooftops. Augsburg has many cultural attractions including the Maximilian Museum, the Schaezler Palace, and the Augsburger Puppenkiste marionette theater.
Walking Through Augsburg's Historic Center
You can see Augsburg's main sights in the compact old town within a day or two. Start at the Rathausplatz, where you'll find the imposing Renaissance town hall. Built in the early 17th century, the Rathaus has a Golden Hall on the upper floor decorated with murals and gold leaf. Next to it, the 70-meter Perlach Tower lets you look out over the city.
A few minutes' walk takes you to Augsburg Cathedral, with elements dating from the 11th century onwards. Inside, you'll see Germany's oldest stained glass windows and bronze doors depicting biblical scenes. The Abbey of St. Ulrich and St. Afra is another significant building, with architecture from different periods spanning several centuries.
Exploring the Fuggerei Social Housing Complex
Jakob Fugger, a wealthy merchant, founded the Fuggerei in 1516. This walled community still functions as social housing today. It has 67 buildings with 140 apartments, where residents pay an annual rent of less than one euro. You can tour the museum to learn about the Fuggerei's 500-year history and visit a reconstructed apartment to see how residents lived in the 16th century. The Fuggerei shows an early example of social welfare and reflects Augsburg's mercantile history.
Discovering Augsburg's Museums and Cultural Sites
Augsburg has several museums covering different aspects of the city's history and culture. The Maximilian Museum, in a 16th-century merchant's house, displays artifacts from Roman times to the present day. At the Schaezler Palace, you can view a collection of Old Master paintings. For something different, visit the Augsburger Puppenkiste, a marionette theater with an adjoining museum showing puppets from its productions. These institutions give you a broad view of Augsburg's artistic and historical legacy.
Relaxing in Augsburg's Green Spaces
When you want a break from city sightseeing, Augsburg has several parks and gardens. The Botanical Garden covers 10 hectares and includes areas such as a Japanese garden and a rose garden. For a longer outing, you can go to the Augsburg Zoo, which has over 1,200 animals from 240 species. If you like water sports, you can try canoeing or kayaking at the Eiskanal, an artificial whitewater course built for the 1972 Olympics. These green spaces give you options for relaxation and outdoor activities within the city.
Tasting Local Specialties in Augsburg
Augsburg's cuisine reflects its Bavarian roots. You can try Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle) or Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) at traditional restaurants. For a quick snack, look for Zwetschgendatschi, a local plum cake sold in bakeries. Augsburg also has a strong beer culture, with several traditional breweries and beer gardens where you can taste local brews. These food experiences let you sample regional flavors and learn about local food traditions.
Navigating Augsburg
Augsburg has trams and buses that cover most areas of interest. However, you can easily explore the compact city center on foot. If you plan day trips, you can take trains from Augsburg to other Bavarian cities. Munich is about an hour away by train, while Nuremberg takes around two hours. This central location makes Augsburg a good starting point for exploring more of Bavaria.
