Regensburg Things to Do

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German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler was born on 27. Dezember 1571, in Weil der Stadt, germany and died on 15. November 1630 in Regensburg, germany.
He discovered that the Earth and planets travel about the sun in elliptical orbits. He gave three fundamental laws of planetary motion. He also did important work in optics and geometry.

Open: Sa, So and Holidays: 10.30 - 16
closed: 01.11. / 24.12. / 25.12. / 31.12.
adult price: 2,20 €

very small hause but interesting exhibits

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This fable could apply to the people of today: be aware!
The fox wanted to snatch fat goose for himself but because the geese always got away, he thought up a cunning plan . He dressed up as a parish priest and began to preach. He preached and preached until all the geese fell asleep. After everyone fell asleep he was able to snatch them. The fable should warn the people of wrong preachers.

Valhalla is the "Hall of Fame" of Germany.
As you may know, in German folklore, Valhalla is heaven, the place of the residence of the gods. In this earthly Valhalla, all people who made major contributions to Germany, German Culture and western society are memorialized here, either with plaques, busts or statues. It is a "who's-who" of German history. Among the honored is Albert Einstein, who also is the only Jewish and Naturalized American Citizen to have a place here. There are so many others, I don't have space or memory to place names here, just go and see for yourself!
As you can see, the building itself is an almost exact replica of the Parthenon in Athens. It is a monument to the German fascination of tying the mythological world to the real world and vice-versa.
Admission a few years ago was about 7DM, so figure today about 4 Euro or so.

Although the Charles bridge in Prague in more famous, they got the idea for that one here in Regensburg. In one of the most impressive feats of medievel engineering, the Steineren Bruecke (Stone Bridge) was built between 1135-46 At the time it was only the third bridge to span the 3000 KM long Danube. There were once large towers on either end of the bridge that are long since gone. When you are there take a look at the southern end of the bridge. If the stones look more modern there, it is because they are. The Nazi's blew up this section of the bridge in April of 1945 as General Patton and the Americans approached.

Today, the Steineren Bruecke is still serving the purpose for which it was built. As of ten years or so, automobiles are no longer allowed on the bridge, but busses and Taxis still can still cross it. Otherwise, you will only see pedestrians and bikers on the bridge as they cross from the old city to the island that is formed by the Danube and the modern ship canal.

This Romanesque portal - now protected from the elements by a glass housing - is an entrance to the 12th century Schottenkirche (Scottish church), also known as St. Jakobs. It was built by Irish Benedictine monks in a spot that was at the time outside the city walls. There are fascinating carvings on either side of the portal: Carvings of Mary and Jesus are on the east side of portal (in the direction of Jerusalem), while images of the anti-Christ are on the western side (in the direction of the end of the world).

It is interesting to note that the first wave of the 3rd crusade assembled in front of this church began their journey to the east from here. They walked down from the church to some boats that were docked on the bank of the Danube. They only made it about one kilometer before crashing into the Steinerebruecke - I guess they tried again on the next day launching from the other side of the bridge.

The Sweedes destroyed this medieval castle during the 30-years war. There’s not much left of it except for a number of walls and a large cylindrical storage chamber; however, the is no entrance fee and there is a good chance that you will be all alone to explore the overgrown ruins. The picture is of the view through a hole in one of its walls toward the Danube River.

In December up till the 23rd, like in most other German cities, Regensburgs holds its annual Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt or Christkindlmarkt) in Neupfarrplatz. At these markets you can buy all kinds of hand made crafts and clothing, in addition to delicious sweets. Most locals go there to meet friends, eat a Bratwurstsemmel, and drink either a few cups of Gluhwein (a sweet wine served hot) or Feuerzangenbowle (another hot drink that is made by lighting a rum soaked sugar cone and allowing it to drip into a kettle of warm red wine mixed with cinnamon and other spices). For children and non-drinkers, you can also order a warm Kinderpunsch.
There is another more romantic Christmas market at the Thurn and Taxis palace. It costs a few Euros to get in (the other one is free), but the setting inside the cozy courtyard of the palace gives it a unique character. In addition, the palace grounds are usually closed to the public except for guided tours.

Dom St. Peter is considered the most important Gothic building in Bavaria with impressive 14th and 15th century stained glass windows its main drawing card. Its towering spires are visible from just about anywhere in town and serve as the trademark of the city some refer to as the most northern in Italy. There is a musem of religious art and a treasury containing golden crosses, goblets and other religious artifacts.