Good morning from Regensburg! Today was all about stepping back in time as we explored one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. From ancient bridges to breathtaking churches, festive markets to delicious sausages, Regensburg charmed us at every turn. Here’s a look at our day.
Waking Up on a Foggy Danube Morning
We awoke to a beautifully misty morning as our ship, the Avalon Illumination, approached Regensburg. Watching from the window, we saw the transition from the Main-Danube Canal to the iconic Danube River. The fog wrapped around the scenery like a cozy blanket, adding a bit of mystery to the day ahead.
After breakfast in the dining room, we layered up for our excursion. Since we were running a bit behind schedule, the captain docked just before the final lock into Regensburg’s downtown area. This meant we had a slightly longer walk into town, but the extra steps were worth it for what was in store!
Discovering Regensburg: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Our guide led us on a walking tour, weaving stories of Regensburg’s remarkable history as we crossed a bridge into the Old City.
A City Preserved by History
Regensburg is one of Germany’s oldest cities, with roots dating back to Roman times when it was known as Castra Regina around AD 179. The name means “fortress by the river Regen,” and remnants of the Roman walls can still be seen today.
Unlike most European cities, Regensburg didn’t undergo extensive modernization in post-medieval times. Economic struggles during those years meant that many buildings couldn’t be replaced or updated, leaving much of the city’s medieval architecture intact. Today, this rare preservation earned Regensburg its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through its narrow streets feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages.
Exploring the Old City
Our guide walked us through the heart of Regensburg, pointing out landmarks like the Old Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke). Built in the 12th century, this bridge is considered a marvel of medieval engineering and was once the only crossing over the Danube for hundreds of miles.
We continued through the charming streets, visiting several Christmas markets along the way. Each market had its own personality, from bustling squares filled with festive lights to quieter areas showcasing handcrafted treasures.
St. Peter’s Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece
One of the highlights of our tour was St. Peter’s Cathedral (Regensburger Dom), a towering Gothic church that dominates the city skyline. Construction began in 1275, and it took over 250 years to complete! The twin spires, added in the 19th century, reach an impressive 105 meters (344 feet).
Inside, we were awestruck by the cathedral’s high vaulted ceilings and intricate stained-glass windows, many of which date back to the 14th century. The vibrant colors and detailed craftsmanship told biblical stories that left us marveling at the skill of medieval artisans.
A Taste of Regensburg
After exploring the markets near the cathedral, we warmed up with mugs of mulled wine and hot chocolate (and, of course, kept the mugs as souvenirs!).
Next, we ventured to a Christmas market featuring exclusively handcrafted goods. It was a treasure trove of unique ornaments and decorations. We even found a little store filled with hand-painted Christmas baubles—perfect gifts for friends and family.
For a quick snack, we tried the Original Regensberger Knackersemmel mit Allem, a sausage sandwich topped with pickles, mustard, and a flavorful sauce. It was every bit as delicious as it sounds!
Basilica of St. Emmeram
Another unforgettable stop was the Basilica of St. Emmeram, originally founded in the 8th century as a monastery. The current Baroque structure, built in the 17th century, is a feast for the eyes. The richly decorated interior features stunning frescoes, ornate gilding, and a ceiling painted with heavenly scenes.
The basilica is dedicated to St. Emmeram, a missionary and martyr from the 7th century. Its beauty reflects Regensburg’s religious significance during the Middle Ages, when the city was a major center for the church.
Great food at Historische Wurstkuchl
After some free time exploring, we made our way to the Historische Wurstkuchl, a famous Bavarian sausage kitchen by the river. Known as the world’s oldest continuously operating sausage stand, it has been serving visitors for over 500 years.
We enjoyed six sausages, sauerkraut, and a drink, courtesy of Avalon Waterways. The smoky, flavorful sausages paired perfectly with the tangy sauerkraut—a true taste of Bavaria!
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| Sign showing flood levels |
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| 1893 flood |
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| Flood of 1882 level |
Back to the Ship: Double-Parked Adventures
When it was time to return to the ship, we discovered that the Illumination was double-parked. Another ship was tied to the dock, and ours was tied to it! To board, we had to cross through the other ship’s lobby, climb to its Sun Deck, and walk across a gangway to reach our ship. It was quite the adventure, and we were glad for a chance to rest once we were back on board.
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| Two ships together |
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| two ships together from the top |
Evening on the Illumination
After a short rest, we joined our friends in the lounge for Happy Hour and the nightly port talk, where we learned about tomorrow’s adventures in Salzburg. Since many of us weren’t very hungry after our sausage feast, we opted to stay in the lounge, where small dinner portions were served.
Later, we celebrated a friend’s birthday with laughter and dessert before heading to our cabin to prepare for the next exciting day. Salzburg awaits!
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| Birthday |
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| Today's Mug |
Note: written in collaboration with ChatGPT
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