Augsburg

Travel Guide

Augsburg
Augsburg
Augsburg
Photo by Jelle Canipel
Photo by William Keller
This southern Bavarian college city is one of Germany’s oldest cities and is known for its striking architecture and rich history.

Augsburg was originally founded in 15 B.C. on the orders of Roman Emperor Augustus. The city was considered a tactically sound military location because it was ideally situated between the Lech and Wertach Rivers, close to many passes through the mountains. It prospered under Roman rule, and although it was attacked on a number of occasions, it grew after each setback.

See the Town Hall and many other sites that are important to the city’s role as an administrative center. Notice the building’s Renaissance style, which was an architectural masterpiece at the time of its completion in 1620. It was the first building in the world to be built more than six stories high. Explore Golden Hall within the building, which is extravagantly decorated in extensive gold inlay and murals. From there, head to nearby Perlachturm, a 10th-century watchtower, also known for its distinguished architecture.

The Schaezlerpalais is an extravagantly decorated Baroque palace. Wander through its courtyards, gardens and ballrooms and visit the Deutsche Barockgalerie, an art gallery housed inside the palace. The artwork displayed in the gallery comes from private lenders and focuses on the Baroque period.

There are a number of churches to see across the city. The Cathedral of Augsburg, founded in the 11th century, is a Romanesque and Gothic style building and is one of the city’s main attractions, along with the Basilica of St. Ulrich and Afra.

Visit Fuggerei, considered to be one of the world’s first housing projects for needy citizens. The group of houses is still in use today. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s great-grandfather lived on the estate and is commemorated by a nearby plaque.

Augsburg is a college city, home to both the University of Augsburg and the Hochschule Augsburg. The lively nightlife reflects this, with students flocking to pubs, the local brewery and a walking street filled with small shops. A number of beer gardens and dance clubs in the city also serve the college students of the area.

Where to stay in Augsburg

Default Image

Innenstadt

4.5/5(35 area reviews)

Innenstadt is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Augsburg Town Hall and Augsburg Christmas Market.

Innenstadt

Pfersee

Pfersee might not have many top sights, but Augsburg Christmas Market and Augsburg Town Hall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Pfersee
Default Image

Jakobervorstadt-Nord

Travelers like the museums in Jakobervorstadt-Nord, and Bertolt-Brecht-Haus is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Jakobervorstadt-Nord

Bahnhofs- und Bismarckviertel

Unique features of Bahnhofs- und Bismarckviertel include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Jüdisches Kulturmuseum or Botansicher Garten - Japan Garten while you're exploring the area.

Bahnhofs- und Bismarckviertel
Default Image

Innenstadt - Sankt Ulrich-Dom

While visiting Innenstadt - Sankt Ulrich-Dom, you might make a stop by sights like Augsburg Christmas Market and Augsburg Town Hall.

Innenstadt - Sankt Ulrich-Dom

Augsburg-Göggingen

5/5(1 area review)

You'll enjoy the bars and shopping in Augsburg-Göggingen. You might want to make time for a stop at Augsburg Western Woods Nature Park or Golf Augsburg.

Augsburg-Göggingen

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Augsburg

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
12
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
12
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

A bit boring city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Simply beautiful Christmas destination

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Augsburg is an amazing clean city, people are very helpful. Had changed dramatically from thirty years ago which sadly is to be expected. Still thrilled I went back and I want to go again just not as long of a time span in between!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It's very cute. We used it as a base to tour the area along the Romantic Road which is so unbelievably scenic!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Seemed a bit too quiet at night in the city center. The Botanischer Garten is absolutely wonderful, but quite small.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Augsburg is a charming historic town with great food

Cities near Augsburg