Augsburg, Germany – An ancient city in Bavaria. There are not very many tourists here, so you can get a good rest: you can enjoy the deserted streets of the Middle Ages, take a walk in the oldest social quarter of the world or visit the botanical garden.
General information
Augsburg is a Bavarian city in southern Germany. The population is 290 thousand people. Area – 146.87 km². The nearest large settlements are Munich (55 km), Nuremberg (120 km), Stuttgart (133 km), Zurich (203 km).
Augsburg is the third largest city in Bavaria, the administrative center of Swabia and the largest industrial center of the country.
This is one of the oldest cities in modern Germany, founded in the 15th century BC. The heyday of the city came in the Middle Ages. Until the 16th century, it was the largest shopping center, and from the 17th to the 19th century it was the industrial capital of Bavaria.
Augsburg was lucky, because during the Second World War he was not badly injured, and, unlike other German cities, the historical building was preserved here.
sights
Compared to other cities in Bavaria, the capital of Swabia is not very rich in attractions, but there are no problems with what to see in Augsburg.
Fuggerei is perhaps the most atmospheric historical part of the city. This is the oldest social settlement in the world, the construction of which was begun under Jacob II Fugerre the Younger in 1514-1523.
The old quarter consisted of 8 gates, 7 streets and 53 two-story houses. In the center of the town was a temple. It is interesting that only very poor people who could not afford to buy their own housing could live in this area. In fact, this is a prototype of modern apartment buildings.
Today in this part of Augsburg there are still people who do not have the opportunity to rent expensive housing. When selecting guests, a special commission also draws attention to religion (necessarily Catholic) and to the number of years lived in Augsburg (at least 2). The gate to the quarter, as before, closes at 10 pm, and residents who do not have time to return to this time need to pay the guard 1 euro for entry.
But still today it is rather a tourist area, which travelers love very much. Here you can:
- Take a walk.
- Enter the Fuggerei Museum, which consists of two rooms. The first demonstrates the dwelling of people in the 15th century, and the second – the room of modern residents.
- Look at the small Fuggerei church, which is still hosting services.
- To see the fountain and the monument to Jacob Fugger – the famous patron of Augsburg, who financed this area.
- Look into the beer garden.
During the walk, pay attention to the door handles: according to legend, they were specially made in different shapes and sizes so that people who returned home late in the evening (and there was no electricity then) could find their door.
If you want a break from the bustling central streets of Augsburg, be sure to visit this area.
- Address: Jakoberstr. 26 | At the end of Vorderer Lech, 86152 Augsburg, Germany.
- Opening hours: 8.00 – 20.00
- Cost: 5 euros.
The only botanical garden in the city of Augsburg, covering an area of 10 square kilometers, consists of:
- Japanese garden. The largest part of the botanical garden. Here you can admire the minimalist flower beds, succulents, small fountains and picturesque bridges across the river.
- Gardens of medicinal plants. Here herbs and flowers are planted, which are used to combat a number of diseases. The collection contains about 1200 species of plants.
- Garden of roses. More than 280 varieties of roses grow in this part of the park. They are planted both in flowerbeds and in special beds. Each rose blooms at certain times of the year, so whenever you come, be sure to see a couple of opened buds.
- Park of wild grasses and ferns. Perhaps one of the most interesting parts of the botanical garden. Plants are planted right in the grass, but this does not stop you from enjoying their beauty.
- Collections of cacti, succulents and milkweed. This is one of the most famous gatherings that are located on the territory of the botanical garden. About 300 species of succulents and more than 400 species of cacti are represented.
- A tropical garden in which butterflies fly all year and orchids grow.
Tourists note that the botanical garden is very well-groomed: there is no thicket and garbage.
- Address: Dr.-Ziegenspeck-Weg 10, 86161 Augsburg, Germany.
- Opening hours: 9.00 – 19.00
- Cost: 9 euros.
In the zoo, located near the city center, you can see about 2500 animals from five continents, 350 species of birds. Augsburg Zoo covers an area of 22 hectares and is divided into the following parts:
- Sea pool. Fur seals, seals and dolphins live here.
- Pavilion with an aquarium. More than 200 species of fish and 10 species of sea urchins live here.
- Aviaries with animals. In spacious enclosures live lions, zebras, giraffes, tigers, llamas and other animals.
- Outdoor area. In this place go ponies and kids.
The zoo often hosts performances and festive events. Also at 13.00 you can watch how the staff of the zoo feed fur seals.
- Address: Brehmplatz 1, 86161 Augsburg, Bavaria
- Schedule: 9.00-16.30 (November – February), 9.00-17.00 (March, October), 9.00-18.00 (April, May, September), 9.00-18.30 (all summer).
Cost in Euro:
| Population category | Winter | Summer | Fall / spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | 8 | 10 | nine |
| Children | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Teens | 7 | nine | 8 |
The central square of Augsburg is the heart of the Old Town. Here are the main historical buildings, and on weekdays there is a farmer’s market. In December, before Christmas, the Christmas market opens, where residents and visitors of Augsburg, Germany can buy traditional German sweets, Christmas decorations, decorations, wool products and souvenirs.
The most important building on the square is the Augsburg Town Hall, which for centuries has remained the highest in Europe (and even today its size is impressive). On the facade of the main building is an image of a black double-headed eagle – a symbol of the Free Imperial city.
The main premises of the Town Hall are the golden hall, where ceremonial events are held to this day. On the gilded ceiling – images of saints and emperors, on the walls – ancient frescoes.
Many tourists say that this is the most beautiful Town Hall in modern Germany. And this is exactly the attraction that you can see more often than others in the photo of the city of Augsburg in Germany.
- Where to find: Rathausplatz 2, 86150 Augsburg, Bavaria.
- Opening hours of the Town Hall: 7.30 – 12.00.
Perlahturm Tower is the main watchtower of the city. Its height reaches 70 meters, and it was built back in 890. At the top of the sights are the clocks.
If you rise to the top of the sights, you can be on the observation deck: from here you can see the city, which is visible at a glance, as well as take beautiful photos of Augsburg. But for this, you first need to overcome the 261 steps.
More than 300 people visit this landmark of Augsburg daily, and during the holidays the figure reaches 700.
- Address: St. Peter am Perlach, 86150 Augsburg, Bavaria
- Opening hours: May – October (from 10.00 – 18.00)
- Cost: 1.5 euros (charge at the observation deck).
During the years of World War II, the German family of Ochmićen opened its own puppet theater. They made their own characters for performances and sets, and the first performances took place in their small house.
Now the puppet theater is a separate building, and the grandchildren of the founders direct it. There is a museum at the theater. Here you can see both modern and old models of dolls, look at the process of making the scenery and find out how the script is written. The museum periodically hosts workshops on making dolls.
- Address: Spitalgasse 15, 86150 Augsburg, Germany.
- Opening hours: 10.00 – 17.00.
- Cost: 6 euros.
Like most churches in the city, the basilica of Saints Urlich and Afra was built in the Baroque style: white walls and ceilings, gilded partitions and a lush altar. However, there are a number of Gothic elements. This is, first of all, a wooden organ, and, secondly, lancet windows.
In the temple you can see a rich collection of Orthodox icons from Russia and ancient salaries. Also, the Basilica of Saints Urlich and Afra is known due to the fact that under the altar there is the tomb of St. Afra.
Services are still being held in the cathedral, so there will be no problems getting into the building.
- Address: Ulrichplatz 19, 86150 Augsburg, Bavaria.
- Open: 9.00 – 12.00.
The Cathedral of St. Mary (Dom St. Maria) or the Augsburg Cathedral is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the city of Augsburg. It was built in the 15th century, and the last restoration was completed in 1997.
The interiors of the Augsburg Cathedral in Augsburg are decorated in the Baroque style: white ceilings, frescoes on the walls and a golden altar. There are also a number of elements characteristic of the Gothic style. These are window stained-glass windows and lancet arches.
Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to get into the church for free, since services are not provided here, and it works exclusively for tourists. To enter the cathedral at any time also does not work: you must come to the time of the excursion, which starts daily at 14.30.
- Address: Hoher Weg, Augsburg, Germany.
- Cost: 2 euros.
Where to stay
In the city of Augsburg there are about 45 hotels and hotels (most of all hotels without stars). Bavaria is a very popular region for tourists, so hotel rooms must be booked at least 2 months before the trip.
A double room in the high season at the 3 * hotel will cost 80-100 euros, which is somewhat cheaper than in neighboring cities. As a rule, this price includes: free Wi-Fi in the hotel, breakfast (European or American), all the necessary equipment in the room and amenities for people with disabilities.
Apartment for two with European renovation in the center of Augsburg will cost 40-45 euros. All apartments have all the necessary household appliances and basic necessities.
The city is small, so wherever you stay, you can quickly get to the sights of Augsburg, Germany.
Transport connection
Augsburg is located in a very good location, so there will be no problems with how to get to the city. Nearest airports:
- Airport Augsburg – Augsburg, Germany (9 km);
- Memmingen-Allgäu Airport – Memmingen, Germany (76 km);
- Airport Franz Josef Strauss – Munich, Germany (80 km).
Nearest major cities:
- Munich – 55 km;
- Nuremberg – 120 km;
- Stuttgart – 133 km.
The main flow of tourists travels to Augsburg from Munich, and it is most convenient to get from one city to another by train. You need to take the Re train at the München Hbf station and get off at Augsburg Hbf. Travel time is 40 minutes. The cost is 15-25 euros. Tickets can be purchased at the central railway station of the city. Trains run every 3-4 hours.
All prices on the page are for May 2019.
Interesting Facts
- Wolfgang Mozart’s grandfather lived in one of the houses of the Fuggerei quarter. After 30 years, his girlfriend settled in the house next door.
- On August 8, the Peace Festival is celebrated in Augsburg. This is the only official public holiday that exists in only one city.
- On public holidays, races take place in the Perlachturm tower: you need to climb to the top of the attraction in less than a minute. A pleasant surprise awaits the winner.
- Augsburg is one of the greenest cities in Germany.
Augsburg, Germany is a city with well-preserved historical sights, which is not inferior in beauty to Nuremberg and Munich.
Video: A trip to Augsburg.
