Discover Augsburg: A Bavarian Gem

Augsburg, Bavaria's third-largest city, is a must-visit destination in Germany, boasting a rich history as the former residence of the medieval Fuggers and Welsers dynasties. Today, it serves as the main city of Bavarian Swabia and is known for its vibrant cultural scene, enhanced by the University of Augsburg established in 1970.

The city's prime location, once linked to Verona by the Via Claudia, has long made it a hub of commerce. Visitors can enjoy the historic old town, particularly during the Augsburg Christmas Market, and the Romantic Highway, which showcases classic German landscapes.

For a memorable trip, explore Augsburg's top attractions, and consider booking your car online for convenience.

See also: Where to Stay in Augsburg

1. Augsburg Cathedral's Ancient Windows

The Augsburg Cathedral, a Roman Catholic edifice dating back to 1065, is renowned for its unique twin choirs and the absence of a traditional façade. Its ancient bronze door, now in the Diocesan Museum, features Old Testament reliefs. The cathedral's five stained-glass windows from around AD 1100, known as the "Prophet Windows," are particularly noteworthy. Inside, visitors can admire altarpieces by Hans Holbein the Elder and other historical artifacts.

Address: Frauentrostraße 2, D-86152, Augsburg, Germany

2. Augsburg Town Hall

The Augsburg Town Hall, a Renaissance masterpiece completed in 1624, is celebrated for its Golden Hall with a 14-meter-high ceiling and opulent decor. The Lower Fletz on the ground floor hosts exhibits on the city's history.

Address: Rathausplatz 2, 86150 Augsburg, Germany

3. Perlachturm

The Perlachturm, a 10th-century watchtower, offers panoramic views of Augsburg from its 70-meter-high vantage point. It's a historic symbol of the city, especially during the Christmas Market.

Address: Rathausplatz, 86159 Augsburg, Germany

4. The Fuggerei

The Fuggerei, established by the Fugger family in 1521, is the world's oldest social housing complex still in use. Residents pay just '1 per year and must pray daily for the founders. The area includes a museum, original homes, and a WWII bunker.

Address: Jakoberstraße 26, 86152 Augsburg, Germany

Official site: www.fugger.de/en/home.html

5. Leopold Mozart House Augsburg

The birthplace of Leopold Mozart, father of the famous composer, is now a museum showcasing the Mozart family's life, including original musical scores and instruments.

Address: Frauentorstrasse 30, 86152 Mozart, Augsburg, Germany

6. Maximilianstrasse and the Maximilian Museum

Maximilianstrasse, the heart of Augsburg, is lined with shops and restaurants. The Maximilian Museum displays the city's art, history, and culture, including works by local goldsmiths.

Address: Fuggerplatz 1, 86150 Augsburg, Germany

7. The German Baroque Gallery and Schaezler Palace

Schaezlerpalais houses the German Baroque Gallery and the State Gallery, featuring works by German masters and the Augsburg and Swabian schools.

Address: Maximilianstrasse 46, 86150 Augsburg, Germany

8. St. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Abbey

This Benedictine abbey, built around 1500, is known for its Gothic furnishings and the tombs of Saints Afra, Ulrich, and Simpert.

Address: Ulrichspl. 19, 86150 Augsburg, Germany

9. Augsburg Botanical Gardens

The 25-acre botanical gardens feature themed areas, including a Roman garden, a Japanese Garden, and a rose garden with over 280 varieties.

Address: Dr.-Ziegenspeck-Weg 10, 86161 Augsburg, Germany

10. Zoo Augsburg

Zoo Augsburg is home to 2,000 animals across 300 species, offering a delightful experience for families with shaded walkways and an adventure playground.

Address: Brehmpl. 1, 86161 Augsburg, Germany

Official site: www.zoo-augsburg.de/englisch/

11. Augsburg Railway Park

This park showcases 29 locomotives and offers special rail excursions, a turntable demonstration, and themed events.

Address: Firnhaberstraße 22C, 86159 Augsburg, Germany

12. Augsburg Eiskanal

The world's first artificial white water river, built for the 1972 Olympics, offers rafting experiences and serves as a scenic walking area.

Address: Am Eiskanal, 86161 Augsburg, Germany

13. Augsburger Puppenkiste

This puppet theater and museum offers performances and exhibits on puppetry, including a workshop and historic puppets.

Address: Spitalgasse 15, 86150 Augsburg, Germany

14. Internationales Maskenmuseum

With over 8,000 masks from around the world, this museum in Diedorf showcases a diverse collection of traditional and modern masks.

Address: Lindenstrasse 1, 86420 Diedorf, Germany

15. Augsburg Textile and Industry Museum (TIM)

The TIM, in a former spinning mill, offers insights into Augsburg's textile industry with original machinery and fabric designs.

Address: Provinostraße 46, 86153 Augsburg, Germany

16. The Swabian Craft Museum & The Red Gate

This museum displays regional crafts and trades, with live demonstrations and period workshops.

Address: Beim Rabenbad 6, 86150 Augsburg, Germany

17. Brechthaus

The birthplace of Bertolt Brecht, this house now serves as a memorial with artifacts, first editions, and a video guide.

Address: Auf dem Rain 7, 86152 Augsburg, Germany

18. MAN-Museum

This museum celebrates the history of the diesel engine and displays various MAN vehicles, including buses and trucks.

Address: Heinrich-von-Buz-Straße 28, 86153 Augsburg, Germany

Official site: https://museum.man-es.com/en/home-(en)

Where to Stay in Augsburg for Sightseeing

For a comfortable stay, consider centrally located hotels near attractions like Augsburg Cathedral and the town hall.

Luxury Hotels:

• Hotel Maximilian in the old town
• Ringhotel Alpenhof Augsburg near a railway station

Mid-Range Hotels:

• City Hotel Ost am Ko near the Puppet Museum
• Dom Hotel close to the Fuggerei and Mozarthaus
• Hotel Villa Arborea near Augsburg Zoo

Budget Hotels:

• The Ibis Budget Augsburg City
• Holiday Inn Express Augsburg with complimentary breakfast
• Übernacht Hostel offering various accommodations

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