---

One Day in Regensburg: A Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary for Bavaria’s Hidden Gem

Nestled along the Danube in Bavaria, Regensburg is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you don’t live in a charming pastel building, drink beer by the river at lunch, and casually stumble upon 2,000 years of history before coffee.

We stopped here on our Viking River Cruise (highly recommend) and spent one full day exploring—morning tour, sausage lunch, and afternoon adventures included. If you’re short on time but long on curiosity (and appetite), here’s how to soak up the best of this quirky, lovable German town in just 24 hours.

Whether you’re visiting on a Danube cruise or planning a DIY day trip, this one day in Regensburg itinerary gives you everything you need to explore the highlights, local food, and hidden gems—all on foot.

---

 

---

Morning: A Walking Tour of Regensburg’s Old Town

The best way to start your Regensburg day trip is on foot with a walking tour of the city’s incredibly preserved medieval core. You’ll be checking off UNESCO sites before your second cup of coffee. We were there in the fall and the weather is amazing. The town is very easy to navigate on foot.

Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke)

Built in the 12th century, this medieval stone bridge offers incredible views of the Danube and leads directly into the heart of Regensburg’s Old Town. It’s one of the oldest surviving bridges in Germany and a must on any Regensburg one day itinerary.

St. Peter’s Cathedral (Regensburg Cathedral)

This soaring Gothic cathedral is impossible to miss. Inside, it’s equal parts moody and magnificent. Don’t miss the chance to hear the Regensburger Domspatzen boys’ choir if they’re performing—these guys have been harmonizing here since the 10th century. We did not get to see them however this is a must stop for anyone. This gothic church is an amazing site to see and experience!

Porta Praetoria

Dating back to 179 AD, this ancient Roman gate is tucked between modern buildings like it’s just casually surviving two millennia. It’s the perfect reminder that Regensburg wasn’t built in a day—but you can still see the best of it in one. We stopped here on our walking tour and I failed to snap a pic. But it is super fun to imagine life during this time. This part of the world really features the old world very well. 

Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)

This beautiful Gothic building was once home to the Imperial Diet (think medieval government HQ). A guided tour includes the council chambers and, yes, a medieval torture chamber—because apparently, meetings weren’t painful enough.

---

Lunch: Eat Like Royalty at Wurstkuchl

Wurstkuchl – The Historic Sausage Kitchen

When in Regensburg, you eat the bratwurst. Preferably from the world’s oldest continuously operating sausage kitchen, which has been grilling up smoky little sausages by the Danube since the 1400s.

Served with sauerkraut and sweet grainy mustard, this simple lunch is surprisingly legendary. There are only a few tables, so grab your seat by the river early and dig in. This place is surprisingly popular. There was a line but totally worth the wait!

---

Afternoon: Explore Regensburg’s Quirky Charm

Regensburg isn’t just historic—it’s delightfully weird in the best way. Here’s how to spend your afternoon discovering its unexpected side.

Visit the Dachshund Museum (Dackelmuseum)

Yes, this is real. Yes, it’s amazing. This is small stop that was packed front to back with little doggies. We stumbled on it and couldn’t resist going in.
The Dackelmuseum is a shrine to the dachshund in all its short-legged glory. With over 4,500 wiener-dog-themed items, it’s the kind of place you didn’t know you needed to visit until you’re inside giggling at tiny sausage dog figurines dressed as royalty.

Cross to Stadtamhof & the Arts District

Walk across Bismarck Bridge into Stadtamhof, a colorful, artsy neighborhood full of boutiques, galleries, and cafes. It’s the perfect place to wander aimlessly and accidentally buy an overpriced candle or a handmade felt goat (no judgment here).

Grab a coffee and enjoy the slower, creative side of Regensburg.

Enjoy a Beer in a Local Beer Garden

Wrap up your day the Bavarian way—with a local brew in hand. Schneider Weisse is a popular option for wheat beer fans, or you can try any small riverside beer garden that looks like it might also serve pretzels the size of your head.

---

Final Thoughts: One Day in Regensburg is Just Right

From Roman gates and Gothic cathedrals to sausage kitchens and dachshund collections, Regensburg in one day proves that small cities can still pack in big experiences.

It’s walkable, colorful, and just the right amount of strange. Whether you’re here for a river cruise stop or a short Bavarian getaway, Regensburg is an easy favorite with a side of mustard.

---

Pin this post so your future self can remember where to find the best sausage and the quirkiest museum in Germany. And if you’re a cruise traveler like us—Regensburg might just end up being one of your favorite stops.