La Dolce Vita in Bavarian - why Regensburg is simply unbeatable in summer
It smells of espresso and bratwurst croissants, you can hear a street musician playing in the distance. Haidplatz exudes Mediterranean flair - glasses of aperitif clink, people stroll through the alleyways as if we were somewhere in northern Italy. No, we're not in Verona - but in the centre of Regensburg's old town.
Forget Lake Garda as a holiday destination and put Regensburg on your travel list for 2025 - especially in summer, when the UNESCO World Heritage city blossoms into Bavarian-Italian beauty between medieval alleyways, the banks of the Danube and open-air magic. It is this mixture of history, serenity and real life that makes Regensburg one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in Bavaria - without any postcard filters.
So put on your sunglasses, pack your favourite people - here are our tips for a fantastic summer holiday in Regensburg!
Experience Regensburg - tips for your summer holiday
1. Breakfast with old town charm
The perfect start? At the Altstadthotel Arch, of course - in the elegant breakfast room under historic cross vaults and with a view of Haidplatz square. Our regional breakfast with fresh rolls, croissants, juices, home-made jams and muesli and first-class coffee specialities will give you energy for the whole day. We even have a coffee roastery right in our building, from which we also obtain our coffee: Torreo Kaffeerösterei.
2. Stroll, browse, marvel
After breakfast, we set off through the alleyways of the old town. If you don't know your way around yet, you can pick up a city map at reception or from the tourist information centre around the corner, where you can marvel at the old town hall. The town hall square is just a three-minute walk from our hotel in Regensburg.
Past old towers, hidden courtyards and small boutiques that invite you to browse. If you like, take a detour to the cathedral or simply follow the cobblestones and your curiosity.
The 7 top sights in the Old Town:
- St Peter's Cathedral
- The Stone Bridge
- Porta Praetoria
- Old Town Hall
- Neupfarrplatz & Neupfarrkirche
- Goliath House
- Stadtamhof
Our local team will be happy to help you plan your perfect day in Regensburg.
3. ‘Ice Time’ on the Stone Bridge
A must stop: the Stone Bridge. With an ice cream in your hand (insider tip: the mango sorbet at the "Stella" ice cream parlour) and a view of the Danube, life feels pretty much like a summer holiday. You could spend hours lingering here and people-watching.
4. Snack with history: Wurstkuchl & Kipferl
Right on the banks of the Danube is the Wurstkuchl - the oldest bratwurst parlour in the world and a 100 per cent recommendation for a visit. Here you can get crispy sausages with cabbage and mustard in a croissant. The sausages, cabbage and mustard are all made in-house every day and the special croissants come from the traditional Schwarzer bakery - it's not for nothing that they are so famous. So you are welcome to treat yourself to two.
5. Want to cool off? Go swimming in Regensburg!
Regensburg can also be a beach - or almost. The Jahninsel under the Stone Bridge is a favourite spot for fun-loving students, but the Grieser Spitz also invites you to relax by the water. Where you can swim in Regensburg:
- Westbad: outdoor pool with all the trimmings
- Wöhrdbad on the Danube island
- Regenufer
- Donaustrand
A little outside:
- Guggenberger See behind Neutraubling (affectionately known as ‘Guggi’ among the locals)
- Naabspitz near Sinzing
6: Cycle tour along the Danube
Fancy a bit of exercise? Grab a bike (e.g. from the hire shop at the railway station or from Zweirad Erl in Stadtamhof) and cycle along the Danube. Idyllic river scenery, small beer gardens and plenty of photo opportunities await you in the direction of Donaustauf or Mariaort. Other excursion destinations include the famous Walhalla or the Danube gorge at Weltenburg Abbey. For those who prefer to travel on the water rather than alongside it, boat trips on the Danube are also a nice alternative.
7: Ascent with a view: Dreifaltigkeitsberg
An absolute insider tip for a cosy walk in the evening: hike up to the Dreifaltigkeitsberg. The path up is pleasant, the view magnificent - especially at sunset. It's about half an hour's walk from us, just right for a nice stroll to a romantic spot where Regensburg lies at your feet. That's a promise!
Open-air summer in Regensburg
What makes summer in Regensburg so special? The music, the culture, the attitude to life. Here are a few highlights that you should definitely not miss:
Regensburg Citizens' Festival, 20-22 June 2025
The whole Old Town celebrates with music, culinary delights and good humour. For all those who like it lively: there's really something going on here!
Thurn & Taxis Palace Festival, 18-27 July 2025
The palace itself is already a sight to see (e.g. at Christmas time) and when these high-calibre concerts take place in the princely courtyard, it is even more so. Vicky Leandros, Gianna Nannini, Anastacia, Giovanni Zarrella, Chris de Burgh and Anna Netrebko are some of the big-name artists on the programme this year.
Open air on the Piazza (industrial park), 17-26 July 2025
With world-famous acts, the open-air concerts on the Piazza in the business park delight locals and visitors alike. This year's line-up includes Alexander Eder, Johannes Oerding, Pizzera & Jaus, No Angels, BAP and I am from Austria.
Klangfarben Festival, 25-27/30 July 2025
The Klangfarben Festival is taking place for the 16th time at the Thon Dittmer Palais and Haidplatz. Originally launched by the Afrikunstverein, this year's festival will once again feature colourful artists from all over the world: Kumbia Boruka, FLO and Mandé Sila feat. Habib Koité. Until 30 July, the Market of Cultures & Street Music on Haidplatz invites you to marvel and browse.
🎧 Song tip from Regensburg: ‘Genieß as Lebn’ by Sebastian Kretz
And because every summer needs a soundtrack, we have something else for your playlist: ‘Genieß as Lebn’ by Regensburg musician Sebastian Kretz. Between the Danube wind and a conversation on Haidplatz, he reminds us what it's all about: enjoying life. And where better to do that than in Regensburg?
🎶 It's worth listening to: Sebastian Kretz - Genieß as Lebn (YouTube)
PS: If you want to experience Sebastian Kretz live, you can also do so at the Regensburg 2025 citizens' festival.
Regensburg - the summer fairy tale among the most beautiful holiday destinations in Bavaria
Whether city trip or short holiday, culture or nature, beer garden or stage - Regensburg in summer is an invitation to happiness. And the Altstadthotel Arch? Your charming home in the centre of the action. With history in its walls and heart in its hospitality.
Book your summer holiday now and experience Regensburg. We look forward to welcoming you!
