Augsburg sits in southern Germany, in the Bavarian region of Swabia, and it is one of the country's oldest cities. The Romans founded it in 15 BC, and the layers of history that followed still shape its streets today. For a visitor, it makes a rewarding stop for a day or a longer stay, especially for anyone interested in history, architecture and everyday city life.
What to see
- Renaissance streets. The old town rewards a slow walk, with its Renaissance-era buildings and squares.
- The Town Hall and its Golden Hall. The Golden Hall is the highlight of the civic building and a fine example of the period's ambition.
- The Fuggerei. This is the world's oldest social housing complex, still home to residents today. Visiting it gives a concrete sense of the city's long history of looking after its people.
- Canals. Waterways run through parts of the city and add a calmer, greener side to a walk.
Eating, drinking and getting around
Augsburg is a good place to sit outside. Bavarian beer gardens offer a relaxed way to spend an afternoon or evening, in keeping with the region's traditions. The city is also the birthplace of Rudolf Diesel, a fact that gives many visitors a point of interest for a museum or a walk past sites connected to his life.
Because the old town is compact, most of the main sights can be reached on foot. A visit suits travellers who enjoy history at a human scale, mixing grand civic buildings with quieter corners and an easy pace of city life.
