Augsburg: The Complete Guide

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Guido Radig

Augsburg is a city in the state of Bavaria in southern Germany, located about 80 km west of Munich. It is the third oldest city in Germany, with a history that dates back over 2,000 years.

One of the city’s main attractions is its well-preserved Old Town, which features a number of historic buildings and landmarks, including the 16th-century Town Hall, the Renaissance-style Augsburg Cathedral, and the Fuggerei, which is the world’s oldest social housing project.

Augsburg is also known for its association with the Fugger family, who were prominent merchants and bankers during the Renaissance period. The Fugger family’s wealth and influence helped to establish Augsburg as a center of culture and commerce during the 16th century.

In addition to its rich history, Augsburg is also a modern and vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to a number of museums and galleries, including the Augsburg Art Museum and the Fugger and Welser Museum, which showcases the history of the city’s prominent merchant families.

Augsburg is also known for its culinary traditions, with a variety of local dishes that reflect the city’s Bavarian heritage. Some popular local dishes include the Augsburger Zwetschgendatschi (a plum tart), the Augsburger Leberknödelsuppe (a liver dumpling soup), and the Augsburger Weißwurst (a veal sausage).

Overall, Augsburg is a charming and historic city with a rich cultural heritage and plenty to offer visitors in terms of history, culture, and cuisine.

History of Augsburg

Early History of Augsburg

Augsburg, located in Bavaria, Germany, was founded by the Romans in 15 BC under the name Augusta Vindelicorum. It was established as a military camp by Emperor Augustus and soon became a key Roman provincial capital in the region of Raetia. Its strategic location at the convergence of important trade routes facilitated its growth as a significant center of commerce and administration.

Augsburg in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, Augsburg emerged as an important free imperial city within the Holy Roman Empire. Its prosperity was largely due to its thriving textile and banking industries. The Fugger and Welser families, prominent banking dynasties, significantly influenced the city’s economic and cultural life. The construction of the Augsburg Cathedral began in the 9th century and stands as a testament to the city’s medieval importance.

Augsburg in the Renaissance

The Renaissance period was a golden age for Augsburg. The city became a major hub for art, culture, and learning. The Fugger family, particularly Jakob Fugger, known as “Jakob the Rich,” played a crucial role in the city’s development, financing numerous architectural projects, including the Fuggerei, the world’s oldest social housing complex still in use. The Peace of Augsburg, signed in 1555, was a pivotal event that allowed for the coexistence of Catholicism and Lutheranism within the Holy Roman Empire.

The Thirty Years’ War and Augsburg

Augsburg suffered greatly during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). The city was occupied by both Catholic and Protestant forces at different times, leading to significant destruction and loss of life. Despite the devastation, Augsburg managed to recover in the subsequent decades, rebuilding its infrastructure and economy.

Augsburg in the Industrial Era

The 19th century brought industrialization to Augsburg, transforming it into a modern manufacturing center. The city became known for its machinery, textiles, and printing industries. The arrival of the railway in the 1840s further boosted Augsburg’s economic development, making it an important transportation hub.

Augsburg During World War II

Augsburg was heavily bombed during World War II, resulting in widespread destruction. Significant portions of the city, including its historic center, were damaged or destroyed. However, post-war reconstruction efforts were successful in restoring many of Augsburg’s historic buildings and monuments, preserving its rich architectural heritage.

Augsburg Today

Today, Augsburg is a vibrant city that blends its historical legacy with modernity. It is known for its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture, cultural festivals, and academic institutions. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its water management system, which dates back to the medieval period. Augsburg continues to be an important cultural and economic center in Bavaria, attracting tourists from around the world.

Visiting Augsburg for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Augsburg on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Augsburg not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Augsburg and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Perlachturm

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Gerd Eichmann

The Perlachturm is a historic tower located in the city of Augsburg, Germany. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Augsburg and is considered an important symbol of the city. The tower was built in the 10th century as part of the city's fortifications and was extensively renovated in the 14th and 15th centuries. It features a distinctive…

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Location: Perlachturm, Rathausplatz, Augsburg, Germany | Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-18:00 | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Perlachturm

We recommend to rent a car in Germany through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

Augsburger Rathaus

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Allie_Caulfield

The Augsburg City Hall, also known as the Rathaus, is a historic building located in the heart of Augsburg's Old Town. It is one of the city's most iconic landmarks and serves as the seat of the city government. The building was constructed in the Renaissance style in the late 16th century, replacing an earlier Gothic-style building that had been…

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Location: Augsburg Town Hall, Rathausplatz, Augsburg, Germany | Hours: Daily 10am–6pm | Price: Admission 2€ adults, 1€ children 7–14, free for children 6 and under | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Augsburger Rathaus

Explore Augsburg yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Maximilian Museum

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Burkhard Mücke

The Maximilian Museum in Augsburg is a captivating museum that showcases a rich collection of art and historical artefacts. Named after the famous Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the city's vibrant past and its significant contributions to art, culture, and history. Housed in a magnificent Renaissance-style building, the museum itself is a work…

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Location: Maximilianmuseum, Fuggerplatz, Augsburg, Germany | Hours: Tue–Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon closed | Price: Adults €7.00 | Website | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Maximilian Museum

Augsburg Cathedral

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Otto Schemmel

Augsburg Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Mary, is a historic church located in the center of Augsburg's Old Town. It is the seat of the Bishop of Augsburg and is considered one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture in Germany. The cathedral was originally built in the 11th century as a Romanesque basilica, but it…

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Location: Katedra NMP w Augsburgu, Frauentorstraße, Augsburg, Germany | Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m - visits are not possible during church service | Website | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Augsburg Cathedral

St. Anne's Church

CC BY-SA 4.0 / H.Helmlechner

St. Anne's Church is a historic church located in the city of Augsburg, Germany. It is considered one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture in Germany and is famous for its elaborate façade and stunning interior. The church was built in the late 16th century by the wealthy merchant Jakob Fugger as a private chapel for his family.…

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Location: St. Anne's Church, Im Annahof, Augsburg, Germany | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting St. Anne's Church

Augsburg Arsenal & Roman Camp

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Neitram

The Augsburg Arsenal is a historic building located in the city of Augsburg, Germany. It was built in the early 17th century as a storage facility for weapons and other military supplies. The Arsenal is an impressive example of Renaissance architecture, with a façade that features ornate stonework and intricate sculptures. The building is also notable for its size, which…

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Location: Augsburg Arsenal, Zeugplatz, Augsburg, Germany | Hours: Tue–Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon closed | Price: Adult €7 | Website | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Augsburg Arsenal & Roman Camp

Fuggerhäuser

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ricardalovesmonuments

The Fuggerhäuser, or Fugger Houses, are a group of historic buildings located in the city of Augsburg, Germany. They were built in the 16th century by the Fugger family, who were wealthy merchants and bankers and one of the most influential families of the Renaissance period. The Fuggerhäuser consist of four separate buildings that were constructed between 1512 and 1523.…

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Location: Fuggerhaus, Maximilianstraße, Augsburg, Germany | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Fuggerhäuser

Fuggerei

CC BY-SA 4.0 / GZagatta

The Fuggerei is a historic social housing complex located in the city of Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany. It was founded in 1516 by Jakob Fugger, a wealthy merchant and banker, and is considered the world's oldest social housing project still in use. The Fuggerei was established as a way to provide affordable housing for Augsburg's poorest residents. The complex consists of…

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Location: Fuggerei, Jakoberstraße, Augsburg, Germany | Hours: Museum: April through September, 8am - 8pm daily October through March, 9am - 6pm daily Christmas Eve closed | Price: Adults €6,50, Children €3,00 | Website | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Fuggerei

Schaezlerpalais

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Gerd Eichmann

The Schaezlerpalais is a historic palace located in the city of Augsburg, Germany. It was built in the 18th century for the wealthy textile merchant Benedikt Adam Liebert, and is considered one of the most important examples of Rococo architecture in Germany. The palace features a stunning façade with ornate decorations, including a series of sculptures and frescoes that depict…

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Location: Schaezlerpalais, Maximilianstraße, Augsburg, Germany | Hours: Tues 10am–8pm; Wed–Sun 10am–5pm | Price: Admission 7€ adults, 5.50€ for students, children 9 and under free | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Schaezlerpalais

St. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Church

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Alois Wüst

St. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Church is a historic church located in the city of Augsburg, Germany. It is named after two saints, St. Ulrich and St. Afra, who are considered the patron saints of Augsburg. The church was originally built in the 9th century as a monastery church, and was later expanded and renovated in the Gothic and Baroque…

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Location: Basilica of SS. Ulrich and Afra, Augsburg, Ulrichsplatz, Augsburg, Germany | Hours: Daily 9am–5pm | Price: Free | Distance: 1.0km

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Visiting St. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Church

Augsburger Puppenkiste

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Allie_Caulfield

The Augsburger Puppenkiste is a famous puppet theater located in the city of Augsburg, Germany. The name translates to "Augsburg puppet box" and refers to the wooden puppet theater that serves as the centerpiece of the theater's performances. The theater was founded in 1948 by a group of puppeteers led by Walter Oehmichen. The group created their own puppets and…

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Location: Augsburger Puppenkiste, Spitalgasse, Augsburg, Germany | Hours: Museum: Wednesday to Sunday 12.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. (admission until 5.30 p.m.) | Website | Distance: 1.2km

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Visiting Augsburger Puppenkiste

Rotes Tor

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Pattilord247

Rotes Tor, or the Red Gate, is a historic city gate located in Augsburg, Germany. It is one of the four remaining medieval gates that once provided access to the city, and is considered a landmark and symbol of Augsburg. The gate was originally built in the 14th century as part of the city's fortifications, and was extensively renovated in…

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Location: Rotes Tor, Am Roten Tor, Augsburg, Germany | Distance: 1.2km

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Visiting Rotes Tor