Augsburger Rathaus

Town Hall in Augsburg

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Allie_Caulfield

At the center of Augsburg's picturesque Old Town stands the City Hall, or Rathaus - an architectural gem that perfectly embodies the city's Renaissance splendor. Built in the late 16th century after a devastating fire destroyed its Gothic predecessor, the building's elegant façade and soaring copper-domed towers have long symbolized Augsburg's civic pride and prosperity. For travelers exploring southern Germany, the Rathaus is one of the must-see places in Augsburg, both for its artistic beauty and historical resonance.

Stepping inside, you're immediately immersed in centuries of history and craftsmanship. The Golden Hall, with its shimmering gilded ceiling, richly painted frescoes, and symbolic figures, leaves an unforgettable impression. This is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Augsburg, as it connects seamlessly to the surrounding landmarks and offers a glimpse into how art and politics once intertwined in one of Europe's oldest cities.

History and Significance of Augsburg City Hall
Things to See and Do in Augsburg City Hall
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Augsburg City Hall
Is Augsburg City Hall Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions to Augsburg City Hall

History and Significance of Augsburg City Hall

Augsburg City Hall was constructed between 1615 and 1620 by the city architect Elias Holl, whose mastery of proportion and detail made it one of the most important secular buildings of the Renaissance north of the Alps. Replacing an earlier town hall lost to fire in 1548, Holl's design reflected Augsburg's wealth and influence as a major trading center of the Holy Roman Empire.

The building's façade, adorned with statues and reliefs, showcases mythological and allegorical figures celebrating the virtues of justice, wisdom, and strength. It wasn't just a seat of governance but also a statement of civic power and cultural sophistication. Despite damage during World War II, meticulous post-war restoration has ensured that the Rathaus retains its original majesty, continuing to serve as the seat of the city government and a key cultural attraction.

Things to See and Do in Augsburg City Hall

The undisputed highlight of the City Hall is the Golden Hall, completed in 1643 after nearly three decades of interior work. Its vast ceiling gleams with gold leaf, while intricate woodwork and frescoes illustrate Augsburg's rich mercantile history and its connection to emperors and princes. Visitors are encouraged to take time to appreciate the hall's detailed craftsmanship - from the allegorical paintings to the symmetry of its oak panels.

In the basement, the Town Archives house centuries of Augsburg's records, including medieval manuscripts, maps, and photographs, offering insight into how the city evolved from a Roman settlement into a center of trade and art. Temporary exhibitions often explore local heritage, while guided tours help bring the history of the Rathaus to life. Outside, the building anchors the lively Rathausplatz, a perfect spot for people-watching amid historic architecture. For many, this is one of the top attractions in Augsburg and a highlight of any walking tour of the city.

How to Get There

Augsburg City Hall sits at the heart of the Old Town on Rathausplatz, easily accessible from anywhere in the city. From Augsburg Hauptbahnhof (main station), it's about a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride (Line 1 toward Lechhausen, alight at Rathausplatz). Visitors arriving by car will find parking nearby in the underground garage at Ernst-Reuter-Platz or the City-Galerie shopping center. The central location makes it ideal to combine with visits to the nearby Fuggerei, Maximilianstraße, and Augsburg Cathedral.

Practical Tips on Visiting Augsburg City Hall

Best time to visit Augsburg City Hall: Late morning or early afternoon, when natural light enhances the Golden Hall’s details.
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €2.50 for adults; combination tickets available with other attractions.
Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (April-October); 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (November-March).
Official website: www.augsburg.de/rathaus
How long to spend: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Accessibility: The main floors are wheelchair accessible via elevator; assistance available on request.
Facilities: Restrooms, gift shop, and nearby cafés.
Photography tip: Capture the Golden Hall’s ceiling reflection on the polished wooden floor for a stunning visual effect.
Guided tours: Offered daily in multiple languages; group tours can be booked in advance.
Nearby food options: Numerous restaurants and cafés surround Rathausplatz, serving traditional Swabian and Bavarian fare.

Is Augsburg City Hall Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Augsburg City Hall is one of the top sights in Augsburg and stands as a monument to Renaissance architecture and civic pride. Its dazzling Golden Hall rivals many royal palaces, yet it remains accessible to the public as a living piece of the city's heritage. Whether you're drawn by its artistic splendor, historical depth, or simply its central role in Augsburg life, it's an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Nearby Attractions to Augsburg City Hall

Fuggerei - The world's oldest social housing complex, founded by Jakob Fugger in 1516, just a short walk away.
Maximilianstraße - Augsburg's main boulevard, lined with Baroque fountains, palaces, and boutique shops.
Augsburg Cathedral - A mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles with exquisite stained glass dating back to the 12th century.
St. Ulrich and St. Afra Basilica - A dual church complex rich in religious art and history.
Schaezlerpalais - A grand Rococo palace housing an impressive art collection from the Renaissance to the 19th century.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (549)

Augsburg Town Hall on Rathausplatz is a late-Renaissance civic building famed for its opulent Goldener Saal, whose gilded moldings and statues are a highlight; visitors note a small admission fee for the Golden Hall while ground-floor exhibitions and war memorials can be seen for free. The façade and location front a pleasant square with cafés and bars, the interior welcomes both officials and tourists, and staff provide helpful information and materials in English and Spanish.

Saba Bokuchava

2 years ago

"One of the historical buildings in Augsburg, it was rebuilt after 60% of it being destroyed during WW2. Golden hall is absolutely worth it. Thebuilding itself welcomes both working politicians and visitors at the same time. We almost disrupted heated debate there...."

See More See Less

Phil Lessa

3 years ago

"Wow. The golden room is definitely worth visiting. Reasonable €2.5 per person to visit. This beautiful building has a hidden golden nugget inside.Literally. The golden room has over 2.7kg (5Lbs) of gold coating all over the moldings and statues. The history of this over 450 years old building is fascinating, and how it survived and was rebuilt after WW2. The staff dis knowledgeable and super helpful with any questions when visiting. They even offer a folder in English or Spanish for international visitors...."

See More See Less

david antoun

2 years ago

"built in the 1600's by Elias Holl with the late renaissance architecture. it is the icon of the city with Eagle painting on the front and the pinecoat of arm on the Top. impressive architecture and the entrance is free on the Groundfloor where you can visit the war memorials and ancient relics and modules from the City...."

See More See Less

The Augsburger Rathaus appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Augsburg!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!