From the Fuggerei to Gothic cathedrals, experience Augsburg’s rich history. Learn how to visit, where to eat, and why this German gem deserves your itinerary
Augsburg (German: Augsburg, Bavarian: Augschburg) is a city in southern Germany, the capital of the historic region of Swabia. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and the oldest city in Bavaria. Augsburg is a city with a rich historical heritage, a major university and tourist center.
The city is located in the southwestern part of Bavaria on the rivers Lech, Wertach, and Singold. Because of this, Augsburg is sometimes called the “City of Three Rivers.” It lies at the foot of the northern foothills and hills of Friedberg. Nearby is a vast forest area—the Augsburg National Park. The climate is temperate. Due to its location at the border between maritime and dry continental climates, the weather can be quite unpredictable. Annual precipitation is around 800 mm. Summers are warm but not scorching, while winters are relatively mild with light frosts.
Augsburg is one of the oldest cities in Germany, founded by the Romans in the 15th century BC. The city flourished during the Middle Ages, when it held the status of a free imperial city and was one of Europe’s leading trading hubs. Its rich history has left a grand legacy: beautiful historic buildings, majestic cathedrals, and remnants of the old city fortifications.
Augsburg was initially established as a Roman legionary camp but became the center of a Roman province by the 1st century AD. In the early Middle Ages, during the reign of Charlemagne, the city suffered in battles between Bavaria and Franconia. In 1156, under Frederick Barbarossa, Augsburg received city rights, and in 1276, it became a free imperial city.
Thanks to its location at the crossroads of major trade routes, Augsburg grew rapidly and prospered. It maintained its status as one of Europe’s leading trading cities from the late Middle Ages until the end of the Renaissance. During the Thirty Years’ War, it housed a Bavarian military garrison. After the Napoleonic Wars, Augsburg lost its privileges as a free imperial city and was annexed by the Kingdom of Bavaria. In the 19th century, it became a major industrial center in Bavaria.
World War II did not spare Augsburg. The city suffered intense bombing by Anglo-American air forces, which significantly damaged its historic center.
The nearest major airport is in Munich. Traveling from Munich to Augsburg takes less than an hour by train. Trains depart from the main railway station, and tickets can be purchased from ticket machines, which offer cost-effective regional travel options.
Another option is Stuttgart Airport. From Stuttgart, Augsburg is also accessible by train.
Augsburg has regular rail connections to many major cities in Bavaria and Germany. The city is also well-connected by road (Autobahn A8). Public transport includes five tram lines and buses.
The most interesting sights of Augsburg:
Augsburg Town Hall — A magnificent historic building and one of the city’s main landmarks and symbols. Built in the 1620s, it is considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance secular buildings north of the Alps. The Town Hall is open for visits from 10:00 to 18:00.
Perlach Tower — A 70-meter-high tower located near the Town Hall. The first tower on the site of an ancient Roman amphitheater was built in the 10th century as a watchtower. It was rebuilt by Elias Holl in the early 17th century to match the style of the new Town Hall. The observation deck offers breathtaking views of Augsburg’s historic center.
Fuggerei — The world’s oldest social housing complex, built in the first half of the 16th century for impoverished citizens. It consists of over 60 houses.
Cathedral of St. Mary — A grand Gothic Franciscan church and one of the most beautiful medieval landmarks in Augsburg. Built in the 11th century on the site of an older Carolingian church, this Romanesque-Gothic cathedral features two richly decorated portals, the world’s oldest stained-glass cycle, Romanesque crypts, wall frescoes, a bishop’s gallery, altar paintings by Hans Holbein the Elder, and a masterpiece by Georg Petel—the “Ecce Homo” figure of Christ. It also houses hundreds of intricate ancient tombstones.
On Maximilianstraße, visitors can find three unique historic fountains depicting Hercules, Augustus, and Mercury, built in 1600.
St. Anne’s Church — An ancient Baroque church founded in the 14th century by Carmelite monks. It contains two chapels, with the Fugger Chapel and its tomb being the first Renaissance-style structure in Bavaria.
Basilica of St. Ulrich and Afra — A beautiful late Gothic religious structure founded in the 15th century on the grounds of a Benedictine monastery. Expanded in the early 17th century, this Protestant church is the second-largest religious building in Augsburg.
Old Cistercian Monastery — Founded in the early 13th century and active until the early 19th century. Today, it houses the Swabian Gallery, a museum, and a park.
Waterworks at Red Gate — A historic ensemble built in the first half of the 15th century. It originally included three water towers that supplied the Old Town until 1876.
St. Moritz Church — One of the oldest religious buildings in Augsburg and Bavaria. Founded in the 11th century, it was rebuilt in Gothic style after a fire in the 13th century and later in Renaissance style.
Walking through the streets of Augsburg, it’s hard not to feel how the past and present intertwine uniquely. Here, Roman foundations support medieval walls, and Gothic spires watch over modern trams. This city has skillfully preserved its identity while embracing change.
What makes Augsburg truly fascinating isn’t just its architectural masterpieces or museum collections—it’s the city’s atmosphere. A place that has witnessed Roman rule, medieval prosperity, devastating wars, and rebirth. Every street has its own unique story, and every building stands as a witness to the passing eras.
Today, Augsburg offers something special for every visitor—whether a student seeking inspiration in university halls, a traveler enchanted by Gothic cathedrals, or someone simply looking to enjoy authentic Bavarian coziness with a beer in a local pub. This is a city where history isn’t a museum exhibit—it lives, breathes, and invites everyone to become part of its never-ending story.
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