The 2012 World Beer Cup winners were announced just last weekend, and the lone brewery in Europe that was recognized was Brauerei Michael Plank, just outside Regensburg, Germany. The company took the honor in the small brewing category as the very best.
This region has long been devoted to the brewing of beer, with the town of Pilsen just across the border in the Czech Republic, less than a two hour’s drive away. The first crock of modern Pilsner beer was brewed here back in 1842. At Regensburg you’ll also find the Spital beer garden sitting on the banks of the Danube, a perfect spot to sit and enjoy that perfect brew on sunny days.
For another fun excursion, consider taking the train to nearby Kelheim, the home of the Schneider-Weisse Brewery, and from there you can take a boat ride down the Danube to the Donaaudurchbruch (or Danube Gorge) to the monastery.
If you’re a beer connoisseur, you probably don’t need many other reasons to visit this beautiful Bavarian city that sits at the northernmost bend on the edge of the Danube River, but beer is certainly not the only attraction for visitors here.
Regensburg is known as the best preserved medieval town in Germany, with the first settlement here going back to the Stone Age, its modern history dating to Roman Times. The Stone Bridge across the Danube, built in the mid-12th century, is one of the highlights here, and beneath its north end near the Danube whirpools, you’ll find the Historische Wurstküchl, the same place that composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart himself used to feast on the famed Regensburger sausages.
This 500-year-old establishment hasn’t changed much over the past five centuries. During the Middle Ages, Regensburg stonemasons and dockers treated themselves to refreshments that included homemade sausages and sauerkraut that fermented here in the cellar, as well as the famous Wurstküchl mustard, following the original recipe by Elsa Schricker.
You’ll find the Dom, or cathedral, at the eastern end of the bridge. The cathedral is known as one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in all of Bavaria, and is truly an impressive structure. Inside you’ll discover several interesting monuments, including one of Peter Vischer’s masterpieces.
Regenburg’s snuff tobacco factory can also be found here, founded in 1812. The factory houses a fascinating museum and they’ll even let guests try their many different kinds of tobacco.
The Adler-Apotheke, is a historic pharmacy with all sorts of fascinating historical treasures. It dates back to 1610, and today you can view the ancient interior as well as the historical vessels.
The old narrow streets of Regensburg beg travelers to wonder aimlessly, relax and discover a variety of delights around each corner, from coffee shops to bakeries filled with mouth-watering pastries and picturesque views of the river with a romantic picnic on its banks is sure to satisfy even the most hard-to-please traveler.
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