Old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof

The Old Town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof is a medieval district on both banks of the Danube River, marked by narrow cobblestone streets, stone buildings, and a stone bridge from the 12th century. The area contains numerous preserved merchant houses, small squares, and lanes that span several kilometers and convey the image of a prosperous medieval trading city.

Settlement began as a Roman military camp in 179 AD and later developed into a major medieval trading hub thanks to its strategic Danube location. Most of the preserved structures date from the 9th to 16th centuries, when the city held its greatest importance as a trade crossroads.

The squares host regular markets where local craftspeople sell goods, and residents use these medieval spaces as centers of daily social life. This ongoing use of the historic streets keeps the atmosphere connected to how people have gathered here for centuries.

The area is best explored on foot, with many narrow lanes and stairs that require flat shoes, and regular signage pointing to main sights. The visitor center at Salzstadel offers orientation help and information about the historical construction and development of the district.

The Stone Bridge from 1146 was an engineering marvel of its time and became a model for other bridge construction in German-speaking lands. Its distinctive design with 15 arches allowed crossing the Danube without relying on islands for support.