In this article, our bloggers have listed the 14 Most Beautiful Things to Do in Augsburg Germany. This city is now one of the world’s most noteworthy and protected monuments. Augsburg is a pleasant city to explore, but also has some highly interesting things to do and is connected to its long history. Augsburg is one of the most important cities in Central Europe. Its history is a tale of extreme riches. The Fugger Family (Fuggers of Augsburg) was one of the wealthiest the world has ever seen.
With around 290,000 inhabitants, the university town is the third largest city in Bavaria after Munich and Nuremberg. Augsburg is an attractive travel destination for many tourists. Below you will find a list of some interesting places to visit and things to do in Augsburg Germany.
1. Fuggerei
As the oldest social settlement in the world, it is like a city within a city. The settlement was founded in 1521 by Jakob Fugger, also known as “the rich”. Built for needy Augsburg citizens in need, the settlement today consists of 67 houses with 140 apartments, its own church, and a well. The picturesque settlement has its roots in the 16th century and goes back to a donation by the famous merchant Jakob Fugger. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Augsburg.
2. Augsburg Town Hall
The Augsburg town hall is considered one of the most important secular buildings of the Renaissance north of the Alps and is one of the most impressive town halls in Germany. Together with the Perlach Tower, it is the landmark of the city of Augsburg. Due to its historical importance, it is subject to the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.
3. The Perlach Tower
The Perlach Tower, which was built in the 10th century, is right next to the town hall. From there, after 258 steps, you get a fantastic view over the whole of Augsburg. In 989 it was built as a watchtower. At that time it was not even half as high as today. When master builder Elias Holl rebuilt the town hall, he also put his hand to the Perlach Tower. From 1612 to 1618 it got its current appearance with the columned dome, the onion roof, and the figure of the Suebian city goddess Cisa.
4. Augsburg Old town
It’s almost like Italy. Augsburg’s old town exudes Mediterranean flair. Narrow streets and corners invite you to stroll and linger in the many small restaurants or cafes. There are no large department stores here, only small shops, tanneries, jewelry shops or galleries. The peace and quiet in Augsburg’s old town are pleasant. But that is no coincidence – it is free of traffic.
5. Monumental Fountain
The Augustus Fountain is the work of Hubert Gerhard: the figure of the city’s founder has stood on the pillar since 1594. Figures of the waters Lech, Wertach, Singold, and Brunnenbach rest on the edge of the pool. Adriaen de Vries designed the bronze figures of the Merkur fountain on Moritzplatz (in operation since 1599). For all of you who love history, this is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Augsburg Germany.
6. Schäzler Palace
Another highlight, especially for the eyes, is the Schäzlerpalais , also conveniently located in the city center. The rococo city palace, built in 1770, still impresses today with its impressive ballroom. Another grandiose masterpiece is the ceiling painting by Guglielmi. You can also visit the adjacent State Gallery of Old German Masters and numerous baroque paintings.
7. Augsburger Puppenkiste
Who doesn’t know them: the famous Augsburger Puppenkiste. As one of the most famous marionette theaters in Germany, it is clearly one of the top sights in Augsburg. The Puppenkiste is not just great fun for the little ones. You can look forward to the stories of and with robber Hotzenplotz or Lukas, the engine driver. The Augsburger Puppenkiste is located in the listed Heilig-Geist-Spital, which also houses the Puppenkiste Museum.
8. Augsburg Cathedral
The “High Cathedral of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary” is not only ancient (8th century), but also very impressive. After several conversions over the last few centuries, the entire building is over 113 meters long, and 42 meters high, and combines different styles from Romanticism and Gothic.
9. Zoo
With over 1,200 animals from over 230 species, the Augsburg Zoo is a great way just to switch off and relax. Around 600,000 visitors come to the Augsburg Zoo every year. Large, modern, and varied enclosures as well as extensive and idyllic outdoor facilities invite you to linger. For the little ones, there is also an adventure playground to let off steam and a petting zoo to cuddle with the cute pygmy goats.
10. Basilica of St. Ulrich and Afra
The Basilica of St. Ulrich and Afra is one of the last late Gothic churches of its size in Bavarian Swabia. The Afraturm of the church alone is clearly visible from afar and is considered another landmark of Augsburg. From the pedestrian zone in Maximilianstraße, you can go directly to Ulrichplatz and the basilica. The ten-part ringing is in the Afraturm of the parish church. The ten bells weigh a total of 12,520 kilograms.
11. Weaver House
In the immediate vicinity of the town hall and the Perlach Tower, you will find the striking Weberhaus. The colored house was built in 1389 and used by the weavers of that time as a guild house. Over the years, the house was repeatedly destroyed by war, weather and fires, so that it had to be completely rebuilt in 1959 and partially rebuilt in 2004.
12. Water Management System of Augsburg
With its water management system, which is unique in the world, Augsburg has declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. In addition, Augsburg was also recognized for the exemplary sustainable use of water as a resource and for the innovative water management system. According to the UNESCO commission, this is unique.
13. The House of Fugger
The Fugger Family (Fuggers of Augsburg) was one of the wealthiest the world has ever seen. Jakob Fugger is among the most well-known Germans and arguably the most famous citizen of Augsburg, with his wealth earning him the moniker “Fugger the Rich”. For more articles about Germany check Baden Wurttemberg.
14. Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip
The construction of this castle was started in 1869. From the shy dreamer King Ludwig II, who had this castle built to escape public life. Neuschwanstein hosts 1.4 million visitors per year, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Germany. Tickets for visiting this castle cost approx €15 for adults.
14 Most Beautiful Things to Do in Augsburg Germany
- Fuggerei Augsburg
- The Augsburg Town Hall
- The Perlach Tower
- Old town
- Monumental Fountain
- Schäzler Palace Augsburg
- Augsburger Puppenkiste
- Augsburg Cathedral
- Zoo
- Basilica of St. Ulrich and Afra
- Weaver House
- Water Management System
- The House of Fugger
- Neuschwanstein Castle