Regensburg

Today was moving day. We were asked to have our belongings packed and set outside our cabin door by 9:30 a.m. We also had to turn in our room keys at that time, so the crew could start preparing the rooms for the new passengers.

By about 11:00 a.m., we docked in Regensburg, on the beautiful, blue Danube.

Dan and I left the ship and strolled through the nearby Villa Park, named because it was part of the property of the royal villa of King Maximilian II. The villa was his summer residence, and still stands as the backdrop to this park. It was a peaceful, green park, with lots of walking paths and park benches.

We went back to the ship for lunch and then began a walking tour of Regensburg. We didn't stick with the tour for very long, but struck out on our own. Regensburg is a clean, well-kept, attractive city, with lots of interesting shops and buildings, lining narrow, cobblestone streets. 

Remnants of the Roman Empire are scattered throughout this city. This gateway, dating from 179 A.D., is Germany's most ancient stone structure, the Port Praetoria. It was the gate in the northern wall of the Roman military camp.

The landmark for the city is the 12th century cathedral, known as St. Peter's Cathedral, and famous for its Gothic architecture. 

Across the street from St. Peter's Cathedral stands this statue of King Ludwig I. It was placed to show thanks to King Ludwig, who ensured that the Cathedral was completed.

 Our time came to an end in Regensburg, after Dan and I sat and enjoyed visiting with a couple of fellow passengers at an outdoor cafe. We all gathered at the cathedral and walked across the Danube, via the bridge, to where our buses were waiting for us. The bridge we walked over is also a part of history. It is a stone bridge, with 16 arches. It was built in only eleven years (1135-1146), and was used during the Second Crusade. For more than 800 years it was Regensburg's only bridge across the river.

The view from the bridge

Now it was time for the two-hour bus ride to Passau - a bus ride because the river was too low for our ship to pass. We saw some beautiful countryside, and appreciated the rest, because it had been an active day. The next day, Wednesday, September 18, in Passau and Salzburg would be every bit as busy, so we were eager to reach our new accommodations, have dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening, in an effort to renew our energy.

CLICK HERE NEXT (SALZBURG)