My European Invasion: A Regensburg Retreat

September 20th

Regensburg- the city known for having the oldest bridge in Europe, as well as the highest density of bars in Germany. What brought me here was to visit an old friend from middle school, named Kathrin, who currently lives in the city. After a train ride, Kathrin met us at the station and then we were off to explore the city.

Regensburg was part of the Roman Empire at one point in time and there are still roman walls that stand today. Walking down the ‘board walk’ by the river, I was able to see the oldest bratwurst restaurant, which miraculously still stands after experiencing flooding year after year as well as serve food! A little ways further we walked on the oldest bridge in Europe, which has been through wars between the Austrians and the French; not to mention was used, till a few years ago, for vehicles. Now it is used strictly for pedestrians.

Then we went to the Regensburger Dom, a beautiful cathedral that is of Gothic architecture, it was gorgeous filled with stain glass windows. After seeing most of downtown Regensburg, we went to Kathrin’s house for a Bavarian lunch before we began our next outing. Once fed and back on the road, Kathrin took Bettina and I to the Walhalla, a Greek structured building that was designed by Ludwig II (same king who designed the Neuschwanstein Castle). The Walhalla, sits upon the high hills and there are a decent amount of steps leading up to the structure, which holds marble busts of important German people. The inside was mostly under construction so Kathrin, Bettina, and I sat outside by the pillars and enjoyed the vast view of Regensburg.

From there, we went to the Burg von Donaustrauf, the ruins of a medieval castle like fortress that is complete with a draw bridge and a moat. The Burg von Donaustrauf is also high in the hills, but on a different hill than the Walhalla, so you can see the Greek structure as well as a little more than a 180° view of the city. My favorite part of the Burg was the fact that you could climb it, touch the old walls and explore it. We took many photos there, as the sun finally broke out and the clouds created an eerie, mystical lighting on the landscape. Sitting down on the wall, looking out to the city- it was amazing. So far my favorite place in Regensburg.

At night, Bettina, Kathrin, and I went to the city again where we went to a medieval themed bar, which people dressed from that time period. It had a really relaxed atmosphere, with a group of people playing instruments and singing songs in Bavarian (which Kathrin and Bettina said that I was lucky not to understand). The group next to us was playing games and filled the entrance of the room with laughter. We took a spot at a thick wooden table with benches and old fashioned candles which you mustn’t play with the wax I am told, or else the bartender will run after you with an ax. Ok maybe not too relaxed, but for the fact that Kathrin warned us about that before going in, there were no confrontations and I did not have to say hello to the bartender’s ax. There I had my first time tasting mead, a historical drink that was common in the medieval ages. Being a history junkie I was quite curious to try it, it tasted like honey and wine, and it was quite good! We headed back somewhat early, since Bettina and I had to wake up early to catch a train to our next stop, Saltzburg, Austria- the setting of where ‘The Sound of Music’ took place.