will be in Germany the first week in December, would like to visit either Amberg or Regensberg do not have time for both , does anyone have thoughts on which is most interesting overall, and what to see based on your suggestion.
thank you
Posted by
California USA
4103 posts
That’s a tough call. The cathedral, city center and Roman history of Regenburg are world famous. They may be having their spectacular Christmas market in early December when you are there. However looking at pictures of the smaller city of Amberg, which I haven’t visited, it looks wonderful and has its own architectural merits. I don’t think you can go wrong.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19275 posts
I don't know if this will matter to you, but if you are flying into Munich, there is an hourly direct train from the station in the airport (used to be for the S-Bahn only, but now has some regional trains). Takes about 1¼ hr to Regensburg.
If you are going to Amberg, you'll take the same RE from the airport to Regensburg, wait ¾ hr in Regensburg, then ride almost an hour to Amberg. So, all other things being the same, it's much easier and a shorter travel time to stay in Regensburg.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1488 posts
I like Amberg because it's not as well known. Regensburg is a favorite of mine, but for a quiet day in December I'd seriously give Amberg a nod.
Posted by
Salt Lake City
1528 posts
Regensburg is our favorite city in Germany, especially during the Christmas Market Season. There is the cathedral, the bridge and beautiful downtown to walk about. Wikipedia does a good job on Regensburg.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regensburg
The Romantic Christmas Market is a bonus, if it is a go this year.
We spent a couple days in Amberg. We had a good time. The Pilgrimage Church on Mariahilfberg was our favorite sight but it is across the railroad tracks and up a substantial hill, making it time consuming.
I would enjoy either for a day, but Regensburg has more impact for me.
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1389 posts
Regensberg has about 4 times the population of Amberg. Regensberg Altstadt is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amberg is nice, but Regensburg is more historic and has more to offer. In December some of the outdoor things you can do in and around Amberg won't be avaliable or closed, like the Flat Boat on the Vils. Amberg does still have much of it's Stadtmauer and its nice to walk around. Get a look at the Stadtbrille at the Wassertor. I like the Café Baroco near the Schweinchenbrunnen. In Amberg you might run into a few Americans living there assigned or working on the Army bases in the area. In Regensburg I would recommend a visit to the Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady (Kollegiatstift unserer Lieben Frau zur alten Kapelle) and stop in at the Brauereigaststätte Kneitinger for a Bier.