City of Augsburg
As the third largest city in Bavaria, Augsburg has the ideal mixture of big city flair and cosy charm. There are numerous cafes, restaurants and shops in the city centre. At the same time, recreational areas such as the Siebentischwald or numerous bathing lakes are only a stone's throw away, and thus offer an ideal alternative to the bustle of the big city. The history of the Fugger city goes back more than 2,000 years, so there is a great deal to tell: about the ancient Romans, the Fuggers, the textile industry, Leopold Mozart and Bertolt Brecht. With numerous cultural offerings, from classical theatre to the trendy pop festival, something is offered for every taste. On this page you will find plenty of information about the city of Augsburg, its history and the numerous local recreational opportunities.
A city with history
The city was founded in 15 BC by the Romans and is therefore one of the oldest cities in Germany. In the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance it was one of the most important cities in Europe. The far-reaching trade empires of the Fuggers and Welsers had branches not only on the old continent of Europe, but also in the New World. Textile production, book printing and crafts made the Swabian city famous. Emperors liked to make it the scene of their magnificent Imperial Diets. The wealth and global nature of early modern Augsburg are still reflected in the cityscape. In addition to the testimonies of the Renaissance, which are unique north of the Alps, the Fuggerei, the world's first social settlement, attracts tourists from all over the world today. Names such as Holbein, Mozart and Brecht, but also the Confessio Augustana (1530) and the Religious Peace of Augsburg (1555) bear witness to the cultural and historical importance of Augsburg.
The formerly Free Imperial City has belonged to Bavaria since 1806. With almost 300,000 inhabitants, it is the third largest city in the Free State of Bavaria. Renowned global companies that are based here prove the successful structural transformation that Augsburg has undergone - from the traditional industrial city where Rudolf Diesel developed the engine named after him, to a future-oriented, high-tech metropolis of the 21st century.
If you want to know more about the exciting history of the Fugger city, you can satisfy your thirst for knowledge in the city’s numerous Museums & Galleries. You can discover many of Augsburg’s attractions by just going for a walk.
Museums & Galleries
The 2000-year history of the city can be experienced in many museums, whether history, art, technology, industry or the world-famous figures of the Augsburg Puppet Theatre.
Attractions
In addition to the oldest existing social settlement in the world, the Fuggerei, there are many other attractions that tell the story of the city.
Famous people
From Leopold Mozart to Bertolt Brecht - Augsburg is the home town of many well-known personalities in contemporary history.
Time for leisure
The campus is not the only green area in Augsburg. With its rivers, canals and parks, the city invites you to relax and to practise sports. Beautiful recreational areas and many bathing lakes border the city, with the Siebentischwald and the Westliche Wälder. The Allgäu and the Alps are almost right on the doorstep; in winter you can go skiing and in summer, hiking.
During the Olympic Games in Munich (1972) the canoe competitions took place in Augsburg. The Eiskanal, the competition site built for this purpose, is still used today for canoe World Cup competitions. Further top-class sports are offered by FC Augsburg in the 1st National League and the Augsburger Panther (AEV) in ice hockey.
In Augsburg city centre, there are numerous shops for an extended shopping trip. A mixture of small boutiques and shops, but also department stores and shopping malls invites you to take a leisurely stroll.
With well-known festivals such as the Augsburger Plärrer or the Christkindlesmarkt in the Rathausplatz, there is plenty of variety throughout the year. The Augsburg Summer Nights and events such as the historic Bürgerfest attract thousands of visitors.
The City of Water
Augsburg becomes a World Heritage Site certification with its water management system, which is unique in the world. Based on various scientific work, the city expressed its interest in becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the first time in 2011.
Theatre & Culture
The State Theatre, the open-air theatre, the Abraxas Cultural Centre or Kresslesmühle are just a few of the numerous venues. Augsburg's cultural offering is lively and provides something for everyone, from high culture to the alternative scene. The world-famous Augsburg Puppet Theatre also has its home in the Fugger city.
Festivals
There is plenty of entertainment in Augsburg, with a variety of festivals throughout the year. Augsburg is especially lively in summer, with many cultural events going on, whether at the "Modular" music festival, the street art festival "La Strada" or the Augsburg Summer Nights in the heart of the city centre.
