Straubing Walking Tour

By Vicky · Published Sep. 27th, 2023

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A walking tour of Straubing is the best way to explore this charming town in Bavaria, known for its well-preserved medieval old town.

Location

This walk starts from Straubing Train Station. It’s 30 minutes on the train from Regensburg, 1hr30 from Ingolstadt or 1hr50 from Munich.

Straubing Walking Tour Map

Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.

Top Things to Do in Straubing

On this self-guided walking tour you’ll see the main sites and attractions of Straubing. Half a day is enough to see everything in Straubing since it’s quite small. Combine visiting this town with the larger nearby city of Regensburg. This is a self-guided tour, if you prefer, take a Guided Tour of Straubing Medieval Centre*.

Straubing Walking Tour Route

This walking tour starts from Straubing train station.

Directions: Cut left through the park opposite the station, cross over the main road and turn left along a small lane along the stream. At the next road, turn right, cross over the roundabout and continue along the road to the main town square.

1. City Tower & Marktplatz

The City Tower and the Marktplatz are the heart of Straubing. Admire the colorful historical buildings, the impressive town hall (Rathaus) and other grand buildings that line the elongated square. There are many cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating, a lovely place for a break and to admire the historical surroundings. You can often find events, markets, or festivals taking place here, including the lovely Christmas Market.

The city tower itself, or Stadtturm, dates from the 14th century. A unique feature of the tower is that its bells can play in both a major or minor key, and several melodies have been recorded that play out during the year. To visit the tower and see the great views from the top, you have to go as part of a guided tour. These take place Apr-Sep, Monday 2pm and Saturday 10:30am.

Directions: After exploring the square, head to the eastern end and turn left up Burggasse, the street one before you leave the old centre. Just before the end of Burggasse you’ll find the Kloster entrance on your right.

2. Ursuline Kloster

The Ursuline Kloster was finished in 1741 and it has a very baroque style. The ceiling fresco depicts St Ursula being martyred, and there are fancy red-coloured twirly columns.

Directions: After leaving the church, turn right and you’ll see the white castle in front of you. You can head through the archway to reach the inner courtyard.

3. Herzogsschloss

The Herzogsschloss, or Ducal Castle, is a beautiful Renaissance-style castle. While the interior is not always open to the public, you can admire the architecture from the outside and stroll into the interior courtyard.

Directions: Return from the courtyard and follow the road to the left to reach the river.

4. Danube River Promenade

Now turn left to walk along the picturesque Danube River promenade. Enjoy the serene views of the river and the opportunity for a leisurely stroll. The Danube long served as both the northern border of the Roman Empire and an important Roman trade route.

Directions: When you leave a river, take a left up the street. Head left then almost immediately right and before the next junction you’ll see the church on your left.

5. Karmelitenkirche

This monastery was founded in 1368 by Duke Albrecht I of Bavaria. The church has a Gothic style and a huge high altar which is the highlight of the otherwise relatively restrained interior.

Directions: Walk down the street opposite the church entrance and at the T-junction you’ll see the museum in front of you.

6. Gäubodenmuseum

Key Information: Open Tue-Sun 10am-4pm. Admission is €5/1 per adult/child.

The Gäubodenmuseum (Website, Tripadvisor Reviews*) is a fantastic museum showcasing many artefacts. Gäuboden is the name of the local region and was the northern extent of the Roman Empire, covering the area south of the Danube River. During this time, Straubing was an important Roman port on the Danube, which is why so many artefacts have been discovered near here.

Even though it’s small, the Gäubodenmuseum contains some of the most important Roman finds in Germany. The items on display include helmets, horse masks, the remains of a 10,000-year-old woman and a lot of well-preserved Roman armour. The exhibits are well laid out but there are no English signs. All you get is a brochure with an overview of the rooms, which means if you don’t speak German you won’t fully understand the significance of all the objects.

Directions: Even if you don’t visit the museum, you can walk through the passageway to the other side. Keep on going until you reach a T-junction, then turn right, left and right again into the park.

7. Old City Walls Park

The Old City Walls Park covers the area where the city walls used to run. You can still see some evidence of the walls and a couple of defensive towers. A small stream now runs through the graben, or moat that lay just outside the walls. It’s a pleasant little park so take your time walking through.

Directions: Follow the path through the park around the corner until you reach the end of the main Marztplatz street again. Head back into town along this square and turn right to reach the large church.

8. Basilika St. Jakob

The Basilika St. Jakob is the main church in Straubing, known for its impressive architecture and Baroque interior. The church is dedicated to St. James and is a significant pilgrimage site. You can get a tour of the church with a knowledgeable guide to describe the historical aspects and hidden gems of the church.

Directions: This is the end of the Straubing Walking Tour. You can now spend more time walking around the old city centre, or return to the train station.

For more walking tours and hikes in Germany, see our Germany hiking page.