Augsburg
Discover the 10 Most Impressive Sights in Augsburg
Augsburg, Germany's third-oldest city, combines Roman roots, Renaissance splendour and modern city life in a compact space. The sights of Augsburg take you through more than 2,000 years of history, from the world's oldest social housing complex to museums where machines still run. Whether you like historic buildings, art or family outings, there is something here for every taste.
In this guide we introduce the ten most important sights in Augsburg that you should not miss on a visit. You'll learn which places combine well, what to bear in mind when planning, and where a detour away from the big names is worthwhile.
Sights in Augsburg: The Historic Fuggerei as a World Heritage Site
The Fuggerei is considered the world's oldest social housing complex and is undoubtedly one of the city's most significant sights. This unique residential complex was founded in 1521 by Jakob Fugger the Rich and still houses needy Catholic citizens of Augsburg today.
History and Significance of the Fuggerei
The 67 houses with 142 apartments form a town within the city. Visitors can explore the Fugger Museum and gain authentic insights into the residents' lives. Walking through the lanes, you quickly notice that this is not an open-air museum but a lived-in neighbourhood.
- Admission: €7 for adults
- Opening hours: daily 8am–8pm (April–September)
- Special feature: the rent is still just €0.88 a year
- Tours: available daily at 11am and 3pm
💡 Tip: Visit the Fuggerei early in the morning to avoid the crowds of tourists and enjoy its special atmosphere.
The Magnificent Golden Hall in the Town Hall
The Golden Hall in Augsburg's town hall is one of the most sumptuous Renaissance rooms in Europe and an absolute highlight among the city's attractions. After its destruction in the Second World War, it was rebuilt true to the original, an achievement that is documented on site.
An Architectural Masterpiece
The 14-metre-high hall impresses with its golden coffered ceiling and monumental murals. The ceiling shows allegorical depictions of the virtues and the arts; it's worth pausing for a moment and letting your eyes wander to take in the details.
Visitor Information for the Golden Hall
- Admission: €2.50 for adults
- Opening hours: daily 10am–6pm
- Audio guide: available in German and English
- Group tours: possible by prior booking
- Step-free access: reached by lift
The Imposing Basilica of St Ulrich and St Afra
The Basilica of St Ulrich and St Afra is not only one of the most important sights in the city but also a significant place of pilgrimage. This late Gothic church houses the tombs of the city's patron saints, St Ulrich and St Afra.
Art-Historical Treasures
The church impresses with valuable works of art, including the famous high altar and the splendid stained-glass windows from the 15th century.
- Opening hours: daily 7am–7pm
- Special feature: Germany's only simultaneum church (shared by two denominations)
- Highlight: an organ with over 5,000 pipes
- Tours: Sundays at 2.30pm
💡 Tip: Visit the basilica during a service to experience its impressive acoustics.
The Fascinating Schaezlerpalais
The Schaezlerpalais is one of the finest Rococo palaces in Germany and now houses important art collections. It is one of the city's main cultural attractions.
Art Collections and Ballroom
The sumptuous ballroom with its mirrors and crystal chandeliers is regarded as a masterpiece of southern German Rococo. The Deutsche Barockgalerie shows works by Tiepolo, Cranach and other masters.
Practical Visitor Information
- Admission: €7, concessions €5.50
- Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10am–5pm
- Highlight: ballroom with original Rococo decor
- Special exhibitions: regularly changing displays
The Augsburger Puppenkiste as a Cultural Treasure
The Augsburger Puppenkiste is known far beyond the city limits and is one of the most popular places in town for families. The museum "die Kiste" tells the story of the famous marionette theatre.
Urmel, Jim Knopf and Co.
In the museum, visitors can admire the original marionettes and look behind the scenes of the famous theatre. For many adults, the tour is above all a journey back to their own childhood.
- Museum admission: €4 for adults, €3 for children
- Theatre performances: according to the schedule
- Special feature: tours of the theatre are possible
- Shop: souvenirs and marionettes to buy
The Historic Cathedral of St Mary
Augsburg Cathedral, also known as the Hoher Dom, is one of the oldest cathedrals in Germany and ranks among the city's most significant sights. This Romanesque-Gothic cathedral impresses with a history of more than 1,000 years.
Art-Historical Importance
The cathedral houses the world's oldest figurative stained-glass windows, from the 11th century. The Prophets' Windows are regarded as masterpieces of medieval glass painting.
Special Highlights in the Cathedral
- Bronze doors from the 11th century
- High altar by Hans Holbein the Elder
- Crypt with Roman foundations
- Diocesan museum with sacred art treasures
💡 Tip: Join a guided tour to discover the cathedral's hidden details and stories.
The Modern Textile and Industry Museum (tim)
The tim is one of the most modern attractions here and shows the city's industrial history. In a former worsted spinning mill, the development of the textile industry is brought to life, a chapter that has shaped Augsburg as much as the Renaissance.
Interactive Exhibitions
The museum offers multimedia presentations and interactive stations that are especially interesting for families.
- Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 9am–6pm
- Admission: €7, concessions €3.50
- Special feature: historic machines in operation
- Café: with a view of the production halls
The Romantic Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is one of the green oases among the city's sights. Across 10 hectares it presents more than 3,000 plant species from around the world and makes a quiet end to a packed museum programme.
Themed Gardens and Greenhouses
Particularly worth seeing are the Japanese Garden, the tropical house and the rose garden with more than 280 varieties of rose.
Garden Highlights at a Glance
- Japanese garden with tea house
- Tropical house with exotic plants
- Alpine garden with mountain plants
- Medicinal plant garden with 400 species
- Butterfly house (open seasonally)
- Admission: €3.50, children free
- Opening hours: daily 9am until sunset
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Parking: free on site
Augsburg Away from the Main Attractions
Between the big names, it's worth simply following the old town: the watercourses in the craftsmen's quarter, the lanes around the cathedral and the squares with their fountains each tell their own story. For a break in between, stop at one of the best cafés in Augsburg. If you would rather browse than sightsee, you'll find the right addresses in our overview of vintage shops in Augsburg.
📍 Discover more: Explore further recommendations for Augsburg on our city page.
Conclusion: The Sights of Augsburg Offer Lasting Memories
The sights of Augsburg reflect the rich history and cultural variety of this city. From the world-famous Fuggerei and the sumptuous Golden Hall to the Puppenkiste, every attraction tells its own story.
The key points for your visit to Augsburg:
- Plan at least two days for the main attractions
- Use the Augsburg Card for discounted admission
- Book tours in advance, especially in high season
- Combine culture with relaxation in the Botanical Garden
- Also visit the lesser-known sights for authentic experiences
Augsburg is waiting to be discovered by you. Let the mix of history, culture and Swabian cosiness win you over!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sights in Augsburg
What are the top three sights in Augsburg for first-time visitors? The Fuggerei, the Golden Hall in the town hall and the Basilica of St Ulrich and St Afra are the absolute must-sees. These three places give a good impression of Augsburg's rich history.
How much time should you allow for the sights? For the main attractions you should allow at least two full days. With three days you can also visit the smaller sights and museums at a relaxed pace.
Are there combined tickets for several sights? Yes, the Augsburg Card offers discounted admission to many attractions as well as free public transport. It is available for 1, 2 or 3 days and costs between €15 and €35.
Which sights are particularly suitable for children? The Augsburger Puppenkiste, the textile museum (tim) with its interactive stations and the Botanical Garden are well suited to families with children.
Are the sights accessible for people with disabilities? Many of the main attractions, such as the Golden Hall, the Schaezlerpalais and the Puppenkiste, are step-free. Find out about specific facilities from each venue beforehand.
Can the sights be combined on foot? Most destinations in the old town, including the town hall, cathedral, Fuggerei and Schaezlerpalais, are close together and easy to reach on foot. For the Botanical Garden and the tim, it's best to use public transport.
Lukas Wagner
