Straubing
Discover the 10 Picturesque Highlights of Straubing
Straubing, the charming town on the Danube, surprises visitors with an impressive variety of sights. The historic old town, magnificent churches and unique museums make Straubing an unforgettable destination. Whether you only have a day or are planning a whole weekend, the sights of Straubing have something for every taste. This comprehensive guide introduces the 10 most beautiful attractions and gives valuable tips for your visit.
Sights in Straubing: The Historic Stadtplatz as the Heart of the Town
The Stadtplatz forms the pulsating centre and is among the most important sights in Straubing. At 330 metres long, it is one of the largest market squares in Bavaria. Gothic and Baroque townhouses frame the square picturesquely.
Architectural Highlights on the Stadtplatz
The Stadtplatz impresses with its uniform design:
- Gothic gabled houses from the 14th and 15th centuries
- Baroque facades with artistic stucco decoration
- Historic inns with centuries of tradition
- Modern shops in listed buildings
The Stadtturm towers majestically over the square and serves as the town's landmark. From here you can reach all the other sights in Straubing comfortably on foot.
💡 Tip: Visit the Stadtplatz early in the morning, when the shops open and life awakens. The atmosphere is then particularly authentic.
Top Attractions in Straubing: The Basilika St. Jakob
The Basilika St. Jakob is undoubtedly one of the most valuable sights in Straubing. This Gothic hall church from the 14th century houses art-historical treasures of international standing.
Art Treasures in the Basilica
The church surprises with extraordinary works of art:
- High altar by Albrecht Altdorfer (around 1520)
- Late Gothic stained-glass windows from the 15th century
- Baroque side altars with valuable paintings
- Historic organ with 4,000 pipes
The high altar in particular is considered a masterpiece of the Danube School. Its glowing colours and detailed depiction attract art lovers from all over the world every year.
Guided Tours and Opening Hours
The basilica is open daily and regularly offers guided tours. You should not miss this sight in Straubing if you are interested in art and history.
💡 Tip: Use the free audio guides to learn more about the works of art. They are available in several languages.
Excursion Destinations in Straubing: The Gäubodenmuseum
The Gäubodenmuseum is among the most fascinating sights in Straubing. It houses the largest Roman treasure in Bavaria and tells the 2,000-year history of the region.
The Sensational Roman Treasure
The Roman treasure discovered in 1950 is the highlight of the museum:
- Splendid parade armour of Roman officers
- Golden face masks with filigree decoration
- Bronze greaves and arm guards
- Silver fittings and pieces of jewellery
- Reconstructions of Roman weapons and equipment
This unique find makes the museum one of the most important archaeological centres in Germany. The exhibition vividly shows life in Roman Sorviodurum.
Further Collections
Besides the Roman treasure, the museum presents:
- Prehistoric and early historic finds from the region
- Medieval works of art and manuscripts
- Folklore of the Gäuboden
- Temporary exhibitions on current topics
The Gäubodenmuseum is definitely one of the sights in Straubing that you should include in your visit.
💡 Tip: Allow at least two hours for the museum visit. The audio guide explains all the important exhibits in detail.
Sights in Straubing: The Imposing Stadtturm
The 68-metre-high Stadtturm shapes the town's skyline and is one of the most striking sights in Straubing. The Gothic tower from the 14th century offers spectacular views over the Danube plain.
History and Architecture
The Stadtturm tells centuries of history:
- Built between 1316 and 1393 as a defensive tower
- Gothic construction with later Baroque additions
- Originally part of the town fortifications
- Today a landmark and viewing platform
The Climb and the View
The climb of 220 steps is rewarded with fantastic panoramic views. In clear weather you can see as far as the Alps. The viewing platform is open from April to October.
From the top you overlook all the other sights in Straubing and understand the strategic position of the town on the Danube.
💡 Tip: Visit the tower in the late afternoon, when the sun bathes the roofs of the old town in warm light.
Cultural Sights in Straubing: The Herzogsschloss
The Herzogsschloss is among the most important sights in Straubing and tells the story of the Bavarian dukes. The late Gothic building now houses the tax office, but can be visited in part.
Architectural Features
The palace impresses with its architecture:
- Late Gothic facade with Renaissance elements
- Magnificent courtyard with arcades
- Historic coats of arms of the Bavarian dukes
- Gothic chapel with valuable frescoes
History of the Palace
The Herzogsschloss was the residence of the Bavarian dukes for centuries. Important rulers lived here and shaped the history of Bavaria. The rooms tell of court life and political decisions.
Although it is now used by the authorities, the palace remains one of the most important sights in Straubing for visitors interested in history.
💡 Tip: Find out about guided tours in advance, as the building is only accessible at certain times.
Religious Sights in Straubing: The Karmelitenkirche
The Karmelitenkirche is among the most art-historically valuable sights in Straubing. The Gothic mendicant-order church from the 14th century surprises with its simple beauty and valuable furnishings.
Architecture and Furnishings
The church impresses with its clarity:
- Gothic hall church with high vaults
- Medieval wall paintings and frescoes
- Baroque high altar with valuable paintings
- Historic tombs of important figures
Special Works of Art
Particularly worth seeing are the late Gothic epitaphs and the Baroque pulpit. The church also houses the grave of the Blessed Hermann von Niederaltaich, an important mystic of the 13th century.
The quiet atmosphere makes this sight in Straubing a place of reflection in the midst of the lively old town.
Concerts and Events
Concerts and cultural events take place regularly in the Karmelitenkirche. The excellent acoustics make it a popular venue for classical music.
💡 Tip: Visit the church during a concert to experience the special atmosphere.
Nature-Oriented Sights in Straubing: The Stadtpark
The Stadtpark offers a green oasis and is among the most relaxing sights in Straubing. The expansive park invites you to stroll and offers respite from a city walk.
Design and Attractions
The park impresses with its variety:
- Historic tree stock with rare species
- Ponds with water features and ducks
- Playgrounds for children of all ages
- Quiet areas with benches and pavilions
- Sculptures and works of art in the greenery
Events in the Park
The Stadtpark is the setting for various events. In summer, open-air concerts take place here, and the Christmas market transforms the park into a fairytale winter landscape.
Families particularly appreciate this sight in Straubing, as children can play here while adults relax.
💡 Tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy the peace under the old trees.
📍 Discover more: Explore more recommendations for Straubing on our city page.
Conclusion: The Sights of Straubing Offer Unforgettable Experiences
The sights of Straubing impress with their variety and quality. From the historic old town to the valuable museums, the town offers suitable attractions for every visitor. Its compact size makes it possible to explore all the important sights in Straubing over a weekend.
The key takeaways for your visit:
- Allow at least two days for all the sights in Straubing
- Start at the Stadtplatz and work your way through systematically
- Book guided tours for the most important attractions in advance
- Make use of the short distances between the sights
- Combine cultural enjoyment with relaxation in the Stadtpark
Visit Straubing and let the extraordinary sights inspire you. The town on the Danube will enchant you with its history, culture and hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sights in Straubing are free to visit? The Stadtplatz, the exterior of all the churches and the Stadtpark are free. You can also visit the Basilika St. Jakob without an entrance fee.
How much time should I allow for the sights in Straubing? For the most important attractions you will need at least one full day. For a relaxed visit to all the sights in Straubing, two days are recommended.
Are there combination tickets for several sights in Straubing? Yes, the tourist information office offers combination tickets for the museum and the Stadtturm. They are cheaper than individual tickets and save time at the entrance.
Are the sights in Straubing accessible for people with disabilities? Most sights in Straubing are partly accessible. The Stadtplatz and the Gäubodenmuseum are fully wheelchair accessible. Find out in advance from the tourist information office.
When is the best time to visit the sights in Straubing? Spring to autumn is ideal, as all the sights in Straubing are open. In winter some attractions have shorter opening hours, but the old town is especially atmospheric.
Paul Fischer
