Straubing
Straubing Attractions: 10 Highlights for Your Perfect Day
Straubing, the charming ducal town in Lower Bavaria, delights visitors with a unique blend of history, culture and Bavarian cosiness. The sights in Straubing offer something special for every taste - from medieval buildings and magnificent churches to modern museums. Are you planning a visit to this fascinating town and don't want to miss any highlights? Then you've come to the right place.
In this comprehensive city guide, we'll show you the 10 most important sights in Straubing that you really shouldn't miss. Whether you only have one day or plan to spend a whole weekend in town, our tips will help you experience Straubing at its very best.
Sights in Straubing: The historic Stadtplatz as the heart of the city
The Stadtplatz forms the vibrant centre of town and is without doubt one of the most important sights in Straubing. With its impressive length of 330 metres, it's one of the largest town squares in Bavaria.
Architectural masterpieces on the Stadtplatz
Magnificent townhouses from different eras line the square, telling stories of centuries gone by:
- The Gothic town hall with its distinctive oriel window
- Baroque patrician houses with ornate façades
- Renaissance buildings with typical arcaded walkways
- Classicist buildings from the 19th century
The famous town tower
The 68-metre-high town tower stands majestically over the square, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the town and the Danube valley. Climbing it is especially worthwhile on a clear day.
💡 Tip: It's best to visit the Stadtplatz in the morning, when the light is ideal for photos and the atmosphere is still relaxed.
St Jakob Church - a Gothic masterpiece among the sights in Straubing
The parish church of St Jakob is regarded as an architectural gem and is definitely one of the sights in Straubing you shouldn't miss. This late Gothic hall church impresses with its imposing size and ornate furnishings.
Artistic treasures inside
The interior of the church holds genuine artistic treasures that never fail to amaze visitors:
- The magnificent high altar by Jakob Kaschauer from the 15th century
- Valuable stained-glass windows set high in the walls
- Carved choir stalls with intricate detail
- Historic tomb monuments of prominent Straubing families
The famous windows
Particularly worth seeing are the medieval stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes in vivid colours. They're among the best-preserved of their kind in Bavaria.
Sights in Straubing: The Gäubodenmuseum with Agnes Bernauer
The Gäubodenmuseum is one of the cultural highlights and most important sights in Straubing. It houses one of Bavaria's most significant archaeological collections and tells the story of the region from the Stone Age to the present day.
The Roman treasure find
The museum is world-famous for its Roman treasure find - the largest Roman hoard ever discovered in Bavaria:
- Ornate face helmets worn by Roman cavalrymen
- Intricately crafted greaves and pieces of armour
- Silver horse harnesses with decorative fittings
- Coins and jewellery from the Roman era
The Agnes Bernauer exhibition
Particular focus is placed on the tragic story of Agnes Bernauer, the Augsburg tradesman's daughter who secretly married Albrecht III, son of the Bavarian duke.
💡 Tip: Allow at least two hours for your visit to the museum so you can take your time viewing all the exhibits.
The Herzogsschloss - residence of the Bavarian dukes
The Herzogsschloss is one of the sights in Straubing that reflects the town's royal past. This impressive building once served as the residence of the Bavarian dukes and today houses important cultural institutions.
Architecture and history
The castle brings together various architectural styles and eras in a harmonious way. Its origins date back to the 14th century, while later alterations gave the building its present-day character.
Current use
Today, the Herzogsschloss houses several cultural institutions:
- The Gäubodenmuseum with its valuable collections
- Special exhibitions on rotating themes
- Event spaces for cultural gatherings
- The town library with its historic holdings
The Carmelite Church - experience baroque splendour
The Carmelite Church is one of the sights in Straubing that delights lovers of baroque architecture. This magnificent 17th-century church impresses with its opulent interior and intricate detailing.
Baroque masterpieces
The church houses outstanding examples of baroque art:
- Ornate stucco work on ceilings and walls
- Colourful frescoes with religious motifs
- Intricate altars with gilded ornamentation
- A historic organ with an impressive sound
A special atmosphere
The Carmelite Church offers an especially meditative atmosphere that invites you to linger and reflect. Classical music concerts are also regularly held here.
Sights in Straubing: The Danube and its riverside promenade
The Danube significantly shapes Straubing's townscape, and its riverside promenade is one of the sights in Straubing that offer pure relaxation. The river invites you to take leisurely walks and enjoy a variety of activities.
Activities on the Danube
The Danube offers numerous opportunities for leisure activities:
- Relaxing walks along the riverside promenade
- Cycling tours along the Danube cycle path
- Boat trips and river cruises
- Fishing at the calm riverbank spots
The Donaupark
The expansive Donaupark invites families to picnic and relax. Here you'll find:
- Large sunbathing lawns for sunny afternoons
- Playgrounds for children of all ages
- Barbecue spots for sociable evenings
- Sports facilities for active visitors
💡 Tip: At sunset, the Danube promenade takes on a particularly romantic mood - perfect for an evening stroll.
The Straubing Stadttheater - a cultural highlight
The Stadttheater is one of the cultural sights in Straubing and offers a varied programme for lovers of art and culture. The historic 19th-century building has been lovingly restored and now shines in new splendour.
A varied programme
The theatre offers a diverse programme to suit every taste:
- Classic plays and modern productions
- Operas and operettas in an intimate setting
- Concerts covering various genres of music
- Cabaret and comedy shows
Historic ambience
The theatre building itself is an architectural gem, with a magnificent auditorium and traditional stage. The restored ceiling paintings and historic chandelier create a truly unique atmosphere.
The Agnes Bernauer Festival - history brought to life
The Agnes Bernauer Festival is a cultural highlight and one of the sights in Straubing that draws thousands of visitors every four years. This historical pageant tells the tragic love story between Agnes Bernauer and Duke Albrecht III.
History comes alive
The festival transforms Straubing's historic backdrop into a living stage:
- Over 1,000 amateur performers in magnificent costumes
- Authentic settings throughout the old town
- A medieval atmosphere with music and dance
- Traditional crafts and markets
The visitor experience
The festival offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Alongside the main performances, there's an extensive supporting programme with medieval markets and craft demonstrations.
📍 Discover more: Explore further recommendations for Straubing on our city page.
Conclusion: The sights in Straubing offer unforgettable experiences
The sights in Straubing offer a fascinating blend of history, culture and Bavarian cosiness. From the impressive old town and significant museums to the picturesque Danube landscape - Straubing has something special to offer every visitor.
The key highlights for your visit to Straubing:
- Historic Stadtplatz - explore the heart of the town
- St Jakob Church - admire the Gothic architecture
- Gäubodenmuseum - discover Roman treasures
- Herzogsschloss - immerse yourself in the past
- Danube promenade - enjoy relaxation by the river
Planning ahead is key to a successful visit. In one day, you can explore the main sights in Straubing, but if you want a deeper dive into the town's history, you should set aside at least a weekend.
Visit Straubing and let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of this historic town. The sights in Straubing are waiting to be discovered by you!
Frequently Asked Questions about sights in Straubing
Which sights in Straubing can you visit in one day? In one day, you can easily fit in the Stadtplatz, St Jakob Church, the Gäubodenmuseum and a walk down to the Danube. Allow around 6-8 hours for this route.
When is the next Agnes Bernauer Festival taking place? The Agnes Bernauer Festival takes place every four years. The next festival is planned for 2027. Between festival years, there are smaller cultural events.
Are the sights in Straubing family-friendly? Yes, most attractions are family-friendly. The Donaupark and the Gäubodenmuseum in particular offer special programmes for children and families.
Which sights in Straubing are free to visit? The Stadtplatz, the Danube promenade and viewing the exteriors of the churches are free. Small admission fees apply for museums and tower climbs.
Are there guided tours of the sights in Straubing? Yes, the tourist information office regularly offers guided town tours. These last around 1.5 hours and take in the town's most important historical sites.
Tim Neumann
