Augsburg

Augsburg is a lovely metropolitan city of 300,000 people and around 885,000 in the urban area in the German Bundesland (Federal State) of Bavaria (German: Bayern). Some 60 km northwest of Munich, it is one of the oldest German cities. It boasts a rich history and has developed a modern urban vibe.

Understand
Augsburg is the administrative capital and local center of Bavarian Swabia. From 1276 until nearly the end of the Holy Roman Empire, Augsburg was a "free imperial city", nominally subject to nobody but the Emperor but de facto self-governing as a city state. Despite being hidden in Munich's overwhelming shadow, the city has a lot to offer. While many Germans might think the "aug" part may refer to eyes (Auge (n) in German) it actually goes back to its Roman name Augusta Vindelicorum.

By plane
Augsburg is most easily reached via train from Munich Airport. You will first need to take the S-Bahn or  to München Hauptbahnhof (Munich main train station), a 45-min ride, before you can catch a train to Augsburg. Plan at least 2 hr in total from Munich Airport to Augsburg (as you can see taking a bus or private transfer will be much faster). It is best to purchase a Bayern-Ticket (Bavaria Ticket) from one of the ticket machines located in the train station. A Bayern-Ticket allows one (along with up to four other friends) to travel within Bavaria using all regional trains (no InterCity Express) and city transportation (trams, buses, etc.) It is valid from 09:00 (on weekdays) or from 00:00 (on weekends) to 03:00 the following day. The Bayern-Ticket costs €25 for one person, and €6 for each additional person (maximum of 4 additional people). You can also use a Bayern-Ticket Nacht (Bavaria Night Ticket), which is valid Sunday to Thursday from 18:00 to 06:00 the next day, and Friday to Saturday, from 18:00 until 07:00 the next day. It costs €23-35 if you book online or at the ticket machine.

Other major airports within close proximity are Stuttgart and Frankfurt, both of which are also connected by train and can easily be reached by car. If you fancy low-cost airlines, Memmingen Airport has a good selection of destinations served by Ryanair and Wizzair. FMM can be reached in less than an hour by car, 1.5-2/5 hours by public transportation.



By bus


Flixbus and other companies serve the city.

By car
About 80 km from Munich and 160 km from Stuttgart just south of the A8.

By public transportation
Augsburg has an efficient transportation system with seven main tram (German: Straßenbahn) lines and several bus lines which cover the whole urban and suburban areas. These lines run daily from around 04:30 to 00:30. From Thursday to Sunday there are additional night bus lines to cover the remaining night hours, thus providing (reduced) 24-hour service.

See a plan of the AVV lines.

With AVV tickets, you can also use every regional train within the Augsburg region (but you can't go to Munich or Ulm with AVV). The BRB rail network operated from Augsburg Hbf is a suburban train connecting suburbs and even more villages to Augsburg's center. A suburban train system (S-Bahn, just like in many other German cities) is planned to follow the BRB and regional routes.

You can buy a 24-hr ticket, a single ticket for €5.80, or a family ticket for €7.40. You must purchase a ticket and stamp it each time you enter a streetcar or bus. Riding without a ticket (German: schwarzfahren, literally "black riding") will get you a €60 fee and a visit with the police.

The Bayern-Ticket (Bavaria Ticket) is valid in Augsburg and you will not be required to purchase additional tickets for using the Augsburg transportation system.

By bike
With its mostly flat terrain, Augsburg is great to explore by bike. That way, you can more easily visit some hidden gems in the suburbs and along the rivers Lech and Wertach. Augsburg's UNESCO World Heritage (Water Management System of Augsburg) also includes several objects outside the centre.

Bikes can be rented on several bus stations from the "Stadtwerke", and at some bike stores in Augsburg:

Do

 * Football: FC Augsburg play soccer in Bundesliga, Germany's top tier. Their home ground WWK Arena (capacity 30,600) is 5 km south of town centre, take the tram.
 * Football: FC Augsburg play soccer in Bundesliga, Germany's top tier. Their home ground WWK Arena (capacity 30,600) is 5 km south of town centre, take the tram.
 * Football: FC Augsburg play soccer in Bundesliga, Germany's top tier. Their home ground WWK Arena (capacity 30,600) is 5 km south of town centre, take the tram.
 * Football: FC Augsburg play soccer in Bundesliga, Germany's top tier. Their home ground WWK Arena (capacity 30,600) is 5 km south of town centre, take the tram.

Buy
Augsburg is a lively university town, a city for business and recreation. Enjoy the benefits like traditional pubs, theater, museums and lots of shopping facilities. You find many retail shops in the pedestrian zone, but don't miss to go downhill (e.g. via Judenberg) to the "Altstadt" with its unique shops! There is also a larger mall (City Galerie) with common brands and big stores, busy on weekends. For souvenirs, go to the Rathausplatz, find Augsburg-umbrellas and Brecht T-shirts. The local brewery Riegele sells giftboxes with 6 types of beer!

Eat
Augsburg is famous for its plum cake, called Zwetschgendatschi, and Bosna, a sausage coming in a bun with hot sauce and onions. Also, try Kässpatzen (which literally translates as cheese sparrows, but no birds are harmed during preparation), a popular hand made pasta dish topped with melted mountain cheese and served with caramelized onions.

In the city centre

 * The Stadtmarkt or city market, enter from Fuggerstraße or Annastraße, has fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese as well as the Fleischhalle and Viktualienhalle, which have various budget options available, including typical Bavarian, Greek, Thai, sushi and more. The stalls are only open during lunch time and are popular among locals. Closed on Sundays.
 * As almost everywhere, bakeries are also a good choice for snacks. A bit more expensive, but of highest quality is Cumpanum (located at the northern end of Annastraße) and Augsburg based Laxgang is worth a visit as well (their shop at the end of Milchberg, close to Puppenkiste) is worth a visit.

Drink
In Augsburg there are several beer gardens, and some of them have their own children's playground. What is written in the Munich travel guide about beer gardens also applies to Augsburg's beer gardens. The Riegele beer garden, close to the central train station and right next to the Riegele brewery, is a good place to go.

Clubs and bars
A good part of Augsburg's night life takes place in Maximilianstraße and the historic district right beneath the Maximilianstraße. There is great diversity in the type of clubs and bars, ranging from disco to student bars. It is a great idea to go see more than one place and find out which is the most comforting to you. Luckily, in generally, Augsburg's night life is a lot cheaper than in Munich or other big cities.


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 * Augsburg has a fairly good gay scene, one gay bar in particular is OKI's.
 * Augsburg has a fairly good gay scene, one gay bar in particular is OKI's.
 * Augsburg has a fairly good gay scene, one gay bar in particular is OKI's.
 * Augsburg has a fairly good gay scene, one gay bar in particular is OKI's.
 * Augsburg has a fairly good gay scene, one gay bar in particular is OKI's.
 * Augsburg has a fairly good gay scene, one gay bar in particular is OKI's.
 * Augsburg has a fairly good gay scene, one gay bar in particular is OKI's.

Budget
Augsburg has some cheap places to stay. One is the Jugendherberge the other is a private hostel

Stay safe
Augsburg is very safe; in 2017, it was ranked as the second safest German city with over 200,000 inhabitants. Virtually all crimes are domestic violence (which are quite rare), drug abuse, or alcohol-fueled fights at a bar. Augsburg also tends to be pretty safe at night. Don't be afraid to use the small and poorly lit alleys in the historic district, since these are beautiful especially after dark!

Go next

 * Dachau
 * Munich
 * Ulm