Hi, kids! It’s me, Flat Stanley Brayden, and today was so exciting! I visited Regensburg, one of the oldest cities in Germany, where I learned about castles, sausages, and a really cool medieval bridge. I even got to explore two amazing churches and see how people lived hundreds of years ago. Let’s dive in!
Foggy Morning on the Danube
I woke up this morning to see thick fog rolling over the river as our ship left the canal and entered the famous Danube River. It felt like we were sailing through a mysterious storybook. After a cozy breakfast in the dining room, I bundled up in layers because it was chilly outside—perfect weather for exploring!
Walking into History
Our ship docked just outside Regensburg, so we took a walk into the city with our guide leading the way. Regensburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it’s really special and protected because of its history. It’s one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe!
Why is Regensburg So Special?
Regensburg is over 2,000 years old! It was originally built by the Romans as a military camp called Castra Regina in 179 AD. You can still see parts of the old Roman walls in the city today. During the Middle Ages, it became an important trading city because of its location on the Danube River.
A lot of cities in Europe tore down their old buildings and built new ones, but in Regensburg, people couldn’t afford to do that after the Middle Ages. So, many of the medieval buildings stayed the same, and now we can see what cities looked like hundreds of years ago!
Crossing the Old Stone Bridge
One of the coolest things I saw was the Old Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke). It’s almost 900 years old and was the only bridge crossing the Danube River for hundreds of miles. Imagine how busy it must have been with merchants and wagons full of goods traveling across it! Walking across the bridge felt like stepping back in time.
Exploring St. Peter’s Cathedral
Next, I visited St. Peter’s Cathedral (Regensburger Dom), a giant Gothic church with twin spires that reach high into the sky. It took over 250 years to build, and it’s full of incredible details.
Inside, I saw huge stained-glass windows that told stories from the Bible. They were so colorful and bright, even on a cloudy day. The ceilings were super high, and everything felt so peaceful and grand. Did you know Gothic churches like this were designed to make you look up so you feel closer to heaven?
A Quick Snack: Regensberger Knackersemmel
After the cathedral, I explored the Christmas markets near the Old Town. I couldn’t resist trying an Original Regensberger Knackersemmel—a sausage sandwich with pickles, mustard, and a special sauce. It was so tasty!
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| Riding a Reindeer |
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| Yummy Sausage Sandwiches |
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| I keep saying I'm an angel |
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| St Nicolas |
Basilica of St. Emmeram
Another highlight of the day was the Basilica of St. Emmeram. This church was originally built in the 8th century but was later rebuilt in the Baroque style. When I walked inside, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The ceiling was painted with amazing scenes that looked like they were floating in the clouds. Everything was decorated with gold and so detailed—it was like being inside a giant work of art.
Sausage Time at Historische Wurstkuchl
Before heading back to the ship, I stopped at the Historische Wurstkuchl, which means “Historic Sausage Kitchen.” It’s the oldest continuously operating sausage stand in the world—over 500 years old! I used a voucher to try six sausages with sauerkraut and a drink. The sausages were small but super flavorful. Yum!
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| Flood Level marks (Wasserhohe = Water Level) |
Double-Parked Adventure Back to the Ship
When it was time to go back to the ship, I discovered something funny. Our ship was double-parked next to another ship at the dock! To get back aboard, I had to walk through the other ship’s lobby, up to its Sun Deck, and across a gangway to our ship. It was like a mini obstacle course, but I made it!
Evening Fun on the Avalon Illumination
After all that exploring, I rested in the cabin for a bit before heading to Happy Hour in the lounge. Dinner tonight was small plates, which was perfect since I was still full from all the sausages. We even celebrated a friend’s birthday with cake and laughs before calling it a night. Tomorrow, I’m off to Salzburg for more adventures. I can’t wait to tell you all about it!
Educational Notes for Kids
What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
These are places that are super important because of their history, culture, or natural beauty. Regensburg is one of them because it’s one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe!What is a Gothic Church?
Gothic churches, like St. Peter’s Cathedral, are tall and have lots of pointed arches, big windows, and decorations. They were built to feel magical and grand, like you’re closer to heaven.What’s Special About the Old Stone Bridge?
The Old Stone Bridge in Regensburg is almost 900 years old! It was so strong that it lasted through floods, wars, and centuries of use. It’s a great example of medieval engineering.
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