Regensburg does not try to compete with Nuremberg or Munich. It does not need to. The city’s Christmas market runs in the courtyard of a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, with a second market in the gardens of a Baroque palace, and a third along the banks of the Danube — and because it sits slightly off the main tourist trail, you can actually enjoy it without fighting through two million other visitors. For travellers who want a genuinely atmospheric market without the crowds, Regensburg is the answer.
The three markets
Thurn und Taxis Christmas Market (Schloss Thurn und Taxis)
The most famous of Regensburg’s markets, held in the grounds of the Thurn und Taxis palace — a Baroque aristocratic residence that is still occupied by the Thurn und Taxis family today. The courtyard setting, with torchlit paths and period decoration, is unlike any other market in Bavaria.
- Dates 2026: 27 November – 23 December 2026
- Hours: Monday–Friday 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Saturday–Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Entry: small admission fee applies (around €4–6; exact 2026 price confirmed closer to opening)
Medieval Christmas Market (Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt)
Held in the cloisters of St. Emmeram’s Abbey, with vendors in period costume and stalls lit by candlelight and torch. Crafts lean toward traditional and hand-made; the atmosphere is quieter and more contemplative than a typical German market.
- Location: Emmeramsplatz
- Dates 2026: typically runs late November – December, exact dates TBC
Danube Market (Stadtamhof)
A smaller market on the north bank of the Danube, accessible via the Stone Bridge — one of the oldest bridges in Germany (completed 1146). Walking across the bridge at night, with the market lit up on one side and the cathedral on the other, is one of the best views the Bavarian Christmas market circuit has to offer.
Dates and practical info 2026
- Thurn und Taxis market: 27 November – 23 December 2026
- Entry to Thurn und Taxis: small fee (~€4–6); other markets free
- How to get there from Munich: 1 hour 20 minutes by train (direct hourly service from Munich Hauptbahnhof). By car: 1.5 hours (120 km) via the A9.
What to eat and drink
- Glühwein — the Thurn und Taxis market serves it in a distinctive palace-branded souvenir mug, a popular collector’s item
- Met (mead) — the medieval market specialises in honey wine, served warm; harder to find at other Bavarian markets
- Regensburger Bratwurst — a wider, coarser sausage than the Nuremberg version; the Historische Wurstküchl near the Stone Bridge has been grilling them since the 12th century and is one of the oldest restaurants in the world
- Lebkuchen and Gebrannte Mandeln — the standard market sweets found throughout Bavaria
The Historische Wurstküchl — do not skip it
A tiny riverside hut just beside the Stone Bridge, the Historische Wurstküchl (Historic Sausage Kitchen) has been in operation since around 1146 — it originally fed the workers who built the bridge. It serves exactly one thing: six or twelve Regensburg sausages grilled over beechwood charcoal, served with sauerkraut and stone-ground mustard. The queue is worth it.
Getting around Regensburg
Regensburg’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and compact enough to walk entirely. The three markets, the Stone Bridge, the cathedral, and the Historische Wurstküchl are all within 15 minutes of each other on foot. The train station is a 10-minute walk from the old town.
When to visit
- Regensburg draws far fewer visitors than Nuremberg or Munich — even weekends are manageable
- The Thurn und Taxis market has limited hours on weekdays (opens at 2 p.m.) so plan afternoon arrivals from Munich
- Evening visits give the best atmosphere at the candlelit medieval market and the Danube waterfront
Part of the Bavarian Christmas markets circuit. See the full Bavarian Christmas Markets Guide, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, and the Rothenburg ob der Tauber market. Planning a longer Bavaria trip? See Things to Do in Munich and Oktoberfest 2026 Dates.
Regensburg Christmas market: frequently asked questions
When does the Regensburg Christmas market run in 2026?
The main Thurn und Taxis market runs 27 November – 23 December 2026. The medieval market at St. Emmeram’s Abbey and the Danube market in Stadtamhof run on similar dates. The Thurn und Taxis market opens at 2 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends.
Is there an entry fee for the Regensburg Christmas market?
The Thurn und Taxis palace market charges a small admission fee (around €4–6 in recent years). The other Regensburg markets — the medieval market at St. Emmeram’s and the Stadtamhof market — are free to enter.
How do I get from Munich to Regensburg?
By train it takes about 1 hour 20 minutes with direct hourly services from Munich Hauptbahnhof. By car the journey is around 1.5 hours (120 km) via the A9. The old town is walkable from the Regensburg train station in about 10 minutes.
What is the Historische Wurstküchl?
The Historische Wurstküchl is one of the oldest restaurants in the world, operating beside Regensburg’s Stone Bridge since around 1146. It serves Regensburg Bratwurst — six or twelve sausages grilled over beechwood charcoal with sauerkraut and mustard. It is a short walk from the Christmas markets and worth queuing for.
How does Regensburg compare to Nuremberg for Christmas markets?
Regensburg is smaller, less crowded, and arguably more atmospheric than Nuremberg. The Thurn und Taxis palace courtyard setting is unique in Bavaria, and the combination of markets, the Stone Bridge, and the medieval cathedral makes it one of the most visually striking market locations in Germany. Nuremberg is more famous; Regensburg rewards those who seek it out.
Updated September 2026.
Getting to Regensburg from Munich is straightforward by train. Day trips from Munich are also bookable on Klook if you prefer a guided option.
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