Regensburg, on the Danube, is said to be the only major medieval city in Germany to remain intact, spared from devastation in twentieth-century conflicts. The city (once known to English-speakers as Ratisbon) preserves much of its fourteenth-century layout and architecture, notably the grand homes of the medieval merchants.

We had planned to experience the great rivers of central Europe by using local sightseeing operators and Regensburg proved to be a fine base for doing so, with sailings up through the Danube Gorge to the Kloster Weltenburg monastery.

Regensburg is the seat of the noble Thurn und Taxis family, which grew rich over the centuries through its monopoly on postal services throughout the Holy Roman Empire. Presently the head of this dynasty is the energetic and extroverted Princess Mariae Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, who has successfully turned around the huge debts she inherited on the premature death of her husband.

These images were taken with Nikon D5200 using RAW format, and are available for licensing. Please visit my blog.