Nuremberg and Regensburg: two German stops from Prague in one trip

The standard German weekend from Prague is Berlin, Dresden or Munich, and all three are fine. Look instead at the line that leaves Prague for Bavaria and two other towns sit on or near it, pairing better than they look on a map. Regensburg is a surprisingly intact medieval town on the Danube. Nuremberg is a bigger city with a castle and a complicated past.

Together they make a loop that dodges the busiest German destinations and still delivers a lot of history. This guide is about the pairing; for the bigger city alone, see Nuremberg from Prague.

The rail geography

The line from Prague to Bavaria runs via Plzeň to the border at Domažlice and Furth im Wald, then to Schwandorf, where it splits. One branch goes south to Regensburg and on to Munich, the other west to Nuremberg. That is why the two cities work together: both are a short hop from Schwandorf and from each other.

Direct services towards Munich call at Regensburg, roughly four hours from Prague (check cd.cz and bahn.de, because the timetable has changed in recent years). To Nuremberg, plan on a change and a longer ride. Munich by train or bus covers the line beyond, and Munich Airport to Prague uses the same route in reverse.

The easy loop: Prague to Regensburg, Regensburg to Nuremberg, Nuremberg back to Prague. Both towns, no backtracking.

Regensburg

Regensburg began as a Roman fort, Castra Regina, and grew through the Middle Ages as a trading town on the Danube. Its medieval centre came through the Second World War largely intact, which is why UNESCO listed the old town and the neighbouring district of Stadtamhof in 2006. You can walk it in a couple of hours: narrow lanes, tall merchant houses with towers, the Gothic cathedral and its two spires, and the river.

The sight to see is the Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke), twelfth-century and still used by pedestrians. It is also the best spot for a view of the old town and river. Cross to the Stadtamhof side for a photograph.

The town eats well, with traditional taverns serving Bavarian dishes and local beer, and a large student population makes evenings livelier than its size suggests.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is larger, better known and heavier. The old town has a medieval wall, the imperial castle on its ridge and the house of the painter Albrecht Dürer, and much of it was rebuilt after heavy bombing in 1945. The city is also known for the Nazi party rally grounds and the post-war trials, which our Nuremberg guide covers in detail. Give those sites proper time and plan something lighter afterwards.

The food side is small grilled sausages and Lebkuchen (gingerbread), plus one of Germany's best-known Christmas markets.

How to split the nights

A good plan is one night in each. Take a morning train from Prague, reach Regensburg around lunchtime, walk the old town and bridge, and stay. Next morning take the short train to Nuremberg, spend the afternoon and evening, and stay a second night. On the third morning see what you missed, then ride back to Prague in the afternoon.

With one night, pick one. Regensburg is calmer and smaller; Nuremberg has more to see and makes a heavier day. Doing both in a day is possible, but you would see most of it from a train window.

Czechia and Germany are both in the Schengen Area, so there is normally no passport check, but carry a passport or ID card. Germany uses the euro, and most shops close on Sundays.

When to go

Late spring and early autumn give the best walking weather. In the weeks before Christmas, Nuremberg's market draws large crowds and rooms in both towns fill early, so book the bed before the train. Winter weekdays are quiet and pleasant if you dress warmly and plan indoor stops. Summer evenings by the Danube in Regensburg are hard to beat.

Whenever you go, check museum opening days. Many German museums close on Mondays, and some sights keep shorter winter hours.

Getting around

Both towns are walkable. Nuremberg has a metro and trams for the outer sights, such as the Rally Grounds, while Regensburg's old town needs only your feet. Wear sturdy shoes, since the cobbles are uneven.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to reach Regensburg from Prague?

Roughly four hours by train via Plzeň. Check the timetable for your date.

How far is Nuremberg from Regensburg?

About an hour by train. Check the timetable.

Is Regensburg worth a visit?

Yes, if you like medieval towns. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and compact enough to see in a day.

Can I do both in a day?

It is possible but rushed. One night each is far more relaxed.

Pick the loop, book one night in each town, and keep the train home flexible.