Overview Tours
Our overview tours offer the perfect introduction to one of Germany’s oldest—and most underrated—cities. They are designed especially for first-time visitors or anyone who wants to gain a clear and well-structured overview of Augsburg. Depending on your available time, you can choose between a concise introduction, an engaging journey through 2,000 years of history, or a representative “best-of” tour featuring the city’s most important highlights.
Augsburg Express – The City in Speed Dating Mode
A compact introduction for those short on time.
In just one hour, this walking tour (without indoor visits) presents key highlights spanning more than 2,000 years of history — giving you a first impression of Augsburg’s unique character.
Usually just an appetiser for more… you may wish you had booked more time.
2,000 Years – A Journey Through Time
Travel through Augsburg’s history, from its Roman origins (Augusta Vindelicum) to its development as a powerful episcopal city from the 8th century, with the Cathedral at its heart.
Experience its rise as a Free Imperial City, with the Town Hall by Elias Holl as its political centre. Discover the city’s Renaissance splendour and the importance of the UNESCO-listed water management system.
A walk through the picturesque Lech Quarter highlights the importance of craftsmanship for Augsburg’s economic prosperity. Along Maximilianstraße, you will explore the influence of wealthy merchant and banking families—most notably the Fuggers.
The tour also covers Augsburg’s role as a key centre of the Reformation and its path towards the unique Augsburg Peace Festival.
Personal interests and questions can always be incorporated.
Optional add-on:
- Golden Hall visit
Best of Augsburg
Highlight-Hopping
This tour focuses on Augsburg’s most remarkable highlights rather than following a strict chronological narrative.
It connects the city’s key landmarks in a well-balanced route that allows its most impressive sites to truly shine—so you can experience as much as possible with minimal walking.
The tour begins at the prestigious Red Gate, once the ceremonial entrance for emperors and rulers attending the Imperial Diets—the great assemblies of the Holy Roman Empire—and at Central Europe’s oldest water towers, the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Expect renowned landmarks such as the Basilica of St. Ulrich and Afra with its Protestant twin church, the magnificent patrician palaces along Maximilianstraße, reflecting the wealth and influence of Augsburg’s elite, and the lively Rathausplatz—along with selected hidden gems along the way.
The tour concludes at the Fuggerei—the world’s oldest existing social housing complex, still in use today.
Themed Tours
Augsburg is not only one of Germany’s oldest cities, but also captivates visitors with its remarkable diversity of themes. Our themed tours are perfect for those who have already enjoyed a general introduction or who wish to explore a particular area of interest in greater depth. Below, you’ll find a selection of our most popular options, while additional themes can be arranged at any time upon request.
The Fascination of the Fugger Family
Discover Augsburg as one of the Renaissance’s leading centres of trade, finance, and culture—closely linked to the remarkable rise of the Fugger family, who, within just three generations, built what was arguably the most powerful business empire of their time.
Where and how did the family live? Did they collaborate with the Welsers? How much influence did they truly wield over European politics and the Church? And was Jakob Fugger really the richest man in history—as suggested by the bestselling book “The Richest Man Who Ever Lived” by American author Greg Steinmetz? And why is their most famous foundation—the 500-year-old Fuggerei—now one of Bavaria’s top ten most visited attractions?
Optional adds-on (available upon request):
- Guided visit inside the Fuggerei
- Tour of the Fugger and Welser Museum
UNESCO World Heritage
The City’s Blue Gold
Water has shaped Augsburg for centuries. Early on, the city’s residents recognised its importance and developed a unique, complex, and highly innovative water management system—awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019.
On this tour, we follow Augsburg’s “blue gold” along the picturesque canals of the historic craftsmen’s quarter, exploring the vital role of industrial water in the city’s economic development. Along the way, we encounter remarkable monuments of water engineering and artistry, and admire the historic tap water system—including the oldest water towers in Central Europe.
Optional add-on:
- Interior visit of the water towers at the Red Gate
City of the Reformation
Augsburg is considered one of the key centres of the Reformation. What factors contributed to this development, and which reform movements shaped the city?
On this tour, you follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther during his visits to Augsburg. We explore the historic sites of the Imperial Diets of 1518—where Luther was interrogated—1530, when the Confessio Augustana was presented, and 1555, which culminated in the Peace of Augsburg.
These events mark important milestones on the path to Augsburg’s High Festival of Peace (Hohes Friedensfest), established in 1650 and still celebrated every year on 8 August—a public holiday unique to Augsburg, marked by long-standing and meaningful traditions.
Optional add-on:
- Guided tour of the Luther Stairs (Lutherstiege) at St. Anna
Attractions for Catholic Pilgrims
Augsburg’s Christian roots date back to the early 4th century. On this tour, you trace the legacy of the city’s three patron saints: Saint Afra, Saint Simpert, and Saint Ulrich.
We begin at the Basilica of St. Ulrich and Afra, one of the city’s most important pilgrimage sites. Another highlight is the revered Marian image “Our Lady, Undoer of Knots” by Georg Melchior Schmittner, located in St. Peter am Perlach—an image especially cherished by the late Pope Francis. The tour concludes at Augsburg Cathedral, the heart of the episcopal city since the 8th century.
Inspiring Women of Augsburg
Why is city history so often told from a male perspective? This tour offers a refreshing change.
Step into the stories of remarkable women from Augsburg’s past—women who continue to inspire us today to trust our inner voice and stay true to our dreams. Meet bold pioneers who, despite strong resistance in male-dominated worlds, carved out their own paths and left a lasting mark.
From successful figures in crafts, industry, trade, the professions, and sport to women whose social commitment made a real difference—this tour brings their stories to life. And don’t miss the tale of a scandalously unconventional love match between a patrician woman and a member of the high nobility… with a happy ending.
Imperial Avenue Maximilianstraße
Stroll along one of Germany’s most beautiful streets. Where does the name Maximilianstraße come from, and what gives it its almost boulevard-like character?
On this walk along Augsburg’s grand historic avenue, you’ll encounter impressive townhouses, magnificent fountains, and fascinating churches from different eras. What stories might these walls tell—of merchants and emperors, of renowned composers, actors, and Nobel Prize winners, and of grand festivities, as well as important questions of power and faith?
That’s exactly what your guide is here for.
Optional add-on:
- Visit to the Rococo ballroom in Schaezler Palais
Fuggerei – The World’s Oldest Social Housing Complex
A must-see for any visit to Augsburg, the Fuggerei is not only central to the city’s identity but also one of Bavaria’s top ten most visited attractions.
Affordable housing is one of the key challenges of our time. More than 500 years ago, the Fuggerei set remarkable standards—standards that remain relevant to this day. It continues to provide people in need with the opportunity to live independently and with dignity under truly exceptional conditions.
Its significance reaches far beyond Augsburg—it has even been featured in a full-page article in the Financial Times. A unique and welcoming place whose full character and meaning are best experienced through an expert-guided tour
Exclusive VIP Hosting
VIP half-day, full-day or multi-day experiences—exclusive, fully personalised, and perfectly tailored.
This is far more than a private city tour: it is a tailor-made programme designed entirely around you, ensuring you make the very most of your time in Augsburg. Every aspect is carefully curated to suit your group—your interests, preferences, and pace.
Based on your briefing, you will be provided with expert consultation in advance. Themes, level of depth, focus areas, structure, and timing are all thoughtfully aligned to create a seamless and truly memorable experience.
To ensure your visit begins effortlessly, we are happy to offer a comfortable pick-up service from a location of your choice—e.g. the train station, coach parking area, hotel, conference venue, or restaurant.
Interior visits can be seamlessly integrated into the route, and well-timed breaks can be arranged exactly when and where they suit you best—for a coffee, a glass of prosecco, or a light refreshment—before continuing at a relaxed pace.
Nothing is left to chance, yet everything remains flexible and easy-going. The tour can conclude at the location that best suits your plans afterwards.
This exclusive VIP format turns your time in Augsburg into a truly memorable highlight.
Children & Youth Tours
Tours for children and young people are especially close to Lightify Tours’ heart. Young audiences are wonderfully honest—ranging from initial scepticism to bursts of curiosity and even moments of teenage reluctance. What they all have in common is the desire to be truly engaged and inspired.
That’s why these tours focus on lively, age-appropriate storytelling. Depending on the group and topic, the experience may be playful—featuring riddles and discovery tasks—or take the form of a journey back in time, seen through the eyes of a child from that era.
What was everyday life like for a child growing up in the Fuggerei in the 16th century? What did it feel like to perform in Augsburg as a young prodigy like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart? Or to open a magnificent ballroom at the age of fourteen, on the way to marrying a man you had never met?
In this way, history becomes vivid, tangible and fun.
For school groups, the focus is often on deepening classroom topics—such as the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, or sustainability—through an engaging excursion. A consistently interactive approach ensures that students remain involved and that learning connects naturally with the on-site experience.
[Content and duration are tailored individually in advance, with a strong emphasis on fair and accessible pricing.]
Customer Testimonials
Anneliese Schurter
Inner Wheel Zürich
Our enthusiasm for Ms. Händler can hardly be put into words! Simply exceptional — highly knowledgeable, experienced across all topics, and wonderfully engaging with her anecdotes. She guided us through the beautiful city of Augsburg for three days, and we were absolutely delighted. Ms. Händler is a true guarantee for an unforgettable Augsburg experience.
W. D. Graf von Hundt
former Administrator of the Fuggerei
Ms. Händler has extensive expertise in the history of the Fugger family and the Fuggerei, which she continuously expands and deepens through our training programs. She presents her knowledge in an engaging and audience-focused way, including at special events held within the Fuggerei. Even members of the Fugger family have already been entrusted to her.
Karl Schäfer
Coach Travel Services
I would like to thank you for your excellent work with and around our senior Christmas travel group. The feedback from our customer surveys regarding both the program and the city guide has been overwhelmingly positive. Our bus driver also spoke very highly of the collaboration.
Prof Dr. Ing Hans E. Schurk
Former President of Augsburg University of Applied Sciences
During the “UNESCO World Heritage Water Management System” tour for my St. Anna school reunion, Ms. Händler impressed with her outstanding expertise. Her ability to address all questions attentively while maintaining excellent time management made the tour a truly special and personal experience. We would be delighted to return!
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
For any further questions or personalized advice on a tailor-made program in Augsburg, feel free to contact Lightify Tours.
Are the tours also suitable for children, teenagers, and school groups?
Of course, all of our tour formats are available in age-appropriate versions — from kindergarten and primary school to secondary schools. Inspiring “reluctantly signed-up” young participants is something I particularly care about!
Our family tours also offer a colorful mix, ensuring that everyone — from grandparents to grandchildren — feels comfortable and engaged.
Are all tours accessible for people with disabilities?
Not all routes are fully accessible, but accessible options are available for all themes. Routes and breaks are always tailored to the needs of the participants.
Are bilingual tours available?
Yes. This allows a shared and engaging experience even when there is no common language in an international group.
Am I allowed to cancel?
Travel and leisure plans can change. Cancellation is free of charge up to 7 days before the tour date. For shorter notice, cancellation fees apply.
Are tours canceled due to bad weather?
No, tours generally will take place in almost all weather conditions. As the British and tour guides like to say, there’s no such thing as bad weather — only the wrong clothing. Tours are only canceled in cases of extreme weather that pose a risk to safety.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome on city tours that do not include indoor visits, as well as in the Fuggerei. However, they are not permitted in churches or museums.
Is photography and filming allowed during the tour?
You’re very welcome to capture the beauty of Augsburg in photos and videos. Please note, however, that other people may only be photographed or filmed with their consent. Recording your guide’s commentary— whether in writing, audio, or video form—is not permitted.
What if I’m delayed due to traffic, train strikes, or similar disruptions?
Getting to the meeting point on time is the responsibility of each participant, and so is the risk of travel delays. That said, please let us know if you’re running late—we’ll do our best to wait for you and make the most of the remaining tour time.
How does payment work?
You can either pay in advance by invoice and bank transfer (up to two working days before the tour), or in cash on site before the tour begins.
Price list for city tours in Augsburg
All prices include 19% VAT. Payment can be made in cash, and a receipt will be provided.
*Base price for up to 10 participants - Additional participant: €9 per person
Evening surcharge (after 6 pm): €15
Surcharge for bilingual tours: €20
*Base price for up to 10 participants - Additional participant: €12 per person
Evening extra-charge (after 6 pm): €15
Extra-charge for bilingual tours: €20
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation up to 7 days before the tour: free of charge
- Cancellation less than 7 days before the tour: 100% cancellation fee
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Contact: info@lightify-tours.de
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