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Augsburg: Ancient Roman roots, Renaissance glory, and modern spirit woven along the Lech River.

Five Self-Guided Audio Tours to rediscover Augsburg

A first taste of the best stories the city has to offer. Many more tours are waiting for you.

Echoes of the Trümmerberg: The Soul of Augsburg Football – Augsburg Audio-Tour
Tour 01
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Pic by Ricardalovesmonuments on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Echoes of the Trümmerberg: The Soul of Augsburg Football

Discover the beating heart of Fuggerstadt through the lens of its most passionate residents: the football fans. This isn't just a tour about a sport; it's a journey into the soul of a city that rebuilt itself from the rubble of World War 2. From the historic Rathaus balcony where underdogs became legends, to the grassroots pubs, the lost pilgrimage routes, and the bittersweet transition to modern arenas, you will experience the sensory and emotional landscape of FC Augsburg. Join us to understand why, in this city, football is far more than a game—it's a profound expression of identity, resilience, and community.

6 Stops
174 Min
The Fugger Gambit: God's Bankers of Augsburg – Augsburg Audio-Tour
Tour 02
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The Fugger Gambit: God's Bankers of Augsburg

Step into the 16th century and walk the ledger of history in Augsburg, the seat of the Fugger dynasty. This isn't just a story about money; it's about how one family's colossal fortune financed emperors, built St. Peter's Basilica, and inadvertently triggered the Protestant Reformation. Join our historian Max and local expert Amelia as they unravel the grand paradox of the Fuggers: were they pious saints or brilliant sinners? From opulent palaces to the world's oldest social housing project, you'll discover how their blend of finance, faith, and power politics forged the modern world.

7 Stops
147 Min
The Bourgeois Rebel: Young Brecht's Augsburg – Augsburg Audio-Tour
Tour 03
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Pic by Burkhard Mücke on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The Bourgeois Rebel: Young Brecht's Augsburg

Step into the contradictory world of a young Bertolt Brecht. This immersive audio journey explores the tension between his comfortable middle-class upbringing and his fierce, rebellious nature. Discover how the gritty fairgrounds, the quiet boat moats, and the rigid institutions of provincial Augsburg forged the revolutionary creator of Epic Theater.

6 Stops
117 Min
The Merchant Princes and the Monks: A Tale of Gold and Grace – Augsburg Audio-Tour
Tour 04
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Pic by Ricardalovesmonuments on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The Merchant Princes and the Monks: A Tale of Gold and Grace

Step into the opulent, treacherous world of 16th-century Augsburg, where the clinking of a merchant's gold collided with the radical prayers of a lone monk. On this immersive journey, you will uncover the epic power struggle between the Fugger dynasty—the wealthiest capitalist empire the world had ever seen—and Martin Luther, the man who sparked the Reformation. From secret intelligence networks and papal monopolies to the world's oldest social housing complex, discover how the battle between extreme wealth and religious upheaval shaped the modern world.

8 Stops
117 Min
The Flow of Prosperity: Augsburg's Liquid Gold – Augsburg Audio-Tour
Tour 05
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Pic by Z thomas on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The Flow of Prosperity: Augsburg's Liquid Gold

Discover how a medieval city conquered gravity and harnessed the wild rivers of Bavaria to become the economic powerhouse of the Renaissance. On this immersive journey, you will trace the veins of Augsburg's UNESCO-awarded water management system. From the oldest functioning water towers in Germany to the grand bronze fountains of emperors and gods, you will uncover the hidden engineering marvels that fueled the rise of legendary merchant dynasties. This is a story of visionary inventors, roaring canals, and the relentless flow of prosperity.

7 Stops
86 Min

Discover Augsburg – Stories Worth Hearing

Red Thread is an iOS and Android app with over 1,500 guided audio tours through cities worldwide - including in Augsburg.

Augsburg, nestled gracefully at the confluence of the Lech and Wertach rivers, breathes history and innovation. Stroll through the charming Ulrichsviertel, where medieval alleys whisper tales of merchants, or marvel at the grandeur of the Rathausplatz, a testament to Renaissance ambition. Did you know Augsburg's unique historical water management system, with its canals, wells, and hydraulic power, earned it a UNESCO World Heritage title, reflecting centuries of ingenuity that shaped its prosperity?

From the opulent Fuggerhäuser that testify to global trade empires to the humble Fuggerei, Europe's oldest social housing, Augsburg reveals layers of social enterprise and architectural splendor. Our audio tours guide you through these living narratives, from the golden age of merchant princes to the rebellious spirit of young Brecht in the Stadtjäger neighborhood, offering an intimate journey into the city's soul.

Augsburg Highlights
  • A UNESCO World Heritage city of water management.
  • Home to the world's oldest social housing complex, the Fuggerei.
  • Birthplace of Bertolt Brecht and cradle of industrial football.
  • New perspectives for visitors and locals alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Augsburg

General questions about the app, pricing and features are answered in our full FAQ on the main page.

How long do the audio tours in Augsburg take?
Our tours vary in length. For example, 'The River of Prosperity' exploring Augsburg's water heritage is about 86 minutes, while the deep dive into 'The Fugger Gambit' takes around 147 minutes to complete.
What makes Augsburg's history unique?
Augsburg boasts a unique blend of history, from the global influence of the Fugger banking family, whose legacy you can explore in the Fuggerei and Fuggerhäuser, to being the birthplace of Bertolt Brecht, whose early life is traced in our 'The Bourgeois Rebel' tour. It's also home to a fascinating football history.
Can I visit the Fuggerei?
Absolutely! The Fuggerei, the world's oldest social housing complex, is open to visitors. It's a key highlight in several of our tours, including 'The Fugger Gambit' and 'The Merchant Princes and the Monks', offering a direct link to Augsburg's philanthropic past.
Can I create my own tours in Augsburg?
Yes, with the XL or Unlimited subscription you can use our AI-powered tour creator to build your own personalized tour in Augsburg on a topic of your choice. All Infos here
Can I use the Augsburg tours offline?
Yes, with an XL or Unlimited subscription you can download tours for offline use.
Can I do Augsburg tours together with friends?
Yes – with Together Mode (from XL plan) the whole group listens in sync on their own devices. Up to 4 people on XL, up to 10 on Unlimited.
In which other cities does Red Thread offer tours?
Further tours are available in nearby cities like Munich, Ingolstadt, Ulm, or international destinations like Sydney, Brussels, Split and many more. All cities can be found here.
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