Regensburg Steinerne Brücke

This twelfth-century stone bridge spans the Danube and was for centuries the only fixed crossing between Ulm and Vienna, funnelling crusaders and merchants through the city. Its sixteen arches were an engineering marvel of the age and inspired bridge builders across the Holy Roman Empire. Walking across gives sweeping views of the cathedral spires and medieval waterfront. A distinctive detail is the small stone figure known as the Bruckmandl, seated on the parapet, who according to local lore taunts the cathedral builder opposite.