What it's about: Your future time travel in the city space

Imagine soon standing at Neupfarrplatz, on the Danube river promenade, or in front of the Porta Praetoria – and reconstructing historical lines of sight with your own photos. This guide helps you plan future tours, select suitable locations, prepare image comparisons, and document respectfully.

Your plan for the coming months: How future experiences become concrete

1. Set a focus: Choose a theme for your next appointment (Old Town architecture, Danube & bridges, changing mobility, campus & modern city).
2. Create a motif list: Note 3–6 locations you want to photograph from the same perspective on your next walk.
3. Set route and duration: Plan 60–120 minutes per route, including time for comparing, photographing, and taking notes.
4. Observe rights and consideration: Use public paths, respect personal rights, do not block house entrances, treat sensitive places respectfully.
5. Optionally book a tour: Consider booking a city tour with a focus on historical image motifs for a future date.

Five future photowalk routes in Regensburg

1) Old Town North: Neupfarrplatz – Wahlenstraße – Goldener Turm

• Start: Neupfarrplatz (large, easily accessible area).
• Focus: Vertical silhouettes and facade details around the Goldener Turm; changing use of shop windows and squares.
• Task for your next appointment: Photograph the tower frontally and from the side alley perspective, each with identical focal length.

2) Alley Structure: Hinter der Grieb – Haidplatz

• Start: Corner of “Hinter der Grieb”.
• Focus: Renovated facades, street furniture, lighting in narrow spaces.
• Task: Series shot: alley at three heights (ground, eye, overhead perspective) for later comparison.

3) Danube Bank & Holzlände

• Start: River promenade with a view of the Danube.
• Focus: Bank design, shipping, leisure use, seasonal water levels.
• Task: Choose two viewpoints (wide-angle at the bank, telephoto close to bridge details) and mark them as recurring comparison points.

4) Stone Bridge & Porta Praetoria

• Start: Access to the Stone Bridge.
• Focus: Transition from traffic to recreation area, lines of sight across the Danube, Roman traces at the gate.
• Task: Panorama from 3–5 partial images, then detail studies of masonry and railings.

5) Modern City Views: Campus & New Quarters

• Start: University area or a newly developed quarter.
• Focus: Open spaces, path guidance, material transitions between old and new.
• Task: Capture the sequence “Arrival – Stay – Transition” in three images.

Methods for future image comparisons

• Fix location: Next time, mark with chalk on the ground or note GPS coordinates; specify focal length in the photo.
• Constant exposure: Photograph at the same time or in similar light (early morning or late afternoon).
• Series diary: After each appointment, record 3–5 observations (e.g., use, signage, vegetation, traffic volume, furniture).
• Comparison points: Choose horizon line, building edges, railings, paving joints as fixed points.
• Ethics & respect: Only depict people identifiably with consent; document religious and historical sites tactfully.

Future family and group offers

Plan a joint “time capsule” for an upcoming afternoon: Each family member chooses a motif, photographs it identically, and writes two sentences about why it is important. The results are then compiled and designed as a calendar for the next year.

• Group tip: Assign roles (map reader, photographer, note taker).
• Plan with accessibility in mind: Prefer starting points with benches and public toilets; take cobblestone routes into account.

Seasonal planning for the future

• Spring: Document facades and greenery in budding; use soft light.
• Summer: Plan shadows and visitor flows as part of the motif story.
• Autumn: Emphasize color contrasts between masonry and foliage; have a polarizing filter ready.
• Winter: Structures highlighted by low sun; provide non-slip shoes and short routes.

Checklist for your next appointment

• Charged battery, empty memory card or notebook and pen
• Smartphone with map app and offline backup
• Weather-appropriate clothing, non-slip shoes
• Respectful interaction with residents and visitors
• Planned route including meeting point and time window

Rights, safety, and accessibility for future tours

• Image rights: Public buildings are generally unproblematic; obtain consent for recognizably depicted persons.
• Private property: Only enter with permission; keep driveways and doors clear.
• Safety: Keep distance from road traffic; do not climb over railings at bridges and riverbanks.
• Accessibility: Prepare alternative routes without steps; plan rest points.

Sources and further information for your preparation

1. City of Regensburg – City History & Monuments — Overview pages on history and building culture (accessed 2025-12-03)
2. UNESCO – World Heritage Regensburg — Context on World Heritage status and protection concepts (accessed 2025-12-03)
3. Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation — Notes on monument protection and responsible exploring (accessed 2025-12-03)
4. German Digital Library — Research access to historical image sources (accessed 2025-12-03)