Landshut offers several distinct ways to explore art and history: a historic townscape, Renaissance architecture, museums and guided tours. The City Residence, Trausnitz Castle and the KOENIGmuseum each offer a different focus; the Isar Cycle Path also provides a practical point of reference for visitors travelling by bicycle.
The Old Town and Neustadt in the historic townscape
Landshut’s well-preserved historic townscape includes the grand streets known as “Altstadt” and “Neustadt”, as well as narrow connecting lanes. Together, these streets and lanes evoke life in the Middle Ages. This offers a different perspective from focusing on individual buildings or collections: the emphasis here is on the traditional townscape and its street spaces. If you are particularly interested in urban history and architecture, you can include this focus in your travel plans alongside the museums and sights.
Renaissance architecture at the City Residence
The Landshut City Residence is an Italian Renaissance palace of great significance to art and architectural history. Its layout can be understood through two named sections: the “German Building” and the “Italian Building”, which are connected by wings. The Italian Building was constructed from 1537 under the direction of Italian master builders. The Residence therefore offers more than a single building to explore: it also invites a direct comparison between the two structures and the way they are connected.
Inside, lofty vaulted halls with Italian stucco decoration shape the architectural impression. They are complemented by important painted cycles depicting biblical, mythological and historical themes. Visitors interested in architectural forms can focus on the halls and their design; those more drawn to visual art will find a distinct point of interest in the different subjects. Architecture and painting belong to the same Residence, but remain clearly distinguishable aspects.
Art and collections at Trausnitz Castle
At Trausnitz Castle, the Jester’s Staircase features monumental painted scenes from the Italian Commedia dell’arte. Its clearly defined subject gives the staircase a cultural focus different from that of a collection. The castle’s Ladies’ Wing also houses the “Art and Curiosity Chamber”, a branch museum of the Bavarian National Museum. It recalls the Wittelsbach dukes’ collecting tradition. The castle thus offers two distinct points of interest: the painted scenes and an exhibition connected with this historic collecting tradition.
The KOENIGmuseum and guided tours
The underground sculpture museum KOENIGmuseum is located in Hofberg in Landshut. It houses a collection of works by Fritz Koenig, donated by the artist during his lifetime. Guided tours and creative workshops focus on Koenig’s life and work. This offers another way to explore the museum—through the artist himself, not just his sculptures. Landshut also offers informative and entertaining city tours covering architecture, history, residents, wealth, and art and cultural assets. The different themes can help you decide whether you prefer a tour focused on a particular subject or a broader look at the city.
Travel plans and getting there
Landshut is located directly on the Isar Cycle Path. For a cycling trip, this provides a distinct point of reference alongside the city’s cultural attractions. When choosing accommodation, you can first decide whether historic townscapes, Renaissance architecture, art or the cycle path is especially important to your stay. This way, your search reflects your travel interests without requiring you to commit to a set daily itinerary.
Landshut has direct train connections from the direction of Munich, Regensburg and Mühldorf am Inn. Check the timetable for your travel date. From Munich, Landshut can also be reached by car via the A92 and B11. You can plan your journey according to your starting point and mode of transport; specific connections and journey times depend on the connection you choose.
Discover more destinations: Altfraunhofen, Bodenkirchen, Essenbach, Gerzen, Buch Am Erlbach, Neufahrn in Niederbayern, Vilsheim, Vilsbiburg.
Go to the higher-level travel overview: Landshut.
