Many drivers pass by the beautiful city by the Danube without ever visiting. Still, Ingolstadt is always worth a stop. The beautifully restored old town lures for a stroll, the Audi Forum grants insights into history and the factory and  there's more shopping facilities than in the city centre: the clothing manufacturers Bäumler and Rosner offer factory sale on a vast area and in the Ingolstadt Village you will find outlet bargains like in the U.S.

"Who possesses Ingolstadt, possesses the key to Bavaria", an annalist wrote and wanted to describe the strategic location of the city by the Danube. Ingolstadt has made history as a stronghold location and therefore possesses a rich diversity of well-conserved towers and army facilities. If you want to get to know the "Pappenheimer" (name of locals near Ingolstadt who has become a proverb), you can do so in the Bavarian army museum. An impressive series of  black knight harnesses reminds of the cruel times of the 30 years' war. Pappenheim itself is a small town north of Ingolstadt at the Altmühl river in which you finally find the "Pappenheimer" ("rascals")!

Audi is omnipresent in Ingolstadt, being not only the biggest employer and tax payerer, but also the modern landmark of the university town. Over 31.000 people work for the premium producer, an impressive number, given the city's 120.000 inhabitants. The Audi Forum is not only home to the museum mobile, which conveys a historic overview of the brand with the four rings, but also to the delivery centre. Here you also have the chance to visit the factory.

Professional ice hockey is played here, too. The Ingolstadt Panthers are part of the German ice hockey league. The Saturn-Arena presents hot fights on the cold ice and as implied by the name, the electro chain Saturn is one of the club's sponsors besides Media-Markt and Audi.

Also in terms of culture Ingolstadt is an important regional centre, from Jazz and Blues to chamber concerts and cabaret. Right now Günter Grünwald seems to be the best known artist from Ingolstadt. His cabaret shows can be watched Bavarian TV or live on stage, e.g. at Schlachthof in Munich.

The Asam Maria de Victoria church is a gorgeous jewel baroque art. Slightly hidden in the old town, without forecourt and towers, the church reveals its treasures only after having entered. Check out the organ matinee on Sundays  at noon from April to Oktober, an acoustic delight.

The new castle in Ingolstadt is guarded by Scherer and Schererin, two imposing guns, weighing 4.845 kg and 4.697,5 kg. 15 other guns can be seen in the castle which is home to the above mentioned Bavarian army museum.

One of the outstanding building monuments is the Ickstatthaus with the highest baroque facade of South Germany. Ickstatt himself was a lawyer and is said to be the reformer of the Bavarian school system. From Frederics Serviced Apartments Ingolstadt is easily reached by car or by train.

by Dietmar Stanka