About Ingolstadt

Where did the family of the French Queen Isabeau reside?
Where was the first Bavarian state university located?
Where did Dr. Victor Frankenstein create his monster?

And where was Munich to be protected and defended from enemy attack?

- Correct - the answer every time is: Ingolstadt

The city on the Danube was first mentioned in the imperial partition charter of Charlemagne in 806. Today it is considered a modern business location with successful universities and a wide range of jobs.

In the 1200 years in between, Ingolstadt went through an eventful history, which is still reflected today in numerous historic buildings in the old town. From 1472 to 1800, the "Hohe Schule" housed the first Bavarian state university. For its medical faculty, the anatomy was built in the first half of the 18th century, where the famous Dr. Victor Frankenstein is said to have created his monster. In the 19th century, the Bavarian King Ludwig I had the already well-fortified city expanded into a state fortress, because the view was "Munich shall nourish me, in Ingolstadt I will defend myself."

To this day, the barracks, cavaliers and casemates characterise the cityscape and make Ingolstadt a veritable open-air museum of fortification architecture. The brick red of these buildings gives the "Schanz", as Ingolstadt is called due to its centuries-long fortress history, distinctiveness and character. Extensive green spaces with many sports and recreational opportunities, a varied cultural program, traditional beer gardens, cosy cafes and chic bars, and numerous festivals throughout the year make Ingolstadt a very livable small city and a popular destination for out-of-town guests.