Landshut Facts for Kids

Landshut is a lively city in Lower Bavaria, Germany. It's located on the Isar River, about 72 kilometers (45 miles) northeast of Munich. Landshut is known for its beautiful old buildings, especially the tall St. Martin's Church, which has the tallest brick tower in the world!

Quick facts for kids

Landshut

Town centre with St. Martin's Church

Coat of arms

Country

Founded

1204

Elevation

445 m (1,460 ft)

Population

(2022-12-31)

• Total

75,457

CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)

84001-84036

0871

Website

www.landshut.de

Discover Landshut!
Images for kids
See also

Discover Landshut!

Landshut is a special place with a rich history and many interesting sights. It's the capital of Lower Bavaria, a region in the German state of Bavaria. The city sits at an elevation of 445 meters (1,460 feet) above sea level.

Where is Landshut?

Landshut is in southeastern Germany, nestled in the heart of Bavaria. The Isar River flows right through the city, adding to its charm. It's a central point in the region, making it an important hub for local activities.

A Peek into Landshut's History

Landshut was officially founded in 1204 by Duke Ludwig I of Bavaria. Its name means "land's protection," likely because of the Trausnitz Castle that overlooks the city. For a long time, Landshut was a very important city in Bavaria.

How Landshut Began

The city grew quickly because it was a good place for trade. The Dukes of Bavaria lived in Trausnitz Castle, making Landshut a center of power. Many of the beautiful buildings you see today were built during this time.

Important People from Landshut

Landshut has been home to several notable people throughout history.

Ludwig Feuerbach (1804–1872) was a famous philosopher. He studied human nature and how people think about religion.
Roman Herzog (1934–2017) was a politician who later became the President of Germany from 1994 to 1999. He was known for his important speeches and efforts to modernize Germany.
Gregor Strasser (1892–1934) was a politician in the early 20th century. He played a role in German politics during a very turbulent time.

Famous Buildings and Landmarks

Landshut is famous for its stunning architecture, especially its Gothic brick buildings.

St. Martin's Church

The Cathedral of St. Martin with its bell tower

The most famous landmark is St. Martin's Church. Its tower is an amazing 130.6 meters (428.5 feet) tall, making it the tallest brick church tower in the world! It was built between 1389 and 1500. The church is a great example of Gothic architecture.

Trausnitz Castle

The Trausnitz Castle

High above the city sits Trausnitz Castle. This castle was the home of the Dukes of Bavaria for many centuries. It has a long history and offers fantastic views of Landshut. You can explore its old rooms and learn about the dukes who lived there.

Other Interesting Churches

Landshut has other beautiful churches too.

St. Jodok Church is another impressive Gothic church.
Redemption Church and the Church of the Holy Ghost also show off the city's rich architectural heritage.

The Old Town and Town Hall

Town hall

The Altstadt (Old Town) is the heart of Landshut. It's a beautiful area with historic buildings, narrow streets, and charming shops. The Town Hall (Rathaus) is also located here, with its impressive facade. It's a great place to walk around and feel the history of the city.

The Landshut Wedding

The Landshut Wedding and the Church of the Holy Spirit

One of the most exciting events in Landshut is the Landshut Wedding. This is a huge historical festival that happens every four years. It celebrates the marriage of Duke George the Rich to Hedwig Jagiellon of Poland in 1475. Thousands of people dress up in medieval costumes and recreate the wedding procession, jousting tournaments, and feasts. It's like stepping back in time!