Augsburg, Germany

Capital City

With a population of just 303,150, Augsburg is a mid-sized German city struggling to escape the shadow of its larger neighbor Munich. The former free imperial city may have a rich history as a center of early capitalism, but today it faces the challenges of any provincial town - heavy bureaucracy, a dreary continental climate, and the ever-present threat of flooding from the Lech and Wertach rivers. While the city's green spaces and well-preserved old town offer respite, Augsburg is best suited for those seeking a quieter, slower-paced alternative to the fast-moving Bavarian metropolis down the autobahn.