Augsburg lies in the Lech Valley on the Bavarian Alpine Foreland at an average elevation of 490 meters above sea level – nearly as high as Munich 30 km to the north (520 m). The city developed at the confluence of the Lech and Wertach rivers; its historic water management system, which exploits this topography, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019.
That works out to roughly 1608 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 421 m, putting Augsburg about 69 m higher.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 490 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 48.3717° N, 10.8983° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Munich | 520 | Germany |
| Nuremberg | 301 | Germany |
| Ulm | 485 | Germany |
| Ingolstadt | 377 | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Augsburg above sea level?
Augsburg averages 490 m above sea level – nearly as high as Munich (520 m). The Lech valley sits at 475–490 m; districts on the Lechleite slope reach 520–530 m.
Why is Augsburg's water system a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Augsburg's water management system was inscribed in 2019 because its medieval canals, towers and pumping stations delivered clean drinking water centuries before modern engineering – and much of it still functions today.
Is Augsburg in the Alpine Foreland?
Yes – Augsburg sits on the Bavarian Alpine Foreland, a gravel plain deposited by Ice Age glaciers. The Alps are clearly visible on clear days.