What to see and do in Bamberg, Germany? This fine and lovely German city, whose centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a real gem. Here are our top tips!
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Bamberg in Germany
Bamberg is famous for its beautiful old town hall, often depicted in photos of the city. The city offers medieval history, winding alleys, beautiful castles and smoky beer. Join us in cosy Bamberg!
Bamberg is located about 20 miles north of Nuremberg, in the federal state of Bavaria.
What can you do in Bamberg?
So what can you see and do in Bamberg? We visited the city last summer with our motorhome and fell in love with this cosy place. We've put together a list of our top tips.
1. Admire the old town hall in Bamberg
The Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) in Bamberg is undoubtedly one of the city's most fascinating buildings. First mentioned in 1387, the building was remodelled in the 15th century to give it the shape it has today.
In the 18th century, the town hall was given a Baroque and Rococo style, and in 1755 the original façade paintings were created by Johann Anwander. As the paintings were damaged by time, new ones were made by painter Anton Greiner in 1956-1962. The half-timbered house, which hangs on the side of the building, has served as accommodation for the guards.
2. Have a beer on the Obere Brücke
Next to the old town hall you will find the Obere Brücke (upper bridge). When we were here in the summer, the bridge was filled with tables where you could sit down for a beer. It looked really inviting!
3. Walking in the Old Town
The Old Town of Bamberg, including the Old Town Hall, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bamberg is considered an outstanding example of an early medieval city in central Europe and its architecture had a strong influence on the countries of central Europe from the 11th century onwards. Today the city offers an incredibly cosy environment for walking and café visits.
4. shopping
If you like shopping, you'll find lots of cosy little shops in the old town, ranging from clothes and accessories to interior design and gifts.
Among other things, we spent some time in the Inge-Glas Manufaktur shop, which are stuffed of creative and unusual Christmas decorations.
5. Experience Little Venice
Klein Venedig (Little Venice) is a neighbourhood of charming houses located right on the waterfront, in the central part of the city. The former fishermen's district is now perfect for picturesque photos.
You can check out the houses from across the water, or you can go by on a river cruise.
6. Be impressed by Bamberg cathedral
Bamberg Cathedral (Bamberger Dom) is an impressive church building with four towers, which characterises the city's skyline. The first foundation stone was laid in 1004 and the church was consecrated in 1012. The church was once damaged by fire, but it was rebuilt in the 13th century.
7. Discover the Old Court and the History Museum
The Old Court (Alte Hofhaltung) ranks among the most impressive buildings in Bamberg, and once served as a bishop's residence. The courtyard is made up of beautiful half-timbered houses and also houses the historical museum.
8. See the New Residence
The New Residence (Neue Residenz) is a powerful and impressive building in the centre of Bamberg, once home to the prince-bishops. Today, you can take a guided tour here to see the beautiful rooms and art.
9. Strolling in the Rose Garden
Right next to the New Residence is the beautiful Rose Garden. The greenery, flowers and statues make it worth a visit.
In particular, it is great to discover the view from the Rose Garden over the rooftops of Bamberg.
10. follow the Bamberg Way of the Cross
The Bamberger Kreuzweg (Bamberg Crossroads) from 1503 is the oldest fully preserved crossroads in all of Germany. It leads in seven stations from the hospital church of St Elisabeth to the church of St Getreu, and was once created to enable believers to empathise with the suffering of Christ in Jerusalem.
11. Visit St Jacob's Church
There are many churches in Bamberg, and St Jacob's Church is the only fully Romanesque church in the city. The church was built in the 11th and 12th centuries, and the baroque façade was added in the 18th century.
12. Peek into St Martin's Church on the Grüner Markt.
St Martin's Church was built by the Dietzenhofer brothers and is Bamberg's only baroque church. After a construction period of only seven years, the church was consecrated in 1693.
We took a look inside and must say that this church is incredibly beautiful inside.
13. Take a trip to the Seehof Palace.
Seehof Palace (Schloss Seehof) is located just northeast of the centre of Bamberg. It was built from 1684 to 1695 as a summer residence and hunting lodge for Marquard Sebastian Schenk von Stauffenberg, Prince Bishop of Bamberg.
The palace is very beautiful, but at the same time it has been worn down by time. When we were here, major renovations were underway, with scaffolding around half of the palace, and when this is completed, the place will probably be even nicer to visit.
Although renovations were in full swing, we were able to take a guided tour of some of the beautiful rooms for a limited fee. Have you seen the nifty little "bedside toilet" by the way, which after use can be magically removed by being rolled into the wall...?
14. test Rauchbier (smoke beer)
In Bamberg, the brewery pub Brauerei Heller (Schlenkerla) is famous for producing Rauchbier (smoke beer). The beer can also be bought elsewhere, and we bought two bottles in a small shop in the centre of town, to try later in the motorhome. Too smoky for our taste, but it was interesting to try. Maybe you think differently?
More things to do in Bamberg for culture and history lovers
Want to experience even more in this interesting city? Here you will find more suggestions for things to see and do in Bamberg, for those interested in culture and history.
- Altenburg Castle is located on the highest of the seven hills of Bamberg, and was first mentioned in 1109 (Altenburg 1).
- Carmelite convent was founded in the 12th century and transformed into a baroque building in 1692-1701 (Karmelitenplatz 1).
- Diocesan Museum includes a collection of medieval textiles (Domplatz 5).
- E.T.A. Hoffmann House showcases the author and composer's house. (Schillerplatz 26)
- Borough of Lisberg, located just west of Bamberg, is one of the oldest castles in Franconia (Burg 1, Lisberg).
- Michelsberg Monastery is a former Benedictine monastery, and is part of the UNESCO heritage of the city (Michelsberg 10).
- Upper parish is a church actually called Pfarrkirche Unsere Liebe Frau (Frauenplatz 1).
More to do in Bamberg with kids or teens
Travelling with children or teenagers? Then you'll find some more tips on things to do in Bamberg here. But all these tips are suitable for least just as good for adults only too ...
- Boat trips starts from the Old Town and goes past 'Little Venice'.
- City tour can be done as a guided tour by bus from DerBambergbus.
- Gondola rides can also be done on the river.
- Natural History Museum includes natural cabinets dating back to the time of the prince-bishops (Fleischstrasse 2).
- Sandkerwa is an annual folk festival held in August, which includes jousting by boatmen and fireworks.
Where can you stay or park your motorhome?
There are of course many different hotels and other accommodation options in Bamberg to choose from. We visited Bamberg by motorhome and stayed at the "Reisemobilstellplatz Heinrichsdamm" caravan park.
The location is excellent, with services and walking distance to the centre. In high season, however, it is important to arrive early in the day, as the site is popular. An alternative is a campsite called Campingplatz Insel.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
There is of course more to see and do in the vicinity of Bamberg. For example, you can visit the marvellous Nuremberg, interesting Würzburg or beautiful Bayreuth, which is full of castles, gardens and operas. Even more tips for Germany can be found below.
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Even more things to see and do in Bamberg?
Have you been to Bamberg? Tell us about your experiences and your relationship with the city! Do you have any other tips for things to see and do in Bamberg?
Facts about Bamberg
- Country: Germany
- Federal Republic of Germany: Bavaria
- Residents: More than 77 000 (2019)
- River: Regnitz
- Read more: You can find more information at the city's website.
Travelling to bamberg
- Flight: You can fly to Nuremberg. From there you can take a train (about 40 minutes) or a hire car.
- Car: Travelling by car from Rostock in Germany to Bamberg takes about 6 hours, if you count pure mileage.
Mr Jan Venant says:
To appreciate Bamberger Rauchbier, you probably need to like smoky single malt, such as Lagavulin, and avoid chilling your schnapps...
/Janne
19 November 2022 - 9:47
Helena says:
You're probably right! It is a somewhat special flavour. Interesting to try anyway!
20 November 2022 - 16:40
Lena+in+Wales+and+Spain says:
It's been a long time since I was there, but I recognise some of the pieces.
Makes me want to go back.
Have a nice weekend!
19 November 2022 - 13:51
Helena says:
Very nice city! Wishing you a nice weekend!!!
20 November 2022 - 16:41