Situated on seven hills as another famous city, this Bavarian city is known as the ‘Rome of Franconia’. With a perfect picture around every corner, Bamberg has one of the largest intact medieval centers in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its winding narrow streets and half-timbered architecture are the holy grail of Germany’s fairy tale.
But the city is more than a beautiful still life. Universität Bamberg has more than 10,000 students, the nearby US Army Base has around 4,000 members and dependents, resulting in almost 7,000 foreign residents. On an average weekend night, the city center is a mix of international venues.
This is where to start your visit with the top 8 attractions in Bamberg, Germany.
Take a photo of the iconic Altes Rathaus
Precariously perched on the River Regnitz on its own island, the old town hall is connected to the rest of Bamberg by two bridges. Its unusual location is due to a dispute with the bishop where the townspeople were not allowed to build on the mainland, so they created a safe haven from which to rule their city.
The building is decorated in a hodgepodge of styles with allegorical paintings on both sides showing how the Rathaus was created. Notice the decorative balconies, baroque details, and cheeky cherubs. Inside, the Ludwig Collection is displayed with delicate 18th century figurines and porcelain.
Sé regio en el New Residence & Rose Garden
Explore the four wings of the New Palace with tours of more than 40 state rooms decorated with tapestries from the 17th and 18th centuries. In the Imperial Hall there are 16 magnificent portraits of emperors. This was the seat of the prince bishops of Bamberg until 1802.
Overlooking the city, a baroque Rosengarten (rose garden) features more than 4,500 types of roses and magnificent views of lower Bamberg.
Drink the smoke
The city is known for its independent beer scene and unique rauchbier (smoked beer). This is due to the unusual malting process where the beans are smoked over a beech wood fire. Taste the beer at the nine traditional breweries to get a taste of Bamberg’s distinctive taste.
If beer’s strong smell and taste is not your ding (thing), Bamberg breweries serve more than 50 other types of beer,
Enter Little Venice
From Altes Rathaus you can see the Klein-Venedig (“Little Venice”) section of Bamberg. This fishing district encapsulates the charm of the city with a row of colorful half-timbered houses from the 14th to 17th centuries. Walk along the crowded shoreline that serves as the setting for the annual Sandkerwa festival in August.
Continue to 5 of 8 below.
Look at the skies and the cathedral
The Bamberger Dom was founded in 1004, burned down in the 11th and 12th centuries, and the current structure was finally completed in the 13th century.
It rises above the Altstadt (old city) and contains the tombs of Emperor Henry II and Pope Clement II, the only papal cemetery north of the Alps. Look for the mysterious statue of the Bamberger Reiter from the early 1200s that serves as the symbol of the city and join one of the many guided tours and organ recitals.
Get pious in the monastery
Kloster Michaelsberg provides a picturesque backdrop for the rose garden, or for visitors on the hike, a panoramic view back to Bamberg.
Founded in 1015 in the Baroque style, the church was rebuilt after a fire in 1610 in the Neo-Gothic style. As you enter the church, look up to see the »Garden of Heaven«, a ceiling painting of 578 flowers and medicinal herbs.
Research the history of Bamberg
Located next to the cathedral and with the corridors of the Alte Hofhaltung (former court hall), the Bamberg Historical Museum covers the complete background of the city, as well as a large collection of art, coins, and astronomical and mathematical tools. At Christmas, visitors will find a compilation of nativity scenes.
Storming the castle on the hill
Located on the highest hill in Bamberg, the current structure of the castle dates back to 1109. After going through various owners and periods of neglect, the castle has been restored and is now open for tours and events. Plus, it offers great views of the city below.
