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Bamberg: Faszination Weltkulturerbe

Das UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe Bamberg begeistert Besucher vor allem als Ort erlebbarer Geschichte und als lebendig-quirlige Kulturstadt. In der Bergstadt präsentiert sich Bamberg als das fränkische Rom, die Inselstadt mit Klein Venedig und der Fußgängerzone ist ihre Mitte und die Gärtnerstadt ein historisches Unikat. Zum Radfahren und Wandern ist auch das Bamberger Land ein kleines Paradies.  In den Wintermonaten sind vor allem die Krippen und Weihnachtsmärkte einen Besuch wert. Wenn es draußen kalt ist, wird es einem im Theater oder Konzert warm ums Herz. Ein vielfältiges  Veranstaltungsprogramm rundet Ihren Aufenthalt ab.

Bamberg, das ist Bierkultur  in seiner handwerklich ursprünglichsten Form, genossen in urigen Brauereigaststätten , das ist Einkaufen in modernen Geschäften und historischem Ambiente. Und in der Altstadt liegt alles nah beieinander: Ob Sie in den Dom wollen oder in den Hainpark - alles ist nur wenige Minuten von Ihrem  Hotel oder Ihrer Ferienwohnung aus!

Auch für Familien und Kinder hat die Weltkulturerbestadt einiges zu bieten. Urlaub in Bamberg mit der Familie ist ein Vergnügen für alle – schauen Sie doch mal vorbei!

Zudem sind unsere Entdeckertouren, Stadtführungen, kulinarischen Rundgänge und eine Auswahl an Kulturerlebnissen online buchbar .

Unser Tipp: Die Reise des Monats!

Hier finden Sie den aktuellen Favoriten aus dem Reigen unserer Pauschalreisen " Die Sonntagsreise ".

Urlaub daheim - Freuen Sie sich auf eine Auszeit! Unsere Pauschalreisen nach Bamberg und in das Bamberger Land bieten Ihnen vielfältige Möglichkeiten, die Seele baumeln zu lassen, durch die mittelalterliche Stadt zu bummeln, Kultur und Kunst zu genießen und in der Natur Kraft zu schöpfen.

Holen Sie sich jetzt schon ein Stück Bamberg nach Hause: In unserem  Shop  finden Sie viele tolle BAMBERG Souvenirs!

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A disarmingly beautiful architectural masterpiece with an almost complete absence of modern eyesores, Bamberg's entire Altstadt is a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of Bavaria's unmissables. Generally regarded as one of Germany's most attractive settlements, the town is bisected by rivers and canals and was built by archbishops on seven hills, earning it the inevitable sobriquet of ‘Franconian Rome’. Students inject some liveliness into its streets, pavement cafes, pubs and no fewer than 10 breweries cooking up Bamberg's famous smoked beer, but it's usually wide-eyed tourists who can be seen filing through its narrow medieval streets. The town can be tackled as a day trip from Nuremberg, but, to really do it justice and to experience the romantically lit streets once most visitors have left, consider an overnight stay.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Bamberger Dom

Beneath the quartet of spires, Bamberg’s cathedral is packed with artistic treasures, most famously the slender equestrian statue of the Bamberger Reiter …

Klein Venedig

A row of diminutive, half-timbered cottages once inhabited by fishermen and their families (hence the street's name meaning 'fishery') comprises Bamberg’s…

Kloster St Michael

Above Domplatz, at the top of Michaelsberg, is the Benedictine Kloster St Michael, a former monastery and now an aged people’s home. The monastery church…

Historisches Museum

Bamberg's main museum fills the Alte Hofhaltung (old court hall), a former prince-bishops' palace near the cathedral, with a mixed bag of exhibits. These…

Altes Rathaus

Like a ship in dry dock, Bamberg's 1462 Old Town Hall was built on an artifical island in the Regnitz River, allegedly because the local bishop had…

Neue Residenz

This splendid episcopal palace gives you an eyeful of the lavish lifestyle of Bamberg’s prince-bishops who, between 1703 and 1802, occupied its 40-odd…

Fränkisches Brauereimuseum

Located in the Kloster St Michael, this comprehensive brewery museum exhibits over 1000 period mashing, boiling and bottling implements, as well as…

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A Guide to Delightful Bamberg: A Historic Wonderland of Beer and Grandeur

Last Updated: August 12, 2022

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A scenic stroll and a sip of smoky beer was all it took to convince me.

My friends, I think Bamberg, Germany might just be one of the most underrated cities I’ve ever visited.

Studding the upper end of Franconia (in the north of the German state of Bavaria ), Bamberg is a certified postcard trapped in time, with an entire millennium of history spilling into its streets and stories baked into every crooked half-timbered house.

In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting Bamberg for yourself, from history and how to get there, to nightlife and where to stay.

You might also like this full list of things to do in Bamberg.

Save this Bamberg travel guide for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

First: A Brief History of Bamberg, Germany

To really  understand Bamberg, it’s important that we first discuss its 1000+ years of history. I’d like to avoid testing your attention span, so here it is in a condensed version.

You see, over a thousand years ago, Henry II, valiant Duke of Bavaria (and eventual Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire) set out with the hefty goal to make Bamberg into a second Rome of sorts.

And so, he commanded the construction of many epic monuments, including a new church (Bamberg Cathedral) and Abbey (Michaelsberg Abbey).

This formed the foundations of Bamberg’s skyline as we know it today.

Around the 13th century began the era of the Prince Bishops, bishops who moonlit as civil rulers with money and power in spades.

They went on to add additional layers of fanciness to Bamberg, moving into the swishy Altenburg Castle and erecting palatial additions to the Bamberg cityscape like the Neue Residenz and Schloss Seehof in the 17th century.

Amidst all this rosy imagery however, it’s important to remember that Bamberg’s history wasn’t all just castles, churches and swanky prince-bishop parties…

There’s a dark side to the city too.

Not only was Bamberg one of the worst centers for witch hunts in Germany, it survived a series of wars and epidemics including the plague, the 30 Years War and of course, both world wars.

Miraculously, unlike many other cities in Germany, Bamberg came out of WWII mostly unscathed, which is how it has managed to retain an authentic, historic charm, one that’s been UNESCO-protected since 1993.

Today, it’s the stomping grounds of countless visitors eager to drool all over it.

… And I highly recommend you go there to drool too 😉

How to Get to Bamberg, Germany

While Bamberg is a small city, it’s well connected by train so it’s relatively easy to get here from other major cities in Germany.

The nearest airport is Nuremberg, and you can get from Nuremberg Airport to Bamberg in about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes, depending on which train you catch.

Otherwise, you can easily catch a variety of regional and ICE trains to Bamberg HBF, which is about a fifteen minute walk from the historic centre (AKA the pretty part!)

Here are some tips on getting to Bamberg from some Nuremberg and Munich, two common jumping points.

NOTE: I always use Omio to compare/book my transport options – sometimes they show cheaper fares than the DB app for some reason and you can quickly compare bus, train and flight options. Click here to check it out!

How to get from Nuremberg to Bamberg

OPTION A (Recommended!): Take the train from Nuremberg to Bamberg

There are frequent trains that run from Nuremberg to Bamberg, at least one an hour.

High speed ICE trains will get you there in 30-40 minutes, whereas there are a lot of regional trains that take 40 minutes to an hour.

If you’re doing a day trip, I highly recommend you get a Bayern Ticket , which is a regional ticket that gives you unlimited public transport for one day in Bavaria using regional trains.

While it can’t be used on ICE trains, it can save you a LOT of money (for one person it’s 26 euros, then 6 euros for every additional passenger) and it covers you for the whole day, making it an amazing deal.

Learn more about using the Bayern Ticket in my full guide here.

OPTION B: Carpool with BlaBlaCar

If you’re looking for a very cheap/more adventurous option, you can look into BlaBlaCar , which is like a carpooling/rideshare service.

The route from Nuremberg to Bamberg is a popular one so there are often people looking to fill cars going there, and it’s as cheap as 5 euros per ride.

NOTE: While many travelers use BlaBaCar regularly, remember general safety precautions like reading reviews for your driver, etc.

How to get from Munich to Bamberg

NOTE: While many travelers are interested in doing Bamberg as a day trip from Munich, I wouldn’t recommend it because it would be a very long day.

Even if you took an ICE train, it would be 4 hours of travel total for the day, which doesn’t give you a ton of time to explore Bamberg.

Stepping off my pedestal now, here is how you would travel from Munich to Bamberg if you so wished.

OPTION A: Take the train from Munich to Bamberg 

Taking the train is the most comfortable way to get from Munich to Bamberg.

There’s 2-3 departures per hour, and the route is serviced by both ICE trains and regional trains.

NOTE: Depending on how many people you’re travelling with, I might look into getting a Bayern ticket for additional savings.

The Bayern Ticket is a regional ticket that gives you unlimited public transport for one day in Bavaria using regional trains.

While it can’t be used on ICE trains, it can save you a LOT of money (for one person it’s 26 euros, then 6 euros for every additional passenger) and is especially worthwhile if you’re travelling as a group (you can get five adults on one ticket for 53 euros – which is like 10 euros per person!)

OPTION B: Take a Flixbus from Munich to Bamberg

This is probably the cheapest option, taking a Flixbus to Bamberg. Flixbus seems to have buses running from Munich to Bamberg a few time daily for about 10 euros, so if you want a cheaper way to get to Bamberg and don’t mind the longer drive (around 4 hours), then this might be a good option for you.

NOTE: Flixbus is fine but not usually the most service-oriented or punctual. You can read my full review of them here , but I would still recommend taking the train because of convenience.

OPTION C: Carpool with BlaBaCar

If you’re looking for a very cheap/more adventurous option, you can look into BlaBaCar , which is like a carpooling/rideshare service.

The route from Munich to Bamberg is a popular one so there are often people looking to fill cars going there, and it’s as cheap as 12-15 euros for a ride.

It’s also faster than Flixbus because they don’t stop as often – most estimate it takes around 2.5 hours.

Must-Knows Before You Visit Bamberg, Germany

So, before you visit Bamberg for yourself, here are some key pieces of info to keep in mind.

The best part of the city is the Old Town, by far

I’m not gonna sugarcoat it, the area around the Bamberg HBF is pretty average… I don’t know why part of me expected to see the historic Old Town and cute half-timbered buildings right away.

This definitely isn’t the case! It takes about 15 minutes by foot to get to the pretty Old Town part of Bamberg, so remember to save your judgment until then!

The off-season is wonderfully quiet, but lots of things will be closed

I visited Bamberg in the dead of winter on a weekday.

This was phenomenal for a lot of reasons, namely NO crowds and the ability to flounce around and enjoy the picture-perfect streets in peace.

There WERE were numerous downsides though, namely that none of the museums were open and many of the restaurants/cafes were closed as well.

If you want to just enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the city, then off-season travel is fine (we had no trouble finding food or anything) but if you are interested in visiting more of the museums/attractions, keep that in mind before booking your trip for the off-season.

Bamberg is Franconian

Bamberg didn’t actually become part of Bavaria until 1802, and it’s a Franconian city through and through.

I know it’s a little confusing, but it’s an important distinction to make because Franconia is culturally quite different from Bavaria and the rest of Germany.

So, not that I can imagine any locals getting overly angry about anything (they’re SUPER nice here), just remember to refer to things as Franconian, and don’t be surprised when menus or signs have this indistinguishable language that ends with a lot of “las” – that’s just Franconian, and yes, it’s very different from German!

Don’t worry though, you can get by with German and even English in the touristy parts of the city.

Bamberg Acommodation: Where to Stay in Bamberg, Germany

There are plenty of options at your disposal if you’re trying to decide where to stay in Bamberg. Here are some of my recommendations:

Hotels in Bamberg

There are quite a few Bamberg hotel options to choose from, but in my opinion, you should be looking for accommodation in the scenic Old Town.

The downside is good options here are a lot scarcer and book up extremely quickly, so if you’re planning a trip to Bamberg, I would try to book something as soon as possible.

Here are my top picks for centrally located hotels in Bamberg with excellent reviews:

Pensions, Guesthouses, Apartments, and Bed and Breakfasts in Bamberg

I can’t sugarcoat it – thanks to demand, hotels in Bamberg can be really expensive. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can consider staying at a pension in Bamberg (like a guesthouse), or choose more home-style accommodation like apartments.

Here are my top picks in the Old Town area with excellent reviews:

Hostels in Bamberg

There are very few hostels in Bamberg. From my research, I was only able to find two: and Sleepy Owl and Backpackers Bamberg – Lilly’s Hostel (which has a more confusing reservation system).

Bamberg Nightlife

As a quiet, little charming city, Bamberg nightlife is far from the exciting, vibrant scene you might get in larger cities like Berlin… but with a big student population, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Bamberg at night.

Bamberg breweries

So it’s not exactly partying, but if you want to get a fill of local culture, be sure to stop by some breweries and enjoy some drinks.

Again, you can book a self-guided brewery crawl that comes with 4 vouchers and a souvenir mug for only 22 euros! Click here for more info .

Clubs in Bamberg

As I didn’t stay the night (and I’m also a grandma trapped in a 20 something’s body), I didn’t go clubbing while in Bamberg.

That said, if you’re more fun than I am,  here’s a local guide to clubs in Bamberg . It’s in German, so Google Translate is your best friend.

The Best Things to do in Bamberg, Germany

Bamberg has one of the best preserved medieval centers in Germany, sliced through by the idyllic River Regnitz and surrounded by seven hills each crowned with their own castle or church.

Unsurprisingly, there’s plenty to do here. This list of things to do in Bamberg covers a lot more ground, but below are some highlights:

• Sample Bamberg’s famous smoked beer
• Admire the incredible New Town Hall
• Photograph Bamberg’s “Little Venice”
• Wander around Old Town
• Check out Bamberg Cathedral

We hope this guide helps you visit Bamberg like a pro!

Let us know if you have any more questions. Have a great trip!

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✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

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What To Do & See In Bamberg, UNESCO Wonderland In Bavaria

Bamberg, located in northern Bavaria, is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your Germany travel list. This charming town boasts picturesque half-timbered houses, lovely canals, and an impressive palace.

Known as the “city of seven hills,” Bamberg overflows with authentic charm and medieval architecture, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.

Its Old Town (Altstadt) was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. I was immediately taken by the enchanting and historical beauty of Bamberg.

Bamberg is home to some appealing curiosities — smoke beer, stuffed onions, the mysterious Bamberg Rider , and it’s own “Little Venice.”

If you’re touring Bavaria or on the Romantic Road in Germany, Bamberg is a fantastic stop or detour, especially if you’re a history lover or beer nerd.

In this guide, I cover all the must visit sites, attractions, and landmarks in Bamberg. I recommend kicking off your visit with a guided walking tour .

Mini History of Bamberg

A thousand years ago, Henry II, the valiant and ambitious Duke of Bavaria, decided to raise Bamberg’s profile and make it a grand city. Given Bamberg’s setting on seven hills, he thought a “second Rome” was in order.

Henry commissioned the construction of a grand church, Bamberg Cathedral, and an abbey, Michaelsburg Abbey. Not exactly Rome-level, but a start.

In the 13th century, the Bamberg prince-bishops rose to power. They were wealthy men who served as both religious and civic rulers.

Not to be outdone, the bishop-princes got busy and further transformed Bamberg’s skyline. They built Altenburg Castle and swishy palaces like the Neue Residenz and Schloss Seehof.

But Bamberg wasn’t all palaces and glamor. Like nearby Wurzburg, Bamberg was a center for witch hunts in Germany. And far worse than Wurzburg, the Bamberg witch trials resulted in over 300 executions.

You see, in the early 17th century, Bamberg was ruled by an ill-tempered tyrant, prince-bishop Gottfried Johann Georg II Fuchs von Dornheim.

Bamberg was rife with problems — frozen crops, droughts, epidemics of fatal illness, squabbles with its neighbors.

From 1626-31, Dornheim decided to blame “witches,” i.e. , women, for the town’s travails.

Accusations, torture, property confiscation, and death resulted, until the Holy Roman Emperor stepped in and stopped the superstitious nonsense.

>>> Click here to book a witch themed tour

Bamberg also survived the plague, the 30 Year War, and both world wars. Unlike other German cities such as Nuremberg, Bamberg escaped WWII mostly unscathed. Only 2.3% of the town was damaged.

Bamberg didn’t officially become part of Bavaria until 1802. It’s actually a Franconian city and has a different vibe and dialect than southern Bavaria.

Franconians consider themselves more sophisticated than their southern counterparts, the lederhosen-clad “Barbarians of Bavaria.”

Orientation To Bamberg

Bamberg is divided into three parts: the mountain town, the island town, and the gardening town. The city center in Bamberg is on the island, while the old town is in the mountain area.

The Regnitz River flows through the city, from south to north. In the south, the river divides into two arms. The river thus divides the town into three sections.

What To Do In Bamberg Germany

There are a surprising number of things to do and see in Bamberg considering it’s a fairly small town of 75,000+.

There are artistic treasures galore. You could easily spend the whole day there taking them in.

In fact, given the town’s beer culture, you may want to stay overnight to indulge and hit the romantically-lit streets after the day trippers leave.

1. Stroll The Lovely Old Town

Bamberg’s old town is seriously swoon-worthy and deserving of a leisurely stroll. It’s one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe.

Everywhere you look, there’s vintage-y beauty with no modern eyesores.

You’ll be wide eyed as you wander around the blissy cobbled streets.

Some of the prettiest ones are Karolinenestrasse and Dominikanerstrassse in the western part of Bamberg.

2. Little Venice, Klein Venedig

Bisected by rivers and canals, Bamberg has an Italian feel. Not surprisingly, it’s grandiosely nicknamed the “Franconian Rome,” as old Henry envisioned.

In Klein Venedig, you’ll find rows of diminutive, half-timbered cottages once inhabited by fishermen and their families. The houses are all packed together with a mixture of architectural styles that’s very appealing.

Start your walk near the Old Town Hall, walk until the next bridge, and then come back on the other side.

3. Bamberg Town Hall

The most iconic Bamberg attraction and best thing to do in Bamberg is to visit the 1462 Old Town Hall. It’s gorgeously sited on an island in the middle of the Regnitz River. It seems to almost hover above the water.

The Town Hall is connected to the town by two stone bridges. You’ve probably seen iconic shots of it before, especially from the Geyerworthsteg Bridge.

The building itself is adorable. It has arresting yellow timbers and trompe d’oeil frescos.

A cute cherub’s leg sticks out of the wall for a 3D effect. Not surprisingly, the town hall made an appearance in the 2011 movie The Three Musketeers .

How was the location of the Town Hall chosen? By some irate citizens.

Legend holds that the reigning bishop-prince refused to grant land for a new town hall to the emerging bourgeoise.

Infuriated, the citizens hulked out and began throwing sticks and stakes into the river. Eventually, they created an artificial island and built their own floating town hall — a symbol of rebellion.

4. Bamberg Cathedral

Bamberg Cathedral is also dubbed the Kaiserdom or the Imperial Cathedral. It’s one of the best things to do and see in Bamberg.

Founded by Heinrich II in 1004, but burned down twice, the cathedral’s current appearance dates to the early 13th century. It has both Romanesque and Gothic elements, thanks to dueling church architects. And four towering spires.

Inside the rather stark interior, lie some artistic treasures. You’ll find the marble tomb of Pope Clement II. He’s the only pope in history to be buried in Bavaria.

He was pope 1000 years ago and only lasted one year in his vaulted position. Allegedly, he was poisoned by a rival pope wannabe, Benedict IX.

You’ll also find the ornately carved tombs of Henry II and his wife Kunigune. And one of the city’s most famous sculptures — the slender equestrian statue of Bamberger Reite r or the Bamberg Rider .

His true identity remains unknown, although some suspect he represents St. Stephen of Hungary, a much admired medieval king.

And no one knows exactly how this secular, and life size, horse and rider arrived at the cathedral.

Legend holds that the Nazis admired the fierce-looking rider and used him as their inspiration for the perfect Aryan man.

5. Schloss Seehof

Located on the outskirts of Bamberg near Memmelsdorf, the illustrious Schloss Seehof was the summer home and hunting lodge for prince-bishop Marquard Sebastian von Schenk von Stauffenberg. (Quite a long and agonizing name.)

After extensive renovation, it’s now open to the public. It’s a little jewel box of opulence.

If you have a car, the schloss is just a few minutes away. If you don’t, you can hop on Bus #907, which departs Bamberg’s central bus terminal every 10 minutes.

6. Neue Residenz

Bamberg’s Neue Residence is an opulent palace right next to Bamberg Cathedral.

It’s not nearly as opulent as the nearby Wurzburg Residence . But you get a taste of the lavish lifestyle of Bamberg’s royals, who lived here from 1703-1802.

There are 40 rooms decked out with intricately stuccoed ceilings, paintings, and tapestries. The most significant room is the Imperial Hall, now under renovation. Despite having low ceilings, the room appears quite lofty due to the illusionistic tromp d’oeil paintings.

Tip : The interior can only be seen on guided 45 minute tours in German. However, you can book an English tour by special appointment. I was on the German tour, but there are English guide sheets available to read along.

Although I did hear the word “scandalous” pop out of the mouth of the guide, and knew I missed something interesting.

There’s also a lovely rose garden for strolling. There are over 100 different varieties of roses to assault your senses.

Toss in some beautiful fountains and sculptures, and you have the perfect retreat. You even have a nice view of the old town from the rose garden.

7. Alte Hofhaltung, the Old Courtyard

A 16th century gateway leads you to a lovely medieval half-timbered building in the Alte Hofhaltung or Old Courtyard. 

This building was formerly the residence of the Bamberg bishop-princes, before they moved into their posher crib. Now, it houses the Museum of History and St. Katherine’s Chapel. 

The quaint Old Courtyard was also a filming location for the movie, The Three Musketeers , staring Orlando Bloom. You can check out the famous fight scene in the video below.

8. Enjoy the Regional Cuisine

A little cafe time is a must in Bamberg, which boasts many lovely options. The regional cuisine packs a punch.

I mean really packs a punch. You could be down for the count after dining here, the food’s so dense and heavy.

If you’re willing to embrace a food coma, try the local specialty, the Bamberger Zwiebel. It’s a baked onion concoction stuffed with mince meat, bacon, and beer gravy served with mashed potatoes.

I was also especially taken by a quaint coffee shop where I stopped for a caffeine injection, Spitz Rein.

9. Try Some Smoked Beer

Bamberg has a serious and vibrant craft beer culture. Bamberg’s pride and joy is its famous smokey beer called Rauchbier.

It’s made with malt that’s been dried over an open fire to create the smokey smell and taste. I can’t say I liked it much, but I’m more of an oenophile.

There are 10 breweries serving over 50 local beers to the small populace of Bamberg. They consider the breweries their “living rooms.”

If you’re a beer gourmand, you might consider a guided beer tour .

Bamberg’s oldest, and possibly cutest brewery, is Klosterbräu. Or, you can try the popular and Gothic-themed Schlenkerla brewery.

Schlenkern  is the German word for swaying or dangling. Legend holds that one former brewer had a tendency to walk in a strange manner, possibly from an accident.

He was dubbed schlenkerla , or little dangler. The term stuck and is now the brewery name.

If you’re a real beer nerd, you can also check out the Bamberg Brewery Museum.

Dating from the 12th century, it’s a hilltop brewery converted into a museum. It has over 1300 artifacts relating to Bamberg’s distinctive suds and traces the history of beer from antiquity to the present.

10. Michaelsberg Abbey

The Michaelsberg Abbey was founded in 1015. It was promptly destroyed by an earthquake in 1117.

It was rebuilt in a medieval style, but then was burned down in 1610. Undeterred, the town rebuilt the abbey once more, this time in a Neo-Gothic style.

Right now, the abbey is closed for renovation until 2025 and covered in scaffolding. But you can visit the manicured garden terraces, which are open to the public and offer sweeping views over Bamberg.

11. Altenburg Castle

Perched on the tallest hill in Bamberg, Altenburg Castle is about a 20-30 minute, fairly steep walk from the town center. If you need to work off that stuffed onion and smoke beer.

Signs tell the history in both German and English. It costs 1 euro to climb the tower, but you have great views.

You can also drive up and park outside the gate. Or, you can stop for 15 minutes on the one hour bus tour that leaves from Bamberg Cathedral.

12. Church of Our lady

Bamberg is teeming with churches. But, aside from the cathedral, there’s just one you must visit, the Church of Our Lady, called Obese Pfarre. It’s a splendid example of medieval architecture and is considered one of the city’s most notable landmarks.

Construction began in the 11th century. And it underwent several renovations and additions over the centuries.

The architectural style of the church is predominantly Romanesque, with some Gothic elements. Its striking exterior features intricate stone carvings, decorative arches, and a distinctively shaped four story tower.

The interior of the church is equally impressive. There’s a spacious nave, beautiful stained glass windows, and ornate vaulted ceilings. The 17th century high altar is a masterpiece of Baroque craftsmanship.

The church features a huge painting by Jacobo Tintoretto, the Italian Renaissance genius.

Tips For Getting To Bamberg

Bamberg is only 45 minutes from Nuremberg , so it’s a popular and easy day trip. If you drive, be sure to park outside the old town and walk in.

If you do, use the automatic parking kiosks. You put in coins and the machine spits out a ticket that you display in your car window.

Bamberg is also well connected by train. High speed ICE trains will take you from Nuremberg to Bamberg in 30-40 minutes.

You can also buy a day pass, the Bayern Ticket, which gives you unlimited free transportation in Bavaria for one day. But it can’t be used on ICE trains.

You can also go to Bamberg on a day trip from Munich . But it will be a long haul. Even if you took an ICE train, it’s 2 hours of travel each way. There are 2-3 departures per hour.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Bamberg. You may enjoy these other Germany travel guides and resources:

• 4 Days in Munich Itinerary
• 1 Day In Munich Itinerary
• 10 Days in Bavaria Itinerary
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Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

Joey is a Traveler

Punk'N'Travel

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO BAMBERG

Servusla from Bamberg! I spent a day here last summer, and this charming town is in Oberfranken (Upper Franconia) in northern Bavaria, Germany.

Bamberg was first mentioned in 902 AD, and is famous for its many well-preserved historic buildings, and has Europe’s largest city wall, that’s still intact today.

Since 1993, Bamberg has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bamberg’s nickname is the “Rome of Franconia”, because it was built on seven hills, similar to Rome. The Regnitz river flows right through the town. Today, 80,000 people live here, and a sixth of them are university students.

Table of Contents

Things to See and Do

If you like history, Bamberg’s Altstadt (Old Town District) is THE place to visit! There are maps from the 16th century of this area of Bamberg, and it still looks the same today as back then!

Altes Rathaus

Let’s start with the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) ( Obere Brücke, 96047 Bamberg) , which is Bamberg’s most famous landmark and a popular photo spot. It was first completed in 1370. According to legend, the citizens of Bamberg asked that it’d be built in the town centre, but the bishop in charge refused to grant the land for it.

So instead, the offended townsfolk constructed the Altes Rathaus on an artificial island, in the middle of a bridge above the Regnitz river! Sadly, a fire ruined it in 1460, but it was quickly reconstructed and finished in 1461, which is the one we can look at today.

Today, the interior of the Altes Rathaus is a museum where you can look at the Ludwig Collection of porcelain and faience, which is one of the oldest of all of Europe. Admission cost is 6 EUR for adults.

Moreover, don’t miss the painting facade that Johann Anwander completed in 1755. It shows the four seasons and the four elements, as well as the good and bad characteristics of people.

Klein Venedig

Next, take a stroll around the Klein Venedig (Little Venice) district ( Am Leinritt 4, 96049 Bamberg ), which was the home of Bamberg’s fishermen in the past, right next to the Regnitz River. There are lots of half-timbered houses built in the Middle Ages that are sitting peacefully next to each other.

Same as in Venice, feel free to hop onto one of the gondolas sitting by the shore, which gave this quaint and picturesque neighbourhood of Bamberg its name.

Bamberger Dom

After climbing up one of Bamberg’s hills, you’ll find yourself in front of the Bamberger Dom (Bamberg Cathedral) ( Domplatz 5, 96049 Bamberg ). This impressive building was finished in 1012 but burned down twice (!) in the next few centuries.

The one we can visit today was rebuilt in the 13th century and is a late Romanesque building with four towers. It took a long time to rebuild it, so a Gothic architectural style was added as well.

You can find Pope Clement II’s (died in 1047) marble tomb here, same as Emperor Heinrich II (973-1024) and his wife Kunigunde of Luxembourg’s (975-1033) tombs, and last but not least, the Bamberger Reiter (Bamberg Horseman) statue. Private guided tours can be booked at 5 EUR per tour (not possible during mass times). 

The Bamberg Cathedral from the outside, and partial interior area. The photo on the right is by Sergey Zolkin on Unsplash .

Neue Residenz

On the opposite side of this square you’ll see the Neue Residenz (New Residence) ( Domplatz 8, 96049 Bamberg ), that was completed in 1703. It was the home of the prince-bishops of Bamberg until 1802.

You can look at more than 40 staterooms during an independent or guided tour, as well as the State Gallery with its old German and Baroque paintings. Moreover, the Neue Residenz is equipped with stucco ceilings, furniture, and rugs from the the 17th and 18th century, as well as the prince-bishop’s apartments.

Please note that you can only visit the apartments if you book a guided tour. The Neue Residenz is open year-round, and the admission cost for adults is 6 EUR.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time of look at the Neue Residenz from the inside, but it’s on my list for next time! 😉

Rosengarten

If you’re in Bamberg between April and October, be sure to check out the Rosengarten (Rose Garden) behind the Neue Residenz, before moving on to the next attraction. It covers 3,500 sq meters (0.86 acres), and around 4,500 roses of 50 varieties bloom here every year.

During the 16th century, it was a Renaissance garden, but in 1733, Prince-Bishop Friedrich Carl von Schönborn ordered his workers to turn it into a Baroque garden. You can also relax at the Garden Café, and enjoy the beautiful view of Bamberg. There’s no charge to visit the Rosengarten.

Staatsbibliothek Bamberg

Then, take a look at the Staatsbibliothek Bamberg (Bamberg State Library) ( Domplatz 8, 96049 Bamberg ) next door. It was founded in 1803, and has been a part of the New Residence estate since 1966. Here you can look at more than 1,000 unique medieval manuscripts, and three among those are part of the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.

This library collates the collections of the formerly existing monasteries of the Bamberg area and the old Bamberg University. It’s nice to take a break from exploring Bamberg here, and look at some of its books. Admission is free, and the historic ceiling looks super impressive as well! 

The Staatsbibliothek Bamberg and some cool antique books!

Bamberg has lots of narrow medieval streets to explore while wandering around. Almost everywhere you look, there are some cool little historic details about Bamberg to find. So I recommend not worrying about getting lost, and just keeping your camera ready. 😉

Bamberg’s Brewery Culture and Rauchbier

For example, I stumble upon Bamberg’s oldest brewery plant, established in 1533! Bamberg has been the home of tons of breweries for many years.

Bamberg is known for its Rauchbier (smoked beer), a local specialty unique to this town. The malt is dried above an open beech wood fire instead of in an oven, which gives it its unique smoky smell and taste.

If you want to learn more about Bamberg’s beer history, join a Guided Beer History Tour (with optional tasting), or a take a self guided Bierschmecker Tour (Beer taster tour) through Get Your Guide! Please find more infos here .

One of Bamberg’s narrow streets, and its oldest brewery plant (est. 1533). The sign at the top translates to “Beer mugs for sale”.

The Bamberg Witch Trials

Although there are almost no visible remains today, I think it’s important to learn about one of Bamberg’s darkest and most depressing eras: The Witch Trials from 1595 to 1632 .

The people of the Bamberg area went through some rough times during this era, including several “little Ice Ages”, when frost destroyed the entire harvest, so many people were struggling to survive.

Moreover, the plague was going around again and an estimated 4.5 to 8 million people died during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1638). Many people had experienced better times in the past, so witches and wizards were suspected to have caused the cold snaps and plague by using black magic.

So Bamberg’s citizens soon forced the authorities to investigate in this matter. Soon after, witch and wizard suspects were arrested, then had to suffer extreme torture, until they confessed the harm they were accused of. In the end, they were burned to death. 

Women and men of all classes and ages also had to name their supposedly accomplices, so the number of suspects and prisoners grew very quickly.

As a suspect, the authorities took you to the Zeiler Hexenturm (Zeil witch tower) in Zeil am Main (30 minutes northwest of Bamberg), and after 1627 to the infamous Drudenhaus or Malefizhaus (witch prison) in Bamberg. It had 28 cells.

Nowadays there are still more than 800 interrogation records of the witch trials at the Bamberg State Library to look at.

One of the famous victims was Johannes Junius , who was Bamberg’s Major for several years. He was arrested in June 1628, and after a week of terrible torture, he confessed to be a wizard and servant of Satan. Before he was burned to death on August 6, 1628, he wrote a letter to his daughter Veronica from jail, which one of his guards smuggled out.

When the Witch Trials finally ended in 1632, more than 1,000 innocent people (every 13th Bamberg resident) had lost their lives.

The worst period was between 1626 and 1632, under the rule of Prince-Bishop Johann Georg II Fuchs von Dornheim, when about 900 people were executed. It was one of the four major witch trials that happened in Germany and one of the biggest in history.

In case you’re wondering, the Malefizhaus, that was torn down in 1635, stood at Franz-Ludwig-Strasse 7 in Bamberg, which is a pharmacy today.

If you’d like to learn more about this tragic era of Bamberg’s history, you can join a Witch Trial tour on Fridays, and some Sundays (in German only). The ticket cost is 11.00 EUR (free for under 18 year-olds), but I wouldn’t recommend this tour for children under 14 years.

Shopping in Bamberg’s Altstadt and Tourist Info Centre

Bamberg’s last attraction is its awesome shopping opportunities. Whether you like independent boutiques or chain stores close to the Altstadt district, such as dm Drogeriemarkt (drug store), C&A (clothing store), book stores, Jack Wolfskin (outdoor apparel/ equipment store), etc., Bamberg has it all!

The Bamberg Tourist Information Centre ( Geyerswörthstrasse 5, 96047 Bamberg ) is open year-round. The staff sells souvenirs and tickets, gives tips on things to do, provides brochures and maps, and is happy to help with booking accommodations. There are public washrooms and locker boxes for rent as well.

Where to Stay

I’m staying at the Altstadthotel Molitor ( Obere Mühlbrücke 2-4, 96049 Bamberg ), a historic budget hotel within Bamberg’s Altstadt district. It is a restored mill that was first mentioned in 1410, and was still in the mill business during the 20th century, until it was turned into a guesthouse in 1992.

The room is simple but very clean with a spacious bathroom, it is quiet at night, and the Front Desk staff is very welcoming! The historic design of the room, but also the artifacts and paintings displayed in the hallways make this hotel unique.

For example, you can look at an old millstone found during the restoration  period and an original part of a baroque handrail used at this place from 1744.

Single room, old millstone found during the hotel’s restoration period, and a painting of the Altes Rathaus displayed in the hallways.

Their tasty and large buffet-style breakfast is available for a surcharge of 12 EUR. The bright-coloured design of the breakfast room is super inviting and cozy as well. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, work station, and cable TV. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at the Altstadthotel Molitor.

Breakfast at the Altstadthotel Molitor and a cool painting on the breakfast room wall!

Where to Eat & Drink

I’m having dinner at Der Pelikan ( Untere Sandstrasse 45, 96049 Bamberg ), which has been a part of Bamberg’s food scene since 1763! These days, they serve a mix of Franconian and Asian cuisine.

For example, you can choose from the famous Bamberger Hörnla (pastry that looks similar to a croissant) or a Franconian bratwurst, both cooked in a wok with veggies, Thai curries, duck penang, fried rice, and more! All dishes are made from scratch and freshly prepared.

I’m going for their Thai Yellow Curry with veggies and tofu, and damn, it’s so good! As mentioned before, Bamberg is known for its Rauchbier (smoked beer), so I try the Schlenkerla Rauchbier , one of Bamberg’s seven local breweries, which was first mentioned in 1405. What a perfect combo of a healthy dinner and a local specialty!

You can sit outside (summer only) or in the indoor bar area. Please note that you can pay with cash only, no credit cards are accepted at this time. Der Pelikan is open six days a week (closed on Wednesdays), and hosts events regularly, e.g. Halloween Dance, 80’s Parties, and concerts.

Outside sign of Der Pelikan and partial inside bar area.

How to Get to and Around Bamberg

If you’re driving, Bamberg is 63 km (39 miles) from Nuremberg, 101 km (63 miles) from Würzburg, and 229 km (142 miles) north of Munich. Thanks to the great highway network, these cities are easy to get to.

Nuremberg Airport and Munich International Airport are the closest airports to Bamberg, which offer flights from and to European and international destinations.

Bamberg is also easily accessible by train, via the Deutsche Bahn (German railway company). Both regional and intercity express (fast) trains stop at Bamberg’s train station many times a day from different directions.

Flixbus also goes to Bamberg quite often, and is one of budget-friendliest transportation options. Please check their website for more details.

Bamberg also has a local bus, although it’s quite nice to walk around independently, join a walking tour, or renting a bike. Please find an overview of bike rental places in town here .

If you’re cycling or walking around Bamberg, just expect to be going uphill quite a bit, because of the seven hills the town was built on.

Thanks for joining me on this Bamberg tour! I hope inspired you to visit this charming town someday 🙂

If you’re in Germany for a while, be sure to check out The Most Beautiful Cities of Germany for inspiration!

To learn more about cool destinations in Germany, check out these links:

Places to Visit Around the North Sea Region of Germany by Brandon at Zimmin Around the World

24 Hours in Berlin, Germany by Joey is a Traveler

Disclosure: I only recommend products that I’ve used in the past, and all opinions expressed in this post are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you use one of the links throughout the page to buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks.

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4 thoughts on “ THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO BAMBERG ”

Some lovely photos here, with some great info about the history of Bamberg. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, glad it’s been helpful to you ?

Love! This is so on my places to visit!

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12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Bamberg, Germany

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The historic town of Bamberg, situated in Upper Franconia in the German state of Bavaria , lies on the western edge of a wide basin in the valley of the Regnitz, a river that flows into the Main seven kilometers downstream.

Its location within an easy drive of historic Nuremberg and the much larger city of Frankfurt make Bamberg an excellent day-trip destination for those wanting to explore a little more of Bavaria than the usual tourist destinations.

The oldest part of this charming old town is one of the most picturesque in all of Germany, with must-visit attractions including its majestic cathedral, the old Benedictine abbey of Michaelsberg, and its spectacular riverside Town Hall being among its biggest draws.

This town's wonderfully preserved historic downtown area also boasts an abundance of medieval architecture, cementing its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other must-sees include the town's seven famous hills. Each is crowned with a lovely old church, and can best be seen on a self-guided walking tour. In fact, Bamberg boasts numerous walking paths and trails, one of the most popular being the Bamberg River Path .

For those with the time, consider the Seven Rivers Path , a fun network of hiking trails that branch out from Bamberg into the surrounding countryside.

Learn more about the best places to visit in this charming Bavarian town with our list of attractions and things to do in Bamberg, Germany.

See also: Where to Stay in Bamberg

1. Take a Walking Tour of the Old Town & Bamberg Town Hall

2. visit bamberg cathedral & diocesan museum, 3. explore the old court (alte hofhaltung) & historical museum, 4. take a tour of the elegant new residence, 5. enjoy the views from michelsberg monastery (st. michael's monastery), 6. explore the region's history at bamberg historical museum, 7. visit altenburg castle, 8. grüner markt and st. martin's church, 9. see the old displays at bamberg natural history museum, 10. take a drive to seehof palace, memmelsdorf, 11. carmelite monastery bamberg, 12. take a trip to lisberg castle, where to stay in bamberg for sightseeing.

There's no better place to begin a walking tour of Bamberg's Old Town than at Obere Brücke, the pedestrian-only Upper Bridge. From here, you'll be rewarded with superb views of Klein-Venedig, or "Little Venice," with its quaint old fishermen's houses.

But what you're really here for is the superb Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). Perched somewhat precariously in the middle of the bridge, it's one of the most-photographed historic landmarks in Bavaria and is widely regarded as one of the top tourist attractions in Germany . While a town hall had been located here as far back as 1386, the existing structure was rebuilt between 1744-56 to serve both the Bürgerstadt and the episcopal town.

It's a stunning piece of architecture, in particular, due to the lovely frescoes adorning its facades, which depict the rather tall tale of how the building came to be built on the island. Interior highlights include the beautiful old Rococo hall and the Ludwig Collection with more than 300 exquisite 18th-century animal-shaped tureens, figurines, and dinner services made of porcelain.

If visiting at Christmas, be sure to pop in to see the Ludwig Collection's impressive nativity scene , comprising some 400 or so porcelain figures. Similar displays are hosted by the majority of the city's top tourist attractions, with some of the best being found at the Bamberger Krippenmuseum . This small yet interesting museum hosts a collection of antique cribs and Christmas exhibits.

Address: Obere Brücke1, 96047 Bamberg

The early 13th-century Bamberg Cathedral (Bamberger Dom), known officially as St. Peter's and St. George's Imperial Cathedral, boasts numerous architectural features of interest. The most important of these is the superb Prince's Doorway (Fürstentor). The cathedral's principal entrance, it's adorned with figures of the apostles and prophets and a relief of the Last Judgment.

Interior highlights include the tomb of Emperor Henry II, who died in 1024, along with that of his wife, Kunigunde. In the choir is the sculpture of the famous Bamberg Horseman dating from around 1225. On the outside of the stone choir screen are figures of the 12 apostles and 12 prophets and, on a pillar between the prophets, are Mary and Elizabeth.

Another notable burial here was that of Pope Clement II from 1047; his is the only Papal tomb in Germany. Guided tours are available, as are frequent organ recitals.

Also of interest here is the Diocesan Museum (Diözesanmuseum Bamberg). Founded in 1966, highlights of the museum's large collection include rare textiles, vestments, and items of clothing, including Henry II's imperial robes. Also worth seeing are numerous important artifacts from the cathedral treasury such as goblets, crucifixes, and silverware, as well as many old statues.

Address: Domplatz 2, 96049 Bamberg

Bamberg's timbered Old Court (Alte Hofhaltung) is widely considered to be one of the finest creations of the German Renaissance. Built as the Bishop's palace in 1576, it now houses the town's Historical Museum (Historisches Museum Bamberg) . Here you can view many fine collections of applied and decorative art.

A highlight of this architectural gem is the "Beautiful Gateway." This sculpted masterpiece by Pankras Wagner portrays Saints Peter, George, and Heinrich against a backdrop of the Main and Regnitz rivers. From here, you can explore the lovely romantic inner courtyard with its half-timbered buildings, which is now the scene of many outdoor concerts.

Also worth seeing are its two chapels, including St. Catherine's Chapel (Katharinenkapelle). Both can be included as part of a guided tour and offer a fascinating insight into the Christian faith in Bamberg.

Address: Domplatz 7, 96049 Bamberg

Built between 1695 and 1704, the New Residence (Neue Residenz) lays claim to having no less than 40 gorgeous staterooms. Most notable of these elegant rooms are the Prince-Bishop's residential apartments, each beautifully decorated with stucco-work ceilings, tapestries, and original furniture dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Other must-see rooms include the Gallery of German Art with its Heisterbach Altar, and a collection of fine paintings from the 15th to 18th centuries, as well as the State Library . Also available for viewing are the 16 large portraits of past emperors painted directly onto the walls of the Emperor's Hall. Guided tours are required to view the interior and last 45 minutes.

A highlight of any visit should be the courtyard with its beautiful rose garden and magnificent views. Designed by Balthasar Neumann, the garden, laid out symmetrically and festooned with numerous statues, sees in excess of 4,500 roses in bloom each summer. Afterward, spend some time taking refreshments in the lovely pavilion café overlooking the garden.

Address: Domplatz 8, D-96049 Bamberg

Perched high atop one of Bamberg's seven church-crowned hills sits majestic Michelsberg Monastery. Also known as St. Michael's Monastery (Kloster St. Michael), this striking structure served as the former Benedictine abbey of Michaelsberg.

Tracing its roots back as far as 1015, highlights of a visit to this magnificent Baroque structure include the 12th-century St. Michael's Church (Michaelskirche) with its exquisite ceiling paintings of medicinal herbs, as well as the newer abbey buildings erected between 1696-1702.

Be sure to check out the panoramic views from the terrace behind the church, as well as the lovely old Baroque terraced garden with its fountain and pavilions, accessible via the Benedictine Path.

Address: Michelsberg, 96049 Bamberg

Established in the 1830s and now located in the heart of the Old Town, Bamberg Historical Museum (Historisches Museum Bamberg) is situated adjacent to The Old Court next to the cathedral and is well worth a visit.

Highlights include its extensive displays of numerous objects from prehistoric to modern times, including stone sculptures, local crafts, and numerous 16th- to 19th-century clocks.

One of three museums owned and managed by the municipal government, the museum is also home to an impressive collection of old coins. Also of interest are an array of astronomical tools and antique nativity scenes. Guided tours in English are available upon request, but try to book in advance if possible to avoid disappointment.

Satellite museums include the Ludwig Collection in the Old Town Hall and the Villa Dessauer , a former merchant's home used to house the town's extensive art gallery. Also worth a visit is Museum Kutz , notable for its fascinating displays relating to the history of communications through the ages.

Address: Alte Hofhaltung, Domplatz 7, 96049 Bamberg

Standing high atop Bamberg's tallest hill, Altenburg Castle (Schloss Altenburg) is one of the town's most popular attractions. Dating back to the early 12th century when it was used as a refuge for the townspeople in times of war, it later served as the palatial home of Bamberg's bishops.

Destroyed in 1553, all that remains of the original medieval structure are parts of the surrounding wall and the 33-meter keep. An important relic from this time is the old iron basket hanging from the tower used to signal neighboring castles up to 20 kilometers away.

The castle was rebuilt in the Romantic style, and highlights of a visit include its sumptuously furnished rooms and the spectacular views of the Old Town and the surrounding area. The site also boasts one of the town's most popular restaurants .

Address: Altenburg 1, 96049 Bamberg

Bamberg's long, pedestrian-friendly Grüner Markt (Green Market) is a wonderful place to spend a few hours shopping and people-watching. Full of cafés and boutique stores, it's also home to a popular market held each weekday from Monday to Friday.

Many important historic structures, including the St. Catherine Hospital and Seminary, and the Gabelman fountain with its statue of Neptune, can also be viewed here.

The best-known historic landmark, however, is the Church of St. Martin (Pfarrkirche St. Martin). Built between 1686 and 1693 on the site of a former monastery, it's the city's only Baroque church and dominates the square. Be sure to pop inside as it contains many interesting features and artifacts.

Address: Grüner Markt 19, 96047 Bamberg

Bamberg's Natural History Museum (Naturkunde-Museum Bamberg) was established in 1791 and hoses an impressive collection of exhibits focusing on the region's geology, flora, and fauna.

In addition to the lovely old building itself, other highlights include its excellent displays of indigenous mammals and fossils, many housed in centuries-old cabinets and display cases and adding to the feeling you're stepping back in time.

Key exhibits include Treasure Chamber Earth with its crystals, minerals, and rocks; Dynamic Earth with numerous models illustrating the earth's structure; and many examples of plants and animals collected locally. English-language guided tours are available.

Address: Fleischstrasse 2, D-96047 Bamberg

Constructed in the 1680s as a summer home of the Bamberg Prince-Bishops, the fully restored Seehof Palace (Schloss Seehof) is well worth the short drive to the Bamberg suburb of Memmelsdorf.

A visit will consist of a chance to view nine elegant state rooms of the Prince-Bishops' private apartment, most notably the huge and beautifully decorated White Hall, famous for its intricate ceiling paintings. The private chapel is also available for viewing.

If you're looking for other fun things to do in Bamberg on a nice day, spend an hour or two exploring the palace's exquisite Rococo garden. Highlights include a large cascade with hourly displays of waterworks, an orangery, and a number of fine garden sculptures.

Address: Schloß Seehof 1, 96117 Memmelsdorf

Although founded in the 12th century, much of what you see when visiting the attractive Carmelite Monastery Bamberg (Karmelitenkloster Bamberg) was the result of a major Baroque-style renovation and addition undertaken between 1692-1701. Earlier features are still very evident in places, most notably in the 13th-century late Romanesque cloister.

For details and information regarding a self-guided tour, visit the well-stocked on-site shop. It also sells religious artifacts, books, and music, as well as food stuffs produced by other area monasteries.

Address: Karmelitenpl. 1, 96049 Bamberg

About 12 kilometers west of Bamberg (and an easy day trip) is Lisberg Castle (Schloss Lisberg).

One of the oldest castles in Bavaria , it was first mentioned in 820 CE and later passed from the Babenberger family to the Catholic prince bishops of Bamberg. Consequently, it was spared the fate of other area castles of destruction by enemies because the savvy locals simply changed sides whenever they were under threat.

Highlights of a visit include the dungeons, the Gothic Womens' House, and the Renaissance-style Palace built in the early 17th century. The best-preserved rooms include the large kitchen and the Great Hall, redesigned in 1776. Entry is only available via guided tours of this privately-owned property.

Address: Im Burghof, 96170 Lisberg

We recommend these conveniently located hotels in Bamberg each with easy access to the Old Town:

Luxury Hotels :

• The luxurious Welcome Hotel Villa Geyerswoerth is a great choice for those seeking an elegant getaway in Bamberg. In addition to its excellent location, this fine hotel comes with great river and garden views, a Mediterranean restaurant, and a sauna.
• Other popular luxury hotels to consider include Bamberger Hof Bellevue , a grand old building from the 1800s, which features well-appointed rooms and suites within a short walk of the cathedral and city museum. Also check out Welcome Hotel Residenzschloss Bamberg , a mansion-like hotel dating from 1787 with a number of multi-roomed suites and free spa access and breakfast.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• A good choice in the mid-range price category, the centrally located Best Western Hotel Bamberg features fresh modern decor, free laundry facilities, and a complimentary buffet breakfast.
• The three-star Hotel Europa Bamberg comes with spacious rooms, helpful front desk staff, and a tasty free breakfast.
• The funky Ventura's Hotel und Gastehaus is also worth booking and comes with colorful cozy rooms and is located in the very heart of the Old Town itself.

Budget Hotels :

• The Ibis Budget Bamberg hotel offers a clean, comfortable stay near the train station, along with friendly staff and fresh, sleek décor throughout.
• Another contender in this category, though situated a little farther from the Old Town, is Gastehaus Mainsommer , a pleasant, no-frills guesthouse, which is close to public transit routes.

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Easy Day Trips : An easy 45-minute drive south from Bamberg, and you'll find yourself in the ancient city of Nuremberg, famous for its fine old medieval castle (one of the largest in Europe). It's here you'll also find the Germanic National Museum, with its many fascinating displays related to the country's rich cultural development.

The same distance due west is the old university town of Würzburg , a great place to visit for its picture-perfect setting on the River Main and its magnificent Residenz, the former palace of the Frankish Prince Bishops.

Although a two-hour drive west, the attractions of Frankfurt are certainly worth visiting on a day trip, especially its delightful Old Town Center, the Römerberg. Frankfurt also makes for a great base from which to partake in other fun day trips around this part of Bavaria.

Family Vacation Ideas : Traveling to Germany with kids? If so, the Bavarian city of Munich makes a great family destination, and boasts many fun things to see and do with kids , from zoo visits to learning how cars are built at the BMW museum. In the port city of Hamburg , it's all about Minatur World, a fantastic model railway that fills a massive old warehouse. And what kid doesn't love castles? The beautiful Rhine Valley is awash in medieval towns and castles all just waiting to be explored... even more fun if you do it by riverboat!

More on Germany

THE 5 BEST Places to Go Shopping in Bamberg

Shopping in bamberg.

• Gift & Specialty Shops
• Art Galleries
• Flea & Street Markets
• Farmers Markets
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
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• Good for Couples
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Grüner Markt

2. Die Stadtgalerie Bamberg - Villa Dessauer

3. Die Bierothek

4. Fashion News Bamberg

5. Mohren-Haus

6. Artasia - Der Zauber Asiens

7. Dress & Living Secondhand

8. Teegschwendner

What travelers are saying.

• Grüner Markt
• Die Bierothek
• Fashion News Bamberg
• Mohren-Haus
• Artasia - Der Zauber Asiens

Which buildings, museums, monuments and other sights to visit? Where to stroll? In addition to our story on Bamberg: What to see and experience

Bamberg: 9 Things to Do & See

Bamberg sculpture trail.

The exhibitions of the “International House of Artists Villa Concordia” formed the basis for the Bamberg Sculpture Trail. The modern works now turn heads in the Old Town. bamberg.info

Cathedral Quarter

More than just the Bamberg Horseman: the bishop’s city on the Domberg covers a wide area. Don’t miss the Residence in the Rose Garden and take a look at the Alte Hofhaltung! bamberger-dom.de  (only in German)

Little Venice

One of the most secluded spots in the city centre. Best viewed from the Untere Brücke or as part of a city tour on the River Regnitz.

Fascinating World Heritage

The two-hour guided tour offers a great introduction, taking in the main attractions, historic monuments and works of art.

Gärtner- und Häckermuseum

The small Market Gardeners’ and Wine Growers’ Museum uses tools and a historic home to bring to life the period in which the market gardeners and wine growers exported produce from Bamberg around the world. One highlight is the museum’s own market garden. gaertner-und-haecker-museum.byseum.de  (only in German)

Organic vegetables

Vitamin shot as a gift from Bamberg: just a couple of Gärtnerstadt houses away from the Gärtnermuseum you can fill your bag with fresh vegetables at the farm run by Sebastian Niedermaier. sebastian-niedermaier.de  (only in German)

Natural History Museum

As well as the classical wing featuring the famous Bird Hall, the extensive fossil collection is also worthy of a visit. naturkundemuseum-bamberg.de (only in German)

Bamberg-Bus

The charming red classic bus offers a Hop-on-Hop-off service but organised city tours are also available on board. bambergbus.de  (only in German)

Spezial-Keller

A Biergarten with a great view and Franconian specialities, with great-tasting beer from the in-house brewery. spezial-keller.de  (only in German)

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Tourist Information

We offer souvenirs, tickets, tips for excursions and accommodation service. We are happy to help you!

Tourist Information is wheelchair accessible . There is an accessible toilet in the northern wing of the building with a separate entrance, which is open on a daily basis from 8 am to 8 pm, at the usual fee of 50 Cent.

For your convenience and the safety of your personal belongings we have a range of lock boxes at your availability, located in the northern wing of tourist information, near the public toilets . The lock boxes are accessible from 8 am to 8 pm. The price is 1,- Euro for a small box, and 2,- Euro for a large box. You also need one Euro as a deposit for the duration of the storage.

We also have lock boxes for e-bike batteries. You can charge your batteries 24/7 for the small fee of 2 Euro, also located at the northern wing of our tourist information. Please consult our terms of use.  

Accessibility information

• Bedingt rollstuhlgerecht

Team Tourist Information

Good to know:

Opening hours

Saturday: 9:30AM till 3:00PM Sunday, on public holidays: 9:30AM till 2:00PM

March till October Monday till Friday: 9:30AM till 6:00PM

November till February Monday till Friday: 9:30AM till 5:00PM

Heiligabend, Erster Weihnachtstag, Zweiter Weihnachtstag, Neujahr and Karfreitag Closed

Shrove Tuesday and New Year's Eve: 9.30am - 2.00pm

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Guided tours Sensationelles 3-Tages-Ticket!

BAMBERGcard - Your 3-day discovery ticket

Perfect for your city tour! Your online BAMBERGcard is a travel ticket, voucher and admission ticket in one. With the BAMBERGcard you can explore Bamberg at an unbeatable price: This 3-day ticket includes admission to several museums and collections as well as free travel on the buses and ...

Guided tours Jederzeit!

Stadtrallye - Spurensuche im Weltkulturerbe

Gehen Sie auf eigene Faust los und entdecken Sie anhand spannender Fragen die historischen Siedlungsgebiete Bambergs: Berg-, Insel- und Gärtnerstadt! Bamberg ist ein Gesamtkunstwerk aus Mittelalter und Barock und die Altstadt wurde 1993 zum UNSECO Weltkulturerbe ernannt. Doch die drei Areale ...

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Fascination - World Cultural Heritage

We invite you to discover Bamberg's style and character, significant monuments, works of art and charming details. Accomplished guides will enlighten you during the 2-hour "Fascination - World Cultural Heritage" tour. You will feel the magic of this World Heritage City! You will be amazed at how ...

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Kinder-Stadtrallye

Let your kids get to know Bamberg in their own way. They can discover the World Heritage city on our specially devised paper chase. Each child is given a booklet containing questions and tasks on various spots around the Old Town. Whoever gets the most points is the winner. The English version ...

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Germany Footsteps

Top 14 Things To Do In Bamberg [Don’t Miss Them!]

Going on a Bamberg trip and want to know all the top things to do in Bamberg Germany? We have you covered! Below you will find our guide to all the best attractions in Bamberg to plan your ultimate trip.

One of the most beautiful cities in Germany, Bamberg is a must-visit for lovers of beautiful architecture. Built on seven hills and bisected by many rivers and canals, the whole Altstadt (Old Town) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and deservedly so. You’ll love wandering the narrow Medieval streets as you discover everything Bamberg has to offer.

It’s also a university town which adds extra liveliness to its streets and cafes and there are many breweries that call Bamberg home producing Bamberg’s famous smoked beer.

While many visit Bamberg as a day trip, it’s even more fun to stay longer exploring the streets after the day trippers has left. This is a pretty city and not overcrowded like some Bavarian places of interest. We loved exploring here.

Below, you will find our full Bamberg travel guide with everything you need to know about the best Bamberg tourist attractions as well as the best places to stay for your ultimate vacation in Bamberg! There is also a handy map of all the things to do Bamberg offers.

You’ll find special sections on things to do in Bamberg in December and a full itinerary for a Bamberg day trip as well as what works if you are travelling with kids.

Traveling to Germany?  Click here to download your free Germany Trip Planning checklist .  We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Table of Contents

An Introduction To Bamberg

With a population of over 77,000, you can find Bamberg in the northern part of Bavaria. It’s situated very close to where the Regnitz and Main rivers meet.

First mentioned in 902, it was the home of the Babenberch castle and the Babenberg family. In 1007, Henry II (Heinrich II), who had become King of Germany and would become Holy Roman Emperor, made Bamberg the seat of a new diocese of Bamberg in the hope that this would help convert the pagan Slavs in the area.

Bamberg had great prosperity from the 12th century and the architecture of Bamberg influenced northern Germany and Hungary. From the 13th century, bishops became princes and ruled Bamberg with many monumental buildings constructed.

Between 1626–1631, the Bamberg Witch Trials were one of the biggest in the world with some of the biggest mass trials and executions seen in Europe. They took place during the religious Thirty Years War between Protestants and Catholics in an area on the border of these territories.

In 1802, the city became part of the Bavaria when church lands were secularised. In the 19th century, Bamberg became the centre of Enlightenment in southern Germany with many philosophers and writers living here.

Bamberg was largely spared damage in World War II, and in 1993, the Old Town of Bamberg became UNESCO World Heritage listed thanks to its cultural influence.

Today, Bamberg manufactures food, electrotechnical equipment, textiles and clothing. Brewing is also important and tourism plays a part in the local economy.

Top 13 Things To Do In Bamberg Germany

Here are the best Bamberg Germany attractions. Read through and select the ones that fit your interests and timeframe. If you only have one day to visit the Bamberg things to do, find our one day itinerary below.

Note that I sort these things to see in Bamberg Germany based on geographical location starting with the central Old Town and Bamberg Cathedral and then listing the closest Bamberg Germany things to do while working our way further away. The order isn’t based on what I think are the most important attractions.

Altstadt (Old Town)

The first place you’ll want to head when exploring Bamberg is the Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage listed area is definitely the highlight of Bamberg.

Narrow Medieval streets, tall historic buildings and centuries old churches await you. The lack of damage in World War II means that most buildings are original as well. There’s a fun mixture of styles and things to look at.

Many of the Bamberg Germany tourist attractions listed below are in this area but also take some time to just wander wherever you want and really take it all in. There are also many great shops, restaurants and bars here to enjoy so take your time.

Bamberger Dom (Bamberg Cathedral)

Bamberger Dom is the place to head for fantastic Medieval architecture and works of art. Located on Domplatz (Cathedral Square), it’s right by a few of the upcoming things to do as well so it’s easy to visit all of them together.

Founded by Henry II in 1004, the current appearance is from the 13th century after the original and its successor burnt down. It’s a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles. There are four towers and a choir at each end.

There are many treasures in this church including the Bamberger Reiter (Bamberg Horseman), a statue located on top of a column and dating back to the 13th century. It looks over the tomb of Henry II and his wife, Kunigunde. This tomb was carved over 14 years by Tilmann Riemenschneider.

There’s much more to enjoy in here too and it’s well worth adding Bamberger Dom to your list of Bamberg things to see.

Diözesanmuseum (Diocesan Museum)

Located adjacent to the cathedral in the diocesan chapterhouse is this museum where you can explore the elaborate collections of the cathedral’s treasure.

While much has been lost over time, there is still a lot to see here which will give you an insight into the wealth and power that Bamberg’s diocese had.

There are three permanent collections of cathedral treasure, imperial robes and textiles and cloister as well as temporary exhibitions. I found the old emperor’s robes the most interesting with former robes worn by Henry II and his wife Kunigunde as well as the 11th-century Pope Clement II. There are also many stone sculptures worth looking at in the cloister collection.

For entry, you can buy a ticket just for here or better value is to buy a Domberg ticket which gives you entry to this as well as the upcoming Historisches Museum and Neue Residenz.

Historisches Museum (History Museum)

Located on the other side of Bamberger Dom is the Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court Hall) which is a former prince-bishops’ palace. It is home to the History Museum.

This museum details the history and culture of Bamberg from pre-history to today. It has an art gallery as well as a permanent exhibit called In the Flow of History. The River Regnitz as Bamberg’s Lifeline which is the place to head to learn more about the history of Bamberg.

A recent addition to the permanent exhibits is about Jewish life in Bamberg and details the history and culture of Bamberg’s Jewish inhabitants over the centuries including what it is like today.

There is also a time and space exhibit with clocks, observation and surveying instruments from the 16th to 18th centuries.

The art gallery is home to many works like by Lucas Cranach the Elder, Pieter Breughel and Otto Modersohn.

Note that this museum often closes over the winter.

Neue Residenz (New Residence)

Also located by Domplatz, this huge palace became the home to Bamberg’s prince-bishops when they moved from the Alte Hofhaltung. Construction started in 1604 and the prince-bishops stayed here until secularisation in 1803. It’s the largest palace in Bamberg with two original Renaissance wings and the later added Baroque extensions.

Here you can find 40 lavish rooms with stucco ceilings, rugs and furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries. The central Imperial Hall is especially worth checking out with chandeliers and frescoes. The Prince Bishop’s Apartment can only be visited on guided tour but you can walk through the rest.

To get an idea just how grand this palace is, watch an overview in the following 1-minute video.

On-site is also a branch of the Bavarian State Gallery and you can see works by Lucas Cranach the Elder, Hans Baldung Grien and many others.

You are not allowed to take photos or video inside.

Rosengarten Bamberg (Rose Garden)

Located at the Neue Residenz, this garden is a definite must-stop on your Bamberg itinerary even if you decide not to go in the palace.

Located at the back of the building, the formal rose garden is just beautiful (watch the video above for more views). At the back wall of the rose garden are great views over Bamberg as well.

It started as a Renaissance garden but, in the 1730s, it took its current Baroque look. There are about 4,600 roses with low hedges, statues, a fountain, benches and lime trees.

It’s just beautiful.

Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)

Surely the most photographed image of Bamberg, the current Old Town Hall was built from 1461 on an artificial island in the Regnitz River. The original town hall at this location was first mentioned in 1385 but burned down in 1460.

The story goes that it was built here because the local bishop would not give the locals any land for it so they built it on the river at the boundary of the merchant and Episcopal cities.

It was given a Baroque look in the middle of the 18th century. It’s particularly known for its frescoes on the outside. Inside, there is a collection of fine porcelain.

There are bridges on either side of the town hall and, at the very least, you’ll want to come have a close up look at the building and frescoes. It’s a surpisingly magical spot.

Make sure you take your own photo of this awesome site not just right at the Town Hall but also on the bridges either side which also give you great views. This is an absolute must do attraction in Bamberg.

E. T. A. Hoffmanns House

From 1808 to 1813, the prominent author, E. T. A. Hoffmann, lived on the second floor and loft of this narrow house on Schillerplatz. Today, it’s a museum with some of his old home furnished how it might have been during Hoffmann’s time.

The other rooms are filled with informative displays which aim to tell the story of the author’s life and work.

There are various installations which relate to his work. You can see a theatre box with scenery from his opera, Undine, or an interactive truth microscope with a motif from his fairytale, Master Flea. You can also listen to recordings of his work.

In the courtyard is an “enchanted garden” which references his story, the Golden Pot and links botany and literature.

This attraction is best enjoyed if you are familiar with E. T. A. Hoffmann, but it can be enjoyed if you are not.

Obere Pfarre (Upper Parish)

Called Obere Pfarre or Upper Parish by locals, the Church Of Our Lady is Bamberg’s only pure Gothic church founded in the 14th century. It still has fittings and architecture from this time. The foundations of the late Gothic choir are from 1375, but the simple nave was added 50 years later.

The interior is stunning with a nave and two aisles with Baroque furnishings. Tintoretto’s painting, “The Ascension of Mary”, is worth a look.

The square tower you can see pictured above was built as a city watchtower and then later added to the church.

It’s a beautiful church and well worth a look, especially inside.

Klein Venedig (Little Venice)

Not far from the Altes Rathaus on the northern side of the River Regnitz is the former fisherman’s district known as Little Venice. It’s quite picturesque with half-timbered buildings from the 17th century and little gardens.

On the opposite side of the river, you can get great views of this which are made all the prettier when the buildings reflect on the river.

You can enjoy this via a river cruise or simply walk along the opposite bank or sit and relax while you take it in.

Kloster St Michael (St Michael’s Monastery)

Above Domplatz is the former monastery of St Michael which is now an aged care home. It makes for quite a sight up the hill and it makes for one up close as well!

The Kloster St Michael was founded in 1015 although the first church was destroyed by an earthquake in the 12th century. At this stage, a Romanesque church was built. A fire in 1610 meant another rebuilding, this time in neo-gothic style. In the 18th century, it was altered with a Baroque facelift and that’s what you will see today.

The monastery church is gorgeous with its Baroque architecture and Baroque art inside. The facade, the tomb of St Otto and the neo-gothic reticulated vault are all worth a visit. As is the fresco displaying 578 plants and flowers on the vaulted ceiling.

There are great views of Bamberg from the terraced gardens behind the church which are worth a wander.

At the time of publishing, the church was undergoing restoration work and is not open to the public. You can click here to check if it’s open for your visit. There is an information centre on site where you can learn more about this attraction and the restoration works taking place.

Fränkisches Brauereimuseum (Franconian Brewery Museum)

Beer lovers won’t want to miss the Fränkisches Brauereimuseum as they are exploring Bamberg to learn all about the beer creation process both now and in the past.

Located in the restored vaults of the former Benedictine brewery at Kloster St Michael, this is the oldest brewing site in Bamberg with a history dating back to the 11th century making this the perfect home of this museum.

With over 1,800 exhibits, there is plenty to see here as you learn about how the local beer is fermented, malted, bottled, stored and more over five levels. You’ll come out an expert in Franconian brewing traditions.

If you’re feeling thirsty by the end, there is the opportunity to try some local beer.

It’s generally shut over the winter and you can find more information on their website here.

If you are looking for quick and easy day trips from Bamberg, Nuremberg is a great option. It’s less than an hour’s drive or train ride away.

Nuremberg is Bavaria’s second largest city and there are so many interesting things to do here that you can easily fill a day (or five).

Start by exploring the Old Town which is full of attractions like the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), churches, underground tunnels and museums.

World War II history buffs won’t want to miss the chance to visit the site of the Nuremberg Trials or the Nazi Party Rally Grounds.

Families will want to consider the huge Deutsche Bahn Museum or Playmobil FunPark.

There is so much to choose from so if you take this option, make sure you click here to read our full guide to Nuremberg (including a one day itinerary).

Best Places To Visit In Bamberg In December/Winter

While most of the things to do around Bamberg Germany listed above are possible in winter time (although note that the Historisches Museum and Fränkisches Brauereimuseum are usually shut), there is also an extra fun thing to do in Bamberg which especially takes place in the winter months…

Bamberg Christmas Market

The Bamberg Christmas Market is the perfect place to head in December when the Maximiliansplatz area is turned into Bamberg’s biggest Christmas market. This is also home to a large Franconian half-timber nativity scene which shows various Christmas scenes.

The market takes place during Advent which means it begins the Sunday nearest to November 30 and continues until Christmas.

You can expect traditional stalls selling Christmas gifts, arts and crafts, traditional food and more.

On the first weekend of December, there is also a craft Christmas market around Elisabeth Church.

What To Do In Bamberg In One Day 

Only have one day in Bamberg? What a shame! But it’s ok, it’s still worth going to Bamberg if you only have one day and many people do a day trip to Bamberg.

With one day, I recommend you read the above and pick the places most of interest to you for your day. The attractions are not far apart (apart from the day trip to Nuremberg) so you can fit in what’s most important to you.

Or… You can follow my one day Bamberg itinerary here!

• Start at Domplatz in the Old Town and check out Bamberger Dom
• You could spend half a day here also visiting the Diözesanmuseum (Diocesan Museum), Historisches Museum (History Museum) and Neue Residenz (New Residence). Visit whichever of these most interest you or all of them
• Check out the Rose Garden behind Neue Residenz and the views over Bamberg
• Take a walk to Obere Pfarre (Upper Parish) and explore inside and out
• Next stop is photos of Altes Rathaus
• Continue along the river for photos of Klein Venedig (Little Venice)
• If you have time and the church has reopened at Kloster St Michael (St Michael’s Monastery), head here to finish your day exploring the church and views over Bamberg

Bamberg Attractions Map

Best Place To Stay In Bamberg

When it comes to where to stay in Bamberg, there is a great range of hotels and other accommodation options. You won’t have any problem finding somewhere to stay.

Below I’ve listed a few different places to consider depending on what type of accommodation you are looking for.

If you want more options, you can use this map to help you find hotels and home rental accommodation around Bamberg.

BEST – Hotel Nepomuk Review

Looking for the best hotel in Bamberg that is well located and atmospheric? You have found it!

The Hotel Nepomuk is just 6 minutes walk from either Bamberger Dom or Altes Rathaus right on the water in a gorgeous, half timbered house. You can enjoy all of Bamberg’s attractions from here.

Rooms are either inside this historic building or in a modern annex but in either option, you’ll have modern furnishing, a desk area, free wifi, flat screen TV and possibly great views. Rooms range from economy twins to two bedroom suites which also have a living area, whirlpool bath and great river and Old Town views.

Facilities include valet parking, a bar and Eckerts restaurant right on the river.

Click here for the latest prices.

VALUE –  Hotel Wohnbar Review

Hotel Wohnbar is located 7 minutes walk north of Altes Rathaus and it’s easy to explore Bamberg from here. It has 12 rooms and apartments and is usually a great price for a centrally located hotel.

While it’s in a historic building, the inside was renovated in 2010 and it’s modern, bright and cheerful. The rooms range from double to triple and family (four person) rooms. They are all on the small side but come with flatscreen TV, free wifi, some type of sitting area and toiletries. Most have coffee machines and minibar too.

The rooms look great and each have their own style, but some are double level and there aren’t any elevators in this hotel which is worth considering if you don’t enjoy stairs.

Breakfast is available for an extra fee which is highly regarded. There is also a cafe on-site. Parking is available for an extra fee nearby. Bicycles are available for hire.

SELF-CATERING – Limehome Bamberg Keßlerstraße Review

Limehome Bamberg Keßlerstraße is located just a 5 minute walk north east of Altes Rathaus and is a great place to stay if you want self-catering accommodation in Bamberg.

Rooms range from single suites to double suites with the biggest option also having a sofa bed for a third person. They include seating areas, flat-screen TVs and kitchens with dining areas including fridge, stove, toaster and coffee machine. They are all stylish and well presented.

There is no parking or elevators.

How To Get To Bamberg

We travelled to Bamberg by hire car which made it very easy to get here. It’s easy to find especially coming from Nuremberg like we did.

You can hire a car to get you there by clicking here.

There are regular trains and buses here. You can find timetables and all your options here. Popular destinations are Munich, Nuremberg and Berlin.

The closest airport is in Nuremberg.

Once in Bamberg, we found it easy to explore on foot.

Bamberg With Kids

Bamberg is a fun place to explore with kids if they love narrow streets and the beautiful scenery of Old Towns. The river and canals make this a scenic and fun place to walk around. Our kids also enjoyed looking at the Altes Rathaus and seeing inside the Neue Residenz.

For something a bit different that the kids will enjoy, consider a Venetian style gondola ride on the Regnitz River. Find more information here .

For some time out, you could visit the Bambados pool and sauna complex. More information here .

Final Words

Bamberg is a beautiful and fun place to explore with an awesome UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town. I hope you enjoy exploring it as much as we did.

I also hope you find this guide to things to do in Bamberg super useful for your own exploration.

Read more guides to visiting Southern Germany here . Or read this guide to nearby Nuremberg here or Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber here. We visited Bamberg on our way to Quedlinburg here. You may also be interested to know why we think Bavaria is the best region in the world here .

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon first fell in love with Germany back in 2000 on her first visit. She loves the long history, the picturesque Old Towns, the castles, the food, everything really! Since then, she has visited many times and loves writing about Germany here so you can enjoy it too. In fact, Sharon loves German culture so much that she sent her kids to a German primary school in Australia. She especially loves Berlin and towns with charming Old Towns like Celle and Quedlinburg. Sharon also has a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and understands the nitty gritty of travel planning. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to Germany whether it's your first or tenth time!

I have been in Bamburg three or four times.It is my favourite city in Germany.I love the walk along the Regnitz to the botanical garden.On two visits I met locals and stayed at Hotel Brundermulhe right on the Regnitz with view of the rathaus.

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What to see on a quick Bamberg day trip

A visit to Bamberg can easily be done in a day as the city isn’t very big and the most important attractions of Bamberg are located right in the center. Residential areas are located around the outer ring, and those you don’t need to visit unless you stay longer and want to go on the hiking trails of Bamberg.

Example Itinerary

8:00 breakfast time.

Start your one day in Bamberg with a typical German breakfast at one of the many local bakeries in town, unless you prefer a generic hotel breakfast buffet, of course.

(It would also be German, but it hits different when you head out and try local pastries.)

You can have a seat at the bakery to eat at the table there or take it for outside.

Special Bamberg treats are:

• Hörnla (similar to a croissant, but was there first)
• Seelspitzen (butter pastry, religious background)
• Blöcher (deep-fried dough, filled with sour cream and sprinkled with cinnamon)
• Kunigundenring (only available one week before and after the “Kunigundentag” in winter)

For more details, check out my article on the best pastry shops and bakeries in Bamberg’s centre.

8:30 City Center

Take a stroll around the city center, starting with a walk across the Maximiliansplatz. It is the big square in front of the new townhall.

By the way, this is where you would find the Bamberg Christmas market as well as any bigger markets and festivals. During the week days, you often will find some vegan trucks as well as regional producers offering their fare. They are typically gone by late afternoon, however.

From the square, head to the street Grüner Markt (“green market”) and step into the beautiful St Martin Church that you will pass on the way. It’s absolutely grand from within as well. It’s free, but you can leave a small offering at the exit in the collection container.

The street in front of it turns into a local produce market during the days and you can purchase products, such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, honeys, cheeses and meat.

For local specialties, look out for:

• Bamberger Zwiebel (Bamberg’s very own type of onion; pear-shaped and white)
• Bamberger Spitzwirsing (an indigenous savoy cabbage type)
• Bamberger Kräuter (mixed herbs)
• Bamberger Kugelbirne (indigenous and very rare pear)
• Bamberger Knoblauch (indigenous garlic)
• Bamberger Rettich (indigenous radish)
• Bamberger Michelsberg Birnenquitte (indigenous quince)

Keep following the street to the nearby fountain statue of Neptune. Locals call it Gabelmoo (“man with the fork”) and it is a popular meeting spot.

Opposite it, there is a small alley, called Mautgasse. Walk down there and you are in one of Bamberg’s restaurant streets, Austraße . I personally love the rainbow-colored umbrellas that are strung between the historic houses and above the classic cobblestone street.

Keep walking down the road to the traffic lights and cross the street.

If you like shopping for stationary, décor and tea, check out the small shops to your left. The Mohren Haus in particular is a treasure trove and just stepping inside is already a unique sight in Bamberg. (Just please excuse the name. There’s been an ongoing debate about it.)

• Address: Mohren Haus, Ob. Brücke 14, 96047 Bamberg

Keep following the cobblestone street upwards and past some iconic houses of Bamberg and right toward the old townhall of Bamberg .

It has its very own little island that it sits on and is also a gate to the Old Town.

Take a moment here to take in the scene of the bridges around you and look over to the pretty houses of Little Venice.

Also (and I will point it out if you are on a tour with me) look for the 3D elements in the angel depictions of the murals on the townhall façade. I always find them so fun to look for and spot. Most people just walk past and never actually see them.

9:00 Old Town

Beyond the townhall, you find yourself in the historic part of Bamberg. I recommend checking out the two all-year Christmas stores on either side of you.

• Käthe Wohlfahrt, Karolinenstraße 5, 96049 Bamberg
• Inge-Glas, Karolinenstraße 10, 96049 Bamberg

The former has traditional wooden Christmas decorations that are on the pricier side of things and well treasured by any German who receives them.

The latter in particular stocks all kinds of bauble shapes and figures. The most unique local Christmas hanger is that of the Apfelweibla , which is an iconic doorknob. (Click the link to read about its background.)

Walk all the way up to the upper level of Bamberg and you’re right outside the Cathedral . You should step inside. It’s free and will leave you in awe with its size. If the light hits just right, the rays of sun will pour through the windows in a spectacular way.

Back outside on the square, walk to the gate you see to your right. It leads to the historic slaughterhouse yard ( Schlachthof ) and was used as a filming location for the Three Musketeers (2011).

Leave through where you came from and walk across the square and to the archways of the Renaissance building on your right.

You will enter the Rose Garden of Bamberg ( Rosengarten ), which has a café that is open during the warmer months and sweeping views over the city’s rooftops.

Go back out and walk the street to your right, leading you to the Monastery Michelsberg . It is constantly under construction, so be warned of scaffolding covering views. But you can enter the monastery museum. Should the church be open (which it rarely is), do go in!

Right of the inner courtyard, you can see the local restaurant and a café, beyond which lies the gardens and terrace of the Michelsberg mountain. This is where you need to go.

Again, the views are spectacular and you can follow the steps down to the orchard, which in turn leads you back into the Old Town. It’s a little passageway locals love.

Walk on, until you are at the square and cathedral again, then descend the stone steps at the city walls. This is the area, where you can find restaurants serving local cuisine and a variety of brews.

The most renowned one is Schlenkerla . Head into the yard, order your jug of beer and then stand in the street to drink it. It’s a local thing. Don’t ask me why.

• Schlenkerla, Dominikanerstraße 6, 96049 Bamberg

10:00 Little Venice

Backtrack a bit and then go into the Kasernstraße, opposite of when you came down the steps. It will lead you to the riverbank opposite Little Venice for the best views of this most renowned of Bamberg sights.

Little Venice isn’t just called like that because its historic houses are built right by the water. Their gardens seem right at water level and they have their own boats parked there too. But you can actually go on a gondola ride in Bamberg.

If you visit for one of Bamberg’s key events, the Sandkerwa, you will see fishermen trying to push each other into the water with poles. It’s a historic competition.

When you get to the next bridge, cross it and you can walk behind the houses of Little Venice you just saw. They will be much less remarkable from behind, but it’s still cute.

When you exit the street Fischerei, cross the road, turn left and then right onto Strangstraße. It will guide you to the square Heumarkt, which is behind the university library. If you keep right, you will enter Fleischstraße.

10:30 Natural History Museum

Step through the arched gateway and walk into the doors on your left to enter the Natural History Museum of Bamberg . Its bird hall is one of Europe’s most impressive Baroque rooms and you will feel all grand walking around it. It’s excessively pretty, regardless of whether you want to see local animals up close, even if stuffed.

Please note that the information plaques are all in German. So if you don’t read those, your visit will be rather quick. But very much worth it!

Pro tip: The museum opens at 9am. If you decide to get there the earliest, you can enjoy the impressive Vogelsaal mostly to yourself. (And take epic photos like I did in the article – just click on the previous link to see and learn more.)

• Address: Naturkundemuseum Bamberg, Fleischstraße 2, 96047 Bamberg

11:00 Castle Altenburg

Walk onward to the Maximiliansplatz, cross it and enter the store Müller. Walk all the way through it (on Sundays, take the parallel street right of it) to get to the central bus station, called ZOB.

You can pay the bus driver 2.10 EUR in cash or pay with credit card via the app VGN. Note that as soon as you pay, you have to take the bus. There is public Wi-Fi at the bus station, but it’s not the fastest.

There are various buses that go close to the castle, but you do have to walk up to the castle through the forest for 15-20 minutes. The parking lot beneath the castle also requires you to walk for 10 minutes.

• Bay Q: Bus 913 to “Wildensorg Mitte”
• Bay F: Bus 908 to “Hezilostr.”
• Bay F: Bus 918 to “Panzerleite”
• Parking lot: Weinbergweg 8, 96049 Bamberg

From up at the castle, you can have a seat in the local restaurant or stroll on top of the historic city walls. The view over the surrounding valleys is the best.

You can take the bus 913 back or, if you want to walk in Bamberg’s main park, get off at “P+R Heinrichsdamm”. You can either go down to the riverside and walk northward back into town.

The alternative, is a little bit of a nicer walk, if you ask me. Follow the Heinrichsdamm street to the West and turn into the little forest of the Hain Park .

It will lead you past the open air swimming area (only open in summer) and all the way back to the tourist information.

Along the way, you will also see a historic mill and have a nice view of the art gallery in the Villa Concordia . If you want, you can take the small ferry to cross the river.

Depending on how casually you keep your walk or if you take the bus straight back to the bus station, you will arrive back in the city center between noon and early afternoon.

You’ve seen most of Bamberg’s attractions now and can decide where else to explore or if that wraps up your quick Bamberg day trip.

Further Bamberg Travel Tips

I have more in-depth articles for you depending on your interests on what to see in Bamberg, where to go and eat. These will help you with further Bamberg inspiration. Should you have any questions or are interested in my tours and vacation photography services, get in touch.

• The best tours for Bamberg
• Where the best selfie spots are
• Why you should visit for Sandkerwa Festival
• When to rent a car

If you visit Bamberg for a day and come by car, you can park centrally in the big underground car park by the Bamberg information center.

• Tiefgarage Geyerswörth City-Altstadt, Geyerswörthstraße 5A, 96047 Bamberg
• Open 24 hours

Where to find the local Bamberg Info

In case you want to grab brochures, talk to locals with an extensive knowledge of where to go that day, what is on and their recommendations of eateries and tours, you can check out the official Bamberg tourism information center right in the city.

The good thing is, you cannot miss it, as it is right above the city center’s main underground car park.

There are beds of roses growing above it, leading to the information center. It’s called “Rosengarten Geyerswörth”. If you need another pointer, find the city castle Geyerswörth.

• Bamberg Info, Geyerswörthstraße 5, 96047 Bamberg
• Monday to Friday 9:30am – 5pm
• Saturday 9:30am – 2pm
• Sunday 9:30am – 1pm
• Phone: +49 (0) 9512976200

Annemarie started this Bamberg travel blog to inform tourists about all the amazing sights that Bamberg has to offer: from historical buildings, stunning viewpoints to mouth-watering regional food. She works as a local vacation photographer (you can hire her!) and knows all the best spots (she's a great guide too!).

Feel free to book her or send her an email through us if you have any questions about Bamberg and travel in the region. (Did we mention she is a world traveller and has worked as a travel blogger for almost a decade too?)

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