Bamberg Germany: Old Town Travel Guide

Bamberg, Germany is a riverside town where almost every street feels like a postcard. A painted town hall stands on an island in the river. Meanwhile, half-timbered houses lean over the water, and church towers crown the hills. So, this guide covers the best things to do, plus how to get there and when to go.

Row of old houses beside the river in Bamberg Germany — Old houses line the riverbank.

Quick Facts About Bamberg, Germany

Country	Germany
Region	Upper Franconia, Bavaria
Known For	The Old Town Hall over the river, Little Venice, the Imperial Cathedral and smoked beer
UNESCO Status	UNESCO World Heritage Site, Town of Bamberg, since 1993
Founded	First recorded in 902, and seat of a bishopric founded by Emperor Henry II in 1007
Best Time to Visit	May to October, or December for the Christmas markets
Getting There	Take a train from Nuremberg, about 40 minutes away
Time Needed	One to two days
Continent	Europe

Where Is Bamberg, Germany?

Bamberg lies in Upper Franconia, in the north of Bavaria. The town sits on the Regnitz river, close to where it meets the Main. Nuremberg is about 60 km to the south, so the two cities pair well on one trip.

Like Rome, Bamberg is built on seven hills. As a result, it is often called the Franconian Rome.

Why Visit Bamberg, Germany?

Bamberg escaped heavy damage in the Second World War. Therefore, its old town survived almost intact. In fact, it is one of the largest well-preserved historic town centres in Germany. Today, the whole old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Also, Bamberg is a lively student town with a famous beer culture. So, it combines history with a relaxed, local feel.

Things to Do in Bamberg

See the Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall is the symbol of Bamberg. It stands on a small island in the middle of the river, between two bridges. According to legend, the bishop refused to give land for a town hall. So, the citizens built one in the river instead. Its walls are covered with colourful painted scenes.

Painted Old Town Hall of Bamberg Germany standing on a bridge over the Regnitz — The Old Town Hall, built on an island in the river.

Historic building on a bridge over the river — The Old Town Hall seen from the riverbank.

Stroll Through Little Venice

Little Venice is a row of old fishermen’s houses along the Regnitz. Their small gardens and balconies sit right on the water. Also, boats tie up beside the houses. For the best view, walk along the opposite bank or take a short river cruise.

Colourful fishermen's houses of Little Venice along the Regnitz — Little Venice, the old fishermen’s quarter.

Visit the Imperial Cathedral

The Imperial Cathedral stands on Cathedral Hill. Its current building was consecrated in 1237. Inside, you will find the tomb of Emperor Henry II and his wife Kunigunde. Also, look for the famous Bamberg Horseman, a stone statue of a rider. In addition, the cathedral holds the tomb of Pope Clement II, the only papal tomb in Germany.

Four towers of the Imperial Cathedral in Bamberg — The Imperial Cathedral on Cathedral Hill.

Relax in the Rose Garden

Next to the cathedral, the New Residence was once home to the prince-bishops. Behind it, a rose garden offers lovely views over the rooftops. In summer, thousands of roses bloom there.

Rose garden in front of the New Residence palace — The rose garden at the New Residence.

Climb to Michaelsberg Abbey

Michaelsberg Abbey sits on another of Bamberg’s hills. It was founded as a Benedictine monastery in the early 11th century. From its terrace, you get a wide view over the old town and the cathedral. However, parts of the abbey have been closed for long restoration work, so check before you go.

Walk the Upper and Lower Towns

Bamberg has two historic halves. First, the Upper Town on the hills was the bishops’ town, full of churches and palaces. Then the Lower Town by the river was home to merchants and citizens. So, a walk between them shows two sides of the town’s past.

Taste the Smoked Beer

Bamberg is famous for Rauchbier, a smoked beer with a taste like bacon. For example, try it at a traditional brewery tavern in the old town. Also, the town has several local breweries, each with its own style.

Tips for Visiting Bamberg

Wear comfortable shoes, because the hills are steep and cobbled
Book a river cruise for a different view of Little Venice
Visit the cathedral early, before tour groups arrive
Try local dishes such as Schäufele, roast pork shoulder

Day Trips From Bamberg

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is about 40 minutes away by train. Its old town has a large castle, Gothic churches and a famous Christmas market. So, it makes an easy day trip.

Franconian Switzerland

Franconian Switzerland is a hilly region of forests, rock formations and castles. Also, it is known for small family breweries. So, it is great for hiking or a scenic drive.

Vierzehnheiligen Basilica

This grand Baroque pilgrimage church sits on a hill north of Bamberg. Inside, its bright, ornate interior is a highlight of the region.

One Historical Fact About Bamberg

In 1007, Emperor Henry II founded a bishopric in Bamberg. He wanted the town to become a new spiritual centre for his empire. As a result, Bamberg grew into an important religious and political town. Today, both Henry and his wife Kunigunde are buried in the cathedral.

How to Get to Bamberg, Germany

Train: Regular trains connect Bamberg with Nuremberg, Würzburg and Munich.
Flying in: Nuremberg Airport is the nearest airport, about an hour away.
Driving: Bamberg lies on the A73 and A70 motorways.
Getting around: The old town is compact, so walking is best.

Best Time to Visit Bamberg

May to October is the best time to visit. During these months, beer gardens open and the riverbanks are lively. Autumn also brings colourful leaves on the hills. December, meanwhile, is cold. However, the Christmas markets and nativity scene trail make it festive.

Is Bamberg, Germany Worth Visiting?

Yes, absolutely. Bamberg combines a UNESCO old town, a beautiful river setting and a unique beer culture. Also, it is less crowded than many German towns. If you enjoyed our guide to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you will love Bamberg too.

Final Thoughts on Bamberg

First, photograph the Old Town Hall from the bridge. Then wander through Little Venice and up to the cathedral. Finally, end the day with a smoked beer. Like Colmar in France, Bamberg proves that water and old houses make a perfect match.

Bamberg Germany: The Franconian Rome on the Regnitz River