Bamberg

Medieval streets and beechwood-smoked beer

A Bavarian gem with UNESCO-listed medieval old town, renowned breweries, and unique smoked beer. Cobbled streets and baroque churches add to its charm.

4.4
out of 5

Bamberg, a town in Bavaria, Germany, is home to a UNESCO World Heritage old town. You can visit the Altes Rathaus, an island town hall, climb the seven hills each topped with a church, or stroll through the charming Little Venice district. The town is famous for its unique smoked beer and has a rich brewing tradition with numerous historic breweries.

Exploring Bamberg's Old Town

As you walk through Bamberg's old town, one of Europe's largest intact medieval city centers, you'll see colorful half-timbered houses, Baroque mansions, and Romanesque churches. The town spreads across seven hills, each crowned by a church, earning Bamberg the nickname "Franconian Rome."

The Unique Altes Rathaus

The Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) stands on an artificial island in the middle of the Regnitz River, connected to the rest of the city by two bridges. According to local legend, the bishop refused to give citizens land for a town hall, so they created their own island. You can admire the building's elaborate frescoes and take photos of its unusual location.

Bamberg Cathedral

Bamberg Cathedral dominates the skyline with its Romanesque and Gothic elements. Inside, you'll find the tombs of Emperor Henry II and Pope Clement II - the only papal grave north of the Alps. Look for the Bamberg Rider, a life-sized equestrian statue whose identity remains unknown.

Little Venice

Klein Venedig (Little Venice), the former fishermen's district, is one of Bamberg's most interesting areas. A row of colorful half-timbered houses from the 14th to 17th centuries lines the bank of the Regnitz River. You can view Little Venice from the opposite bank or take a boat tour for a different perspective.

Bamberg's Beer Culture

Bamberg has nine breweries within its limits and over 60 more in the surrounding area. The city's signature beer is Rauchbier (smoked beer), which gets its distinct flavor from malted barley dried over beechwood fires. Visit the historic Schlenkerla brewery, founded in 1405, to try this unique beer straight from wooden barrels.

Local Cuisine

Bamberg offers several local specialties. You can try Bamberger Zwiebel, an onion stuffed with minced meat and baked. The dish is often served with a dark beer sauce and bread dumplings. Another local favorite is Schäuferla, a crispy pork shoulder served with potato dumplings and sauerkraut. The meat is slow-roasted until tender, resulting in a crispy skin and juicy interior. For dessert, try Bamberger Hörnla, a croissant-like pastry with a slightly sweet flavor and a crispy exterior.

Getting to and Around Bamberg

You can reach Bamberg by train, with direct services from Munich, Frankfurt, and Nuremberg. In the city, you can walk to most sights in the old town. For longer distances, use the local bus network. Renting a bike is another option, as Bamberg is relatively flat and has many cycling paths. You can find bike rental shops near the train station and in the city center.

Average temperatures during the day in Bamberg.
December
2°
Jan
1°
Feb
3°
Mar
7°
Apr
12°
May
17°
Jun
20°
Jul
22°
Aug
22°
Sep
18°
Oct
13°
Nov
6°

What people say about Bamberg

4.4
People
4
Food
4
Spaces
5
Value
4
Safety
5

Places nearby Bamberg

Best places to visit in🇩🇪Germany

Articles about Germany

Image of Plan your trip to Germany - 11 places you must visit
Image of Plan your trip to Germany - 11 places you must visit

Plan your trip to Germany - 11 places you must visit

August 2023,
Germany has a tough, mysterious and magical atmosphere. In this article you find spots from the northern Lübeck to the fairy tale-castle Neuschwanstein in the south. From energetic city life to walks
Image of The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world
Image of The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

January 2023,
To find the best cities for cycling, we looked at the Copenhagenize Index, a comprehensive ranking of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities based on ambition, culture, and city design. Below you wi
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

December 2023,
In the midst of European explorations, some cities remain less frequented by the throng of tourists yet hold an abundance of cultural wealth, natural beauty, and a compelling history. This guide aims
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851

All World Expo locations since 1851

November 2024,
For more than a century and a half, global citizens have congregated at World Expos to celebrate human achievement, explore pressing issues of the day, and experience the cultural expressions of peopl
Image of Killing Eve filming locations
Image of Killing Eve filming locations

Killing Eve filming locations

May 2024,
The BBC thriller series Killing Eve has taken viewers to many places across Europe as it follows MI5 agent Eve Polastri and assassin Villanelle. The cat-and-mouse story unfolds in cities like London,
Popular on Humbo right now
Humbo™AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms