Bamberg

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.