Bamberg Travel Guide
Read our guide on Bamberg in Germany. Includes best things to do and see, tips on how to get, where to stay, or when to go.
Sprawling across seven hills, Bamberg is one of the most stunning cities you can visit in Bavaria.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has enchanting medieval architecture, imposing historical landmarks, rich history, a beautiful Regnitz River, great beer, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Thanks to the hilly setting and the fact that the city lies in Upper Franconia, it's sometimes nicknamed Franconian Rome.
Surprisingly, that's not the only link connecting this Bavarian gem with Italy.
One of the city's most famous attractions is known as Little Venice.
Lucie mentioned to me before the trip that Bamberg also has some great little breweries, so it was almost guaranteed that this would be a great place to explore.
So here's everything you should know about Bamberg before you go.
What to See and Do
Remember that Bamberg is still a fairly small town, especially the historical center, which definitely feels that way.
You can definitely get around the town on foot, though remember that some places are uphill.
The incline is nothing a moderately fit person won't tackle.
Another great thing about Bamberg is that due to its compactness, you can easily plan your day there and see all the main attractions without a guide.
Apart from the Old Town, Altenburg, and Seehof Castle, there is not much to see on the city outskirts, so we do recommend sticking to the main tourist area.
You will find a more detailed guide on the best things to do in Bamberg here.
We do share some essentials below for those looking for a quick summary.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Bamberg rose to importance and gained its unique layout during the reign of Henry II, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.
In the following years, the city flourished and became an important city in the Holy Roman Empire, which was ruled by prince-bishops.
Apart from the typical medieval layout, Bamberg was built on seven hills, giving the city a unique look (and a nickname).
With more than 1300 heritage-listed buildings, the Old Town is incredibly beautiful and a great place to walk around.
The town center feels less intimate than, for instance, Rothenburg, but it still has a fairly intimate feel (despite the crowds).
If you put together all the things we mentioned at the beginning of this post, you will quickly understand why Bamberg was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Old Town
Bamberg's Old Town is absolutely stunning, full of half-timbered houses, medieval structures, picturesque bridges, and cobblestone streets.
There is plenty to see in Bamberg, so it's really important to plan your itinerary right, especially if you're pressed for time.
Our tip is to start early in the morning and walk to the Altes Rathaus to see it without crowds. Then, walk around the river to enjoy a peaceful morning walk.
Later, you can visit the Bamberg Cathedral, the New Residence with the Rose Garden, and the Michelsberg monastery.
In the afternoon, you can explore a few more museums, or alternatively, hike to Altenburg or take a trip to nearby Seehof Palace.
In the evening, you should visit one of the local brewpubs, Schlenkerla or Spezial, to try their traditional smoked beer known as Rauchbier (the taste is not for everyone, but it's worth trying).
Altes Rathaus
Bamberg's Altes Rathaus is one of the most iconic buildings in Bavaria (if not the whole of Germany) that is easily recognizable from every photo.
The first Old Town Hall was built on a tiny island on River Regnitz as early as 1386, though the building you see today is from the 15th century.
The intricate facade of this two-story building was added during the mid-18th century.
Our tip is to make sure to detour to the neighboring bridge (Geyersworthsteg) to see this spectacular building from a different perspective.
This view is incredible and makes up for a great photo spot.
Inside is a small museum, including the Ludwig Collection and Rococo Hall, which might be a good place to visit if you're in the Altes Rathaus area on a rainy day.
If you're visiting Germany on a budget, you don't need to enter to be able to fully enjoy this historic landmark.
Little Venice
Little Venice (Klein Venedig) is a row of half-timbered houses along the River Regnitz.
These used to be fishermen's houses who used to live and work in this part of the river.
The catching name does some of the heavy lifting, though, so don't expect to find real Venice here.
Still, the whole scene is very picturesque, and the well-preserved houses are worth seeing. The best views are from the river's southern bank.
Interestingly enough, Venetian-style gondola rides are available here, so if you have time and want to experience Bamberg in a new way, this might be it.
Beer
Bamberg is mostly known for its UNESCO World Heritage status and stunning medieval architecture, but that's not the whole story.
The city is also one of the best Bavarian beer destinations.
So, if you're a fan of this alcoholic beverage, you will have a blast here.
The city has several craft breweries producing various types of beer of exquisite quality, surprisingly, at reasonable prices.
The most famous beer produced in Bamberg is Rauchbier (visit brewpubs Schlenkerla and Spezial), a smoked beer with a distinctive flavor.
Admittedly, this is not our favorite type of beer, but you know, we couldn't pass on the opportunity to check that our taste didn't change or evolve. It didn't.
Luckily, they did have Weissbier, Pilsner, Kellerbier, etc, on tap to satisfy every customer.
If you're a beer person, locally-produced beer is definitely one of the main reasons you stay in Bamberg overnight.
Our tip is to find a shaded beer garden and have one there, of course, if the weather permits.
Where to Stay
Due to its huge popularity, Bamberg has plenty of centrally located hotels that offer accommodation for most budgets.
The city has a good range of budget and mid-range hotels, though, admittedly, there aren't any traditional 5-star accommodations for travelers seeking luxury.
The best area to stay in Bamberg is the Old Town (or technically anywhere between the Bamberg Cathedral and Bamberg Hauptbahnhof).
We stayed in one of the smaller hotels uphill, about a 10-15 minute walk from the town center.
While the views from our room were pretty cool, we can't fail to mention that getting back to our hotel was a hike (though there was a bus stop nearby).
Other than that, the city outskirts are ideal for those who want to stay in a quiet place and don't mind walking to the main tourist area.
So here are our tips on the best hotels in Bamberg.
Budget | ibis Budget Bamberg - Conveniently located next to the main train station, this hotel has everything a budget-conscious traveler needs when on the road. Clean, functional rooms, great location, buffet breakfast, and paid parking.
Mid-range | Best Western Hotel Bamberg - This traditional 3-star hotel is located about a 10-minute walk from Altes Rathaus. It has comfortable rooms, a buffet breakfast, and paid parking. Simply put, this hotel is a perfect fit for travelers who want to have a good night's sleep without spending too much on accommodation.
Mid-range | Altstadthotel Messerschmitt - Situated just a 5-minute walk from Altes Rathaus, this 4-star hotel boasts spacious rooms, great food, and attentive staff.
How Much Time Do I Need
While this is always highly individual, we do believe that one day in Bamberg is more than enough for a majority of visitors.
While there's lots to see and do, the town is fairly compact, and some of the most famous spots (Little Venice, Altes Rathaus, etc.) are practically just quick photo stops.
A full day in Bamberg gives you enough time to tour the castle, explore thoroughly the Old Town, visit the cathedral, take a boat trip along the Regnitz River, and have a beer or two.
If you're pressed for time, a half-day should be more than enough to allow you to explore all the essential stops Bamberg offers.
As the town is not that big, we believe your overall experience won't feel rushed, especially if you plan your itinerary correctly.
Is it worth staying in Bamberg for two days?
Sure, if you prefer slow travel and a generally more laid-back experience, you can definitely stay two days there without getting bored.
Plus, you can always explore the local beer scene, which will definitely take several hours.
Another reason to stay in Bamberg longer (even three or four days) is that there are interesting places within a short drive waiting to be explored on a day trip (Coburg, Bayreuth, Rothenburg, etc.).
While Bamberg is lovely, we would probably just stay in a different city each day to soak in the atmosphere these places offer.
When to Go
The best time to visit Bamberg is the summer, specifically the months of July and August.
Bamberg is truly beautiful during this time, and you can't take advantage of warm, long days that are perfect for sightseeing.
Just be prepared that the city gets busy during this period and accommodation prices are at their highest.
May and June (and similarly, September and October) are ideal for those looking for a more relaxing experience.
So, the main downside is the unpredictable weather during the shoulder season.
Bamberg's Old Town remains beautiful even during the winter, but the city is a lot less lively (except for the Christmas Markets).
The main downside is that the vibrant atmosphere only summer brings is not around. We visited Bamberg in April on a partly cloudy but still relatively cold day.
There were tourists around, but overall, it was a relaxing experience.
What to Pack
We usually try to keep things as simple as possible, so we packed versatile and functional clothes that kept us comfortable during our visit to Bavaria.
As mentioned earlier, we arrived in Bamberg in mid-April on a windy day with temperatures between 5-10 Celsius.
Despite the sun being out, it felt fairly cold, especially during the morning/evening.
Jeans, rain jackets, sweaters, and comfortable shoes were enough to stay warm.
Admittedly, we swapped the sweater for a down jacket the next morning as the temperatures dropped even more.
During the summer, shorts and a T-shirt/summer dress should be enough.
In winter, you will need to add a few layers or just bring a warm winter coat.
How to Get There
Bamberg is located in the northern part of Bavaria. There are several ways to get to Bamberg, including by car, train, or bus.
Car
Unless you want to rely on public transport, the easiest way to get to Bamberg is by car.
Luckily, driving in Germany is very easy. Bamberg is about 60 kilometers north of Nuremberg, 90 kilometers east of Wurzburg, and 230 kilometers north of Munich.
Nearby Coburg and Bayreuth are about a 40-minute drive from here.
Rent a Car
We use Rentalcars.com, a reliable rental website that helps you compare prices, find the best car rental deals, and make reservations for your next trip.
Train
You can easily get to Bamberg by train using the Deutsche Bahn (DB), which offers connections from most German cities.
Train service in Germany is safe, reliable, and offers a great way to get around the country.
For instance, Munich is just two hours from Bamberg, while the journey from Nuremberg takes as little as 30 minutes.
Bamberg Hauptbahnhof is located at Ludwigstraße, well within walking distance from the Old Town (around 1.5 kilometers from the Altes Rathaus).
Bus
You can also get to Bamberg by bus (FlixBus). This option can be cheaper, though the bus is generally slower than the train.
The main bus station in Bamberg is ZOB (Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof), just 500 meters from Altes Rathaus.
That said, Flixbus station in Bamberg isn't located here but at Hauptbahnhof (main train station).
Staying Safe
With a low crime rate, Bamberg is generally a very safe place to visit.
We explored Bamberg thoroughly on foot and felt very safe during our time there, though, admittedly, we could say the same thing about most places we visited in Bavaria.
That said, no destination is completely risk-free, and for instance, petty theft can still happen in crowded tourist areas.
And due to Bamberg's popularity, you can be sure some spots in the Old Town get really busy during the peak times.
Our advice is only to bring essentials and be vigilant in the crowd.
Don't leave your wallet and phone in your back pockets, but tucked away in a secure pocket (or daypack if no other option is available).
By taking basic precautions, you can minimize the risks and have a stress-free trip to Bamberg.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Bamberg Worth Visiting?
At the beginning of the post, we said that Bamberg is, without any doubt, one of the most stunning cities you can visit in Bavaria.
We did have a great time in Bamberg, which we hopefully reflected in this guide.
So the answer to your most burning question is yes, Bamberg is definitely worth seeing.
The entire historic center of Bamberg is incredibly beautiful, and it's no wonder it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
By the way, Bamberg is a great addition to other UNESCO attractions in Bavaria, such as Regensburg's Altstadt, Margravial Opera House, and Pilgrimage Church of Wies.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
