21 Best Things to Do in Bamberg
The UNESCO town of Bamberg is home to many incredible attractions. So, here are our picks of the best things to do in Bamberg, Germany for every visitor.
The UNESCO town of Bamberg, located in the northeastern part of Bavaria, is known for many things.
It has medieval architecture, traditional half-timbered houses, an imposing cathedral, a beautiful palace, cobblestone streets, river canals, an old stone bridge, and a thriving beer scene.
It's nicknamed the Franconian Rome due to the fact that it was built on seven hills that give the city a unique look.
Plus it has one of the most picturesque Old Towns in Bavaria.
No wonder Bamberg is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.
If you're wondering what is there to see and do in Bamberg, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into it!
Walk Around the Old Town (Altstadt)
No matter whether you come to Bamberg for beer, Little Venice, or medieval architecture, your steps will quickly lead you to the historical part known as the Old Town (Altstadt in German).
Chances are you've already booked a hotel within this area, so you can start exploring right away.
The best part is that if you're visiting Germany on a budget, you can see the Old Town and most of its attractions for free.
Apart from Little Venice, here you will find Altes Rathaus, New Palace, Rose Garden, Bamberg Cathedral, traditional breweries, cozy pubs, various bridges, the Regnitz River, and much more.
Soak in the UNESCO Heritage
There is something about UNESCO World Heritage Sites that sets them apart from the rest of the bunch, and Bamberg is no exception.
Bamberg is a prime example of an early medieval town with a layout typical of central European architecture of that time.
The city gained importance during the reign of Henry II right after he became the King of Germany in 1007, though the banks of River Regnitz were first settled during the Stone Age.
Bamberg became an influential city in the Holy Roman Empire during the early Middle Ages and was ruled by the prince-bishops who held both secular and religious authority.
It has over 1300 protected buildings with various architectural styles from medieval to Baroque eras.
If you want to see more UNESCO-listed sites in Bavaria, visit the Pilgrimage Church of Wies, Wurzburg Residence, or Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth.
Take a Photo of Half-Timbered Houses
Bamberg's town center is filled with tons of well-preserved half-timbered houses, which are so typical for the Bavarian state.
These buildings have a truly distinctive look, combining steep roofs (suitable for rain and snow), wooden beams (usually oak timber), and infill panels (made from plaster, brick, or cob).
One of the most notable features of the decoration is the St. Andrew's crosses (a diagonal cross also known as a saltire).
The houses were built mostly between the 13th and 16th centuries, with modern times bringing a big focus on historic preservation.
Today, half-timbered houses make up some of the most stunning features the city of Bamberg has to offer, and you can see them pretty much everywhere you go (within the Old Town, obviously).
Some of the finest examples are the Altes Rathaus and the row of houses known as the Little Venice.
If you want to see more of this architectural style, we recommend visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which is incredibly scenic.
Stay in Bamberg Overnight
One of the most rewarding ways to enjoy Bamberg is by spending a night there.
The overall experience will be much more relaxed, and you will get a chance to walk around the Old Town in the evening or get up early in the morning and see the streets without crowds.
Bamberg offers plenty of accommodations for all kinds of travelers, with the exception of luxury 5-star hotels.
The best area to stay in Bamberg is the Old Town, as you will have everything (attractions, pubs, stores, train/bus stations, etc.) within walking distance.
We stayed a bit further (but still within walking distance from the town center) as we found a great deal on a hotel for a night.
Some of the most popular hotels in Bamberg are the BB Hotel Bamberg (ideal for budget travelers), Best Western Hotel Bamberg, and Le Baldinger Boutique Hotel (ideal for couples, families, or those seeking a bit of luxury).
Marvel at the Altes Rathaus
Sitting in the middle of the Regnitz River on a tiny island, the Old Town Hall is one of the most beautiful medieval houses you can see in Bavaria.
The Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus in German) was the main center of Bamberg's civic power in the past.
Today, it's one of the main attractions in Bamberg, and it is pretty much on every itinerary.
Inside, it's a museum with the Ludwig Collection and a charming rococo hall.
The Old Town Hall combines Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo styles that you can often see on similar structures.
Add intricate frescoes to the mix, and you'll get an incredibly picturesque house.
The best part is that you can enjoy all that beauty from outside for free.
Visit E.T.A. Hoffman House
E.T.A. Hoffman was a German writer, painter, composer, and the author of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (later adapted by Tchaikovsky as the famous The Nutcracker ballet).
He lived in Bamberg between 1809 and 1813 in a house on Schillerplatz.
Today, this place, known as E.T.A. Hoffman's House, is open to the public and contains tons of information on his life and work.
There is a small admission fee to E.T.A. Hoffman's House (which is unfortunately closed for renovation till 2026, though you can still see it from outside).
Some other notable people connected with Bamberg are Henry II (Holy Roman Empire emperor), Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (one of the most influential German philosophers), and Willy Messerschmitt (a German aircraft designer).
Bamberg Bus
One of the easiest ways to see Bamberg is by taking the red-colored Bamberg Bus.
This is a traditional hop-on hop-off bus that departs from the Bahnhof (main train station) and includes 15 stops.
If you're pressed for time, this is an ideal way to visit some of the most popular places in Bamberg, such as Domplatz, Rathhaus, Schillerplatz, etc.
Bamberg Bus runs from the 1st of March to the beginning of January.
Hike to Altenburg
The former residence of bishops is located on the tallest hill of Bamberg, about two kilometers from the Old Town.
The first record of the castle is from 1109, though it's presumed that it was built on a spot of an earlier fortification.
The castle is dominated by the 33-meter keep, which is the only remaining medieval construction within the complex.
Today, Altenburg Castle is open to the public (you can climb the tower for a small fee) and has a lovely beer garden.
It takes about 20-30 minutes to get there on foot, depending on your fitness level.
The castle is quite small compared to the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg or Veste Coburg, but the views are well worth the effort.
Plus, it's definitely the best walk Bamberg offers for those who want to stay active during their holiday.
Little Venice (Klein Venedig)
With such a cool name, it's not surprising that Little Venice is one of the top attractions in Bamberg that is pretty much on everyone's itinerary.
Just keep your excitement down a notch (especially if you've ever been to Venice), as this is far from it.
This former fishermen's village located in Bamberg's Island City is basically a row of traditional half-timbered houses overlooking the Regnitz River.
And that's it.
The views are picturesque, but we must admit we expected a bit more.
The Little Venice is best seen from the Am Leinritt street, west of the Alter Rathaus.
Take a Walking Tour
Bamberg is a remarkable city with many beautiful landmarks, cobblestone streets, and hidden corners.
While the city can be easily explored independently, guided tours are ideal for travelers who prefer not to worry about getting lost or missing important sights during their vacation.
If you're one of them, this extremely popular Bamberg City Walking Tour is exactly what you're looking for.
In roughly two hours, you will see as much of Bamberg (the cathedral, Little Venice, the Old Court, the New Residence, the Rose Garden, etc.) as possible.
Marvel at the Bamberg Cathedral Architecture
Bamberg Cathedral of St. Peter and St. George, known as Bamberger Dom or simply Kaiserdom, is one of the most famous historic landmarks in the city.
The 94-meter-long cathedral with four towers was built in 1004 by the emperor Henry II, so it is not surprising that the east chancel is dedicated to St. George, which symbolizes the Holy Roman Empire.
The structure itself burnt a few times, and as the construction took quite a long time, it features Romanesque and early Gothic architectural styles.
The cathedral is known for its beautiful nativity altar made by Veit Stoß, stunning sculptures, the mysterious Bamberg Horseman (Bamberger Reiter), and the burial place of Pope Clement II.
Bamberg Cathedral is free to enter and has seasonal opening times (usually between 9 AM to 4:30-6 PM).
Walk Along the Regnitz River
One of our favorite things to do in Bamberg was simply strolling along the Regnitz River, which is formed by the confluence of the Rednitz and Pegnitz rivers.
Interestingly enough, Pegnitz flows through Nuremberg's Old Town, and the walk along this river was also one of the highlights of our visit to this city.
Anyway, the river has two arms, with Linker Regnitzarm being the most picturesque of those two.
The walk along this river bank gives you the opportunity to see Little Venice, Altes Rathaus, and the whole Island City.
There is a lovely walking/cycling trail along the Regnitz River, suitable for all ages and abilities.
If you have time, our tip is to walk for three kilometers south to Stadtpark Hain to see the River Regnitz bifurcation ( a place where the river splits into two).
Bamberg Breweries
Many towns in Bavaria are home to breweries producing fantastic beers, and Bamberg is no exception.
In fact, Bamberg is, together with Kelheim (see Weltenburg Abbey), Bayreuth, and, of course, Munich, one of the best beer destinations you can explore in Bavaria.
With so much beer history, it's evident that visiting at least one of the pubs or breweries is inevitable.
Even if you're not a beer person, trying the traditional Rauchbier made from smoked malt (malt dried in a smoke) should be on your list.
They say it's the best smoked beer in the world, but honestly, they all taste very similar.
Some of the most famous breweries are Schlenkerla, Spezial, Klosterbrau, Fassla, Ambrausianum, and Mahrs Brau.
You can explore these places on your own or take a tour with a local.
This popular Bamberg Beer History Tour helps you better understand the importance of beer for this region, as well as the history and culture that comes with it.
Our tip is to always book with the optional tasting that usually includes four different types of beers.
Try the Smoked Beer at Schlenkerla
Schlenkerla is a historic pub with its own brewery known for its traditional smoked beer, the Rauchbier.
It's located in Bamberg's town center at Dominikanerstraße, and it's easy to spot as there's usually a crowd of various sizes in front of it (yes, you can even have a beer and enjoy it in the street).
Both Lucie and I are not exactly fans of smoked beers (probably because they taste like smoked meat), but we couldn't say no to a traditional product produced right in the city.
As we've already had a smoked beer a few times back home, we knew this would be a one-beer-only experience.
Honestly, the very distinctive taste makes this type of beer a bit harder to consume, and we believe that one or two beers are more than enough for most visitors (though they also have some different beers if you plan to stay longer there).
If you're hungry, you can sit inside the pub with a traditional wooden decor and try some of the regional German dishes.
Note that there is also another traditional brewpub in Bamberg known as Spezial.
It has a great beer garden with amazing city views, so the only downside is that it's located about a 15-minute walk from the Altes Rathaus (Schlenkerla is about 100 meters from here and on the way to Domplatz).
Natural History Museum
Bamberg's Natural History Museum is one of those places most international visitors skip.
But if you have extra time and find the permanent exhibitions ranging from local geology to fauna and flora as something that might interest you, why not stop by?
The museum is set in a beautiful historic building, has an interesting bird exhibition, and is often fairly quiet.
So if you're tired of crowds at places like Deutsches Museum or Germanisches Nationalmuseum, this might be a nice change.
The entrance fee to Bamberg's Natural History Museum is €3.50 for adults, and you can find it at Fleischstraße.
The opening times are 9 AM to 5 PM from April to September (10 AM to 4 PM in the off-season), and don't forget that the museum is closed on Mondays.
Tour the New Residence (Neue Residenz)
The next Bamberg's must-see on our list is the New Residence, situated just across the road from the Bamberger Dom.
The New Residence is admittedly not as impressive as the Wurzburg Residence or Munich Residence, but it's still worth seeing.
As usual, some rooms are filled with Baroque art, but the main highlight is undoubtedly the impressive Imperial Hall.
This one was painted by Melchior Steidl from 1707 to 1709 for Prince-Bishop Lothar Franz von Schonborn.
Imperial Halls were an integral part of governmental seas during the 17th and 18th centuries, and this one is probably the most important Late-Baroque interior in the Franconia region.
The intricate ceiling artwork has a heavenly theme.
The painting and the stuccos give the room with a relatively low ceiling an illusion of height.
The main theme shows the emperor's role as the Holy Roman Empire's ruler and the position of Prince-Bishop Lothar Franz.
Even if the old paintings usually bore you, the Imperial Hall is worth the trip.
By the way, don't confuse it with the New Residence in Bayreuth. They have the same names but are obviously different places.
While you're there, make sure also to explore the Rose Garden, about which we'll talk in a second.
Admire Roses in the Rose Garden
If you have the New Residence on your itinerary, make sure to stop at the adjacent Rose Garden.
This well-landscaped garden built by Friedrich Karl von Schonborn is home to more than 4500 roses that put up stunning shows between late spring and early fall.
We happened to be in Bamberg in mid-April, and while the Rosegarden was open to the public, the roses were yet to bloom.
While this was a bit unfortunate, we could still enjoy the lovely views of Bamberg's Old Town and the endless sea of red roofs.
The view itself makes the garden worth seeing even if you come in the off-season.
The New Residence's Rose Garden is free to enter.
Note that the garden is tiny, and if you come just for the views, it won't take more than 5-10 minutes to see it all.
Visit the Bamberg Historical Museum
If you're a history geek or Bamberg's rich past is something that interests you, the Museum of History might be a great addition to your itinerary.
You will discover pretty much everything about Bamberg here, from how it looked during different eras to the artifacts from the local excavations, the Jewish community, and the romantic paintings.
The museum is housed in Old Court on Cathedral Square, just across the street from the Bamberger Dom and Neue Residenz.
This little complex has a lovely courtyard with half-timbered houses, so it's worth seeing just for that.
By the way, you can also visit the Diocesan Museum (also right next to the main cathedral) while in Bamberg, which is home to the 11th-century Imperial Star Cloak owned by Emperor Heinrich II.
St. Michael's Monastery
St. Michael's Monastery (or Michaelsberg Abbey in German) is one of the most popular stops in Bamberg.
We knew that it was under construction during our visit, but we still made a quick stop there to take a glimpse of this medieval landmark.
Similar to Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds or St. Peter Cathedral (in Regengsburg), these repairs take years.
So, the entire church was practically hidden behind scaffolding, and we could only use our imagination to picture what the church looked like without it.
St. Michael's Monastery was founded in 1015 during the reign of Emperor Heinrich II and featured several architectural styles like Romanesque, neo-gothic, or Baroque.
The main highlight of the church is the fresco known as Celestial Garden, containing almost 600 flowers and herbs.
The adjacent terraced garden is worth seeing any time of the year as it offers some beautiful views of Bamberg.
Take a Trip to Seehof Castle
Only 8 kilometers northeast of Bamberg is a small village called Memmelsdorf, home to the beautiful Seehof Castle.
It was built as a summer house during the 15th century for Bamberg's prince-bishops, so you can be sure it's all very scenic.
The castle can be explored only with a guided tour for a small fee, or you can just walk around the gardens for free.
Keep in mind that the castle is open only from March to November (9 AM - 6 PM) and is closed in winter.
As the castle has a beautiful, well-landscaped garden, the best time to visit is usually from late spring to early summer (similar to Linderhof Palace, Hermitage Bayreuth, Schlosspark Nymphenburg, etc.).
The easiest way to get to Schloss Seehof is by car (a large, paid parking lot is available there).
Alternatively, you can also take a bus to Memmelsdorf and walk to the castle from there.
If you're looking for a great trip from Bamberg, Seehof Castle should be on your list.
Take a Boat Trip along the Danube River
On a beautiful sunny day, you may be swayed by the idea of a relaxing cruise along the Regnitz River, taking in the sights from a different perspective.
You will see the Little Venice and also a confluence of Regnitz and Main River (a tributary to Rhein, one of Europe's main waterways).
The boat trips depart from Bamberg's city center from a pier right next to the stone bridge.
The boat trip takes about 80 minutes and is usually available from March till the end of October.
Similar boat trips are available in many Bavarian cities, such as Wurzburg or Regensburg.
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.
