Planning on a visit to Bamberg, Germany, for your holiday? Here is our hand-picked list of the top activities and attractions in Bamberg, Germany, so you can make the most of your time there. Scroll down for the best things to do in Bamberg, Germany, and the best places to visit in Bamberg, Germany. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3.0 travel startup with ambitious goals to change the world.
Table Of Content
- Alte Hofhaltung
- Altenburg
- Altes Rathaus
- Bamberg Cathedral
- Bamberger Kreuzweg
- Carmelite Monastery
- Diocesan Museum
- E. T. A. Hoffmanns House
- Grüner Markt
- Historisches Museum
- Klein Venedig (Little Venice)
- Maximiliansplatz
- Michaelsberg Abbey
- Neue Residenz
- Obere Pfarre
- Rosengarten
- Sammlung Ludwig
- Sandkerwa
- Schlenkerla
- Seehof Palace
- Explore Europe
Alte Hofhaltung
This once-glorified palace, situated on the north side of Bamberg’s magnificent cathedral, is still a spectacular half-timbered Gothic pile with Renaissance design.
It features a huge courtyard that is being used for regular special events.
Bamberg’s medieval episcopal court’s commercial and residential buildings make up this Renaissance complex.
There are still remnants of the first chapels and palaces in the inner courtyard of the Alte Hofhaltung, dating back to the early 11th century when the diocese was established.
A Gothic Style timber-framed gallery, together with a smattering of other structures, lines the eastern corner of this complex.
A 16th-century Prachtportal (Magnificent Portal), which features a figure of Mary in front of an image of the cathedral, is the only way to get here from Cathedral Square.
You will see an 11th-century assembly hall and beautiful rooms like the frescoed Kaisersaal, the principal banqueting entrance, and China’s Kabinet with its marquetry-covered walls inside.
See and explore this beautiful wonder of Bamberg!
Address: Dompl. 7, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
Altenburg
A castle perched on top of Bamberg’s highest hill
Since the 12th century, the city’s highest hill has been protected. It has served as a haven for Bamberg residents during fights and attacks.
However, the Bishops of Bamberg purchased the property in the mid-13th century. They used it as their house until it was wrecked during Second Margrave War around 1553.
After that, the Altenburg was used as a jail until it was repaired in the early 1800s by a companion of writer E. T. A. Hoffmann.
Hoffmann took refuge in one of the wall towers in 1812. The “Hoffmannsklause” café in the former palace’s replacement building bears his name.
The only surviving elements of the medieval structure are the 13th-century keep and portions of the surrounding wall.
There is a spectacular view of the episcopal town and surrounding region from the terrace.
You will witness a spectacular view of the episcopal town and surrounding region from the terrace.
Don’t miss visiting this historic and beautiful castle of Bamberg!
Address: Altenburg 1, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
Altes Rathaus
Townhall in the middle of a river bridge
The historic town hall in Bamberg, with its beautiful frescoes, has a fascinating backstory. The Bishop of Bamberg declined to provide the city’s citizens land for a town hall in the 14th century.
So they chose to build it on stakes in the Regnitz River, near the ecclesiastical and merchant city’s border.
This old town hall is among the most significant and attractive structures in the city’s historic district.
It is a collection of buildings connected by bridges, and the Ludwig Museum is presently housed within its boundaries.
The town hall’s location is intriguing. It is situated on a man-made island in the Regnitz River.
The town hall’s tower is crossed by a bridge. Because of this, this old town hall is sometimes referred to as the “Town Hall on the Bridge.”
You will be amazed by the facade of this landmark because some parts of the town hall were designed in Gothic style.
Cross the bridge and witness the astounding beauty of this old town hall.
Address: Ob. Brücke, 96047 Bamberg, Germany
Bamberg Cathedral
Take a peek at the medieval era.
Bamberg Cathedral, established by Holy Roman Emperor Henry II in the early 11th century, boasts amazing Medieval architecture and unique works of art.
Bamberg Cathedral’s four green towers dominate the town’s skyline.
Since its construction in 1002-1012, the cathedral has been rebuilt and remodeled multiple times.
The tomb of Henry II and his spouse Kunigunde, sculpted by Renaissance master Tilman Riemenschneider over 14 years from Franconian limestone, is a must-see.
The cathedral is well-known for its many beautiful sculptures, carvings, and magnificent choirs.
Another magnificent work of art, the Bamberger Reiter, may be found nearby, perched atop a column. Suppose it weren’t for the astonishing level of naturalism in this sculpture.
In that case, you’d never guess it dates from the first decades of the thirteenth century.
From the carvings on the three major gates, the marble tomb of Pope Clement II, to two crypts, the exquisite stalls in the western choir, and a bewildering array of altars, there is much more to explore.
Drop by and pay your respects before exploring the beautiful city of Bamberg!
Address: Dompl., 96049 Bamberg, Germany
Bamberger Kreuzweg
Looking for a pilgrimage site in Germany? Bamberg houses the oldest Way of the Cross in the country!
Heinrich Marschalk von Raueneck donated the “via Dolorosa” to Bamberg in 1503 so that people may reenact Jesus Christ’s crucifixion in the late Middle Ages.
A knight with connections to the Michaelsberg Abbey drew it up in the early 1600s.
From the Church of St. Elisabeth to the Church of St. Getreu, there are nine stations on the Bamberger Kreuzweg.
Each station features a relief depicting a scene from the Passion: Jesus carrying the cross, encountering his mother, being assisted by Simon of Cyrene, and encountering the sobbing women.
Collapsing under the burden of the cross, dying, being grieved by Mary, and finally being placed to rest are also some of the scenes depicted in the stations.
The remarkable pictures of faith in sandstone are well-preserved and full of emotion. It is a great spot to visit, especially during Holy Week.
Don’t miss visiting this religious and artistic tourist attraction!
Address: Geyerswörthstrasse 5, 96047 Bamberg, Germany
Carmelite Monastery
Walkthrough the beautiful hallways of Carmelite Monastery
The Carmelite Monastery is a monastery in the city of Bamberg, Germany. It is one of the 304 monasteries that exist in the country.
Leonhard Dientzenhofer transformed the 12th-century abbey into a baroque masterpiece between 1692 and 1701.
A 13th-century late Romanesque cloister lies hidden below the monastery’s baroque façade, which is this attraction’s most notable 13th-century feature.
St. Theodor’s church was a portion of a Cistercian convent where the nuns cared for sick people in the 13th century. It is one of the world’s largest and oldest monasteries run by this group.
You must not forget to visit the shop on-site, which also sells religious items, books, music, and food made by other monasteries in the area.
Don’t miss visiting this spot! It is a great place to reflect and witness a part of Bamberg’s rich cultural and religious history.
Address: Karmelitenplatz 1, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
Diocesan Museum
Have you ever been to a religious museum?
The cathedral treasury, whose precious treasures can be shown in the chapter house, served as the foundation for the Diözesanmuseum. Exhibits span more than a millennium of diocesan history.
The museum possesses enough treasures to provide light on Bamberg’s diocese’s wealth and influence, despite the loss of much of its holdings to secularization.
The coat used by Holy Roman Emperor Henry II & Kunigunde, and the 11th-century Pope Clement II, are among the most spectacular tapestries and vestments.
The coat depicts the sky tent with the zodiac signs stitched in gold threads on a purple background. The Christian stars extend radially around the cloak.
Meanwhile, the Guntertuch is an 11th-century silk tapestry representing a Byzantine emperor’s triumphant homecoming from a successful expedition.
There are also drinking glasses, portable altars, lamps, a silver image of Mary for processions, and a small army of Gothic and Baroque statues in the museum’s collection.
Drop by and explore this unusual religious attraction!
Address: Domplatz 5, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
E. T. A. Hoffmanns House
Take a peek at the humble abode of the influential Romantic author.
E.T.A. Hoffmann, the painter, composer, and poet, arrived in Bamberg in 1808 and took on the theater’s musical director position.
His years at Bamberg, which lasted till 1813, were not the happiest of his life, but they laid the foundation for the rest of his working career.
The museum in this city currently uses inventive displays to express the essence of his writings and his personality.
The museum’s courtyard has a “magic garden,” which is the foundation of his story “The Golden Pot.” The garden is full of famous quotes and images from his work.
A card theater model shows the story of “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” There is a loge with decorations that tie in with Hoffmann’s best-known opera, “Undine.”
Hoffmann’s quarters are designed on the second floor as they were when he lived here.
Visit this spot and witness the home of the famous author!
Address: Schillerpl. 26, 96047 Bamberg, Germany
Grüner Markt
Where the pedestrian zone of the city begins.
The vibrant Grüner Markt square is located in the Island District, close to the modern town center.
Green Market is the principal meeting point for young and old, with its many vendors selling vegetables and fruit from the region and beyond from Monday to Saturday.
You can also find the various stores, cafés, and the fountain, known as Gabelman.
This part of town is newer, but it still features colorful buildings and lovely architecture.
In fact, some people prefer this side of the river to the core of the Old Town since it is less crowded with tourists.
Several hotels in this neighborhood make it a beautiful place to stay. The Maximiliansplatz, Neptunbrunnen, and the Naturkunde Museum are attractions on this side of the river.
Hang out with your friends while sipping your coffee or beer in this vibrant market!
Address: Bamberg, Germany
Historisches Museum
Uncover the culture and history of this World Heritage City
The museum houses extensive collections of the city’s art, culture, and history from prehistoric to the twenty-first century.
The photo gallery features 100 masterpieces by Pieter Breughel the Younger, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Otto Modersohn.
Portraits, furniture, fabrics, jewelry, musical instruments, and household appliances are also displayed here.
These are displayed to provide insight into bourgeoisie life in Bamberg in the nineteenth century.
You can also journey back in time to learn about Bamberg’s problematic connection with the Regnitz River, which caused flooding in the city.
A popular permanent exhibition about Bamberg’s Jewish community has been displayed since 2015.
You shouldn’t miss these worth-seeing departments inside the museum.
Among the things to must-see are the “Time and Space” and the “lm Fluss der Geschichte” a UNESCO award-winning city and cultural department.
Museums are the spots you can’t avoid if you wish to learn about the city you are traveling to.
Make sure to drop by and learn a thing or two about Bamberg!
Address: Dompl. 7, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
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Klein Venedig (Little Venice)
You’re in Germany, but why not have a Venetian experience as well?
Little Venice is a charming former fishermen’s neighborhood in Bamberg’s Island City.
Half-timbered structures that hold one another up and little, lovely gardens characterize this neighborhood.
You can take a stroll along the left bank of the Regnitz River, located after the Altes Rathaus.
You can rest here on the side of the river to admire Bamberg’s old fisherman’s area.
The half-timbered houses were mostly constructed during the Middle Ages.
They’re crammed together along the riverbank, making for a charming and scenic backdrop, with boats docked near the front gardens.
You can visit the Old Slaughterhouse, partly built over water and with a cow sculpture over its entryway near the eastern end of the attraction.
Traditional water jousts occur in this little neighborhood during Bamberg’s Sanderkwa folk festival.
Don’t forget to add this charming spot to your Bamberg itinerary!
Address: Am Leinritt, 96047 Bamberg, Germany
Maximiliansplatz
A must-see fountain in Bamberg!
The Maximiliansplatz is Bamberg’s central square and the largest in the city.
It was given this name in honor of King Max I of Bavaria, commemorated by a beautiful fountain in his honor.
In addition to a slew of baroque townhouses, Maximiliansplatz is highlighted by the New Town Hall, which dates back to the early nineteenth century.
It would be perfect for visiting this spot during Christmas. As the holiday season approaches, Bamberg transforms into a snowy town brimming with charm.
Christmas markets, Advent music, and Nativity stations are just a few of the features that, year after year, infuse the World Heritage City with a sense of wintry magic and romance.
A Christmas market is set up in the pedestrian zone of Maximiliansplatz during the Advent season.
The zone includes a big Franconian half-timber nativity scene showing several scenes from the Christmas story and a large Christmas tree.
Visit this square and have incredible sightseeing!
Address: Maximilianspl.96047, Bamberg, Germany
Michaelsberg Abbey
Another impressive architectural wonder you must visit!
From across Bamberg, the towers of this old Benedictine monastery may be seen atop one of the seven hills.
Michaelsberg Abbey was founded in 1015 and renovated by Bishop Otto in the following century.
The church was restored in the neo-gothic style after a fire in 1610. The Dientzenhofer siblings gave the abbey a baroque makeover in the 18th century.
The magnificent church exterior with its dramatic flight of steps, St. Otto’s tomb, and the neo-gothic reticulated vault are all well worth seeing.
Otto’s portrait is depicted on a plate at the top of the tomb, and there is a little passageway through the tomb that is said to alleviate backache if you stoop through it.
The “celestial garden,” a fresco with 578 flowers and herbs, is a centerpiece inside the chapel.
From the terrace behind the church, you can see the whole city. The baroque landscaped gardens with a fountain and two cabanas are a great place to walk.
Come by and see for yourself the healing and beauty this place offers!
Address: Michaelsberg 10f, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
Neue Residenz
Experience a stroll in a palace
The New Residence was the official residence of Bamberg’s prince bishops until 1802.
Stucco ceilings, antique furniture, and rugs from the 17th and 18th centuries are just some of the highlights of the more than 40 exquisite rooms.
There are two original Renaissance buildings, and then Baroque expansions were erected a century later, making it the city’s largest and most impressive palace.
You should check out the imperial hall, which has been painted by Melchior Steidl, one of the most worth-seeing areas of this destination!
Many artworks from the Bavarian State art collections can be seen in the “Baroque Gallery” and the “Old German Gallery.”
The Rose Garden, located in the inner court of the New Residence, offers a breathtaking view over the city of Bamberg and the surrounding countryside.
This spot is too stunning, so make sure to make your way out and explore the halls of this palace!
Address: Domplatz 8, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
Obere Pfarre
The only pure Gothic church in the city
This High Gothic church, which was built in the 14th century, contains a great deal of original construction.
Original furnishings and a Late Gothic choir, and Baroque decorations in the nave, are among the other features.
Upon exiting the building, make your way to the northern Brautportal, also known as the “Bridal Portal.”
It is an open vestibule with sculptures depicting the tale of the wise and foolish virgins on the doorway and the Coronation of Mary shown in the tympanum.
The square tower on the southwestern side of the church may appear out of place.
However, it was originally constructed as a city watchtower before being annexed by the church.
You should also look out for Tintoretto’s painting of the Assumption of Mary in the right aisle of the church.
This is another spot for pilgrimage in Germany. Make sure to drop by and take your time to appreciate its beauty and uniqueness.
Address: Lower Kaulberg 6, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
Rosengarten
The magical rose garden of Neue Residenz
This garden was originally designed as a Renaissance garden, but it was transformed into its current Baroque shape in the 1730s.
Around 4,500 roses are planted in the Rosengarten’s regulated flowerbeds, surrounded by low, closely groomed hedges.
The perfectly organized spaces and roundels are in keeping with the elaborate concept of a modern garden.
Apart from the fact that it is surrounded by beautiful flowers, the rose garden in the yard of the New Residence provides a stunning view of the Michaelsberg and historic town.
Bamberg court sculptor Ferdinand Tietz built the garden statues in 1760/61 and mix with flowers to create a beautiful ensemble.
A calm café in the garden pavilion welcomes you to stay awhile.
If you wish to take a break from the tourist-filled city, this spot is a great place to recharge your batteries.
Address: Domplatz 8, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
Sammlung Ludwig
A museum of porcelain in the middle of a river.
The Old Town Hall in the center of Bamberg is one of the world’s most magnificent buildings, bathed in the Regnitz River’s light.
The Ludwig Bamberg collection is housed here, a treasure trove of faience and porcelain with baroque jewels from the 18th century.
When you visit Bamberg, you will have the opportunity to see one of the world’s most important treasures of early European porcelain.
The Ludwig Collection may be found on the first floor of the Old Townhall.
The old courtroom of the old town hall may be found on the museum’s second level, which is also worth a visit.
There isn’t a single private collection of Strasbourg faience this large outside of France.
One of the highlights is an extremely uncommon turkey-shaped tureen, which is impressive in and of itself due to the scale and lifelikeness of the painting.
There is so much to see. That is why make sure to see the sparkles by yourself!
Address: Obere Brucke 1, 96047 Bamberg
Sandkerwa
You can’t say you’ve been to Germany without drinking a beer bottle. The best way to slurp it is during a festival!
The Sandgebiet, Bamberg’s oldest area, hosts one of Bavaria’s greatest folk festivals, attracting 300,000 visitors in mid-August.
The Sandkerwa has its origins in a Medieval feast for St. Elisabeth’s Church.
Beer stands line the old town’s narrow streets near the river, and people crowd into beer gardens like one next to the Schenkerla tavern.
Fisherstechen, or “water jousting,” is a tradition going on since the 15th century. It takes place at the Regnitz in Klein Venedig.
The Sandkerwa is one of Bavaria’s biggest and most beautiful folk festivals. It is the most beautiful folk festival in Bamberg.
The festival takes place for 5 consecutive days to celebrate the consecration of St. Elisabethenkirche.
You can’t miss this festivity! Have fun over a bottle of beer or two with your family and friends!
Address: Bamberg, Germany
Schlenkerla
Of course, there is an excellent spot for beer lovers in Bamberg!
The famous smoked beer brewery Schlenkerla is located in the heart of Bamberg, right beneath the towering cathedral.
It dates back to 1405, has been managed by the Trum family for six generations, and is the source of Bamberg’s specialty “Aecht Schlenkerla” smoke beer.
Smoke beer is nevertheless poured directly from the oak barrels, as is traditional.
Anyone who has not visited Bamberg and sampled the pungent, distinct flavor of “Aecht Schlenkerla” smoke beer cannot claim to have visited the city.
“Schlenkerla” has long been a magical term in Bamberg, yet few people know where it came from.
Several centuries ago, the inn was named after a previous in-house brewer because of his shaky (schlenkernd) gait, which had been affected by accident.
This is such an awesome spot to try the famous beer of Bamberg. Make sure to visit the brewery during your travel!
Address: Dominikanerstrasse 6, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
Seehof Palace
Even if Bamberg’s historic old town is beautiful, it is worthwhile to spend some time exploring the surrounding area as well.
A bus will take you to the village of Memmelsdorf, where the magnificent Seehof Palace may be found.
Built in 1686 as a vacation residence for the prince bishops of Bamberg, Seehof Palace near Memmelsdorf awes tourists with its gorgeous park and cascades.
Seehof Palace is also well known as a National Historic Site.
The Seehof palace in Memmelsdorf is sometimes referred to as Marquardsburg, after the architect who designed it, which is Marquard Schenk von Stauffenberg.
Of course, the castle’s inside will be adorned with gorgeous furniture and decorations.
During the 18th century, the palace gardens were one of Germany’s most famous Rococo gardens. It was home to the royal family.
Approximately 400 stone statues and benches were erected throughout the garden you can witness and adore.
Make your way out of the city and visit this town!
Still unsure to make Bamberg, Germany, your next destination? Visit why visit Bamberg, Germany, at least once in your lifetime here.
Address: 96117 Memmelsdorf, Germany
