Things to Do in Bamberg: The 10 Best Attractions

Four Facts About Bamberg

• When people lovingly refer to the Franconian Rome, they mean Bamberg. Just like Rome, Bamberg was built on seven hills.
• Beer flows in Bamberg like in almost no other German city. 13 breweries within the city limits alone and over 400 different types of beer — no wonder Bamberg is also known as the beer capital.
• Bamberg is a very popular university town: one in six residents is a student!
• 4,500 — that’s how many roses you can admire in Bamberg’s rose park in summer.

Where Is Bamberg?

Bamberg is located in the north of Bavaria in Upper Franconia.

The nearest major city is Nuremberg, about an hour away by car.

The beautiful Würzburg is approximately 100 kilometers from Bamberg as the crow flies.

Franconian Switzerland is right on Bamberg’s doorstep — it’s an incredibly popular region for hiking and cycling.

The 10 Best Things to Do in Bamberg

As a UNESCO World Heritage city, Bamberg naturally has a lot to offer. Here are the top Bamberg attractions that every visitor should see.

Bamberg Cathedral

Bamberg Cathedral is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and is a must-see on any city trip to Bamberg. The church has four massive towers that you can see from every direction.

The interior is just as impressive: you’ll find intricate sculptures like the Bamberg Horseman and several important tombs of a pope and an imperial couple. If you want to dig deeper, there are various guided tours available. There are special programs for children with fun puzzles and craft activities too.

The Old Town Hall

Bamberg’s Old Town Hall is almost certainly the only one in Germany that stands right in the middle of a river. No joke: the town hall sits on an artificial island in the Regnitz.

The facade is decorated with beautiful frescoes and, as is typical of Bamberg, the half-timbered style is not to be missed. Particularly quirky is the small annex to the main building that seems to hover over the water.

This is the standout sight in Bamberg — get there early to beat the biggest tourist crowds.

Our tip: The best view of the Old Town Hall is from the Geyerwörthsteg bridge — the classic postcard view of Bamberg.

Little Venice

A piece of Italy in Franconia: in Little Venice, some of the most beautiful half-timbered houses in Bamberg line up side by side, some adorned with colorful flowers on the balconies and some with lovely gardens. All of them sit directly on the Regnitz — which was extremely convenient for the fishermen who once lived here.

Stroll along the opposite bank for a great view of the whole scene. Or make it a bit more of an adventure: you can take a ride in a traditional gondola along the Regnitz. It’s not quite a gondola ride in Venice, of course, but still seriously romantic.

Gondola ride through Little Venice

The Garden City

Bamberg isn’t just about pretty houses. Right in the heart of the city there’s a green core that makes it truly unique: tucked among old buildings and narrow alleyways lies a vast fruit-growing area — right in the middle of the city! Herbs, shrubs, flowers, and delicious fruit all grow here.

You can explore the garden city on a five-kilometer circular trail. Be sure to stop by the Leaning Tower, where you’ll have a great view. To wrap things up, a visit to the farm store is a must — stock up on fresh fruit before you head on.

The Sams House

A visit to Mr. Taschenbier and his cheeky roommate with the pig nose? No blue wish-dots required!

At Judenstraße 16 stands the house where the Sams movies were filmed. On a guided tour, you’ll learn all about the tricks and techniques used during filming and visit the most important filming locations in Bamberg. If you’re traveling to Bamberg with kids, this is an absolute highlight.

To the tour: In the Footsteps of the Sams

Erba Park

Erba Park is our top pick for families with children. It’s a park on Erba Island and ideal for unwinding from everyday life. For the kids there are several playgrounds, a water playground, a climbing tower, and a slide — the little ones can really let loose here.

Sandkerwa

The Sandkerwa is not only the biggest folk festival in Bamberg, but also one of the largest in Bavaria — the Munich Oktoberfest aside, of course. It takes place over several days in August.

There’s live music, a small funfair, and even a fireworks show to close things out. Make sure you catch the traditional jousting on boats, where participants try to knock each other into the water using long poles — it’s great fun to watch.

Grüner Markt

If you’re in the mood for some serious shopping, the Grüner Markt is the place to be. Department stores, charming cafés and restaurants all line the street here. From Monday to Friday, market stalls sell fresh fruit, vegetables, and plenty more treats.

While you’re there, also check out Maximiliansplatz, the largest square in the city center. Every Saturday a farmers’ market is held there, where you can find delicious Franconian specialties like the Bamberger Hörnla.

The New Residence

The New Residence is one of the most magnificent buildings in Bamberg. Inside you’ll find 40 rooms, each more lavish than the last, with elaborate stucco work, ceiling paintings, and sculptures. It also houses the State Gallery with a large collection of paintings.

But even if you don’t go inside, it’s totally worth a visit: in front of the residence lies the rose garden. In more than 70 flower beds, thousands of roses grow here, filling the air with a scent that will go straight to your head. There’s also a small café where you can sit back and relax with a cappuccino.

St. Michael's Monastery

On one of Bamberg’s seven hills sits the Michaelsberg monastery complex, easily reached with a short walk. Unfortunately the building is currently under renovation and can’t be entered.

No matter, though — the view from outside alone makes the climb worthwhile: with its pointed turrets, the monastery looks almost like a castle. The lush park grounds invite you to linger. How about a picnic under a tree while you take in the stunning panorama of Bamberg?

The Best Way to Explore Bamberg’s Highlights

Distances in Bamberg are pleasantly short and you can easily explore the city on foot.

If you plan to use the bus more often, we’d suggest getting the BambergCard instead of buying individual public transit tickets. With the BambergCard you can not only ride public transportation for free, but also get free admission to numerous museums and guided city tours. The card is valid for three days and costs 18 euros.

You can buy the BambergCard online here

We also really recommend a guided city tour of Bamberg. These tours don’t just rattle off dates and facts — the city is presented with genuine passion and insider knowledge you won’t find anywhere else.

To the city tour “Fascination World Heritage” Bamberg

Our Hotel Picks for Bamberg

Our first recommendation is the Altstadthotel Molitor. We love the rooms, which are decorated with a great deal of attention to detail. The location is also excellent as a base for exploring the city — you can walk to Bamberg Cathedral or the pedestrian zone in just a few minutes.

Alternatively, the Zum Goldenen Anker is also very centrally located and worth considering.

If you want to treat yourself, go for the 4-star Hotel Nepomuk, housed in a stunning half-timbered building. It’s a bit pricier, but also more luxurious — and the location right on the Regnitz is absolutely gorgeous.

Where to Eat and Drink in Bamberg

Anyone visiting Bamberg absolutely must try a smoked beer at Schlenkerla. Smoked beer is a special, fairly dark beer with a savory, smoky aroma. It used to be brewed in several cities, but today Bamberg is the last place where it’s truly unique.

If the smoked beer at Schlenkerla is too bold for your taste, Brauerei Spezial offers a slightly milder version. While you’re there, make sure to try Blaue Zipfel — sausages poached in a vinegar broth, a classic Franconian specialty.

A visit to Brauhaus Zum Sternla, the oldest tavern in Bamberg, is also not to be missed. Here you’ll find Schäuferla with dumplings — another seriously delicious Franconian dish. Come hungry, because the portions are hearty.

Quick tip: If you want to eat where the locals eat but aren’t sure about a particular restaurant, try this test: walk in and ask if there’s a table free. If the waitress brushes past you and says something like “Look around — sit wherever there’s a spot,” you’re in the right place. That’s pure Franconian style: a little gruff on the outside, but totally warm-hearted on the inside.