Bamberg is one of the most beautiful and most-visited cities in Germany. It’s not just a single building here that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it’s the entire Old Town of Bamberg. This makes Bamberg one of the largest World Heritage Sites in Europe in terms of area. Anyone who visits Bamberg will understand why right away. The Old Town has three historic districts: the Inselstadt (The Island City), the Bergstadt (City on the hills), and the Gärtnerstadt (Market Gardeners’ District).
Attraction: Bamberg’s Entire Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
An island city featuring the Old Town Hall and the Regnitz River
The Regnitz River and its tributary surround the island city. The Old Town Hall stands out particularly strikingly on a small island in the river. Almost everyone has seen it in photos. It is one of the top attractions in Bamberg’s Old Town and one of the most photographed historic sites in Germany.
Be sure to take in the view from the Geyerswörthsteg. From here, you can see the beautiful half-timbered extension floating above the water. As you cross the Upper Bridge and the Lower Bridge, you’ll pass the Old Town Hall. Both bridges are bustling with activity. From both, you can admire the magnificent facade murals up close.
If you then walk along Karolinenstraße or Dominikanerstraße, you can experience the heart of Bamberg’s Old Town. Beautiful half-timbered houses stand close together, and inns line the streets. On mild evenings, the alleys fill with locals and tourists. With a Bamberg beer in hand, they chat animatedly with one another.
Little Venice and historic houses in Bamberg’s Old Town
Another must-see attraction is Little Venice. Turn right off Dominikanerstraße toward the Regnitz arm, then follow the river to the left.
On the opposite bank, you’ll see the historic houses of Little Venice lined up in a row. This former fishing village is home to picturesque half-timbered houses with small gardens and jetties where small boats are moored. If you’re looking for a particularly romantic experience, take a ride in a real Venetian gondola along the Regnitz River.
Bamberg’s Old Town is home to many more historical treasures. Particularly worth seeing are the magnificent light-blue Heller House on the Lower bridge and the baroque Böttinger house city palace.
A mountain town with a cathedral square and historic buildings
As you continue through Bamberg’s Old Town, the path leads you up to the City on the hills. At Cathedral Square, you’ll find a row of impressive buildings—most notably Bamberg Cathedral. Over 1,000 years of history look down upon you. You can practically breathe in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
Across the street stands the magnificent 17th-century New Residence—a stunning Baroque building that is well worth a visit inside as well.
The third striking building on Cathedral Square is the Alte Hofhaltung. Its spacious courtyard instantly transports you back to the Middle Ages.
History: Turbulent Times in Bamberg’s Old Town
Nearly 1,000 years of imperial and episcopal rule have shaped Bamberg’s Old Town. The layout of Bamberg’s Old Town still reflects that of a medieval city that has grown organically over time. More than 1,000 buildings are listed as historic landmarks.
From 1245 to 1802, the bishop, as prince-bishop, also held secular power over Bamberg. In the 15th century, there were uprisings by the citizens, which were largely unsuccessful. The Thirty Years’ War and the burning of witches left a deep mark on Bamberg’s history.
In 1993, Bamberg’s Old Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Special Tips: Unique Experiences in Bamberg
Gondola ride through Little Venice
Have you ever ridden in a Venetian gondola? You don’t have to go to Venice to enjoy a romantic gondola ride. In Bamberg’s Old Town, gondoliers will take you for a ride in authentic gondolas. While you’re there, you can also visit Little Venice.
Along the Regnitz River, a row of small, charming fishermen’s cottages stands side by side. You’ll have a fantastic view as you glide past.
Bamberg’s underground world with its historic network of cellars
An extensive network of cellars stretches beneath Bamberg. In the 13th and 14th centuries, breweries used the tunnels as natural cold storage, while the local population used them as a refuge during wartime. The tunnel system beneath Bamberg is nearly 12 kilometers long. However, you can only tour it as part of a guided group tour.
Experience Bamberg beer and Rauchbier
People have been brewing beer in the Old Town since the Middle Ages. When do you think it started? Records dating back to 1093 document the first beer tavern in Bamberg. About 200 years ago, Bamberg boasted a total of 200 breweries—the absolute peak of its brewing history.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can take a unique city walking tour. On the “Passion for Beer” tour, you’ll hear and see fascinating facts about Bamberg’s beer history. There are currently 12 breweries in the Bamberg area.
As you stroll through Bamberg’s Old Town, you’ll find plenty of pubs where you can sample Bamberg beer. When the weather is nice, the streets fill with lively patrons. Laughter fills the air, and a cheerful atmosphere is everywhere.
Have you ever tried smoked beer? It’s a true Bamberg specialty—not everyone’s cup of tea, but worth a try.
Surroundings: Seven hills surround Bamberg’s Old Town
St. Michael’s Monastery and the Brewery Museum on Michelsberg
The Old Town of Bamberg has a wealth of sights to offer. Seven hills surround the city – we introduce two of them here with their most distinctive highlights.
One of the seven hills is the Michaelsberg Hill – it rises 287 metres above sea level. There stands the St. Michael’s Monastery, a site steeped in history. The Benedictines founded the monastery as early as 1015. The monastery church of St. Michael was consecrated in 1121 and underwent a Baroque redesign in the 18th century.
In addition, the Michelsberg is home to one of Bamberg’s oldest breweries—which traces its origins back to the Benedictine monastery brewery. Today, you’ll find the Franconian Brewery Museum there—it’s well worth a visit. Afterward, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants. In the summer, you can enjoy the shade of the old trees here.
From the eastern plateau, a magical view opens up over the Bamberg Old Town. A stroll through the monastery garden and the Baroque terraced garden with its old fruit trees, cherry hedges and vineyards is also well worth it. Here you can recharge and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Steigerwald with the romantic Altenburg
On the second hill sits the picturesque Altenburg Castle. The hill bears the name Steigerwald and, at 383 metres, is the highest of the seven. The castle was built in 1109 and served the prince-bishops of Bamberg as a place of refuge during the Middle Ages. The Steigerwald is 1.5 kilometres from Bamberg’s Old Town – getting there by car is therefore recommended.
Even from a distance, the castle’s striking silhouette is impressive. You enter the castle via a wooden bridge over the moat. In the inner courtyard, you climb the castle wall and explore the typical layout of a medieval castle. Afterward, you can relax with a cold beer in the beer garden.
