Bamberg Germany

The venerable town of Bamberg is located in the north of Bavaria and can clearly be called one of the most beautiful cities of Germany. Not for nothing, Bamberg received the membership to the UNESCO World Heritage in 1993.

In World War II, Bamberg thankfully was not damaged at all. So, most of the sights and buildings you see in Bamberg are originals. This beauty should not be missed on your Germany vacation. Over 1000 years of history connected with the historical Old Town and a lively atmosphere make Bamberg real special. The town is rather small, so you will get along easily by foot or using public transit.

People who love the arts will love Bamberg at first sight. Visitors are often impressed by the ecclesiastical architecture. Spectacular ornaments with lots of details and decoration brought Bamberg its tender nickname: The Franconia Rome. Like the Italian capital, Bamberg was also built on seven hills, but in contrast to Rome, you will not find a frenzy of activity. The people here radiate Bavarian coziness. In addition to the historical Old Town, Bamberg also offers many public parks and gardens to relax and enjoy the good life during your Germany vacation.

Good life is right on cue - If you like beer, you will also love Bamberg. You can find almost 100 breweries in town and the surrounding areas. A large number for such a small town. Bamberg is truly home to some of the best beers in Germany and is proud of it with good reason. Bamberg is really charming and nice. Lots of taverns invite to settle back and enjoy good and proper Franconia food and beer. You should not miss this experience because these guys have some great stuff for you waiting here.

Imperial Cathedral Bamberg Germany

The imperial cathedral has four towers and is located at one of Bamberg's seven hills. It is the town's landmark and truly the most significant sight for miles around. The history of the cathedral goes back to the year 1012, when imperior Heinrich II donated the cathedral. Sadly, the building burned down in 1081. Bishop Ekbert of Andechs - Meranien ordered the reconstruction in 1211, which lasted 26 years. It was the time between the Romantic and the Gothic period, which imparted the building with a unique style.

Around Bamberg's Imperial Cathedral

The most significant sights at the cathedral are the famous Bamberg Horseman, the grave of imperior Heinrich II and the grave of pope Clemens II, one of the few graves of a pope, the Vatican accepted outside the "Sacre Grotte Vatikane", in the Eternal City of Rome. The identity of the Bamberg horseman (probably created between 1225 - 1237) is still a mystery. Also, the identity of the artist who made this masterpiece is not clear.

Bamberg Brewery Museum

Bamberg is proud of its brewing tradition and this museum will let you know why. In 1979, a group of brew masters founded the Franconia Brewery Museum in Bamberg, which is also known to many as "The City of Beer". The museum is located in the former Benedictine brewing area on the Michaelsberg. The museum shows the history of brewing from the year 1122 until today on 900 square meters.

The entire malt production processes, from the initial manufacture of malt to the final product are clearly shown in the museums terrific areas. You can also view films about the brewing process to gain detailed information.

Besides the technical and cultural-historical significance of the museum, it has the additional goal of being an information centre concerning the universally popular beverage of beer in that region of the world containing the most brewing sites. There is also a beer garden affiliated to the museum, where you can relax and enjoy a cold beer after your visit. Many visitors gladly take that offer.

St. Gangolf Bamberg Germany

The church of St. Gangolf is the oldest church of Bamberg and it is truly well worth seeing. It was built in the early 12th century at bishop Otto's command. Otto of Bamberg was an admired bishop in medieval times. You will see many memorials dedicated to Otto in Bamberg like the Otto-fountain or Otto Square.

Today, the St. Gangolf church is still an active congreation and has about 2800 Catholic members. The church combines styles of gothic, romanesque, rococo and modern age. The church can be visited outside the religious services for free.

The history of the holy Saint Gangolf is meager documented. The Burgundian aristocrat was born in 716 and was killed in 760. He was worshiped as a martyr in Portugal and Spain, later also in Germany. A relic of St. Gangolf (a part of his head) is in posession of the treasury of the church in Bamberg.

Little Venice Bamberg

This is a former fisher settlement which consists of a beautiful decorated and richly ornamented collection of tenements, which are built on wood stakes. The buildings are influenced by mediaeval architecture - you will see many framwork houses in good preservation. This is not self-evident as this part of Bamberg was often a victim of floodwaters in former times. At some houses you can still see floodwater marks as tall as a man. Fortunately, the river is secured by a dam todays.

There is a boat trip available at Little Venice you should consider when the weather is nice. The tour takes about 80 minutes and is really nice.

Little Venice is the location for the annual Volksfest "Sandkerwa". Since 1951 the "Sandkerwa" is an integral part of Bamberg and should not be missed when you visit this town in summer.