Things to Do in Bamberg

Bamberg Altstadt is the Old Town area in the city of Bamberg which served as a crucial link with the Poland and Pomerania Slav people. The old town is replete with exquisite architectural structures, shops, magnificent historic buildings, palaces, market area, walking streets, cafes and more. The Altstadt is very well maintained and is a truly recommended attraction in the city of Bamberg.

The Bamberg cathedral stands beautifully as a centerpiece over the Dom hill dressed in a combination of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The cathedral has two choirs and is home to various magnificent art works including sculptures from the Hohenstaufen era, the famous statue of the Bamberg Rider, an altar by Veit Stoss, the laughing angel, allegorical figures of the Synagogue and more. The cathedral is a peaceful getaway exhibiting a spectacular view of the city from the hill.

On an artificial island in the middle of the bridge, perched over the River Regnitz, boldly stand the old town hall of Bamberg.The Altes Rathaus has been an attraction in Bamberg since 1386. The town hall was reconstructed between 1744 and 1756.The magnificent frescos over the façade illustrate how the town was built over the island. The building is well decorated with allegorical paintings on both sides and beautifully designed in baroque architecture. The Altes Rathaus is popular for its beauty and is a recommended visit in the city of Bamberg.

New Residenz is a beautiful old building located right opposite the Altes hofhaltung (Old Court). Initially the residenz was used as a home for the Bamberger prince bishops. With the new residenz lies the romantic rose garden with beautiful blooming roses. The garden offers magnificent views of the St. Michael's Church and the roofs of the city citizens. Along with this garden the Residenz is also home to sandstone the State Library and the State Gallery of the city of Bamberg.

The monastery is situated at the peak of the hill exhibiting a magnificent view of the city of Bamberg. The city is built over seven hills each with a church at its peak. The St. Michael's Monastery holds the highest altitude in comparison with the other peaks. Built in Romanesque style, the church initially was of a Benedictine monastery. A tomb of the bishop Otto of the city that belongs to the year 1443 lies behind the altar in the church. The church is beautifully maintained with spectacular paintings on the ceiling and walls.

The commendable location of the Altenburg Castle offers a spectacular view of the city of Bamberg. The castle stands on the highest peak of the seven hills of the city. Altenburg was formerly used as a place of refuge and later became the residing place of the prince-bishops of Bamberg. The castle today is home to a restaurant and a complex that allows visitors to enjoy the city of Bamberg in one glance.

The Alte Hofhaltung that translates to the ‘Old Court’ is a historic attraction in the beautiful city of Bamberg. The Alte Hofhaltung area comprises of former houses and farm buildings that belong to the Episcopal palace from the 15th century. By the building is a vast courtyard with a late Gothic arcaded frame. The court is also home to a historical museum and half timbered building with spectacular rooftops.

Klein Venedig commonly known as ‘Little Venice’ is the riverside area where the biggest folk festival of Bamberg, the Sandkerwa is celebrated. Along the waters lie a row of 17th century cottages with beautifully decorated petite gardens and terraces. The area of ‘Little Venice’ is totally worth a stroll and is more spectacular from a distance. The two white ships namely; "Bamberg" and "Christl" add to the highlights of the river.

Frankisches Brauereimuseum is a brewery museum dedicated to the beer brewing culture. The museum has a wide display of over 1400 exhibits and is home to a brew house, icehouse, malt house, Buttnerei, fermenting and storage cellar, filtration and the barrel and bottling. The brew house hosts beer seminars and lectures. The museum on the whole is pretty informative with useful insights to the history and culture of beer.

E. T. A. Hoffmann Haus is a little museum that tells about the life of E. T. A. Hoffmann who was a renowned artist. The museum is beautified with an exquisite garden at the back. The museum has a magnificent musical display. Art history and music lovers are bound to enjoy their visit to this place.

St. Martin Church is located next to the Green Market and Gabelmann Brunnenin the heart of the bourgeois town, where most tourists start off with their trip. The church depicts the beautiful baroque style architecture and is the only church of its kind in the city of Bamberg.The highlights of the church include the trompe d'oeil dome created by Giovanni Francesco Marchini and the early 14th century pieta.

The diocesan museum emanated from the Bamberg Cathedral. It is home to a rich collection of liturgical objects, relics, paraments and books from the Bamberg Cathedral treasures. The Imperial Star Cloak which was once gifted to Emperor Heinrich II is a major highlight of the museum. Various rooms in the museum exhibit very informative displays along with an audio guide.

Theater der Schatten is an art theatre depicting the history of the city of Bamberg in 90 minutes. During the show Norbert Gotz narrates the history of the city in a powerful voice enough to leave you with Goosebumps. The 90 minutes at the theatre are sure to leave you entertained. The theatre does not screen the history in the form of films or opera but as a unique shadow theatre. A visit to the theatre would indeed be extremely informative with a comfortable experience.

The Stephanskirche is a church that is located on the eastern most side of the hills of Bamberg. The church belongs to the 17th century with a neo gothic style architecture and obvious baroque elements. The church is a peaceful getaway from a hectic schedule and is a much recommended visit in the city of Bamberg.

Commonly known as Bamberg Symphony Orchestra - Bavarian State Philharmonic, the orchestra plays bohemian style music. If you love live performances and music, you are sure to love the orchestra. The symphony orchestra is exceptionally good and a must visit in Bamberg.