It was the Eve before Christmas Eve and with my ever-restless feet, a never-ending bucket list of places to see around the world and with a public holiday on the cards, we got in the car and drove north through Germany to spend a day in Bamberg.
Bamberg is in northern Bavaria, a bit north of Nürnberg, and, while it rained for our visit, this place is straight out of a German postcard with idyllic buildings and cute markets to explore. The old town is UNESCO-listed with plenty of little hidden treasures to explore.
By car: The easiest way to travel to Bamberg from nearby cities is with your own wheels. Parking was busy when we visited on Christmas Eve Eve with last-minute shoppers and holiday joy-chasers, but we secured a spot just at the edge of the old town in the Parkhaus Zentrum. We drove up from Munich which took about two and a half hours.
→ Check out my guide to 24 hours in Munich!
By flight: The closest international airport to Bamberg is just south in Nürnburg, from where a direct train (ICE or S-Bahn) runs to Nürnburg Hbf and then straight on to Bamberg.
By train: You can take a train to Bamberg Hbf which is in the heart of the city and in easy walking distance to everything you'll want to visit. Trains run from across Germany, such as in just half an hour from Nürnburg or in just two hours direct from Munich. You can purchase tickets through Deutsche Bahn.
By bus: The Flixbus also runs directly to Regensburg from 36 destinations.
Once we had parked our car, we spent the rest of the day exploring Bamberg on foot. It's a compact city and definitely walkable for all the key spots in the old town!
You might also want to join a walking tour of Bamberg to get a really good insight from a local of the history and learn a bit more about the town.
We had just the day in Bamberg to explore as much as we could of this quaint northern Bavarian town. Sitting just north of Nürnberg, Bamberg sits on the confluence of the Regnitz and Main Rivers. The old town - where we focused our visit - was built starting in the 11th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wander down the Grüner Markt
Often filled with stalls of flowers, food and other goods, this is a popular shopping street and the bustling heart of Bamberg. We picked up some bright yellow flowers for the dining table.
Explore the Altstadt
Here is where you'll find all the idyllic streets that Bamberg is so known for. Tiny boutiques, endearing cafes and cobblestoned streets seal the deal.
Spot the iconic Altes Rathaus
The most famous monument in Bamberg and the image you'll see if you Google the town, the Altes Rathaus is a bright yellow-timbered building situated jutting out from the Ob. Brücke. The best viewpoint is from the nearby Geyerswörthsteg.
Spot Klein Venedig
"Little Venice" in English, this little stretch of homes along the Linker Regnitzarm (here on Google Maps) is a sweet viewpoint across the river.
Step inside the Bamberg Cathedral
Built in the 13th century, this beautiful cathedral has lofty ceilings and a quiet interior. It is completely free to visit.
→ Find the current opening hours and other useful information about the cathedral.
See the Alte Hofhaltung
The "Old Court" in English, this building complex around a cobblestoned square features beautiful historic buildings from the 11th century. A museum is also housed on site telling the history of Bamberg.
Bonus: Check out the Bamberg Christkindlmarkt
If you're in town at Christmastime, stop by the Christkindlmarkt in the Maximiliansplatz for some yummy seasonal hot treats, a cup of punsch and local gifts.
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Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.
