Bamberg, Germany
The home of Rauchbier (smoked beer that taste like bacon, yes there is a heaven), the Dom Reiter and an amazing collection of architectural styles. Bamberg is a must see in Germany. Located just north of Nuremburg (easy train connections from Nuremburg and Munich), Bamberg is much more than a day trip. It is one of our top ten cities in Germany, and if you do not believe us realize it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through the city you will pass through numerous architectural styles that help you feel like you are taking a stroll through time, and the most amazing of the buildings to see in Bamberg is their Rathaus (Old Town Hall). This town hall is build on a tiny island in the middle of the river connected by two bridges that you can walk along and get your Christmas card photo for next year. They even have a porcelain museum inside for extra pomp and circumstance.
Bamberg Rathuas Old Town Hall
While walking from the Rathaus to the Dom (Cathedral) you will pass through the oldest and most historic part of the city. Here you will be treated to more Fachwerk (half-timbered houses) than you can shake a stick at. And if you get tired of saying “wie schoen” (how pretty) you can stop by and have a Rauchbier (smoked beer that taste like bacon). This Bamberg specialty is only brewed in this part of the town and is best drank there as well. This is Wolters World’s favorite German beer. Have it with some white sausages, pretzel and sweet mustard here.
Rauchbier Keller, Smoked Beer Brewery House.
A little note for you, watch for the old fashion looking sign outside of establishments that will say if they have the bacon beer (Rauchbier) you can see the sign on the beginning of the above video.
Moving on through the old town you will come up to the Bamberger Dom (Bamberg Cathedral) and the Residenz and Alte Hofhaltung, basically royal residences that have amazing rooms to visit as well as the local state government’s own collection of art at the Staatsgalerie.
The Residenz and Bamberg Cathedral
The Cathedral itself is from the 13th century and is wonderful to walk through. Their most famous inhabitant is the Dom Reiter or Cathedral Knight. If you head down the stairs next to him there sometimes are activities for children like coloring.
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Inside the Bamberg Cathedral and the Bamberger Reiter
Now, after seeing some amazing things along the way I am sure you are getting thirsty. So, as you will be heading to Michaelsberg (the St. Michael’s Monestary and Beer Museum), you may want to stop off at one of Wolters World’s favorite little pubs. The reason we love it is because the owner is an amazing guy who shared stories (in English and German), played guitar for us and our son, and was just an overall great guy with good drinks (like Rauchbier).
Best Bar in Bamberg, Germany.
Now having wet your whistle its off to St. Michael’s. This easy walk brings you to the monestary that has a beautiful church and nice beer museum (open spring and summer and by appointment otherwise). Take a walk around the complex and you will get a beautiful vista of the wonderful city of Bamberg.
The View of Bamberg from St. Michael’s
St. Michael’s Monastary and Beer Museum
Visit Germany: A Country Specific Tourism Page for Visiting Germany
Learn German: Video Series on Learning German from Basics to Advanced
great site!