Travel guide for BAMBERG

Information

Climate

You can visit Bamberg anytime, but the ideal time is winter, especially during Christmas, as it's suitable for skiing and winter sports! Whereas, in spring and autumn it's ideal for romantic walks. If you visit it during the cold months choose warm clothes and if you come from a place where winter is not heavy, keep in mind that you need much warmer clothes that the ones you are used to: warm coats, warm scarves, hats, gloves, you name it! We visited the city in the beginning of December 09 and the cold was almost unbearable! It was 0 Celcius during daytime and -8 Celcius at night.

Location

Bamberg is in Germany, in Upper Franconia, Bavaria. Bavaria is the north-east part of Germany. Bamberg is part of the Romantic Road, which links picturesque and beautiful places, and is a popular attraction any time of the year. The Regnitz river runs through the city, the population of which is 70.000. ?he city has 8 traditional breweries, something amazing given its population! Bamberg is one of the few cities not to be destroyed during World War II, most probably because there was a gun factory nearby. The old part of the city is included among the Monuments of World Heritage of Unesco.

History

The city spreads along 7 hills, on each one of which there's a beautiful church. It is called the "Rome of Franconia", the guides, however, banter by calling Rome the Italian Bamberg! In the 17th century, Bamberg took active part in the witch hunting, the victims being some hundreds. At some point, Drudenhaus, the prison for witches, was built in 1627, but it no longer exists.

How to get there

The best way is to fly to Munich and then either rent a car or take the train. Munich is a popular destination, so you can find economic flights all year round. If you choose to drive, arrange for the car to be at the airport. "National" car rental company is trust worthy and you can rent a car on the internet. Driving in Germany is sheer pleasure and I strongly recommend it! The city is not close to a motorway (autobahn), but road A73 links it to Nuremberg. Bamberg is only part of a beautiful area that is worth seeing as a whole, so driving is the best choice. If, however, you choose to travel by train, it will take you two hours from Munich.

Trasportation

You can walk the Old Part of the City (Altstadt), even though there are many rising and sloping roads. There is a wide network of bus service connecting the city to small villages nearby. It's a good idea to buy a Bamberg Card which enables you to visit all the places of interest, use the bus with no extra charge and take a tour.

Contact

You can use your cell without any problems. If you don't speak German, you may have some difficulties as not many people speak English. ?owever, the people here are really friendly and willing to help you, so with a bit of a sign language and good will, you'll get the info you need.

While there

Food

Bamber is famous for its smoked beer, the Rauchbier. It is a dark beer and you should taste it even if you don't like it in the end. Personally, I didn't like it, as it felt like drinking bacon! However, I must admit that after a few sips, you get used to it! One of the most popular ones is Schlenkerla's Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier by Heller brewery. You can taste it in Schlenkerla tavern in Dominikikaner Strasse in the old city. Let's not forget the sausages, as you are in a way in the country of sausages! You can be sure of two things you're going to enjoy during your stay: beer and sausages! Oh, don't go without tasting the stuffed onion Bamberg which is the local specialty. Keep in mind that all the cities and towns of the Romantic Road change dramatically with the change of the weather. In winter, they are all covered in snow, a really wonderful sight, but, unfortunately, you miss the chance of sitting in the open air, drinking beer and admiring the blooming nature.

Amusement

Just before Christmas there is a Medieval Market held.

Activities

Culture

During our visit on the ten first days of December, there was a Christmas Medieval Market. The vendors were dressed in Medieval clothes and there were stalls welling various things. I really liked the carpenter, the cheese-maker and the blacksmith! If we had been able to dress like that, we would have thought that we were actually in that period of time.

Shopping

There are many shops all over the city. You can buy souvenirs and many other things. As the city is ideal for walking you can find a lot of things you may want to buy.

Monuments

Historical monuments

The old city (Altstadt) is the main place of interest. It is Medieaval and in an excellent condition. The river Regnitz runs through and encompasses the city. The old Mayor Hall, the Altes Rathous, was built on the river (!) in between two bridges in 1386.

Churches and Monasteries

Visit the Cathedral (1237). It is 26m high with four towers, 81m high each. In the cathedral you can admire the tomb of Eric II and his wife, which is considered to be sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider's masterly work. You can also see the city's symbol: Der Bamberer Reiter, the statue of the Knight of Bamberg. It most probably is the emperor Conrad III and it dates back to 1200. The initial building was burnt in the 12th century and the final version combined elements of the Roman and Gothic order. On the other side of the square where the cathedral is, you can see the Episcopian Palace, at the back of which you can admire the rose garden (Rosengarten). The garden is full of statues that are covered for protection during the winter. The garden has a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

Other sights

The Small Venice (Klein Venedig) is in the north-west of the city, along the banks of the river and it comprises a row of beautiful wooden fishermen's houses from the 19th century.

Romance

Walk through the Small Venice until you get tired, and then head for the old city so that you can rest over a meal of sausages and smoked beer! Go for a stroll at the rose garden and admire the city from up above.

Be Cautious

Wear comfortable walking shoes and be careful while walking on the cobbled streets, as nobody would like ending up with a sprained ankle!

Impressions

A picturesque and quiet medieval city that is very well preserved. It is romantic and quiet to a point that is not boring, an ideal combination. It is worth being one of your destinations while on the Romantic Road. It is ideal for two friendly couples especially if you are driving.