Historic and Authentic Bamberg Germany

Bamberg Germany: A Franconian Gem with Cobblestone Streets and Half-timbered Houses

Forty miles north of Nürnberg in the German state of Bavaria is the historic city of Bamberg. Divided in half by the Regnitz River, Bamberg is a rare German city in that it escaped Allied bombing during World War II. While other cities have been rebuilt or redesigned, Bamberg retains much of its original infrastructure and charm. As a result, the city is a perfect example of the Franconian region of northern Bavaria.

Beautiful Bamberg

Bamberg – A typical Franconian town

The city survived the war because it did not house major weapons production and was not an industrial base for the Nazis. Escaping the catastrophic treatment of cities like Nürnberg and Dresden, Bamberg features some of the oldest standing buildings in all of Germany. The Bamberg Cathedral was constructed in 1237, the Michaelskirche Monastery erected in the twelfth century and what is now known as the Old Town Hall was built in 1386. In fact, the Old Town Hall was placed on a small island in the middle of the Regnitz River as a means of protection, with a bridge spanning the river allowing today for up-close viewing of the beautifully painted exterior walls that have survived the centuries.

Michaelskirche Monastery

Bamberg – Favorite City of Pope Clement II

Bamberg can claim many historical anecdotes but perhaps most unique is its status as the final resting place of a Pope. This fact is unique because apart from Pope Clement II, no other Pope is buried north of the Alps. Clement II previously served the church as Bishop of Bamberg from 1040-1046. Elected Pope in 1046 after a series of controversial councils and deposed European leaders, he went to Rome to lead the church. Yet less than a year into his reign, Clement II died of lead sugar poisoning while traveling across Italy. His body was returned to Bamberg, the city he adored, and was interred in the western choir of Bamberg Cathedral where he remains today.

Bamberg’s old Town hall

Bamberg’s famous Rauchbier

While Pope Clement II came to rest in Bamberg when his life was over, there is a world-famous product that began its life in the Franconian city. In German, it is called Rauchbier, or smoke beer. This type of beer is known around the world as both an interesting variety of brew as well as having originated in Bamberg. The flavors and aromas are created by drying malted barley over an open flame, providing the drinks with an aura of smoke. The Schlenkerla brewpub is a tavern in the middle of the city that produces and serves the famous brews to tourists and locals alike. The tavern was first mentioned in 1405 and is currently owned and operated by the sixth generation of a local family.

Beer, in general, plays an important part in the city of Bamberg. At peak times, there were 70 Breweries and Microbreweries in Bamberg. Not bad for a city with only about 70,000. There is also a brewery museum and Weyermanns, one of the largest Malt producers in the world. You can tour the historic, but fully functional factory and try beers made from their various malts.

Schlenkerla Tavern

Bamberg – the Little Venice of Germany

Bamberg is a small but dramatic city. The Little Venice area bordering the river displays classic examples of half-timber construction and German architecture. Massive churches rest on each of the seven hills of the city providing panoramic views from every crest.

Bamberg’s “Little Venice”

Yet despite the age of the city, Bamberg is young and alive with over nine thousand university students interspersed within a population of just seventy thousand. Though larger, more famous cities claim more publicity than Bamberg, none can match its intimacy, variety or authenticity.

Hotels in Bamberg

There are quite a few Bamberg hotels to choose from, no matter what your budget is.

Hotel Residenzschloss

This Bamberg Hotel is something truly special. If you have ever wanted to sleep in a castle, here is your chance. The Hotel Residenzschloss in Bamberg is one of the top choices and staying in this beautiful historical building will make your stay in Bamberg an experience you will cherish forever.

>>Book your room at the Bamberg Hotel Residenzschloss here!

Bamberger Hof Bellevue

This beautiful 4 star hotel is located in the heart of Bamberg, giving you easy access to all the sights and shopping areas of the Franconian city.

What makes this hotel so special is its rooftop bar, overlooking the quiet streets and half-timbered houses of Bamberg.

This Bamberg hotel features all amenities of a 4-star hotel, as well as an onsite dining option and a mouthwatering breakfast buffet every morning.

>>Book your stay at the Bamberger Hof Bellevue here!

Villa Geyerswoerth

Villa Geyerswoerth is another great Bamberg Hotel option for you. This stunning property is located in the city center of Bamberg, features all modern amenities combined with the traditional charm of the historic building.

While located in a quite area of town, it is also in an ideal location to explore Bamberg’s buzzing nightlife. As one of the oldest universities in Germany, Bamberg is a thriving college town and the nightlife has much to offer, no matter if you want to explore German beer culture in a cozy bar or go clubbing.

>>Book your room at Villa Geyerswoerth here!

For more hotel options in Bamberg, please take a look at our Hotel Price Comparison Tool. It will let you search for hotels, view photos, and reviews, and then it shows you which booking platform has the best price for your hotel choice. What a great and easy way to save money!

Historic and Authentic Bamberg Germany was written by and photos by Michael Orr for EuropeUpClose.com

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