The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Discovering Bamberg, Germany

Bamberg’s timeless charm and unique culture make it a must-visit destination

31 Dec 2024
5 min read
By OT Staff

Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is a charming medieval town in northern Bavaria, renowned for its picturesque old town, half-timbered houses, and unique beer culture. This detailed itinerary ensures you experience the best of Bamberg, from its rich history and stunning architecture to its vibrant culinary scene.

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

Arrive at Nuremberg Airport (NUE), the nearest international airport, and take a direct train to Bamberg, which is approximately one hour away. Once you arrive, check in at a centrally located hotel such as Hotel Nepomuk, which offers beautiful views of the Regnitz River and the Old Town.

Begin your day with a traditional Bavarian breakfast at Kännsch’, where you can enjoy fresh pretzels, cheeses, and cold cuts. Spend the afternoon exploring Bamberg Cathedral, a stunning 13th-century Romanesque cathedral known for the famous Bamberg Horseman statue and the tomb of Pope Clement II. Admire the intricate stone carvings and the serene interior before heading to Altenburg Castle. A short bus ride or a scenic hike will take you to this medieval castle perched on a hill overlooking the city. Here, you can learn about its history as a fortress while enjoying panoramic views of Bamberg and the surrounding countryside. In the evening, dine at Schlenkerla, a historic tavern famous for its Rauchbier (smoked beer), which pairs perfectly with Franconian specialties like Bamberg onions or pork shoulder. Conclude your first day with a leisurely night walk through the illuminated old town, making sure to see the iconic Old Town Hall, which is uniquely situated on an island in the Regnitz River.

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The Old Town Hall in Bamberg. Photo credit: Unsplash

Day 2: Exploring the Old Town

Begin your second day with a walk along Little Venice, a picturesque area featuring charming fishermen’s cottages lining the river. To gain a unique perspective of the town, take a short boat tour through this scenic area. Next, visit the Rosengarten (Rose Garden) behind the Neue Residenz, which offers stunning views of the city along with thousands of blooming roses during the season. Continue exploring by touring the Neue Residenz, the former prince-bishop’s palace, where you can admire opulent rooms and an impressive art gallery.

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"Little Venice" is the name of a former fishing settlement from the 17th century in Bamberg by the river "Regnitz". Photo credit: Unsplash

For lunch, enjoy a light meal at Cafe Luitpold, known for its traditional Franconian desserts such as Zwetschgenbaames (plum cake). Afterward, deepen your understanding of Bamberg’s cultural heritage by visiting the Historical Museum, which chronicles the city’s history from medieval times to the present day. In the evening, immerse yourself in Bamberg’s beer culture by embarking on a beer trail. Start with Mahrs Bräu and then head to Spezial Keller to savour their unique brews and enjoy outdoor views. Consider trying a local beer tasting flight to fully appreciate the variety of flavours Bamberg has to offer.

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Inside Neue Residenz. Photo credit: Bamberg Tourismus

Day 3: Day Trip and Leisure

On your final day, begin with a visit to the Benedictine Abbey of Michelsberg, a Baroque masterpiece featuring stunning frescoes. The abbey gardens provide a tranquil setting to relax before continuing your exploration. Next, head to Bamberg’s Market Square, where you can browse the vibrant stalls offering fresh produce, local crafts, and unique souvenirs.

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Franconian Switzerland is a picturesque region known for its dramatic rock formations, charming villages, and breweries. Photo credit: Unsplash

In the afternoon, take a short trip to Franconian Switzerland (Fränkische Schweiz), a picturesque region known for its dramatic rock formations, charming villages, and breweries. Here, you can hike along one of the scenic trails or explore the fascinating stalactite caves. Return to Bamberg in the evening and end your trip with a memorable meal at Eckerts, a riverside restaurant offering modern Franconian cuisine. Conclude the night by relaxing with a quiet nightcap at a local wine bar or your hotel.

The Information

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Currency
The currency used in Germany is the Euro. According to the current conversion rate, EUR 1 equals INR 89.09.
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Flights
Frequent flights fly to the German cities of Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt from major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Direct flights to Frankfurt and Munich take around 9 hours to reach.
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Visa
To enter Germany, you must have successfully acquired a Schengen visa. To obtain one, you need to book an appointment online at the VFS centre and submit the necessary documents at least three months before departing. The visa fee for adults is INR 7,200, and for minors between the ages of 6 and 12, it is INR 3,600.