Amberg's sights: Aerial art site against a medieval backdrop

A historic city with modern charm

Welcome to Amberg - a city that has retained its historic appearance and the charm that comes with it for visitors to this day. Pay Amberg a visit by train and see for yourself the modern hustle and bustle in the historic alleyways. The town, which was first mentioned in a document in 1034, was an important transhipment centre for iron and iron ore for a long time. The former capital of the Upper Palatinate has lost none of its charm and authenticity over the centuries. The best example of this is the completely preserved town wall that surrounds Amberg like the shell of an egg. Lovingly renovated buildings house attractive shopping opportunities for locals and visitors within the medieval town centre.

Sights in Amberg: a city tour through the Middle Ages

For centuries, Amberg was impregnable thanks to its fortifications. Today, the four city gates are open to everyone and invite you to explore the city on your own. From the railway station, follow the city wall on the northern side to reach the Ziegelor - one of the four city gates. The city wall with its 97 doors and gates is around three kilometres long and is one of the most impressive sights in Amberg. Follow the city wall to the next gate. After about five minutes on foot, you will reach the Vil Gate. The wooden rollers for the drawbridge can still be seen on this gate tower today. From here, head south into the historic centre of Amberg. The winding alleyways between the historic buildings give you the feeling of travelling back in time. After a few metres along Vilsstraße, you will find Amberg's municipal theatre on your left.

Theatre in the Franciscan monastery

The first performance in Amberg's municipal theatre, which is considered one of the most beautiful small theatres in Germany, took place in 1803. After closing in 1953, the theatre was completely renovated and reopened in the 1970s. Today, the theatre in the secularised Franciscan monastery presents a varied programme, from newly staged classics to lively musicals. Why not visit one of the more than 100 events held here every year?

Amberg's sights: there's something in the air

Continue southwards through Amberg's old town centre. Take Weinstraße and Georgenstraße towards the market square and turn right just before the Vils. There, in the so-called Klösterl, a part of Amberg's Old Fortress, you will find the Air Museum by artist Wilhelm Koch, which opened in 2006. The 650 square metres of exhibition space are mainly devoted to contemporary art. Hear, see, comprehend, experience and understand for yourself what air is all about.

Since the opening of this attraction in Amberg, air has played a major role in the city on the Vils. You regularly have the opportunity to take part in events in Amberg that bring the topic of air to life. For example, the Amberg Air Night takes place every two years. This gives you the opportunity to breathe in art throughout the old town centre. In 2009, the town of Amberg was therefore awarded the title of aerial art centre. The artistic exploration of the element is intended to raise awareness of its presence.

If you are out of breath despite all this air, we have good news for you: Right next to the Air Museum, you can treat yourself to a little break in the Rußwurmhaus restaurant. Enjoy the view of the Vils from the wood-panelled dining room or take a seat in the cosy beer garden, where freshly tapped beer and home-style cooking with regional specialities await you.

Upper Palatinate lifestyle and Bavarian cosiness

The beer town of Amberg has a lot to offer when it comes to enjoyment. In the secret capital of the Upper Palatinate, the art of brewing has always been of great importance. Even today, 5 medium-sized breweries and a home brewery still brew the palatable barley juice in the beautiful town on the Vils. Amberg beers not only impress with their high quality, but also with their variety. You can sample Amberg beer regionally in the town's pubs and restaurants.

Cultural heritage "Kirwa" in the Amberg region

In addition to the art of brewing, the region is particularly well known for its Kirwa celebrations. The festive tradition characterises the Amberger Land region as a living cultural heritage. "Kirwa" stands for church consecration and represents a form of culture that combines faith, enjoyment and conviviality. In around 120 villages in the Amberg-Sulzbacher Land region, young and old celebrate the Kirwa together in beer tents, barns or pubs, bringing the whole community together.

The symbol of every Kirwa is the Kirwa tree, which is usually danced around by the young Kirwa couples in front of an audience on Kirwa Sunday. Traditional dances such as the waltz, the star polka or the Baierische or Zwiefache are performed. Traditional music forms the heart of the festival. The local band"Boazn Briada" from Amberg has a special place here. Hearty Bavarian music, well-known folk music hits and self-composed dances get the guests in the mood and lure them onto the dance floor.

In 2023, the Kirwa was recognised as intangible cultural heritage and impressively demonstrates the diversity and vitality of traditions in the Amberg region. Each village has its own unique traditions surrounding the festival, which shows the versatility of this custom. However, "Kirwa" is not just a custom, but rather an identity-forming event and a way of life!

You can find dates for the Kirwa celebrations in the Amberg-Sulzbacher Land region here.

Travelling on medieval transport routes

Not far to the south of the Air Museum, you have the opportunity to take a trip on the Vils river on the boat bridge. In earlier times, the river was essential for the transport of Amberg's iron products. During the trip on the flatboat, which is modelled on historic ore boats, you will also learn interesting facts and exciting anecdotes about the town's history. At the same time, you can relax to the lapping of the Vils and simply enjoy the ride. A round trip lasts one hour before you return to the boarding point in the city centre. Alternatively, you can stop at the Drahthammerwiese landing stage and enjoy a cosy coffee in the Drahthammerschlössl. You can walk back to the Amberg city wall along the Vils in around 30 minutes.

The town's landmark

Back at Amberg's number 1 attraction, the town wall, south of the Schiffbrücke bridge, you can take a look at Amberg's landmark. Popularly known as the "Stadtbrille", the water gate dating from 1454 is also known as the fifth gate of the city of Amberg. This part of the city wall owes its name "Stadtbrille" to the pillar of the water gate, which stands in the centre of the Vils, and the Vils itself. The arches are reflected by the water, giving the impression of spectacle lenses. You get the best view of this from outside the city wall, or while travelling on the Vils on a flatboat.

A little to the west of the city glasses is another city gate and thus a sight of Amberg. The Wingershofer Tor is a Renaissance building from 1580 and the smallest of the four gates. Following the city wall to the east, you reach the last and oldest city gate - the Nabburg Gate - before heading back towards the railway station. Whether you prefer to stroll through the historic alleyways or walk outside the town fortifications is up to you. From the Nabburg Gate, it's a five-minute walk to the railway station, from where you can start your journey home with wonderful impressions of medieval Amberg.