Versatile banks of the Regnitz in Bamberg

Bamberg is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. Today a World Heritage Site, it looks back on around 1000 years of history as an imperial seat of power and bishop's town, which has had a lasting impact on the historic cityscape.

The Old Town Hall: the boundary between the spiritual and secular worlds

In addition to its imposing imperial cathedral, the magnificent residence and the Old Court Household as well as the picturesque half-timbered houses, Bamberg is also famous for its Old Town Hall: it sits enthroned in the middle of the river - on a foundation of hundreds of oak piles driven into the water. Legend has it that the church refused to allow the citizens of Bamberg to build a town hall, so they simply built it in the middle of the flowing Regnitz.

The Gothic building dates back to the 15th century and only acquired its characteristic Baroque and Rococo elements in the 18th century. Particularly worth seeing: the sculptural frescoes on the outer façade. If you look closely, you will discover a leg protruding from a painting of a cherub!

Ludwig Collection: porcelain treasures and interactive experiences

Hidden inside the Old Town Hall is the Ludwig Collection, an important private collection of Meissen porcelain and Strasbourg faience from the 18th century. The museum uses artistic coffee and tea services as well as valuable vessels, sculptures and decorations to show the pompous (table) culture of Baroque times and the development of porcelain manufactories.

The museum offers special interactive tours for children. Other exciting programmes are available especially for children's birthday parties - such as a spy hunt or a day as a prince. Further information, opening times and admission prices can be found here.

Upper Bridge: Bamberg sights at a glance

Directly from the Upper Bridge, which leads through the Old Town Hall, there is a wonderful panoramic view of other Bamberg landmarks: to the left is the charming historic mill quarter as well as the former prince-bishop's residence, the Geyerswörth City Palace and the international artists' residence Villa Concordia.

To the right is the picturesque row of terraced houses known as Little Venice. The small, historic fishermen's houses from the 15th and 16th centuries huddle together here directly on the banks of the Regnitz. The best way to see the little houses is from the water: either on a round trip on the Christl passenger boat or - more romantically - on an original Venetian gondola.

Bamberg's old town centre: a historical gem

However, it is also worth exploring Bamberg on foot - beyond the banks: After all, the Franconian town is considered one of the largest preserved old town ensembles in Europe. Over 2,000 buildings in Bamberg alone are listed. Bamberg impresses with a unique mixture of baroque splendour and medieval structures.

On both sides of the Upper Bridge, marvellous, winding alleyways are just waiting to be discovered. Hidden in the centre are many small, sometimes unusual shops that invite you to take a leisurely stroll: Here you will find extravagant fashion, beautiful vintage bric-a-brac and lovely home accessories (the coffee and cake specialities alone are worth a visit in this shop-café!). Just a few metres further on, you can purchase delicate lace and bobbin lace work (be sure to try the cakes in the integrated café!) as well as unique creative items.

Culinary highlights on the banks of the Regnitz

And the physical well-being? Just a minute's walk from the Old Town Hall, Gasthaus Hofbräu invites you to enjoy modern Franconian specialities in an Art Nouveau ambience. For smaller appetites - and located right by the bridge - Bamberg's first (brat) sausage house in the historic town hall tavern is the perfect place: All kinds of sausage specialities from local butchers are available here. On the way back to the station, you pass Café Riffelmacher, just a few metres from the Old Town Hall. In addition to homemade ice cream classics, unusual creations such as lavender, rose or Japanese rice ice cream are also waiting to be discovered.

Travelling to the Bamberg Regnitzufer

Take the train to Bamberg station. From there, it's just a 20-minute walk to the Old Town Hall:

Leave the station through the main exit and cross the forecourt. Follow Ludwigstraße straight ahead to the next major junction with pedestrian lights. Turn right into Obere Königsstraße and stay on it until you reach Kettenbrückstraße, where you turn left.

Cross the Kettenbrücke bridge, go through the pedestrian zone and the weekly market stalls. At the next pedestrian crossing with traffic lights, cross Lange Straße and follow Obstmarktstraße slightly uphill. A few metres further on, you will be standing right in front of Bamberg's Old Town Hall!

When are you exploring the diverse banks of the Regnitz?