Seven hills, a thousand monuments and mediaeval charm: Bamberg enchants visitors with its unique districts and a history dating back to the year 902.
Much like the Holy City itself, Bamberg sits atop seven hills, which is why it is often nicknamed the “Franconian Rome”. This town in Upper Franconia has far more to offer than just this similarity with the Italian metropolis, however. Hardly anywhere else in Germany can still boast such an authentic mediaeval townscape, the historic centre having been largely preserved despite centuries of turmoil and upheaval – just one of the reasons why Bamberg’s old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.
The history of Bamberg dates back to the year 902, and for centuries the town enjoyed superregional importance as the bishopric and imperial seat. These days it is famous first and foremost for the more than one thousand listed buildings to be found all around the three parts of the historic centre: Hill District, Island District and Market Gardeners’ District, each of which have their own distinct charm.
Altenburg Castle, probably the town’s best-known landmark, is perched at the top of Hill District. Bamberg’s prince-bishops resided here for over 200 years. Later, the renowned German writer E.T.A Hoffmann spent some of his time at the castle, which visitors today flock to above all for its spectacular view of the town centre. Bamberg Cathedral stands on another of the seven hills. Founded in 1002, it burnt down twice before the cathedral as it is today was completed in the 13th century. It is home to the grave of Pope Clement II, the only papal grave north of the Alps.
Island District, as the name suggests, lies on an artificial island in the River Regnitz. Visitors will also find “Little Venice” here alongside the Old Town Hall. Formerly a fishermen’s settlement, Little Venice features mediaeval half-timbered houses crowded cheek by jowl along the river. With its numerous delightful shops, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind with a spot of shopping. And last but not least, there’s the Market Gardeners’ District: market gardening has been popular in Bamberg since the Middle Ages. To this day, the expansive gardens lend this district its unique flair.
Upper Mill Bridge with the Old Town Hall links Island District to Hill District. | Photo (detail): © Adobe
Situated on the banks of the River Regnitz, the former fishermen’s settlement in Bamberg’s Island District is also known as “Little Venice”. | Photo (detail): © Adobe
Altenburg Castle was once the residence of Bamberg’s prince-bishops; later the German writer E.T.A Hoffmann also lived here. | Photo (detail): © Adobe
Smoked beer is a Bamberg speciality. Fun fact: almost all beer used to be smoked, but over time most breweries switched to producing non-smoked varieties. Bamberg breweries Spezial and Heller-Bräu Trum – which makes Schlenkerla smoked beer – stuck with the old tradition, and nowadays their beers are considered a speciality. | Photo (detail): © Adobe
Detours
What does Görliwood mean, why can you find a piece of the Caribbean in Bavaria and where can you dance in front of bucket wheel diggers? In our series we take you on a trip each month to somewhere in Germany that you may not yet know but should definitely be introduced to. We reveal places that are not to be found on the usual tourist trails. Are you ready for a bit of a detour?
January 2026