Bamberg

Bamberg is a city in Upper Franconia, Bavaria, Germany. It is an independent city (kreisfreie Stadt) and the administrative center of the Bamberg district. With about 77,000 residents, Bamberg lies on the Regnitz River north of Nuremberg and is a major regional cultural and economic hub.

The Historic Centre of Bamberg was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 for its exceptionally preserved medieval core and its later architectural ensembles, spanning Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles across a compact, walkable town plan.

Landmarks include the Bamberg Cathedral (Dom St. Peter and St. George), home to the Bamberg Rider, a 13th‑century equestrian statue; the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) perched on a bridge over the Regnitz; the New Residence with its rose garden; and the colorful Fischer-Viertel, known as Klein Venedig.

Bamberg is also renowned for its beer culture, especially Rauchbier, a smoky beer produced by traditional breweries such as Schlenkerla. The city has a long brewing heritage dating to the Middle Ages and hosts beer-related events and tours.

Historically, Bamberg was a prince‑bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire and became part of Bavaria in 1802. It is the site of the University of Bamberg (founded 1648) and several museums, including the Diocesan Museum and the Historical Museum Bamberg.

The city is connected by rail and road to Nuremberg and other regional centers, and it remains a popular destination for visitors seeking a preserved medieval townscape, historic architecture, and beer culture.