Bamberg is an UNESCO world heritage site since 1993 but with some very strict regulations in order to remain so. When a building that is under “Denkmalschutz” or monument protection is so destroyed that it cannot be repaired, then the new building in its place needs to be completely modern and not a “Kitschig” or cheap version of what was once there. When walking around one could safely assume a building that looked historical was in fact older than the United States.
We were only in Bamberg for a few short hours, but Dominic took a very informative 2hr walking tour around the town, while I tagged along and took pictures. Sadly my hangover, the heat, and my lack of understanding anything other Hochdeutsch, had me pretty confused as to what our tour guide had said. Our guide was friendly and tried to engage with me, and every once in awhile dropped some knowledge in english, but for the most part, most of it went over my head. Dominic did his best to translate parts I didn’t understand, but it was challenging because our tour guide was full of knowledge and never stopped talking. After a while I zoned out and really just took in the beauty of the town. The traces of modern, mixed with American, mixed with historical german structures was extremely eye pleasing. Even the doors and window treatments had beautiful details one could miss if they only focused on the main sites.
Other than architecture, Bamberg is also known for its many breweries, and a smoked beer. We still had a few hours on the road ahead of us, and with the heated hangovers, had no desire to have a drink. We both agreed Bamberg warrants another visit and this way we can try some of the famous brews. It’s only a few hours drive and I think it would be a fun weekend getaway with friend.
Bamberg was totally worth it.
I agree with that statement. Shamefully i must admit; Bamberg has been one of those places that i’ve always kinda skipped out on. Like that distant relative or friend you always intend to visit but somehow never really make time for. Once you actually do find some time to visit though, you’re more then surprised and wonder why you never bothered to visit before, cause you’ve just had a wonderful time.
Bamberg is a real jewel of a town. It’s small and easy to get around in and even for an European who has seen his fair share of medieval ... it’s really marvelous . Most of the houses are real old “Fachwerk” and thankfully survived WWII. While walking around, you can feel the smooth Cobblestone streets beneath your feet and can imagine how they’ve been run on for centuries.
One main sight is the old city council hall (Rathaus), built in the middle of a river. Its story, like that of pretty much any other old building in Bamberg, is full with funny, fascinating and historical facts.