Bamberg

Bamberg is known as “Seven Hill City” or “Franconian Rome” referring to the region’s medieval name for today’s Bavaria, Alsace and Rhine Valley. All of medieval Bamberg has been designated one of only 890 worldwide UNESCO World Heritage Sites considered to have outstanding universal cultural or natural value. (Town of Bamberg)

Equally proud of its vibrant current personality, Bamberg offers something for every taste, including the respected Bamberg Orchestra, jazz clubs, traditional Hoffman Theater, the unique Das Bamberg Marionette productions and even the Levi Strauss Museum, chronicling the history of these famous jeans.

Atop the highest hill reigns four-spired, Saints Peter and George Cathedral. The Old Court, once the imperial and bishop’s palace opens to a “Beautiful Gateway” with charming half-timbered buildings.

Von Schönborn’s Rose Garden, behind the New Residence, boasting 4500 roses, stages fine Saturday concerts. In the distance, Altenburg Castle towers above lush hills and cathedral spires, creating a memorable photo.

E.T.A. Hoffmann Theater is named after this beloved composer, painter and poet who imprinted his indelible mark as director 200 years ago. The Nativity Museum displays Nativity and Easter scenes plus Christmas decorations from over 25 countries.

Old Town provides a picturesque setting for traditional and specialized markets. The honey market, mid-Lent’s Mettefastenmarkt and antiques. Franconian wine, music and Christmas festivals regularly enliven the town, though Sandkirchweih beer festival draws the largest crowd, 250,000 to Sandstraße.

Access an excellent customizable map with linked tourist information at http://www.bamberg.info/en/stadtplan/. BAMBERGcard combines entrance to many tourist perks with one fee.