Bamberg combines river views with the rolling hills of the cathedral quarter. It’s the perfect city for a day out, where strolls in the open air are interspersed with a visit to a museum or gallery. Bear in mind the hills before you set out to walk the entire historic centre without a break.
Where to start your walk
The Old Town Hall by the water is a good starting point. Take a look at it from different vantage points and don’t stop in the middle of the flow of pedestrians. Then head towards the cathedral quarter, allowing plenty of time to adjust to the changes in elevation.
How to continue the route
The cathedral and the Michelsberg monastery hill offer different views of the city. You should check the accessibility of the monastery grounds, and consider a walk up the hill separately from a tour of the buildings. If you’re short on time, you can choose just one of the higher areas.
A local detail worth bearing in mind
Don’t make all the hills a must-see. The riverside area and the cathedral centre already make up a complete itinerary.
Plan after the coach tour
This itinerary is designed for exploring the city at your own pace, rather than a guided tour with a fixed timetable. First, check the arrival address against your ticket and decide where to leave your luggage. Mark your accommodation, the first sightseeing spot and the pick-up point on an offline map. Count the time for your city walk from the moment your luggage has been left and you’re ready to set off.
On the day of arrival, plan just one main sightseeing stop. If your flight is delayed, cut back on the extra part of your itinerary, whilst still allowing time for a meal and the journey back. Before paying for entry, check the official opening hours, access conditions and any ongoing works. A view of the building from the outside does not mean that its interiors are accessible without restrictions.
What to keep before leaving
- the drop-off address and the transport provider’s contact details;
- an offline map showing your return route;
- confirmation of your chosen museum or guided tour session;
- contact details for your accommodation and instructions on how to collect any luggage you’ve left behind.
You may find the following helpful: How to plan your first day after a long coach journey, How to find a hotel from the coach station, Offline maps for travelling in Europe: how to prepare your phone. Check available bus journey options on RedRay; this guide does not confirm the availability of a direct service to every city.
Resources for preparation
General information about the city and attractions: Bamberg, Bamberg Cathedral, Michaelsberg Abbey, Bamberg. The suggested walking route is the editorial team’s recommendation; please check with the relevant establishments for current opening times.
Image credits
- Kloster Michaelsberg Parkseite.jpg — Reinhard Kirchner; CC BY-SA 3.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
- Bamberger Dom BW 6.JPG — Berthold Werner; Public domain. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
- Bamberg Neue Residenz.jpg — Berthold Werner; CC BY-SA 3.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
Questions and Answers
Can this route be used on the day of arrival?
Yes, by choosing the central section and one main sightseeing spot. After travelling overnight, it’s better to leave the strenuous climbs and longer journeys until the following day.
What is the most important thing to bear in mind for the walk?
Don’t make every hill a must-do. The riverside section and the cathedral district already make up a complete route.
What should I do with my suitcase?
Before you set off, confirm that your luggage will be stored at your accommodation or in a reputable left-luggage facility, including the time you’ll collect your belongings. Keep your documents, ticket and a fully charged mobile phone with you.
Do you need to buy all your admission tickets in advance?
First, choose your main attraction and check its rules. Don’t book several time slots close together until you’ve confirmed the route between them. Keep your city walk flexible.