Explore Bamberg’s Scenic Castles and Magnificent Palaces

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One of the best things about Bamberg is its time-transporting, romantic attractions just outside the town. Did you know there’s a castle and an abbey, each sitting proudly on its own hill near Bamberg? That’s right!

There’s also a nearby palace, and together, these landmarks offer even more to explore. You’ll not only learn about the prince-bishops who once lived in these castles and palaces but also uncover fascinating stories about Bamberg’s famous beers and brewing traditions.

Let me tell you about each one.

Michaelsberg Abbey

Michaelsberg Abbey, perched high on a hill, is a striking historic site that’s hard to miss in Old Town Bamberg. You can see it from the Rose Garden at the Neue Residenz or while cruising along the River Regnitz.

Michaelsberg Abbey garden, Bamberg, Germany — Michaelsberg Abbey garden

View from the gardens of Saint Michael's Abbey in Bamberg, Germany — View from the gardens of Saint Michael’s Abbey

Built in the early 11th century, Michaelsberg Abbey is one of Bamberg’s oldest and most important landmarks. It has been the site of many significant events throughout history, from the Middle Ages to modern times, including during the secularization of Bavaria.

The Abbey was once home to Bishop Otto, who was later made a saint. Famous craftsmen like Balthasar Neumann and Ludwig Dietz also worked on the Abbey.

Today, it hosts the Franconian Brewery Museum, but there’s more to see than just beer history. The Abbey also features a stunning church filled with religious art and treasures.

Some of these include the golden Gothic tomb of Saint Otto, with carvings of a king, queen, and other saints, a neoclassical Holy Sepulchre, various paintings of Jesus, and a beautiful Rococo pulpit depicting Saint Michael’s triumph.

Michaelsberg Abbey also has a restaurant and a garden where you can relax and enjoy your free time. The location offers a great view of the town from above. From here, you can see Bamberg’s skyline, stretching from the cathedral in the south to the villages in the north.

After a meal, it’s worth taking a walk around the area to visit the Michaelsberg Garden, also called the “celestial garden.” This baroque terraced garden features a central fountain and is home to over 500 types of flowers. Two pavilions are tucked away in a corner of the garden, providing a peaceful spot for quiet reflection.

For more information, check out the Michaelsberg Abbey page on Bamberg’s official website.

Altenburg

Altenburg Castle, sitting on the highest of Bamberg’s seven hills, is one of the town’s most beautiful off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Inside the main gate of Altenburg Castle, Bamberg, Germany — Inside the main gate of Altenburg Castle

The castle’s history is as old and unique as its design, with the first records of it dating back to the early 11th century. In times of danger, it was a safe refuge for the townspeople. It wasn’t until 1251, when the bishops of Bamberg took ownership, that the castle became their permanent home.

Today, Altenburg Castle has various uses. It’s open to the public, offering tours where visitors can explore its rich history and enjoy the beautiful views of Bamberg.

When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by the sight of a stunning castle keep, surrounded by a strong wall, a covered ramparts walkway, and the towering Altenburg tower. There are also old wells with beautiful metal railings and antique cannons that once protected the castle.

Take a stroll around the grounds and imagine yourself as a medieval guard keeping watch in the 1200s. Or, head up to the bastion and enjoy some jaw-dropping views of the vast landscape and the town below.

After exploring, why not relax at the “Restaurant Altenburg”? It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a hearty meal. The menu features delicious dishes like pork schnitzel, currywurst, meat cake, and Göttingen—just what you’ll need after a walk through the castle!

Getting to Altenburg Castle is easy! It’s just a 10-minute drive from Old Town Bamberg. If you’re in the mood for a more scenic route, you can hike up to the castle or even take a bus tour. There are plenty of hiking trails around the castle, so it’s a great way to explore the area.

If you’d prefer a more relaxed option, you can hop on a bus tour or take a “hop on, hop off” ride to the castle from the wooden bridge at Rathaus. For details on schedules and tickets, just head to the Tourism Office. You can also visit Bamberg’s official website for all the info you need about visiting Altenburg Castle.

Seehof Palace

Before you leave Bamberg, make sure to visit Seehof Palace, a beautiful summer residence in Memmelsdorf, just outside the city. It was built in 1686 for the Bamberg Prince-Bishops.

One of the many beautiful sculptures in Seehof Palace, near Bamberg, Germany — One of the many beautiful sculptures in Seehof Palace

The beautiful garden of Seehof Palace, near Bamberg, Germany — The beautiful garden of Seehof Palace

The hall of Seehof Castle gate, near Bamberg, Germany — The hall of Seehof Castle gate

The beautiful Rococo frescoes in Seehof Palace, near Bamberg, Germany — The beautiful Rococo frescoes in Seehof Palace

Here’s a quick history: Seehof Palace was built by Marquard Sebastian Schenk von Stauffenberg, who loved the countryside around Memmelsdorf. He hired Antonio Petrini to replace a local estate with a Baroque palace.

After secularization, the palace fell into neglect under private ownership. By the end of the 20th century, major renovations were needed, and a large restoration project has helped bring the palace back to its former glory.

Needless to say, the architecture of the palace is stunning, with a square design similar to Schloss Johannisburg in Aschaffenburg.

The four corner pavilions are topped with squat octagonal towers and projecting roofs, while large windows with triangular pediments decorate the facades on the ground floor, and arches grace the upper floor. Each row of windows is supported by a cornice.

Inside, the palace is just as impressive. Nine rooms are open to visitors, including the White Hall, which features a beautiful parquet floor and a ceiling fresco by Giuseppe Appiani. During the 45-minute tour, you’ll also walk through the guardroom, anterooms, and bedrooms.

Many visitors come to Seehof for the gardens, once considered the most famous Rococo gardens in Germany in the 18th and 19th centuries. You can still see over 400 stone statues, gargoyles, dragons, grotesques, and mythical creatures, just as visitors did 300 years ago.

Before you visit, keep in mind that you can only enter the palace during guided tours at specific times. Unfortunately, the tours aren’t available in English, and they only accept cash. Tip: To save some money, consider getting a combined ticket for Seehof Palace and the New Residence in Bamberg.

If you wish to visit Seehof Palace, don’t forget to check all the important information posted in the official website of Bavarian Palaces Administration Office.

Before visiting these three places, make sure to check out some of Bamberg’s top attractions, like the Old Town Hall in the historic Old Town, which is full of little gems and charming sights. For a well-rounded experience, be sure to try Bamberg’s famous smoked beer, a tradition that dates back centuries, at one of the town’s well-known breweries.

If you’re looking for a quick overview of what to see in Bamberg, my discovery guide can help. Lastly, still planning your visit? I also have some practical tips to help you get the most out of your trip to Bamberg. Enjoy your trip!

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Explore Bamberg’s Scenic Castles and Magnificent Palaces

Michaelsberg Abbey

Altenburg

Seehof Palace

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