The Charming Little Gems and Picturesque Spots of Bamberg

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Bamberg, like Bern, Rothenburg, and other well-preserved European cities with a medieval vibe, is full of little gems and charming sights that make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

These gems I’m talking about are mostly located in Bamberg’s Island Town and Mountain Town, and today, I’m excited to share them with you. For those who aren’t familiar, Island Town is home to the Old Town Hall and Little Venice, while Mountain Town is where you’ll find the Bamberg Cathedral, Hofhaltung, and Neue Residenz.

Sculptures, Fountains, and Facades

Exploring Bamberg, you’ll come across sculptures in fountains, on facades, and lining the streets, giving you a glimpse into the town’s rich history and heritage.

One example is the series of relief sculptures depicting the Stations of the Cross.

Beautiful reliefs and sculptures all around Bamberg, Germany
Beautiful reliefs and sculptures all around Bamberg

The sculptures start in front of St. Elisabeth’s portal, showing the House of Pilate where Christ takes up his cross, and end inside St. Getreu Church with scenes of Christ’s crucifixion and burial.

Another fascinating sculpture you’ll come across while exploring Bamberg is the statue of Queen Cunigunde, located behind the Old Town Hall.

The elegant statue of Queen Cunigunde behind Altes Rathaus, Bamberg, Germany
The elegant statue of Queen Cunigunde behind Altes Rathaus

It’s one of the most charming statues in the city, greeting you with a smile as you walk through Untere Brücke. The statue shows her holding a golden scepter and wearing a golden crown with a cross. This spot, with Klein Venedig (Little Venice) in the background, is a popular photo op.

Fun fact: Queen Cunigunde of Luxembourg, who lived from around 980 to 1033, ruled the East Franconian-German empire after her husband, Heinrich II, passed away. In 1200, the Catholic Church canonized her, and she became a beloved figure in Franconia, especially in Bamberg.

Neptune in Neptunbrunnen is another interesting sculpture you’ll come across in Bamberg. This baroque-style fountain on the Green Market.

Close-up view of the fountain of Neptune near Bamberg's Grunermarkt (Green Market), Bamberg, Germany
Close-up view of the fountain of Neptune near Bamberg’s Grunermarkt (Green Market

The fountain features Neptune, the Roman sea god, who’s called “Gabelmann” locally because of the golden trident he holds. The fountain has a long history, dating back to 1337—can you imagine how old that is? Originally, it had a statue of Saint George, the city’s knight, added in 1566. The current Neptune statue was placed there in 1698.

You might also want to check out Maximiliansbrunnen in Maximiliansplatz.

Maximiliansbrunnen in Bamberg, Germany
Maximiliansbrunnen

Built in 1888 by Ferdinand von Miller, the fountain features several statues of important figures in Bamberg’s history. At the top of the main pillar is King Max I. Joseph.

Other statues include Heinrich II, the founder of the Diocese of Bamberg; Kunigunde of Luxembourg, his wife; Otto I of Bamberg, a sainted bishop; and Konrad III, a German king born and died in Bamberg. Interestingly, the statue at Maximiliansbrunnen may have inspired a commemorative coin for the 900th anniversary of Heinrich II’s death in 1924.

If you’re into architecture, there’s a house in Bamberg that’s a real treat for the eyes: the Böttinger House. Its facade is stunning.

Facade and the beautiful door of Bottinger House, Bamberg, Germany
Facade and the beautiful door of Bottinger House

This building is a great example of how the bourgeoisie rose in the 18th century.

Located on Judenstraße, the Böttinger House, also known as the Prellshaus, is an early 18th-century city palace and one of the most important bourgeois baroque buildings in southern Germany. The design was inspired by Italian palaces, reflecting the wealth of Böttinger, who came from a middle-class background.

Little Venice (The Picturesque Area)

If there’s one district in Bamberg you can’t miss, it’s Little Venice. Why? Simply put, this gem is the most charming in Bamberg! The name “Little Venice” was given in 1842 by two journalists who were taken by the area’s unique architecture and peaceful river views.

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Lovely Golden Hour view of Little Venice in Bamberg, Germany
Lovely Golden Hour view of Little Venice in Bamberg
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While it might not have the same vibe as its famous Italian namesake, Little Venice is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. This area used to be a fishermen’s neighborhood in Bamberg’s Island City, and it’s packed with stunning half-timbered buildings, many dating back to the Middle Ages.

As you stroll along the river, you’ll be treated to a picture-perfect scene, with boats gently floating by the front gardens of the houses. And the best part? You can take a river cruise that glides right past this beautiful stretch, giving you an unforgettable view!

If you’re visiting, take a relaxing walk along the west bank of the Regnitz River for a great view of Little Venice. To make the most of it, start your stroll at the southern end of the Markussttrasse Bridge.

On a calm day, you might even catch the charming houses reflecting on the river’s surface. This walk is especially magical at sunset, when the golden hour light hits the west-facing timber-framed houses, making them look even more stunning.

More in Bamberg

Before you explore the gems I discovered in Bamberg, make sure to prioritize the Old Town Hall and the rest of the Old Town. These are a must-see, and without them, your trip to Bamberg just won’t feel complete!

Also, don’t miss out on trying Bamberg’s famous Smoked Beer. Breweries in the area have been brewing this unique beer for centuries, and if you’ve got extra time, be sure to check out the stunning castle, abbey, and palace on the outskirts of the city. You’ll get a glimpse into the history of Bamberg’s rulers, the prince-bishops.

Lastly, here is WanderInEurope’s discovery guide and some more helpful tips to make the most of your visit.

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