Where: Bamberg, Germany
When: August 6 - 7, 2013
With: Dave
The next stop on our German road trip was the small town of Bamberg. This was a very exciting turning point in our drive as it meant we officially had crossed into Bavaria, land of beer and leiderhosen.
We could tell this was going to be a lovely little city as soon as we checked into our hotel. Hotel St. Nepomuk was a mill built in 1410. Now, it continues to sit in the middle of the river, churning out water and providing a great view of the city to all its guests.
A large downpour started just as we checked in, and while that might have put a damper on our explorations, Bamberg is famously known for its breweries-turned-bars, or Brauhaus. So we ran across the cobblestone road to the first one we saw to enjoy some steins and wait out the rain.
Everyone was so incredibly friendly. The owner who served us made sure we got the history of her little place. We also shared the table with a local family whose teenage son was excited to practice his English. He started conversation with us, asking where we were from and how we were liking it so far. Beer + friendly people + cute town = loving it!
For dinner, we booked ourselves at one of the more famous brew houses in Bamberg, the Schlenkerla. Built around the early 1400s, it's famous for its Gothic ceilings and its smoked beer, Rauchbier. It was such a weird, but amazing flavor (though exactly what you'd expect - smoky beer). We had a great meal and felt like we were sitting in Snow White's cottage the whole time.
After dinner, we spent the night wandering the city and popping into the random Brauhaus along the way. The city by night was beautiful. At the hill top, this was the Bamberg Cathedral.
Sitting in the middle of one of the bridges connecting the old and new town sits the town's Rathaus, or city hall. It's clear why this is one of the most photographed buildings in Europe. In addition to being an adorable half-timbered house, it protrudes out over the river and hangs off its foundation as though it is levitating.
When: August 6 - 7, 2013
With: Dave
The next stop on our German road trip was the small town of Bamberg. This was a very exciting turning point in our drive as it meant we officially had crossed into Bavaria, land of beer and leiderhosen.
We could tell this was going to be a lovely little city as soon as we checked into our hotel. Hotel St. Nepomuk was a mill built in 1410. Now, it continues to sit in the middle of the river, churning out water and providing a great view of the city to all its guests.
A large downpour started just as we checked in, and while that might have put a damper on our explorations, Bamberg is famously known for its breweries-turned-bars, or Brauhaus. So we ran across the cobblestone road to the first one we saw to enjoy some steins and wait out the rain.
Everyone was so incredibly friendly. The owner who served us made sure we got the history of her little place. We also shared the table with a local family whose teenage son was excited to practice his English. He started conversation with us, asking where we were from and how we were liking it so far. Beer + friendly people + cute town = loving it!
After dinner, we spent the night wandering the city and popping into the random Brauhaus along the way. The city by night was beautiful. At the hill top, this was the Bamberg Cathedral.
The river was a big stopping point.
We got our first view of one of Europe's most photographed buildings. But more on that tomorrow.
While the city was small and quiet, there was something really pleasant about the nightlife. All the bars were open late and people were out, but it wasn't overwhelming and crowded. The weather was also perfect which encouraged outdoor drinking. Always a good thing.
The next morning, we got up early to see the town by day. One particular Brauhaus we sat at the night before was almost more beautiful in the light.
Sitting in the middle of one of the bridges connecting the old and new town sits the town's Rathaus, or city hall. It's clear why this is one of the most photographed buildings in Europe. In addition to being an adorable half-timbered house, it protrudes out over the river and hangs off its foundation as though it is levitating.
Poking over the skyline of the city, on top of the city's hill, is Bamberg's other famous structure, the Bamberg Cathedral.
Sitting in a giant plaza, the cathedral is unique for its four giant spires.
It was built in the 1000s by Henry II, who wanted to make Bamberg a separate diocese to help alleviate some of the power from the neighboring city of Würzburg and spread Christianity through the region. Him and his wife are buried inside.
This cathedral had a look that was more similar to other European churches than to the Quedlinburg church we'd seen earlier on the trip. However, it had the same staircase and raised platform which appeared to be a trend for German churches.
The rest of our time was spent ambling through the streets, enjoying the half-timbered houses, river views and cobblestones.
This was one of Dave's favorite cities. It's got a lot going on for a small place, and provides for very peaceful site-seeing.
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