The pulsating heart
The Island District has always been the middle-class centre of Bamberg. This is still very much the case today with the pedestrian zone and its many shops. However, window shopping is not the only pastime the enchanting old half-timbered buildings have to offer. The restaurant trade is also well established here. The spectrum extends from trendy bars to "haute cuisine". The Island District is always full of life; it is home not only to most of the faculties of the Otto Friedrich University of Bamberg but also to many residents. Among the most striking sights are the "Old Town Hall" in the middle of the River Regnitz and the former Fishermen's settlement known as "Little Venice".
Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall in Bamberg is quite a curiosity: The frescoes that adorn the facades are as amazing as the story behind the building's construction. According to legend the bishop of Bamberg did not grant the citizens any land for the construction of a town hall. This prompted the townsfolk to ...
Natural History Museum
The major highlight of Bamberg’s natural history museum are the nature cabinets dating back to the times of prince-bishop Franz Ludwig von Erthal in the Age of Enlightenment. Effectively this ornithological hall, with its classical furnishings and the outstanding collection of stuffed animals ...
ETA Hoffmann Theatre
Many awards are proof enough: The ETA Hoffmann Theatre stands out. The repertoire is always varied and sometimes daring, featuring everything from classical to modern, from readings to musical theatre. In 1802, a Prussian envoy and theatre lover had the buildings on Schillerplatz converted into ...
Lock no. 100
Last of the locks of the old Ludwig-Main-Danube-Canal, built between 1836 and 1845. It connected the Danube near Kehlheim with the River Main just outside of Bamberg. Over the course of these 172 km ships had to pass 100 locks, surpassing around 200 metres of elevation, and needed to be towed ...
Tourist Information
Our team is happy to help you with any questions you may have about Bamberg and your visit. We offer souvenirs, tickets, tips for excursions and accommodation service. We are happy to help you! Tourist Information is wheelchair accessible. There is an accessible toilet in the northern wing of ...
Stigma - Memorial for the victims of the 17. century witch hunt
The installation and sculpture was erected in memory of all the victims of the prosecutions and executions of at least 1.000 innocent men and women, and even children, who were accused of witchcraft, tortured and executed in 17. century Bamberg.
Centurione I
Bronze statue by Polish born sculptor Igor Mitoraj who works in Paris and Pietrasanta (Italy). The artist's heads, torsos and figures are reminiscent of the classical beauty of antiquity, but break away from it with intentional damage to each work of art. Purchased by Bamberg town council in ...
E.T.A. Hoffmann's House
E.T.A. Hoffmann lived in the narrow house on Schillerplatz in 1809/1813. He occupied the second floor and loft with the poet's little room which is still furnished as it might have been in Hoffmann's day. The other rooms are filled with information and displays as well as installations on the ...
Grüner Markt (Green Market)
The pedestrian zone of Bamberg begins at the Green Market (Grüner Markt). With its many stalls selling fruit and vegetables from the region and afar from Monday to Saturday, the many shops and cafés, and the fountain called Gabelman (local lingo for Neptune, the “man with the fork”) it is ...
The Island City
The Island City is the old "bourgeois" merchant city and is now Bamberg's centre. In the pedestrian zone and beyond, we find what has become a rare retail landscape which is characterised by small, privately run stores in historical buildings, beautiful shops for browsing and, of course, an ...
Lady with fruit
Bronze sculpture created by the Columbian artist Fernando Botero. In 1998, it was bought by the town of Bamberg and was the first statue on the sculpture trail.
Memorial for Resistance and Civil Courage
Situated centrally in town between the E.T.A.-Hoffmann Square and the Gardens of Harmony, this memorial commemorates three outstanding personalities of the German resistance movement and local personalities involved in resistance to the Nazi Regime: Willy Aron, Hans Wölfel and Claus Schenk Graf ...
Otto Friedrich University Bamberg
Bamberg is a small but busy university town with an historical spirit and a distinctive cultural life. The students never have far to go in this picturesque town and the atmosphere is very familiar. In the Old Town the student scene has led to the appearance of bookshops, restaurants, bistros and ...
Geyerswörth Palace, council offices
The former prince-bishop's city palace was built from 1585-1587 and is used today by the social services departments of Bamberg's city adminsitration.
Ludwig Collection in the Old Town Hall
The animal-shaped tureens, the figurines used as table decorations, the fragrance dispensers and dinner services that make up the Ludwig Collection are reminiscent of the splendid lifestyle and table-top culture that was customary in certain circles in the 18th century. The lower floor hosts ...
Villa Dessauer - city gallery
Alternating exhibitions, lectures, readings and musical events have been taking place at Villa Dessauer since 1987, most of which are organised by the City of Bamberg. The art society - Kunstverein Bamberg e.V. - and the regional association of fine artists - Berufsverband Bildender Künstler ...
The World Heritage Visitor Centre
The World Heritage Visitor Centre provides an overview of the World Heritage site, including information about what it means to be a World Heritage site, what contributes to Bamberg’s significance as a UNESCO site. The Visitor Centre will not replicate a typical museum with an in-depth ...
