This is one of the prettiest towns in Germany. Bamberg was founded in the 10th century, but it didn't come into prominence until the 11th century, when the Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II built his imperial cathedral there. The cathedral is a striking mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles and houses a number of graceful sculptures (including the 13th-century
Bamberg Rider). It is home to the only tomb of a pope in Germany, that of Clemens II (who died in 1047). The church museum has Germany's oldest nude sculptures, of medieval Adam and Eve.
Bamberg also has one of the quirkiest town halls—its Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) sits in the middle of a bridge that straddles the Regnitz River. One of the world's odder museums is also in town—the Museum of Two-Headed Animals. Relax in the evening with the town's distinctive
rauchbier (smoke beer). Warning: Bamberg is extremely popular in high season. Expect crowds and fleets of tour buses if you go in the summer.
Nearby Bayreuth (pronounced by-ROYT) is, in many people's minds, synonymous with the composer Richard Wagner. Every year, beginning in late July, this historic town hosts the Wagner Festival, during which a selection of the composer's operas are performed in the spectacular Wagner Festival Hall. Reservations should be made well in advance; it usually takes years to get a ticket. While there, you can also visit Wagner's home and grave, as well as countless shrines related to his life. Bayreuth also has a beautiful opera house that was built between 1745 and 1748 in rococo style. About 3 mi/5 km west of Bayreuth is the Eremitage, a beautiful, 18th-century summer castle with magnificent gardens. Bamberg is 31 mi/50 km north of Nuremberg.
