I am considering a day trip to Bamberg from Frankfurt. It looks like I would need to take the train from Bamberg to Nuermberg (approx 2 hours?), switch trains and then go up to Bamberg (about an hour?). Is it possible to do a day trip from Frankfurt or do I really need to spend the night? Has anyone hired a car and driver to take them from Frankfurt to Bamberg or would that just be too expensive?

Is there a better day trip from Bamberg? We are already going to visit Mainz.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thank you.

I would definitely spend the night in Bamberg. The old town is very atmospheric in the evening. As the main attraction for me was walking the many narrow, cobble-stone streets, I am not sure how I would enjoy it in just one hour.

If you meant a better day trip from Frankfurt, I would consider Würzburg with its Archbishop's Residence and fortress (Marienburg Festung). Everyone's tastes are different but we like Würzburg as well as any city in Germany.

Regards, Gary

Hiring a car and driver would cost an arm and a leg and is not faster than the train.

I'd also spend the night in Bamberg. It is atmospheric, has a lot to see, and you may want to try the special local beer...

I rate Bamberg a little higher than Würzburg (yes I like Würzburg, too!) but if you really have just one day and need to return to Frankfurt in the evening, then Würzburg is the better choice. Würzburg is just one hour from Frankfurt, that means four hours more for the city.

If you want more options for day trips within a range of one hour travel time and like smaller cities/towns with half-timbered houses, cobblestone and all that old-world flair, have a closer look at Marburg: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/f86bd/9a93/

Hiring a car and driver would cost an arm and a leg and is not faster than the train.

I'd also spend the night in Bamberg. It is atmospheric, has a lot to see, and you may want to try the special local beer...

I rate Bamberg a little higher than Würzburg (yes I like Würzburg, too!) but if you really have just one day and need to return to Frankfurt in the evening, then Würzburg is the better choice. Würzburg is just one hour from Frankfurt, that means four hours more for the city.

If you want more options for day trips within a range of one hour travel time and like smaller cities/towns with half-timbered houses, cobblestone and all that old-world flair, have a closer look at Marburg: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/f86bd/9a93/

Sorry for double post - there was some mess in the upload.

Pablo,

I think that you can take the train from Frankfurt to Wurzburg and transfer to a train to Bamberg. Check Bahn dot de schedule.

Pat

Like the others say, Bamberg is definitely worth it to stay overnight - its really something special. But if you can only do it as a day trip, I would still consider it - catch an early train and come back late.

Quokka, I love your photos of Marburg and how lucky to have such a view from your flat !!! I will have to add Marburg to my 'want' list.

Yes, the fastest route from Frankfurt to Bamberg goes through and changes trains in Wuerzburg, not Nuernberg.

Bamberg is a wonderful small city. Wuerzburg is also nice and worth a visit, but I like Bamberg much better. I would get up earlier and spend the extra time to go to Bamberg, but others might choose Wuerzburg to save some time.

If you DO end up spending the night then take the train back to Frankfurt but stop off in Nurnberg and take a look around the old city which is within easy walking distance of the train station.

Thank you everyone for your great responses! I am certainly going to spend the night in Bamberg. Thank you again.

You wont regret it Pablo. Have a lovely trip and let us know how you get on.