We're looking for recommendations for dining and accommodations in Bamberg. I tried the Brudermuhle, but they are accepting only two night stays. The Graupner looks nice - can anyone recommend it? We will have a car, and want to stop to visit Bamberg on our way from Wittenberg to Munich. Thanks very much!

We stayed at the Messerschmidt (sp?) last April and enjoyed it. The food in the restaurant was good and so was the location. Bamberg is a lovely little town!

The Graupner has two locations - the main hotel on Langestrasse, which is a great location, and the "guest house" on Kapellenstrasse, which is a decent hike from the tourist epicenter.

We stayed at the more remote location. On the positive side, we had a huge room that was very cool and breezy during an otherwise hot couple of days. The room was a good 20-30 min walk to either the historic center or the train station.

Bamberg is one of the most beautiful towns in Germany. I believe that the entire place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You shouldn't be disappointed, regardless of where you stay. But a location near the town center would be most convenient.

Too bad about the Brudermuehle. But when we were in Bamberg a couple of years ago, we met a couple who were staying at the nearby Sankt Nepomuk--they said it was very nice.

http://www.hotel-nepomuk.de/

We enjoyed the Brudermuehle restaurant a couple of times.

We also liked the Rathaus Schaenke at the foot of the Rathaus bridge on the island side--it's a combo bar/restaurant with good service and reasonable prices for typical Franconian dishes. For 30 euro we had beer (2) and wine (1/4 liter), pork steak, western spuds, and Gulasch suppe for Mrs. Fly (the soup was just about a meal in itself--I had to help Mrs. Fly finish up her meal), and a Franconian sampler (pork filet, ham, and Bratwurst), white asparagus, and potatoes for me. A super deal back then when we were paying 90 cents for per euro.

We also enjoyed a fun meal at the Brauereiausschank Schlenkerla (Brewery Tavern Schlenkerla, Dominikanerstrasse 6). The main attraction for me was their Rauchbier (smoke beer), but we also had quite a nice meal--salad (loaded with all sorts of vegs) and Bamberger Bratwurst with boiled onions for Mrs. Fly, and Gulaschsuppe, grilled Bratwurst, and sauerkraut for me. It is a tavern, not a fancy restaurant--so you're likely to sit at a long table with benches with some locals, or dedicated beer-lovers from around the world.

Meant to give the website for Schlenkerla

http://www.schlenkerla.de/

Thanks everyone! We will inquire at the suggested hotels. Thanks too for recommending the restaurants, Rufus - the tavern sounds like our style - more local and less fancy. We will definitely plan to look for it!

Another vote for Rathaus Schaenke-great views of the canal and the service was quite delightful. Prices very reasonable.

We had a delightful meal on Valentine's Day 2005 at the Brudermuhle restaurant. We also liked the hotel and we had a room with a view of the river and town hall. There are many good restaurants in the old town and most have menus posted outside so you can see the offerings and prices.

I enjoyed my stay at the Hotel Residenzschloss. It has a good location on the banks of the Regnitz River and is close to the Dom. It has a Roman style steam bath and the buffet breakfast was pretty impressive.

I'll second RTF's recommendation for the the Wirsthaus zum Schenkerla, as much for the Rauchbier as for the food. Since you will be there in May, be sure to order plenty of dishes with spargel(white asparagus). I might be in Bamberg next May when I make my annual asparagus pilgrimage in Germany. Guten appetite!

Another vote for rauchbier! While it would be a bit robust for my daily brew, I certainly could enjoy a couple every now and then! The flavor is quite unique and very pleasant. Bamberg has to be one of the most beautiful towns in Germany. You are fortunate to be visiting there. Enjoy your stay!

Your suggestions are really appreciated. Since we will only have one evening in Bamberg, would you recommend the Rathaus Schaenke over the Schlenkerla tavern? And smueller, would you recommend the Graupner hotel on Langestrasse over the other one that's "more remote"? Danke alle!

WW--in one Fly's opinion, the Schlenkerla would give more of an feel for the traditional friendly Franconian tavern where beer comes first--though the food is very good as well.

The Rathaus Schaenke would have more variety in the food choices with a pleasant, friendly atmosphere--and a good variety of beers as well.

It would really be a matter of personal choice.

Maybe the Schlenkerla for lunch and the Rathaus Schaenke for a late dinner? Or Rauchbier and a snack at the Schlenkerla and dinner at the RS?

I'd sure recommend trying that Rauchbier--even if you didn't like it (and some folks just can't get past the thought of a smokey beer), it's worth having the experience.

The Brudermuehle sure is nice, too.

I think you need two nights in Bamberg.