Frankfurt - Bamberg - Berlin?
 

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this. Spending maybe 3 nights in Frankfurt at Christmas (plan to perhaps do a day trip somewhere close to Frankfurt during this time) and now got the idea of catching a train to Bamberg for one night, then ongoing by train to Berlin. My question is would Bamberg be a good stop over point? My other option is to catch a flight directly from frankfurt to berlin, but heard about Bamberg and looked up some pictures on the net, and it looks absolutely stunning. What I'm interested to see is lovely old timber buildings, maybe a cathedral, castle, but just generally wander around taking in all the sights. All thoughts greatly accepted. :)

Bamberg is lovely and would make a great place to base for a few nights. You can visit Wurzburg and Nuremberg from there as well, both very nice at Christmas though I prefer Bamberg and Wurzburg.

I personally would prefer to stay in Bamberg than Frankfurt as I find it a charming place and it would be a nice contrast to Berlin. You can head there upon landing in Frankfurt.

We were just in this area last year (our 5th trip to Germany in Advent season) and are returning to spend more time there this season as we very much enjoyed it.

Bamberg has a very attractive Altstadt. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is the burial place of a pope and an emporer with his wife, both of holy orders and celibate. Lots of things to make Bamberg unique. Plenty of atmosphere.

Regards, Gary

Bamberg - yes.

It is only about 1/3 of the way (2 hrs) to Berlin (6 hrs total) - those are driving times. I don't think there is a better place to stop on the way.

thank you so much, I think it is a done deal, definitely Bamberg it is !

Then I have one word for you

S-C-H-L-E-N-K-E-R-L-A

Aramis, I wondered what on earth you were talking about - until I found the website - thanks for that it looks great - think I will definitely make a stop in there!!!

Try the Bamberger Zwiebel with a Rauchbier.

Oh gawd, I'm drooling again.

Rauchbier can be an acquired taste. I acquired it instantly, perhaps even earlier. Maybe try a beer for early one day and see if it fits. If so go back, or just stay (and stay and stay) and order another and add in the city's signature dish.

Bamberg has many terrific Brauerei - do some research and plan a little route.

Bamberg, Bier, und Weihnacht....sigh

There is a reason why Rauchbier did not catch on anywhere apart from Bamberg in a nation that still is one of the world's most diverse for beer drinkers.
Rauchbier in principle tastes like smoked raw ham in liquified form. To each their own - but decidedly no Rauchbier for me please.

We had a couple decent meals in Bamberg. One was at the Klosterbräu, an atmospheric old brewery. The other was at Scheiners Gaststuben, which has a formal restaurant in the front and a more casual atmosphere in the rear.

http://www.klosterbraeu.de/Bamberg/index_micro.htm

http://www.scheiners.de/

Regards, Gary