October 5-10, 2026

When we travel, we often go for the instagram sites and places we have heard about. Well and good; however, often the most majestic sites/sights are found in lesser known places and tucked away in unassuming quarters. This was the case for Randy, Melisa, Tommy, Nancy, Kathy and I as we headquartered in Bamburg, Germany, for five days and day-tripped to some of the wonderful surrounding cities. Our hotel was a renovated historic building right in the Altstadt (old town). Perfect for exploring. Fall has definitely arrived and so has cooler (two days, wetter) weather. It was nostalgic walking in fallen leaves in autumn colors.

Majestic is the word that describes this area of Germany (Old Frankonia) now far north Bavaria, yet central Germany. Bamburg was little touched by WWII and so its buildings and streets are charming and filled with elegant and traditional architecture. Built on seven hills, it is sometimes referred to as the “Northern Rome.” Its mainly Roman Catholic character further enhances that claim. The cathedral (Dom) with its four tall spires stands majestically on top of the hill on which it was constructed. The horse with rider sits regally attached to one of the huge columns. Considered a fine example of art from the 1200’s, it attracts crowds of tourists. Smoked beer (Rauch bier) tastes like bacon. Nancy said it smelled like a camp fire, and Randy thought it was good. It is Bamburg’s beer, and we ate in the rustic wooden and lively restaurant attached to the brewery. Randy and I ate the onion stuffed with minced pork and covered with smoked bier sauce. We will try to recreate it once we are home. Two other highlights of Bamburg are the painted Rathaus (town hall) sitting on an island in the middle of the Main River that runs through Bamburg and the St. Michael’s Abby atop another hill. Both are splendid; however, the Abby, opened in July after sixteen years of reconstruction due to previous neglect, was the highlight. Awe and splendor! The ceiling is painted with herbs in vivid green… a one of its kind and breathtaking. The white and gold statuary, pulpit and altar magnify the upward gaze. Work is still progressing, but we were privileged to enjoy the majesty of that space. Randy and Kathy were courageous to crawl through the grave of one of the early rulers, Otto, hidden behind the altar in a passageway carved through the sarcophagus.

Around Bamburg on easy day trips are cities of equal beauty. Nüremberg, the Old Imperial Capitol of the Holy Roman Empire, is crowned with the huge Imperial Castle sitting majestically on the high hill overlooking the city. The Reformation came early to Nüremberg and the two main churches are Lutheran. St. Lorenz contains two very important religious works of art: “The Annunciation” by the late-Gothic German artist, Veit Stoss, and the “Sacramental Tabernacle” by the late-Gothic German sculptor, Adam Kraft, an over 90 foot hand carved sandstone structure for the elements of the Sacrament of the Altar. The huge “Annunciation” was down at eye level as art technicians were cleaning and reguilding the gold highlights. St. Sebaldus is the oldest parish church in Nüremberg from around 1215. It contains the remains of the mystic monk, declared a saint. All around are beautiful altars and reminders of the city’s past. Both churches were heavily harmed by bombing in WWII and rebuilt to former glory. We had time to shop for lebkuchen, the ginger cookie, for which the city is famous.

Sacramental Tabernacle in St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, Nuremberg, Germany

Würzburg is famous for its unbelievably ornate “Prince Bishop’s Palace.” Stucco in marvelous curving patterns; elegant staircases; ceiling frescoes painted by Giovanni Tiepolo; silk wall coverings; rooms adorned with statuary, crystal chandeliers, and intricately patterned wood flooring. The mirror cabinet—a room filled with painted mirrors reflecting back and forth—was a favorite of our group.

Bayreuth is home to two famous opera houses. Richard Wagner had one constructed to house his huge operatic productions. Every year opera fans flock to the city from around the world to attend “The Ring,” a presentation of three of Wagner’s operas. As far as jaw-dropping splendor is concerned, the Margravial Opera House fills the bill! Often copied but never surpassed, the Opera venue is a cacophony of sight. Not one inch is without opulent imagery.

We thoroughly enjoyed our days in the region of Bamburg. We ate tasty Frankonian food and drank great wine and beer.