Heidelberg to Bamberg train

Located on the river Neckar in the southwest of Germany, the university town of Heidelberg is one of the country's most popular destinations. From impressive Baroque and Renaissance architecture to exciting museums, festive Christmas markets, and fantastic shopping, this town has something for everyone.

The first thing you'll see in Heidelberg is the Schloss Heidelberg or Heidelberg Palace. Sitting on a hill overlooking the city, this impressive castle was once the seat of Heidelberg's Prince-Electors. Although rebuilt following the Thirty Years War in the 1600s, this beautiful ruin is open to visitors with audio tours available daily. And as one of the most-Instagrammed castles in Germany, the palace is the perfect backdrop for your next envy-inspiring post. While in the castle, visit the Apotheken-Museum, which displays the history of pharmacies and medical science in Germany.

Heidelberg is also home to the famous hike, Philosopher's Way. Taking its name from the many university academics that used to hike this route for the solitude and views to inspire them, this route rambles up the southern side of the Heiligenberg. With exotic vegetation and a temperate climate during the summer months, it's easy to think that you've accidentally walked all the way to the Mediterranean.

Although Heidelberg does not have an airport, the Mannheim Airport is under 15km away, and it's easy to take a train from Mannheim to Heidelberg. Coach service provides transportation to Heidelberg from many domestic and international destinations. Many direct trains run to Heidelberg from across Germany and other European cities, too, so there is no shortage of travel options to get to this fabulous city.

Bamberg is one of Germany’s most beautiful towns and a popular destination for travellers seeking that postcard-perfect vacation. Bamberg is sometimes called the Rome of Franconia because the city grew on and around seven hills as Rome did. The city's prized attraction is the Bamberg Cathedral, a vast medieval cathedral part of the Town of Bamberg UNESCO Heritage Site. The Romanesque cathedral was built in the 13th century, and it houses the tombs of Emperor Henry II and Pope Clement II. The Old Town area around the cathedral is well-preserved and offers the most quaint surroundings of half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and historical monuments.

Don't miss a stop at the Neue Residenz Bamberg, an ornate palace whose rose garden outside is almost as gorgeous as the lavish interior. The nearby Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall, is a unique building perched on a small bridge over the Regnitz River, which you can easily pass through on your way from the western to eastern areas of the city.

Bamberg is well-known for its beer, with a traditional smoked flavour. The city boasts as many as 11 different breweries for you to enjoy, of which the most popular are Brauerei Fässla and Brauerei Greifenklau.

Airports near Bamberg include Nuremberg and Frankfurt, but direct travel on Deutsche Bahn trains more conveniently delivers passengers to the Bamberg Main Station. FlixBus, IC Bus, and several other intercity coach carriers operate routes to Bamberg from cities likeStuttgart, Dresden, and Hamburg.