Bamberg nativity scene route

From the parking garage we follow the street about 100m southward, then turn right into a narrow alley to reach the viewpoint at the Regnitz. There you have a panorama of the cathedral city, which we ascend via the pedestrian bridge at the mill weir (where the strange pillar saint towers above the river).

Our first destination is the Protestant church St. Stephan, where one of the most modern nativity scenes of the 20th century awaits us. The fantastic acoustics of the Kreuzkirche invite you to sing Advent songs with the whole family - start practicing for Christmas!

Leave the church through the door diagonally opposite the entrance, then sharply turn right down the ice cellar towards the Obere Pfarre.

The shortest way to the large nativity scene at the Dohlushaus leads down to the left - seriously! - through Hell to Frauenplatz. Directly opposite is the portal of the Obere Pfarre, where one of the most beautiful and largest nativity scenes in all of Bamberg is set up. Steps for the children let everyone share in the small and large events - take your time to explore!

Opposite the church we go down the stairs to the Domgrund (if you are with a stroller, you will have to carry it now and understand why I did not mark "stroller friendly" - even though we managed it!). As compensation, there is a nice playground and a small tea break (if you packed some?)

The exhibition of the nativity scene friends in the Matern Chapel is an absolute MUST. There is a lot to tell and discover!

Our path leads along the cathedral wall to St. Jakob (the church here is more worth seeing than the nativity scene) and then to the old court at the cathedral. The Historical Museum is open all year round; feel free to skip it and go directly into the cathedral (always keep right, follow the sign for disabled).

There the Christmas altar by Veit Stoß is more impressive than the nativity scene, but that is my personal opinion. The martyr column where Maria gives birth to Jesus and the instruments of his death reflect the cruel tradition of the dark message of those years. No wonder that Nuremberg became Protestant and Veit Stoß sent his altar to Bamberg.

Now is a good time to go down a few stairs to the "Alt Ringlein" or "Kachelofen" for a proper break!

The nativity scene museum and the Old Town Hall with the Ludwig Museum await the unshakable ones, while the others stroll to St. Martin via the green market and admire the stories there in abundance!

The way back via Maxplatz and Schönleinsplatz passes by two more large nativity scenes, which can be admired quickly!

I wish you a nice Advent and a merry Christmas!