Bayreuth

The Upper Franconian town of Bayreuth is still strongly influenced by the world-famous composer Richard Wagner. And no wonder, because Wagner was not only in love with the city and spent a large part of his life in Bayreuth, but in the 1870s he even had his own opera house built, as the existing one was too small for Wagner performances. The effort paid off: to this day, almost 2,000 people, including celebrities and high-ranking politicians, come to the city every year to watch the famous Bayreuth Festival on the Grüner Hügel.  

Traces of Richard Wagner can also be found in the city centre: The composer lived in the Wahnfried House with his wife Cosima from 1874 to 1883. After his death, Wagner was also buried on the property – right next to the grave of his beloved Newfoundländer-Rüden Russ.

Away from the places of pilgrimage for Wagnerians, Bayreuth also has many gems that are well worth a visit. If you want to stay true to the music, visit the Margravial Opera House in the city centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The baroque court theatre was recently renovated. Fans of architecture and garden design should also head to the St. Johannis district and visit the famous Hermitage. The Wilhelmine meadows on the banks of the Red Main offer a rest from a strenuous city tour.

What highlights should you definitely have seen in Bayreuth?

• Bayreuth Festival Hall
• Margravial Opera House
• The New Palace
• The Hermitage and the Old Palace
• Richard Wagner Museum
• Maisel's Beer Experience World
• Animal Park at the Röhrensee