Franconia

Travel Guide

Bamberg showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a city
Bamberg which includes a bridge and street scenes
Franconia
Bamberg featuring a city and a river or creek
Bamberg showing a bridge, a small town or village and a river or creek
Journey along the Romantic Road in this region to see vineyard-checkered hills, fairytale-like castles, ancient forests and cities bursting with history and culture.

With a rich cultural heritage of beer brewing, hearty gastronomy and folk tradition, it’s no wonder Franconia has helped to shape the perception of Germany worldwide. Medieval identity is evident in the region’s landscape, with historic townships hemmed in by ancient city walls and magical forests. Explore Franconia’s exciting cities, where modern metropolises have emerged from the cobbled streets of the Altstadt (Old Town). Hike through dramatic uplands, relax by pristine lakes and see breathtaking performances of opera and classical music.

Lower Franconia, to the region’s north, is presided over by the wine-loving city of WürzburgOpens in a new window. Visit the city’s 8th-century church and World Heritage-Listed palace, the Würzburg ResidenceOpens in a new window. Go on a wine-tasting tour of the surrounding area, known as Franconian Wineland, and hike or bike through the vineyard-clad hills.

The region’s largest city, NurembergOpens in a new window, is situated in Middle Franconia. Stroll through the city’s historic Old Town and visit the commanding hilltop Nuremberg CastleOpens in a new window. Nuremberg was a significant hub during Germany’s Nazi reign and today contains plenty of interesting museums and historical landmarks about this time. You can also find out about German toy-making traditions and the famous national railway in this city.

Heading south, you’ll pass though Franconian Switzerland, so-named for its dramatic natural beauty. This region of limestone uplands carved by pristine waterways is perfect for exploring on a kayaking, hiking or rock-climbing trip. It’s also home to some of Franconia’s most notable breweries. Check out Pottenstein, Aufsess and Bayreuth to sample some delicious local beers. Bayreuth is an important stopover for opera fans, who can attend the annual Wagner Festival or see a performance at the Margravial Opera House.

Continue your journey on to Coburg, where you can pick up one of the town’s acclaimed sausages freshly grilled over a pinecone fire in the local marketplace. Nearby BambergOpens in a new window, known as a beer drinker’s Eden, has a pretty riverbank neighborhood known as Little Venice.

Reach Franconia by flying into its major airport in Nuremberg or making use of the country’s convenient railway network. The Romantic Road is a popular tourist route that connects the north and south of the region. Visit in summer to enjoy the region’s beautiful parklands or experience the magic of the traditional Christmas markets in winter.

Where to stay in Franconia

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Nuremberg Old Town

4.5/5(58 area reviews)

Historical sites, museums and shopping highlight some notable features of Nuremberg Old Town. Make a stop by Main Market Square or Frauenkirche while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Lawrence Church U-Bahn or White Tower U-Bahn to get around town.

Nuremberg Old Town
Wuerzburg Cathedral which includes heritage elements and a city

Würzburg City Centre

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Würzburg City Centre is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Würzburg Cathedral and Neumünster.

Würzburg City Centre
Nuremberg featuring heritage elements

Mitte

4/5(87 area reviews)

Noted for its historical sites and museums, there's plenty to explore in Mitte. Top attractions like Old City Hall and St. Sebaldus Church are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Lawrence Church U-Bahn or Woehrder Wiese U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Mitte
Nuremberg featuring heritage elements, a bridge and a river or creek

Altstadt - Sankt Lorenz

If you're spending time in Altstadt - Sankt Lorenz, check out sights like City Point Nuremberg or German National Museum and hop on the metro to see more of the city at White Tower U-Bahn or Lawrence Church U-Bahn.

Altstadt - Sankt Lorenz
Wuerzburg Residence featuring flowers, a garden and heritage architecture

Altstadt Würzburg

Altstadt Würzburg is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Staatlicher Hofkeller Würzburg and Würzburg Residence.

Altstadt Würzburg
Nuremberg featuring a sunset and heritage elements

Altstadt - Sankt Sebald

While you're in Altstadt - Sankt Sebald, take in top sights like Frauenkirche and jump on the metro at Rathenauplatz U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Altstadt - Sankt Sebald
Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg
Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg
4 out of 5
Dr.-Kurt-Schumacher-Str. 1, Nuremberg, BY
The price is €111 per night from 21 Feb to 22 Feb
€111
includes taxes & fees
21 Feb - 22 Feb
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Nuremberg. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"The best place"

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg
Scandic Nürnberg Central
Scandic Nürnberg Central
Frauentorgraben 11, Nuremberg, BY
The price is €84 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€84
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nuremberg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (333 reviews)
"Very Unique Design"

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2025

Scandic Nürnberg Central
NOVINA HOTEL Südwestpark Nürnberg
NOVINA HOTEL Südwestpark Nürnberg
4 out of 5
Suedwestpark 5, Nuremberg, BY
The price is €77 per night from 7 Mar to 8 Mar
€77
includes taxes & fees
7 Mar - 8 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Nuremberg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (854 reviews)
"Sehr sauberes, ruhiges und freundliche Hotel"

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2025

NOVINA HOTEL Südwestpark Nürnberg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apart Hotel FirstBoarding Bayreuth
Apart Hotel FirstBoarding Bayreuth
Nürnberger Straße 32, Bayreuth, Bayern
Stay at this aparthotel in Bayreuth. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (458 reviews)
Enjoyed my stay
"The stay was amazing the room was nice , the only thing I would say is that the stay over service should be given every day, and it did not have breakfast and coffee should be free in the lobby area, every hotel I have ever stayed at gives free coffee. You should consider giving free breakfast or ..."

Reviewed on 18 Dec 2024

Apart Hotel FirstBoarding Bayreuth
Eco Smart Apartments Premium City
Eco Smart Apartments Premium City
Breitscheidstraße 58, Nuremberg, BY
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Nuremberg. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Nuremberg Christmas ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (76 reviews)
Great alternative to hotel in Nuremberg
"A fairly new and updated property with all the conveniences including digital keys for all doors, fast wifi, good controllable heating, dishwasher, large fridge, rain shower, balcony, laundry room for pay with an app. Bedding for the sofa bed was also available and ready. This apartment faced the ..."

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2024

Eco Smart Apartments Premium City
limehome Nuremberg Celtisplatz
limehome Nuremberg Celtisplatz
Celtispl. 6, Nuremberg, BY
Stay at this aparthotel in Nuremberg. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Nuremberg Christmas Market and New ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (39 reviews)
"Very close to main train station in Nuremberg. Quiet block."

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2025

limehome Nuremberg Celtisplatz
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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