Amberg

Culturally rich and characterised by well-preserved medieval architecture with the Vils river cutting a scenic route through the old town, it’s surprising that Bavarian town Amberg isn’t more well known. Located east of ‘big smoke’ city Nuremberg and backed by the Franconian Jura Mountains, it was once a mining town famed for its iron ore in the Middle Ages and in 1269 it came under rule of the dynastic Wittelsbach. Historic markers are found at every turn – walk around the city walls that circumnavigate the town, demarcated by watch towers and city gates. One of the more picturesque sights is the ‘City Spectacles’ - a bridge which gives the illusion of a pair of spectacles when the river water underneath is reflected. In themarktplatz or marketplace enjoy the farmer’s market (or pretty Christmas market in season) set against the Gothic town hall, an inspiring cultural landmark that has an astronomical clock on its façade. 

Culture vultures may be intrigued by the town’s unique Air Museum, located in Engelsburgcastle  which looks at the way in which air can be seen, heard and touched and features organs, balloons and modern art. The Town Museum has displays on two of its famous alumni - the painter Michael Mathias Prechtl and the inventor of ‘Ludo’, Josef Friedrich Schmidt. Others however, may well be pulled towards one of the town’s many breweries. With hops from Jura and plenty of fresh water, Amberg has become a beer-lovers hotspotand you could easily spend a few days here testing out the nuances of wheat beer as well as enjoying the town’s annual beer festival in July. Recommended is the Winkler Amberg family brewery who have been making beer since 1617. 

Everywhere you look, the Vils River completes the scenic view. Once the busy scene of medieval trade routes and populated by shipmen, today it’s mostly used for pleasure. Take a trip on a heritage barge for a city tour or hop in a kayak for a peaceful paddle upriverspotting aquatic birdlife as you go. Amberg is Bavaria’s hidden gem.