Old Town Hall

The Altes Rathaus, in Bamberg

The Altes Rathaus, the old town hall, is the most emblematic building of Bamberg, built on an island in the middle of the Regnitz. The Bamberg audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this unusual monument, adorned with trompe-l'œil frescoes.

The unusual town hall on the water

Of all the finest things Bamberg holds, the Altes Rathaus is undoubtedly the most iconic building. And for good reason: this town hall is built on an artificial island, right in the middle of the Regnitz river, linked to the two banks by bridges. The legend tells that the bishop having refused to grant land to build it, the inhabitants decided to drive piles into the river to erect their town hall there, outside his authority. The building, altered over the centuries, is adorned with spectacular trompe-l'œil frescoes and flanked by a charming half-timbered little house that seems suspended over the water. The Altes Rathaus is the symbol and the postcard of Bamberg.

What to see

You admire the unusual town hall built on an artificial island in the middle of the Regnitz, linked to the banks by bridges, its spectacular trompe-l'œil frescoes and the charming half-timbered little house suspended over the water. The Altes Rathaus is the symbol of Bamberg. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Altes Rathaus lies on an island in the middle of the Regnitz, in the heart of Bamberg, reachable on foot by the bridges. You admire its façade and its frescoes from the bridges and the banks; it shelters a collection of porcelain that can be visited according to its own hours, which vary. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

Why is the town hall of Bamberg built on the water?

According to legend, the bishop having refused to grant land, the inhabitants drove piles into the Regnitz to build their town hall on an artificial island, outside his authority; the building is adorned with trompe-l'œil frescoes.

Where is the Altes Rathaus?

On an island in the middle of the Regnitz, in the heart of Bamberg, in Germany.