Exploring Amberg, Germany

After several days of dreary and rainy weather, the sun finally popped out as we headed down to Amberg, Germany. Amberg is about a 45 minute drive away from Grafenwoehr and is a beautiful Bavarian town. My sister-in-law brought along a narrated tour, so we strolled through the town while she told us about the sites.

Our first stop led us to the original town gates and walls. Amberg is an old town, and the walls date from the 16th century. From there, we walked over to the square around Town Hall (Rathaus) then down to Saint Martin’s Basilica on the Vils River. Saint Martin’s is a functioning church, so don’t plan to go inside unless you are attending a service.

We walked along the river to the Stadtbrille, a bridge whose reflection in the river looks like a pair of spectacles. Be sure to walk past the Stadtbrille to a smaller pedestrian bridge that gives you a great view of the arches and their reflection.

We then wandered over to the Eh’Hausel Hotel, the Guinness Book of World Records’ smallest hotel. Once upon a time, only property owners were allowed to marry. An enterprising man built a front and a back on a narrow alley to create a building. He would then sell for a night it to couples wanting to marry. After their marriage (and I assume a honeymoon night stay given the scenes depicted on the door), they sold the building to another engaged couple. You can stay there, and they have a display out front telling their story.

While it’s not that large, Amberg, Germany is a worthwhile stop on a trip through Bavaria. It shows off the beautiful Bavarian architecture and has a good number of interesting sites to see.

Our Germany trip: Neuschwanstein Castle  |  Munich & Nuremberg Christmas Markets  |  Where we ate: restaurants in Bavaria