Bamberg Local Customs

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The weather took a turn for the worse whilst I was in Bamberg and it was really very bleak and cold on one day in particular. Here in Australia during the cold weather, Sidewalk cafes have gas heaters which are turned on to keep the diners warm. In Bamberg (and I guess in other parts of Germany as well) they provide woollen blankets for the cafe and restaurant patrons who want to sit outside. Nice touch, I thought.

The imperial Cathedral of St Ptera and St George goes back to foundation by Emperor Heinrich II..who foundend the bishopric of Banberg in 1007..the first cathedral was consecrated in 1012..but. like its successor ,it burnt down..

When we strolled through the town we happened to see some schoolkids who did a rehearsal for the upcoming parade next week.

I cannot tell you what a parade this was, sorry, but it was in July or August and probably a big event.

The played several instruments, sang and marched along the streets. Very nice.

Bamberg is the home of the famous `smoked beer', which Germans call Rauchbier, a great local specially that some people believe is tasting like liquid ham (I didn't - actually found it very good!!). The smoky flavour is obtained by exposing the malt to the harsh, aromatic smoke of burning beach-wood logs. Smoked beer is among some 50 different types of beer the town serves. Nine breweries still operate in town, and about 90 in the surroundings, giving this region the highest density of breweries and beer worldwide.

Sit down in one of the local restaurant-pubs where you can try the local beer and eat local dishes - you will not be disappointed!!

Rauch is the German word for smoked and Rauchbier is a style of beer that is produced using barley, dried over a beechwood fire. This imparts a unique smoky flavor. Beechwood fires were commonly used in Franconia until the middle of the 19th century.