Franconian Christmas markets by train
This is leg 2 of 2, the final leg.
Travel leg · Würzburg, Bamberg & Nuremberg
Bamberg to Nuremberg
Bamberg and Nuremberg sit about 51 km (31 mi) apart in a straight line, with Nuremberg to the south. It is leg 2 of 2 on our Würzburg, Bamberg & Nuremberg itinerary, a 5-day trip. Here is how long it takes by train, what to see on the way and where it fits in a real itinerary.
- Straight-line distance
- 51 km · 31 mi
- Est. road distance
- 61–71 km
- Est. drive time
- 45 min – 1 h 30 min
- Direction
- Heading south
- Curated routes
- 1 itinerary
Road distance is estimated as 1.2–1.4× the straight line; drive time assumes average speeds of 50–80 km/h with no stops or traffic. These are rough estimates — check a maps app for the actual route.
Ways to get there
We don't have live routing data, so the figures below are labelled estimates built from the straight-line distance. Use them to plan the day, then confirm in a maps app.
By train
Our Würzburg, Bamberg & Nuremberg itinerary is planned around rail, so a train is the likely way to cover this leg. Timetables and direct connections vary — check the operator before you book.
By car
Driving is an estimated 61–71 km (38–44 mi) and 45 min – 1 h 30 min at typical average speeds, not a routed time.
Fly into Frankfurt and take the ICE to Würzburg (about 1.5 hours from the airport), or fly into Nuremberg, whose airport is 12 minutes from the main station by U-Bahn, and do the loop in reverse. Würzburg to Bamberg is about an hour by regional train, and Bamberg to Nuremberg 40 minutes to an hour. A Bayern-Ticket covers a day of regional trains for one to five people, and all three old towns are walkable from their stations.
Worth stopping for
Picks from our curated guides at both ends.
When you arrive in Nuremberg
The Christkindlesmarkt, bratwurst and the Kaiserburg; 2 nights.
Christkindlesmarkt
Around 180 red-and-white striped stalls fill the Hauptmarkt, selling Lebkuchen, plum-people figures and Glühwein.
Markt der Partnerstädte
Stalls from Nuremberg's twin cities around the world on the Rathausplatz, beside St. Sebaldus.
Kaiserburg
The imperial castle on the sandstone ridge above the old town, with the Sinwell Tower and a 50-metre well.
Bratwursthäusle
Grill house beside St. Sebaldus serving finger-sized Nürnberger Rostbratwürste over a beechwood fire.
Frauenkirche
Gothic church on the Hauptmarkt whose 1509 clock runs the Männleinlaufen figure parade every day at noon.
Schöner Brunnen
A 14th-century spire-shaped fountain at the corner of the Hauptmarkt, with a brass ring set in its railing.
Before you leave Bamberg
UNESCO old town of smoked beer and river houses; 1–2 nights.
Altes Rathaus
The old town hall stands on an island in the Regnitz, half-timbered on one end and covered in painted facades.
Neue Residenz
Prince-bishops' palace on the Domplatz; its rose garden terrace looks across the roofs to Michaelsberg.
Schlenkerla
Historic brewery tavern pouring Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier, a smoked beer, from wooden barrels.
On this curated route
Where Bamberg → Nuremberg sits in the full itinerary. Highlighted stops are this leg.
Going the other way? Nuremberg to Bamberg is the same 51 km in a straight line, heading north. Reverse directions in Google Maps ↗
Weather at each end
Average daytime highs at both ends stay within 1°C of each other all year, so you can pack the same way for both.
| Measure | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bamberg high | 2° | 4° | 9° | 15° | 19° | 24° | 26° | 26° | 21° | 14° | 8° | 3° |
| Nuremberg high | 2° | 4° | 9° | 15° | 19° | 24° | 26° | 26° | 21° | 14° | 8° | 3° |
| Bamberg rain | 60 | 47 | 49 | 38 | 73 | 62 | 78 | 67 | 54 | 55 | 61 | 65 |
| Nuremberg rain | 58 | 44 | 48 | 39 | 76 | 69 | 77 | 72 | 55 | 52 | 57 | 60 |
Temperatures in °C, rain in mm per month. Long-term monthly averages from NASA POWER satellite climatology — a guide to typical conditions, not a forecast. Month headings link to Nuremberg month guides.
Bamberg to Nuremberg: questions travelers ask
How far is Bamberg from Nuremberg?
Bamberg is about 51 km (31 mi) from Nuremberg in a straight line, with Nuremberg to the south. By road, we estimate 61–71 km (38–44 mi), or 1.2–1.4 times the straight line. Check a maps app for the exact route.
How long does it take to drive from Bamberg to Nuremberg?
An estimated 45 min – 1 h 30 min, assuming 61–71 km of road at average speeds of 50–80 km/h with no stops or traffic. It is not a routed time, so check a maps app on the day. Our itinerary leans on rail, so check train times too.
Which itineraries include the trip from Bamberg to Nuremberg?
Our Würzburg, Bamberg & Nuremberg itinerary includes this leg. Würzburg, Bamberg & Nuremberg runs about 5 days across 3 stops, best in Late Nov – Dec 23.
Getting to Bamberg
- Würzburg to Bamberg 69 km
Guides for both ends
- Bamberg travel guide
- Bamberg weather best time to visit
- Nuremberg travel guide
- Nuremberg weather best time to visit
Nuremberg by month
Plan Bamberg → Nuremberg with your crew
Add this leg to a shared itinerary, poll the group on where to stop, split fuel and tickets, and keep everyone's packing list in one place in TripsCircle.