Franconian Christmas markets by train
This is leg 1 of 2, the opening leg.
Travel leg · Würzburg, Bamberg & Nuremberg
Würzburg to Bamberg
Würzburg and Bamberg sit about 69 km (43 mi) apart in a straight line, with Bamberg to the east. It is leg 1 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
- 69 km · 43 mi
- Est. road distance
- 83–97 km
- Est. drive time
- 1 h – 2 h
- Direction
- Heading east
- 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 83–97 km (52–60 mi) and 1 h – 2 h 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 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.
Hotel Nepomuk
Hotel in a former mill on the Regnitz, a few steps from the Altes Rathaus.
Bamberger Weihnachtsmarkt
The Christmas market on Maximiliansplatz, with a large nativity scene and a children's carousel.
Bamberg Cathedral
Four-towered imperial cathedral on the Domberg, home to the Bamberg Horseman and the tomb of Henry II.
Before you leave Würzburg
Baroque palace, wine taverns and a riverside fortress; 1–2 nights.
Würzburger Weihnachtsmarkt
Stalls fill the Marktplatz around the Gothic Marienkapelle, with a tall tree and a nativity scene.
Würzburg Residence
UNESCO-listed prince-bishops' palace with Tiepolo's ceiling fresco over the grand staircase.
Festung Marienberg
Hilltop fortress above the vineyards on the west bank, with walls and terraces looking over the old town.
On this curated route
Where Würzburg → Bamberg sits in the full itinerary. Highlighted stops are this leg.
Going the other way? Bamberg to Würzburg is the same 69 km in a straight line, heading west. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Würzburg high | 3° | 5° | 10° | 15° | 20° | 24° | 27° | 26° | 21° | 15° | 8° | 4° |
| Bamberg high | 2° | 4° | 9° | 15° | 19° | 24° | 26° | 26° | 21° | 14° | 8° | 3° |
| Würzburg rain | 56 | 44 | 47 | 38 | 73 | 59 | 73 | 66 | 50 | 53 | 58 | 62 |
| Bamberg rain | 60 | 47 | 49 | 38 | 73 | 62 | 78 | 67 | 54 | 55 | 61 | 65 |
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 Bamberg month guides.
Würzburg to Bamberg: questions travelers ask
How far is Würzburg from Bamberg?
Würzburg is about 69 km (43 mi) from Bamberg in a straight line, with Bamberg to the east. By road, we estimate 83–97 km (52–60 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 Würzburg to Bamberg?
An estimated 1 h – 2 h, assuming 83–97 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 Würzburg to Bamberg?
Our Würzburg, Bamberg & Nuremberg itinerary includes this leg. Würzburg, Bamberg & Nuremberg runs about 5 days across 3 stops, best in Late Nov – Dec 23.
Onward from Bamberg
- Bamberg to Nuremberg 51 km
Guides for both ends
- Würzburg travel guide
- Würzburg weather best time to visit
- Bamberg travel guide
- Bamberg weather best time to visit
Bamberg by month
Plan Würzburg → Bamberg 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.