The relatively small town of Kulmbach in Upper Franconia will captivate you with its traditional-style houses and old town, the Mediterranean flair of the market square, and the history embedded within its cobbled streets. With a population of 25,000, this relatively small town has a rich historical importance which can be seen through the impressive Plassenburg Castle where the Hohenzollern dynasty once lived and ruled. It’s perched on a hill above the old town and is the perfect place to go for photos of the city. The town was also an important site for trade in the Middle Ages due to its proximity to major cities in the region like Nuremberg and Bamberg - including an impressive brewing presence.
Top 6 things to do in Kulmbach
1. See the city’s landmark of Plassenburg Castle
This striking hilltop castle is one of the best in Germany. You’ll enter through the German Renaissance-style courtyard and admire amazing views of Kulmbach from above! Inside, you can find various museums including the largest pewter museum in the world with over 300,000 figures and an interesting military museum.
2. Get lost in the cobbled streets of the historic Old Town
The old town is host to beautiful brick towers that belonged to the old medieval fortifications of the city, monastery, town hall, bath house and churches. Don’t miss out on the marketplace square with shops, restaurants and cafes and the local farmer’s market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
3. Why not try some of the local sausages?
The Kulmach Bratwurst is the local sausage that can be found in many street stalls throughout the city center. They are served in long rolls sprinkled in aniseed called Stölla. The exact recipe for this local specialty is a well-kept trade secret of every Kulmacher butcher!
4. Beer lovers will be spoilt for choice in the ‘secret beer capital’
Discover Kulmbach’s rich beer history at one of the many breweries dotted around the town. The largest is the Kulmbacher Brauerei and yes, you can get beer samples along the way! Why not visit the 3-in-1 visitor centre (located in the former Mönchshof brewery) for the Bavarian Brewery Museum, Bavarian Bakery Museum and German Museum of Spices.
5. Get insider knowledge and take part in local festivals and celebrations
Experience local culture at the Kulmbach Fair that takes place from April to May, the Old Town Festival which livens up the town during the first weekend of July, or the magical Advent Market during the Christmas period. Get into the beer spirit and celebrate the town’s beer heritage during Kulmbach Beer Week; there’ll be music, dance, food and the best beers!
6. Head out of the city into the surrounding natural life
If you fancy a daily dose of nature, there are many hiking trails around the Kulbach which start from Plassenburg Castle - don’t worry, you won’t get lost as there are signposts along the way with information boards to discover facts too! Walk out to the fairytale tower of Rehturm, deep in the surrounding greenery and climb it for stunning views of the castle and Kulmbach.
