Franconia
Bavaria
Spanning the northern part of Bavaria, the Franconia region of Germany is best known for its picturesque medieval towns and large number of breweries. Locals refer to themselves as Franconians rather than Bavarian and the region has maintained its own culture, cuisine, and dialect. With vineyard dotted countryside, idyllic riverside towns, and plenty of hilltop castles, the region is undeniably scenic.
Many of Franconia’s top attractions are located along the Romantic Road, a 220-mile (355-km) tourist route that stretches from Wurzburg in the north to Fussen in the south. Visit Bamberg, one of the most well-preserved medieval villages in all of Europe, see the stunning baroque Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth, and sample the region’s distinct fruity wines along the Franconian Wine Route.
The region is also home to ten protected nature parks with countless cycling routes and hiking trails. One of the most popular spots, Franconian Switzerland, is well known for its caves, interesting rock formations, and fantastic rock climbing, canoeing, and hiking options. The town of Aufsess, in Franconia Switzerland, holds the world record for most breweries per capita and a hiking path connects all the area’s major breweries.
- Germany’s Franconia region is a must-visit for history, culture, and beer and wine buffs.
- The Franconia region offers many nature parks, breweries, castles, and historic villages to explore.
- The region is also famous for its bratwurst, sweet wine, and gingerbread.
Franconia is a region of northern Bavaria, in south-central Germany. The largest airport in Franconia is in Nuremberg. Germany’s high-speed trains stop in Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Erlangen and regional trains connect most of the smaller villages. One of the most convenient ways to tour the region is on a day trip from Munich or Frankfurt.
The liveliest time to visit Franconia is during the summer months, when many of the villages host their annual festivals and events, or during Oktoberfest, which runs from late September through the first week of October. Many of the villages in Franconia also host annual Christmas Markets and the festival in Nuremberg is one of the largest of its kind. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, visit in late spring or early fall.
Considering Franconia boasts the highest density of breweries in the world, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. The city of Bamberg is a great place to start, and the city’s unique smoke-flavored beer or Rauchbier is not to be missed. The Aufsess beer trail is also fun to explore and many beer tours are offered in villages all over Franconia.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!