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Holidays in Upper Franconia, Germany: Find villas and holiday homes at ItaliaVillas

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Welcome to Upper Franconia, a hidden gem in northern Bavaria that packs more culture, castles and calories per square kilometre than almost anywhere else in Europe. It’s a land where the beer is dark, the hills are “Swiss” and the history is as rich as the gravy on your Sunday roast.

History: A mosaic of princes and pilgrims



The history of Upper Franconia is a fascinating patchwork of independent territories. Unlike the united kingdom to the south, this region was ruled by a mix of powerful prince-bishops (as in Bamberg) and margraves (as in Bayreuth).

Holy Roman Empire



For centuries, it was the heart of the empire’s power struggle.

Hohenzollerns



The Protestant margraves of Brandenburg-Bayreuth left behind some of the most stunning Baroque and Rococo architecture in Germany.

World Heritage Site



Today, the city boasts three UNESCO sites: Bamberg's Old Town, the Margravial Opera in Bayreuth and the Limes of the Roman Empire.

Description: Your home away from home



Upper Franconia is a landscape of rolling hills, dense forests and medieval towns that look as if they were plucked from a fairy tale.

Typical foods: the "Genussregion"



Upper Franconia holds the world record for the highest density of breweries, bakeries and butchers per capita.

Schäufele



The undisputed king of the table - a pork shoulder with a perfectly crispy, "popped" crust, served with potato dumplings (Klöße).

Bratwurst



Try the Coburger Bratwurst, traditionally fried over pine cones, or the thin Hofer Rindfleischwurst (beef sausage).

Rauchbier (Smoked Beer)



A Bamberg specialty that tastes like liquid bacon. It's an acquired taste, but a must-try.

Brotzeit



A plate of local cheeses, hams, and sourdough bread, best enjoyed in a shady Bierkeller (beer garden).

Activities and Nature: Outdoor Life



Franconian Switzerland (Fränkische Schweiz)



A paradise for climbers (one of the world's most famous places) and hikers. It's famous for its over 1,000 caves and striking dolomite formations.

Fichtelgebirge



In winter it is a hub for skiing and snowboarding; in summer it is all about mountain biking and exploring the "rock sea" on the Ochsenkopf mountain.

Main River



Perfect for leisurely cycling along the MainRadweg or kayaking through the valley of the "Franken Gods" near Staffelstein.

Festivals: From Wagner to Samba



Bayreuth Festival



The world-famous Richard Wagner opera festival attracts the international elite every summer.

Coburg Samba Festival



Surprisingly, Coburg hosts the largest Samba festival outside of Brazil every July – a wild, colorful explosion of energy.

Annafest (Forchheim)



One of the most authentic beer festivals, held in a forest clearing surrounded by 23 different beer cellars.

Easter Fountains (Osterbrunnen)



In the spring, villages decorate their fountains with thousands of hand-painted eggshells – a tradition unique to this region.
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