"Wonderful Quaint German Town" Bayreuth by BruceDunning

Bayreuth Travel Guide: 52 reviews and 157 photos

Luxury Living - Alte Schloss

Be European standards, this is a relatively new town because it was founded about 1194 by Counts of Andechs in the Upper Farnconian region of BAvaria. The population is over 72,000 and has a lot of preserved treasures to see in the old sector town. The town has the Red Main river running through the middle, and a lot is underground or channeled. Over one-half of the town homes burned in 1602, then the plague came in 1620 and another fire of 1621, and then the Thirty Years War. Finally in early 1700's it became a more known place with the rulers taking on the expansion/building of a the town
The Hollenzollern Palace was located on the site of the old palace on the site today. It was built in 1440-57, and portions added over the years until it got this newer look for the facade, and a chapel around later 1600's, but the tower still looks old/maybe original? Today these buildings are administrative offices for the government. A new residence was built to be more ornate and decorative than the old palace, plus a hofgarten was added for strolling by the gentry

Hermitage

Grotto with fountain on display

The first castle building at the Hermitage was built in 1715-19 by Margrave George William. Over the subsequent years structures were added as well as fountains and gardens. It turns out to be one of the most unique places to visit, with its huge gardens and buildings and fountains, along with rock formations and mosaic of stone on one of the buildings; truly works of art.

New Residence Palace

Palace Wood Paneling in Palm Room

The new palace was constructed beginning in 1753 at the influence Margravine Wilhelmine, and she wanted splendor which was the result inside and out.

The town also Margravial Opera house was built in 1748, and nothing has changed since then. It is said to be the oldest Baroque style opera house in Europe.
The other influence in the town was the history musical people, with Richard Wagner being the more reknowned, and an annual festival is held here in in a Festival Hall. Other artists include Frank Liszt, and Jean Paul

Pros and Cons

Pros:A lovely typical German town with great architecture
Cons:Parking is hard to find, and narrow streets
In a nutshell:It is well worth visiting and taking in the culture

Last visit to Bayreuth: Oct 2011
Intro Updated Dec 15, 2011
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Reviews (23)

Pictoral view of the castle complex - Bayreuth

Kronach-Rosenberg Castle Off The Beaten Path (4)

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Kronach-the town Off The Beaten Path (4)

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Kuhlmbach-Plassenburg Castle Off The Beaten Path (4)

This castle sits on top of the hill overlooking the village below. It was first known about in 1135. The Hohenzollern... more travel advice

Rodents Hide in Cars in Cold Warnings and Dangers (1)

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Hotels (1)
Local GErman Hosts
Restaurants (2)
See All Local German Hangout

Comments (4)

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alancollins Aug 13, 2012 at 3:25 AM

My brother in law keeps on saying we should visit Bayreuth as he loves Warner operas. Alan
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starship Dec 21, 2011 at 4:48 PM

Nice page! I was interested in Beyreuth because it was a town featured in the movie "Odessa File." Great accommodation tip as well as those about museums. Happy Holidays!
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Nemorino Dec 19, 2011 at 3:19 PM

I hope that can of Marder-Stopp kept the rodents away. The thing is, they love eating the insulation off the wires in a car (or attic). As I said, I’ve been in the Margravial Opera house (before joining VT), but have never seen a performance there.
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hunterV Dec 15, 2011 at 12:30 PM

Hi, Bruce! Thanks for your interesting story about this place!~