Music, history and nature blend seamlessly in the German city of Bayreuth, where visitors will find a diverse range of attractions and activities.
Flowers in bloom outside the Bayreuth Festspielhaus (Photo: Wikipedia)
Bayreuth might not always top the list of typical tourist hotspots, but this charming city in Germany’s Bavaria region is brimming with surprises. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or someone who enjoys exploring off-the-beaten-path spots, the city has something for everyone. From its rich musical heritage tied to Wagner to scenic parks and quirky landmarks, there are enough unique things to see and do to fill an itinerary of several days or more. If you’re planning a trip to this hidden German gem, here are 12 essential ideas for how to spend your time.
Discover the city’s legendary opera scene
The city of Bayreuth is pretty much the epicentre of Wagner fandom, a place where the iconic composer’s legacy reigns supreme. Perched atop the Green Hill, its Festspielhaus (“ Festival Theatre”) stands proudly as its glittering jewel in the crown. Opened in 1876, this magnificent opera house was designed by architect Gottfried Semper who took Wagner’s obsession with acoustics and created a performance venue that would meet his satisfaction. Today its grand neo-Renaissance exterior and horseshoe-shaped auditorium attracts large numbers of visitors who come for public tours each year, offering a taste of the operatic magic that has lured music lovers for over a century. Each year, the opera house also plays host to the hugely popular Bayreuth Festival (see below).
Festspielhügel 1- 2
Another historic venue indelibly linked with the city’s operatic heritage is Margrave’s Opera House. Built between 1745 and 1750 for the extravagantly-titled Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth, this rococo gem is a veritable baroque fantasy, dripping with gold leaf, intricate frescoes, velvet seating and over-the-top 18th-century glamour. It’s small compared to more modern auditoriums, but it has a rare, intimate magic. As for the acoustics – all important when it comes to opera – they are, by all accounts, sublime. If you’re lucky enough to catch a performance, the atmosphere will have you feeling like royalty, and you can also take public tours.
Opernstraße 14
While away the hours in the charming Old Town
With its cobbled streets, pastel-coloured buildings and tiny cafes that positively compel you to duck inside, order a coffee and people-watch until you’re asked to leave. Bayreuth’s Old Town is the kind of place where you can happily wander for hours without a care in the world. There’s history tucked around every corner, from the eye-catching 18th-century architecture to quaint squares that feel like they’ve been frozen in time. The district is small enough to explore on foot but packed with enticing stop-offs – from quirky boutiques and art galleries to cosy spots to grab a bite – ensuring there’s always something to discover.
You can explore the Old Town during a guided walking tour of Bayreuth, bookable via GetYourGuide
A historic building in Bayreuth’s Old Town (Photo: Sylvia Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Attend a historic festival
In the same year as its 18th-century construction, the Festspielhaus (see above) played host to the inaugural edition of the Bayreuth Festival. One of the most eagerly awaited events on the city’s cultural calendar, this Wagnerian celebration continues to attract die-hard fans from all over the globe each summer, as the city transforms into a haven for opera lovers. Serious opera buffs dress up in their finest attire for the occasion, adding a touch of high drama to proceedings. The epicentre of the festival is the Festspielhaus, where daily opera performances fill the historic auditorium in front of captivated crowds of music lovers.
Bayreuth Festspielhaus / July-August each year
Retreat to an urban animal park
Just a short stroll from Bayreuth’s city centre, the Röhrensee Animal Park is a charming little escape where tourists can come and enjoy the natural surroundings away from the hustle and bustle. Nestled by the scenic Röhrensee lake, the park is home to an array of animals, including playful goats, curious deer and the sounds of birds that have dedicated twitchers reaching for the binoculars in quick-sharp fashion. An ideal attraction for those seeking a change of pace from the city, visitors can wander at their own leisure, taking in the peaceful environs and watching the critters do their thing.
Pottensteiner Straße / Open all hours
A resident at the Röhrensee Animal Park (Photo: Röhrensee Animal Park)
Delve into the world of Wanger
You’ve probably got the picture already that culture vultures visiting Bayreuth are going to be in their element – and to the list of attractions they won’t want to miss you can add the Wagner Museum. Tucked away in Bayreuth’s elegant former residence of Richard Wagner, the museum is a must-visit for anyone even vaguely curious about the man behind the music. But what you’ll find inside is far removed from the dusty old exhibits you might discover in other such museums, and more about a deep dive into Wagner’s world – his passions, his controversies and his obsession with creating the ultimate operatic experience. On display are an array of personal items, manuscripts and letters that reveal his genius – and his flaws – all designed to shine a light on the complexities of a unique figure in our cultural history.
Richard-Wagner-Straße 48 / Tues-Sun 10am-5pm Closed Mon
Explore a tranquil botanical garden
For a taste of nature that doesn’t involve a hike up a mountain or a foraging expedition, the Ecological Botanical Garden is just the ticket. A charming patch of green away from the city’s relentless din, it’s a place where you can wander aimlessly, pretending you know the difference between a beech tree and a birch. The garden is a riot of plants from around the world, and it’s not just a pretty face either, with a real focus on sustainability. A few hours here and you’ll leave feeling suitably refreshed, without the need for any strenuous effort or even a pick-me-up coffee.
Universitätsstraße 30
Greenhouses at Bayreuth’s Ecological Botanical Garden (Photo: Wikipedia)
Take a look around a picturesque palace and park
Wandering around the Eremitage Palace and Park is a bit like being on a film set, such is the visual drama on display every which way you turn. Dating back to the 18th century, when it was built as one of the many city retreats for the use of the Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth (a tongue-twister if ever I saw one), it’s a curious blend of grandiosity and intimacy. The palace itself is a modest affair – nothing too gaudy – while the park is an idyllic mix of French and English styles, dotted with fountains, lakes and neatly clipped hedges. Little surprise that it attracts large numbers of visitors who flock here to enjoy a leisurely stroll, or simply a touch of silent contemplation.
Eremitage 1
Embark on a snowshoeing adventure
Drive 45 minutes east of the city and you’ll reach the Fichtel Mountains, a mountain range extending from the valley of the Red Main River in northeastern Bavaria to the Karlovy Vary Region in western Czech Republic. Among the most popular activities you can enjoy here is snowshoeing, which involves strapping on specialised shoes that allow you to walk comfortably on deep snow. There are a number of organised snowshoeing tours from Bayreuth available during the winter months, offering intrepid travellers the chance to explore snow-covered trails, breathe in fresh alpine air and enjoy the seasonal landscapes, all in the company of like-minded folk and an expert guide.
You can book a snowshoeing tour from Bayreuth at GetYourGuide
Intrepid tour guests traverse the snowy terrain (Photo: Klaus Hübsch Vitalität & Gesundheit / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Marvel at a 12th-century castle
In a city teeming with head-turning landmarks, the Altes Schloss in Bayreuth is something of an understated gem. That’s because, unless you’re a history nerd, its significance has been largely lost in the sands of time. Originally constructed in the 12th century, the castle has survived centuries of wear and tear to become a quaint yet fascinating slice of Bavarian heritage. Inside, the rooms are sprinkled with art and antique furniture that give the impression of being in someone’s personal living room that hasn’t been touched for centuries. Outside, the pretty courtyard is a popular spot for photos.
Maximilianstraße 14