UNESCO World Heritage Day 2025 – A Successful Day Celebrating Togetherness
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, Bamberg joined the other 54 German World Heritage sites in celebrating UNESCO World Heritage Day—this year under the theme “World Heritage Lives—By People, With People, For People.” Numerous visitors took the opportunity to participate in a diverse program at the three event locations within Bamberg’s World Heritage area.
At the Bamberg World Heritage Center, guests were treated to a diverse children’s program featuring a painting station, a World Heritage quiz, Memory, and bingo—all centered on the theme of UNESCO World Heritage. An exclusive guided tour with Dr. Simona von Eyb, in cooperation with the “Bamberg on Tour” bike tour, offered in-depth insights into the World Heritage program and the work of the Center. The shop at the visitor center was also open, inviting visitors to browse through a carefully curated selection of literature and regional products. On the footbridge of the Lower Mill Bridge, the “Have you talked to a stranger today?” initiative took center stage. Visitors were invited to strike up conversations with strangers in a relaxed atmosphere and take home a shared Polaroid photo as a memento.
At Jakobsplatz, the Bamberg World Heritage Center, in collaboration with the civic associations “Historische Bergstadt” and “Bewahrt die Bergstadt,” organized a long table laden with coffee and cake, where guests gathered to enjoy drinks, homemade cakes, and conversations across generations. An accompanying photo exhibition documented past initiatives at the square. For children, there was an entertaining activity with the Spielemobil, while guided tours of St. James’ Church led by Ms. Jolande Lipfert (Marianische Herren- und Bürgersodalität) offered further insights into the history of the site.
At Theuerstadt, on the square beneath the lime tree, the Lindenfest focused on the question of how a previously underutilized space could be transformed into a place of encounter. Together with Urban Lab Nuremberg, ideas were gathered on how the square could be temporarily redesigned—for example, with seating, play areas, or meeting spots for the neighborhood. As a small token of appreciation for their participation, popcorn was distributed to everyone involved.
We thank all participants, partner institutions, volunteers, and guests for their involvement and interest. World Heritage Day 2025 has once again demonstrated how multifaceted and vibrant Bamberg’s World Heritage site is—sustained by the people who bring it to life.
Photo: Nadine Gumpert
