Campingplatz Insel (Hoffmann), Bamberg

First impressions are of a rather odd, cluttered site with a random mixture of static vans, tourers and tents. Persist however. The staff are relaxed and friendly . There are original artworks throughout and a convivial bar. The rates are low and showers are free, clean and hot. The slow, waterlilied Regnitz meanders down one side. It is an ideal location to explore beautiful Bamberg - 15 mins perfect bike ride north down the riverside park cyclepath with red squirrels and woodpeckers. Bamberg has the best beer in Germany, no question. Local specialities include the notorious Rauch(smoke)Bier (an aquired taste) and ungespundetes keller bier - an unfiltered unpressured and unpasteurised beer that is trancendently sublime, served cool and fragrant in 1/2 litre pot krugs. The are countless small breweries each with a kellar (actually a garden)hereabouts, but if time is short, climb the steep road in town, up the Stephansberg and call at the Mahr's Kellar (ask for "U"), the Spezialkellar (amazing view and smokey beer), and the Wild Rose Kellar with live local(folksy) music, great kellar bier, and interesting/different Franconian bar food-recommend the "gerupfter" with rye bread.