2 Best Sights in Bad Staffelstein, Franconia and the German Danube

On the edge of Bad Staffelstein, 21 km (13 miles) southeast of Coburg, stands this tall, elegant, yellow-sandstone edifice whose interior represents one of the great examples of rococo decoration. The church was built by Balthasar Neumann (architect of the Residenz at Würzburg) between 1743 and 1772 to commemorate a vision of Christ and 14 saints—vierzehn Heiligen—that appeared to a shepherd in 1445. The interior, known as "God's Ballroom," is supported by 14 columns. In the middle of the church is the Gnadenaltar (Mercy Altar) featuring the 14 saints. Thanks to clever play with light and color, including the fanciful gold-and-blue trimmings, the dizzying interior seems to be in perpetual motion. Guided tours of the church are given on request; a donation is expected. The easiest way here from Coburg is by car (20 minutes), though the road leading to the church is often closed at weekends so you may have to walk the last half mile. Alternatively, take a 20-minute train to Lichtenfels, then a 10-minute bus to the church.

This enormous abbey, which some call the "holy mountain of Bavaria," sits majestically on the west bank of the Main river, 20 km (12½ miles) south of Coburg. There has been a monastery here since 1069, but the present buildings date from the end of the 17th century. The highlight of the complex is the elaborate, free-to-visit Klosterkirche (Abbey Church), the work of architect Leonard Dientzenhofer and his brother, the stuccoist Johann Dientzenhofer (1663–1726), though Balthasar Neumann later contributed a good deal of work. Concerts are occasionally held in the church, including some by members of the renowned Bamberger Symphoniker. Also here is the Museum Kloster Banz, with its permanent exhibitions on the history of the monastery. End your stay with refreshments in the Klosterschänke beer garden outside the gate.