9 Best Shopping in Franconia and the German Danube, Germany

For an edible souvenir, take home handmade chocolates like the only-in-Bamberg Rauchbier truffles made with Schlenkerla smoked beer. This café also has a roomy seating area to take a load off while you nibble on a delicious pastry.

Step into this "medieval mall," in the tower at the Old Town gate (Am Königstor) opposite the main train station, and you'll think you're back in the Middle Ages. Craftspeople are busy at work turning out the kind of handiwork that has been produced in Nuremberg for centuries: pewter, glassware, basketwork, wood carvings, and, of course, toys. The Lebkuchen specialist Lebkuchen-Schmidt has a shop here as well.

Rödental, northeast of Coburg, is the home of the world-famous M. I. Hummel figurines. There's a Hummel Museum devoted to them, which also has 18th- and 19th-century porcelain from other manufacturers. Besides the museum's store, there are several retail outlets in the village.

This shop sells nativity scenes, called Krippen in German, of all different shapes and sizes, including wood carved and with fabric clothes.

You can come and pose for owner Karin Dütz, send a picture (profile, do not smile), or just browse the scissor-cut silhouettes here, an old and skilled craft.

Head to this wine store for Franconian wine as well as a sampling of Bamberg's specialty beers.