Rebound and ultrasonic measurements of freestones of the Bamberg area reveal that these rocks have a wide range of strengths. The two methods generally gave comparable results. No distinct correlation has been found between the strengths of the freestones and their grain size. More important is the degree of compaction, as expressed by the porosity of the rock: the most compact rocks with lowest porosities were the strongest. A further role was played by the cement: rocks with siliceous cements were stronger than those with carbonate and clay-rich cements.