If you’re looking for an adventure, look no further than Nuremberg, Germany! This Franconian city in the heart of Bavaria is full of history and culture, and there are plenty of things to do. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 10 things that you should do when you visit Nuremberg. From visiting the castle to exploring the old city walls, we have got you covered! So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Nuremberg is a city with a long and rich history. It was first mentioned in writing in 1050, and since then it has been home to many important events. For example, the first ever recorded use of the word ‘Nazi’ occurred in Nuremberg in 1920. The city was also an important center of the Holy Roman Empire, and it was the site of the famous Nuremberg trials after World War II. Today, Nuremberg is a bustling city with plenty to see and do. Here are our top ten recommendations for things to do in Nuremberg:
Understand the Nuremberg Trials
Nuremberg is a city with a long and complex history. It was first mentioned in documents dating back to 1050, and it soon became an important imperial city. In the 14th century, it was the site of the famous Nuremberg Trials, where several high-ranking members of the Nazi regime were tried and sentenced for their crimes. The city was also heavily damaged during World War II, and much of its historic center was destroyed. Today, Nuremberg is a thriving cultural center with a rich history that is definitely worth exploring.
The Nuremberg trials were a series of military tribunals held after World War II to prosecute Nazi officials for war crimes. The trials were held in the city of Nuremberg, Germany, from 1945 to 1949. A total of 24 defendants were tried, and 12 were sentenced to death by hanging. The trials were conducted by an international tribunal consisting of judges from the Allied powers.
The chief prosecutors were American, British, and Soviet lawyers. The trials were widely publicized, and they helped to set the standard for future war crimes prosecutions. Today, the Nuremberg trials are considered to be a landmark event in the history of international law.
Explore Königstrasse and St. Lawrence Side
St. Lawrence side of Nuremberg or Lorenzer Seite, named after its principal church St. Lorenz, is a portion of historic Altstadt that is situated south of the Pegnitz river.
The most popular section in the city, a must to be explored for its famed Frauentorturm and Handwerkerhof Alt Nürnberg districts are two enclaves of beautiful old half-timbered homes known for traditional crafts. Vom Bahnhofplatz the busy Königstrasse leads north-west towards Neuenburg’s Old Town.
Highlights of the historic Old Street are the St Mary church from the 1560s with its magnificent stained glass.
Nuremberg Central Market
The Nuremberg hauptmarkt is the city’s central market square and one of the busiest places in town. It’s here that you’ll find the weekly farmers’ market, as well as stalls selling everything from flowers to grilled sausage.
The square is also home to the famous Christmas Market, which draws visitors from all over the world. Towering above the market square is the Frauenkirche, a beautifully ornate church that dates back to the 14th century. With its cobbled streets and charming Bavarian buildings, the hauptmarkt is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of this historic city.
Visit the famous Kaiserburg Castle
Kaiserburg Castle is a hilltop castle located in the city of Nuremberg, Germany. The castle was originally built in the 12th century and served as a fortress for the Holy Roman Emperors.
Over the centuries, the castle has been expanded and renovated several times. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nuremberg. Kaiserburg Castle offers stunning views of the city below, and its grounds are home to a variety of historical artifacts.
Visitors can also take a tour of the castle’s rooms and chambers, which have been painstakingly restored to their original appearance. If you’re interested in learning more about Germany’s rich history, Kaiserburg Castle is definitely worth a visit.
In addition, the Castle offers stunning panoramic views of the Nuremberg. You can see the cathedrals, beautiful houses, rivers, and other buildings from this highest of points in the old town.
Explore the Old Town
Nuremberg’s Altstadt, or Old Town, is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The Old Town is full of historic buildings and landmarks, including the world-famous Kaiserburg Castle.
The best way to explore the Old Town is on foot. Start at the Hauptmarkt, the city’s main square, and wander the streets and alleyways. Be sure to keep an eye out for the beautiful half-timbered houses that are so characteristic of Nuremberg.
When you’re ready for a break, head to one of the Old Town’s many cafes or restaurants for a traditional German meal. After lunch, continue your exploration of the Old Town. Don’t forget to visit the historic city walls!
Marvel at the architecture of St. Lawrence’s Church (St. Lorenz)
It overlooks Lorenzer Place and is one of the biggest churches in the city – a spectacular Gothic church with twin towers dating from 14th. It is famous for its large rose-glass windows that are 9m wide above the magnificent western entranceway.
It is home to many extravagant artwork – mostly supplied over the years by the city’s richer class. It includes the 1517 choir Annunciation by the artist Veit Stoss. Other highlights are their Tabernacle, late 15th-century Crucifix on the altar and the Krell Altara with the oldest remaining representation.
Schloss Neunhof
Schloss Neunhof is a charming historic manor house that was first recorded on historical records in 1246. One of the most preserved mansions of the Nuremberg patricians it is one of 60 such buildings scattered all over the city to defend against attacks.
It has a moat, a drawbridge, beautiful decorated interiors as well as stunning gardens. Various outbuildings have also been built including stables and gardens and two kitchens. One further addition worth visiting is the chapel from 1700.
Learn Your History at the Germanic National Museum
The Germanische Nationalmuseum contains the country’s largest collection of German cultural art and history. The museum holds nearly 300 000 artifacts that relate to the artistic and cultural history of this region and includes historical documents written in stone.
Other notable highlights include more than 300 000 prints drawn by artists from every major school. The museum features a vast collection of historical music instruments, a sculpture collection, and an interesting exhibition of antique toys and doll houses.
Walk the historic city walls of Nuremberg
Nuremberg has the rare characteristic that the city preserves almost all its walls.Some sections date to the 14th or 15th centuries and were reinforced during the 15th or 17th centuries.
A good option for those looking for information about the medieval city of Nürnberg is to walk along five kilometers of pathways which follow these walls and lead to countless gate-way and tower buildings many that are accessible. The finest walls lie west in the Old City between Spittlertor and the former Maxtor.
Nuremberg Christmas Market
Every year, the city of Nuremberg welcomes visitors from all over the world to its famous Christmas market. The market dates back to 1628, and it is now one of the largest and most popular markets in Germany.
With more than 200 stalls selling everything from handmade toys to traditional Christmas sweets, there is something for everyone at the Nuremberg Christmas market. In addition to shopping, visitors can also enjoy a variety of traditional German foods, such as roasted chestnuts and spiced mulled wine.
The market is also a great place to find unique gifts for loved ones. Whether you’re looking for festive decorations or edible treats, the Nuremberg Christmas market is sure to have something for you.
I’m an avid lover of German Christmas markets and you simply cannot compare these to anywhere else in the world. If you’re visiting Germany between the end of November and the middle of December, you’re in for a treat as you’ll find Christmas markets not just in Nuremberg but every other village and city in the country.
Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
The Nazi party rally grounds are one of Germany’s most significant museums, with a dedicated focus on bleak events from German history. In an area inside Congress Hall where Nazi party rallies take place its most prominent exhibit has been named Fascination and Terror, and deals in detail.
It covers an area of 1,300 meters primarily examining the effects of the regime on Nuremberg (the congress chamber is situated in an immense 11-kilometer area) along with its subsequent Nuremberg Trials.
Getting to Nürnberg
Flights from € 15 for destinations such as UK, Spain, Italy and others. The airport can only be reached in 20-min by the U-Bahn. I use Skyscanner to search for cheap flights.
Trains: Connection is good: you can travel one hour from Munich and 2 hours 20 mins from Frankfurt. Train Europe offers booking of trains throughout Germany. Find trains from Nürnberg.
Bus: The FlixBus offers you the easiest and cheaper way to explore all parts of France and cross the border.
How to get around Nürnberg?
Nürnberg has a well-functioning underground train that links the whole city. It operates 3 lines: U1, U2 and 3 runs from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Buy one or more tickets on the VGN website, on Apps or on the vending machine. It has an excellent bus and tram network.
Tickets are offered as part of the daily ticket or individually available. Basically the town center is accessible by walking, so there is no need for public transportation to visit the main attraction. To get to a place such as the document centre you have to take either an Uber or a bus.
Where to eat in Nuremberg
Nuremberg is a city with a long history, and its food reflects that. There are plenty of traditional German restaurants to choose from, as well as more modern options. If you’re looking for the best of the best, here are some of the top restaurants in Nuremberg.
Wirsthaus Hutt’n
Wirsthaus Hutt’n is the place to go to try the famous scharfele dish of Franconia. This pork dish is the shoulder of the pig with a layer of extra crispy fat and skin. This is similar to that of haxe which is the leg of the pig. This dish is usually served with some sort of sauce and potatoes. It’s not for the feint of heart as it is a huge portion of meat.
You could easily share one of these with two people but you might get disapproving looks from the locals. You can try this dish anywhere in Nuremberg but I loved my experience at Wirsthaus Hutt’n. Pair it with a typical Helles beer from the region and you have the most German dish.
Rostbratwursthaus bei St. Sebald
Germany is the land of the wursts and each area has its own specialties. Nuremberg is famos for its rostbratwursts which simply mean roasted or grilled bratwursts. The nuremberg wursts are smaller and more compact versus more traditional bratwursts you might find in Munich or beyond. The unique thing about Nuremberg style bratwursts are that they are grilled over charcoal imbueing it with that delicious smoky flavor.
It’s then served with mustard and either potato salad or sauerkraut. You can enjoy rostbratwurst in a bun like any other wursts in Germany. I really enjoy the flavor of this variation and it’s an absolute must have in Nuremberg.
Head over to Bratwursthaus bei St. Sebald in the middle of the old town in front of the church of St. Sebald for the oldest and best version of it. Trust me told, every restaurant serves rostbratwurst so there’s no way of me knowing what’s best but I absolutely loved the ones from this restaurant.
There is an amazing outdoor seating area in front of the church and in the middle of the square where you can enjoy your beer and bratwurst.
Cafe Wanderer
Cafe Wanderer is located right at the base of the Kaiserburg Castle. It’s the perfect place to relax and have a drink of the local beers in a location perfect for people watching. At nights in the summer months, it becomes the cool place to hang out as you’ll see locals and tourists alike gathered on the steps in front of this restaurant sitting down enjoying their drinks.
Try a local beer vom fass (from the tap) to sample the rich history of beermaking in Bavaria. As Nuremberg is the Franconian capital, make sure to also enjoy the delicious wines that are made in the surrounding areas. Remember that Germany is just as much about wine as it is about beer and the white wines like Silvaner, Grauburgunder, and Reisling are must haves!
It’s a bit like the public gatherings in Frankfurt where I live when hundreds of people come out and drink the night away.
