Nuremberg germany weinstadl
Nuremberg - Germany
Nuremberg - Germany
Nuremberg might be off the beaten path for many overseas visitors, but it has been the centre of Germany’s most glorious past as well as revealing its darkest history.
It is the city of emperors, artists and crafts people, baroque churches, medieval fortifications and magnificent modern architecture with a vibrant atmosphere.
It is also home of the eerie Nazi Party Rally Grounds, where vast marching processions were held, and the Palace of Justice, where the Nuremberg Trials took place and the chief perpetrators of Nazi atrocities were tried and convicted. This dark chapter will forever be part of Nuremberg’s history.
Taking a leisurely stroll through Nuremberg’s lovingly restored old town with its quaint cobble-stoned lanes, market squares and historic buildings gives you an insight into the cultural riches and magnificent medieval architecture that are the defining features of this town.
The cityscape is dominated by a 12th Century fortress. You can walk along the medieval city walls and moat and cross the wooden 15th Century hangman’s bridge across river Pegnitz.
A special attraction is the Craftsmen’s Courtyard. Watch the pewterers, bag-makers, glass engravers, potters, wax artists, gold and silversmiths, glass painters, gingerbread bakers and doll makers in their small workshops housed in pretty half-timbered houses.
Don’t miss one of Nuremberg’s most beautiful buildings, the Wine Store, (pictured above) with its wooden galleries, metal gargoyles and covered walkway. There are many more delightful and interesting places to visit: the octagonal 19-meter ‘Beautiful Fountain’, churches and basilicas, the town hall and medieval tower house, to name just a few.
The Franconian Region around Nuremberg
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg, Germany’s best preserved medieval town, dates back to the 10th Century and is located at the intersection of Germany's Castle and Romantic Road.
You will feel transported back into bygone eras and enchanted by Rothenburg’s fairy-tale skyline, romantic and medieval architecture, narrow alleyways, magnificent renaissance facades, 42 gate houses, towers and oriels.
Bayreuth
A short train ride takes you to Bayreuth, famous for its Wagner Festival. Visit the Margravial Opera House, one of the most beautiful baroque theatres remaining in Europe and the Hermitage - Old Palace with its enchanting gardens and water fountain displays.
Cultural Immersion - Authentic Experiences - Sustainable Travelling
Getting around
Nuremberg has repeatedly been one of the finalists in the most environmentally friendly cities in Europe. This does not just mean that they are big on recycling and alternative energy production, but the town planning is very pedestrian- and bike-friendly and has an excellent public transport system that includestransport to nearby towns.
The 2-day Nuremberg transport card is good value for money. You have unlimited use of all public transport (subway lines, streetcars, buses as well as regional trains and S-Bahn rapid transit) in the Nuremberg region as well as free admission to all museums and attractions.
Accommodation
The art & Business Hotel Nuremberg, a member of ‘Biohotels Germany’, located just 300m from the train station, is an environment friendly hotel serving locally grown products. More hotel information and guest reviews.
Stay in the historic hotel ‘The German Emperor’ right in the centre of the old town. The hotel dates back to the 19th Century and is a leading example of the so-called ‘Nuremberg-style’ architecture. More hotel information and guest reviews.
The eco-friendly Creativehotel Louise in nearby Erlangen, serves organic and locally grown produce, is partly solar powered and will hire out bicycles and prepare a packed lunch for you to take along on your excursions. More hotel information and guest reviews.
Eat locally
Stock up on local produce at the daily farmers' market in the central square of the old town. Enjoy local hearty fare in one of the many atmospheric wine cellars or beer gardens along the river.
Nuremberg is famous for its gingerbread and sausages, traditionally served as ‘Drei im Weggla’ (3 in a crusty roll) with plenty of mustard. These smoky sausages have been served in the 'Sausage hut' (Bratwursthausle) since the 14th Century. This historic little eatery is easy to find on the square in front of City Hall.
And for more upmarket Franconian fare, pop into the cosy restaurant 'Zur Baumwolle' which has a lovely shady outside terrace. Make sure to reserve a table.
Local events
The world famous Nuremberg Christmas Market is ceremoniously opened on the Friday before the First Sunday in Advent by the Christkindl (pictured) from the gallery of the Church of our Lady. A second Christmas market in the old town, known as the Children’s Christmas Market, complete with old fashioned carousels, is connected to the main Christmas market by a ‘Nativity Scene Trail’.
180 wooden stalls are decorated in red and white cloth and only traditional Christmas wares are ornaments and local food on offer (no plastic or mass-produced toys are on sale). Only locally produced and traditional Christmas arts and crafts articles are on offer, thus ensuring that you can enjoy a truly authentic Christmas market experience.
A visit to the Nuremberg Christmas markets is an integral part of our Christmas markets tour.
Rothenburg: Whitsunday every year sees the re-enactment of a historical event that has shaped the character of this town. In 1631 the mayor of Rothenburg saved the town from destruction during the 30 Year War by drinking 3 ¼ litres of Franconian wine in one gulp. This extraordinary accomplishment is celebrated with a parade and a re-enactment in historic costumes, weapons and carriages, in the streets of the old town, bringing those bygone days back to life.
The imperial city festival in Rothenburg kicks off with a grand torch-light procession on the Friday of the first weekend in September. Hundreds of Rothenburg’s townsfolk from various historical groups, dressed in the meticulously reproduced fashion of bygone days, celebrate their history with thundering cannons and spectacular fireworks before the town sinks into darkness, followed by light-hearted festivities the next day.
For more details see our Tour of Germany and 'Best time to visit Germany' pages.