Introduction
Nuremberg, the second-largest city in Bavaria with 545,000 inhabitants, combines medieval heritage with modern urban life. The city sits on the Pegnitz River and features the Nuremberg Castle, a medieval fortress built around 1140 that dominates the skyline. As the unofficial capital of the Franconia cultural region, Nuremberg forms an urban area with neighboring cities Fürth, Erlangen, and Schwabach, encompassing approximately 3.6 million inhabitants. The city offers 54 different museums, including the Germanic National Museum which houses 1.3 million cultural artifacts. While 90% of the town was destroyed in 1945, many medieval-style areas were carefully rebuilt using the original stones, preserving the city's historical character. Modern Nuremberg features Germany's first driverless subway lines and Bavaria's second-busiest airport, making it both a significant cultural destination and a vital transportation hub.
Nuremberg was the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire, the seat of the Imperial Diet, and residence of numerous Kings of Germany. It is also where the Imperial regalia was kept.
Interesting Facts about Nuremberg
- Nuremberg boasts a rich medieval history, with its iconic castle, Nuremberg Castle, being a highlight of the city and a significant landmark in the Holy Roman Empire.
- The city is home to the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt, one of Germany's oldest and most traditional Christmas markets, dating back to the mid-16th century.
- Nuremberg is renowned for its cultural heritage, including the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, which is one of the largest museums of cultural history in Germany.
- The city's culinary delights include the Nuremberg rostbratwurst, a small sausage that has been a local staple since the 14th century.
- Nuremberg's historical significance extends to its role in World War II, with the Documentation Centre at the former Nazi party rally grounds serving as a poignant reminder of its past.
Nuremberg Castle
History
Nuremberg was first mentioned in official records in 1050 as Noremberg, originating from a castle built by German king Henry III around 1040. The city received its charter in 1219 and became a Free Imperial City, growing significantly due to its location on key trade routes. During the Middle Ages, it served as a crucial centre of the Holy Roman Empire, hosting many Imperial Parliaments at Nuremberg Castle. The city reached its cultural zenith in the 15th and 16th centuries, becoming the centre of the German Renaissance with notable figures like Albrecht Dürer, Michael Wohlgemuth, and Hans Sachs contributing to its artistic legacy. Nuremberg made history by opening Germany's first railway in 1835, connecting to nearby Fürth. The city later became notorious as a centre of Nazi Party activity in the 1930s and was the site where the anti-Semitic Nuremberg Laws were proclaimed in 1935. Following severe damage during World War II, Nuremberg gained worldwide attention as the location of the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi war criminals were prosecuted. Today, it stands as Bavaria's second-largest city, known for its restored medieval architecture, famous Christmas market, and distinctive Nuremberg rostbratwurst, which has been served since the 14th century.
Main Attractions
Imperial Castle of Nuremberg (Kaiserburg)
Perched atop a rocky promontory, the Imperial Castle is one of Nuremberg's most iconic landmarks. This medieval fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the city and provides a glimpse into the city's imperial past. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, including the Deep Well, Sinwell Tower, and the Imperial Chapel.
Kaiserburg and Tiergartnertor Square in the old town of Nuremberg
Old Town (Altstadt)
Nuremberg's Old Town is a treasure trove of historical architecture and charming streets. Key areas to explore include:
Weissgerbergasse: This picturesque street is lined with well-preserved half-timbered houses, offering a glimpse into medieval Nuremberg.
City Walls: Take a stroll along the 5km-long medieval city walls, which offer unique views of the old town and its surroundings.
Hauptmarkt: The city's main market square is home to the Beautiful Fountain (Schöner Brunnen) and hosts the daily Wochenmarkt.
Churches
Nuremberg boasts several impressive churches:
St. Sebaldus Church: The oldest city parish church, dating back to 1215, features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
St. Lawrence Church (Lorenzkirche): This imposing Gothic church is known for its stunning architecture and impressive organ.
Frauenkirche: Located in the Hauptmarkt, this 14th-century Gothic church is famous for its mechanical clock, the "Männleinlaufen".
Handwerkerhof (Craftsmen's Courtyard)
This charming medieval-style courtyard is home to traditional craft shops and restaurants. It's an excellent place to purchase souvenirs and sample local cuisine, including the famous Nuremberg Bratwurst.
Bridges and Rivers
Henkersteg (Hangman's Bridge): This picturesque covered bridge connects the Trödelmarkt island to the main part of the old town.
Pegnitz River: Take a leisurely stroll along the river banks and admire the charming bridges that span it.
Way of Human Rights
This outdoor sculpture installation consists of 27 pillars, each inscribed with one article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in different languages.
Tiergarten Nürnberg (Nuremberg Zoo)
For nature and animal lovers, the Nuremberg Zoo offers a delightful escape. Home to a diverse range of species, including dolphins and snow leopards, it's an excellent attraction for families.
Christmas Market (Christkindlesmarkt)
If you're visiting during the festive season, don't miss the world-famous Nuremberg Christmas Market held in the Hauptmarkt. It's one of Germany's oldest and most popular Christmas markets.
Historical downtown of Nuremberg
Top Museums
Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
This museum is housed in the remains of the Congress Hall of the former Nazi party rallies. It features a permanent exhibition called "Fascination and Terror" that explores the causes, connections, and consequences of Nazi Germany. The museum provides crucial insights into one of the darkest periods in German history.
Germanisches Nationalmuseum
As the largest museum of cultural history in Germany, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum holds an impressive collection of items related to German culture and art from prehistoric times to the present day. With approximately 1.3 million objects, it offers a comprehensive overview of German heritage.
Nuremberg Toy Museum
The Nuremberg Toy Museum is world-renowned and showcases the city's 600-year history of toy making. Spread over 1,400 square meters, it exhibits an extensive selection of historic toys, from old-fashioned dolls to modern favorites like Lego and Barbie.
Neues Museum
The Neues Museum is Nuremberg's most important museum for contemporary art and design. Housed in a striking building with a curved glass facade, it features exhibitions of modern and contemporary art as well as design from the 1950s onwards.
DB Museum
The DB Museum, also known as the German Railway Museum, is a large 19th-century indoor-outdoor railroad museum. It offers an extensive collection of vintage trains and interactive exhibits, making it a must-visit for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
City Museum at Fembo House
Located in a restored 16th-century merchant's residence, the City Museum at Fembo House offers art, culture, and historical exhibitions that provide an overview of Nuremberg's 950-year history.
Memorium Nuremberg Trials
This museum illustrates the history, course, and aftermath of the Nuremberg Trials, which took place from 1945 to 1949 in the jury courtroom of the Nuremberg Palace of Justice.
Local Cuisine
Nuremberg boasts a rich culinary heritage that centres around several iconic dishes. The city's most famous delicacy is the Nuremberger Bratwurst, small finger-sized sausages traditionally grilled over beechwood and served as "3 im Weggla" (three in a bun) with mustard. The local Schäuferle, a tender pork shoulder slow-roasted until the meat falls off the bone and topped with crispy crackling, represents the heartier side of Franconian cuisine, typically accompanied by potato dumplings and sauerkraut. No visit to Nuremberg would be complete without sampling the celebrated Lebkuchen, a spiced gingerbread made with nuts, honey, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, a recipe dating back to medieval times when the city was a major spice trading hub. These traditional delicacies are best enjoyed with the city's distinctive local beers, particularly the unique Rotbier, a traditional red beer that perfectly complements these robust flavours.
Shopping
Nuremberg boasts Europe's oldest and largest pedestrian zone, offering an exceptional shopping experience across its historic Old Town. The city's main shopping areas are concentrated in a golden triangle of fashion, lifestyle and luxury, with four primary shopping streets: Karolinenstrasse, Pfannenschmiedsgasse, Königsstrasse, and Breite Gasse. The elegant Kaiserstraße houses prestigious fashion labels and luxury brands, whilst Breite Gasse caters to younger shoppers with trendy boutiques. For a more traditional shopping experience, visit the Market Square, where local produce vendors offer fresh fruits and vegetables, or explore speciality shops like Wicklein Lebküchnerei for authentic Nuremberg gingerbread. The city also features several modern shopping centres, including City-Point Nürnberg, Franken-Center, and Mercado Nürnberg, which collectively house hundreds of shops ranging from international brands to local retailers.
Nature in and around Nuremberg
Nuremberg offers a wealth of natural attractions both within the city and in its surroundings. The city is blessed with numerous parks and green spaces, including the expansive People's Park Marienberg, which attracts visitors year-round for sunbathing in summer and tobogganing in winter. The picturesque Pegnitz Meadows serve as a popular spot for cycling, jogging, and picnicking, whilst the vast Reichswald, a 25,000-hectare cultured woodland, provides countless bicycle tracks and hiking trails. For those seeking more adventurous pursuits, the Franconian Jura mountains at the city's doorstep present excellent opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and climbing. The city also features several delightful water bodies, including the Wöhrder Lake and the Dutzendteich ponds, which are perfect for leisurely walks and water sports. Nature enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the Hainberg Conservation Area, a former military ground turned nature reserve that now hosts protected plant and animal species. The mysterious Irrhain Grove, a fascinating tree maze created in 1675, adds a touch of intrigue to Nuremberg's natural landscape.
Getting Around
Nuremberg boasts an extensive and efficient public transport network comprising underground trains, trams, buses and commuter rail services. The underground system consists of three lines (U1, U2, U3) operating from 5 am until 1 am, with trains running every 3.5 to 5 minutes during peak hours. Single tickets cost ?3.90 for adults and ?1.90 for children, whilst a family day ticket, valid for two adults and up to four children, is available for ?15.20. The city's transport network is particularly well-connected, with the underground taking just 12 minutes to reach the International Airport and 8 minutes to the Exhibition Centre. For late-night travel, the city offers a comprehensive night bus service, known as Nightliners, which operates after the underground closes. Visitors can also take advantage of the NÜRNBERG CARD, which provides free access to all public transport services throughout the Nuremberg, Fürth and Stein region.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Nuremberg is from late spring to early autumn, specifically between May and September, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing. During these months, temperatures are comfortably warm, typically ranging from 20°C to 25°C in July and August. However, for those seeking to avoid peak tourist crowds and higher prices, the shoulder months of May, June, and September are particularly recommended, offering a perfect balance of pleasant weather and fewer visitors. These months provide ideal conditions for exploring the city's historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor cafes, and strolling through the charming Old Town, though it's wise to pack a light jacket and brolly for occasional rain showers. Whilst December offers the magical Christmas market experience, do note that winters can be quite cold with temperatures hovering around freezing, and daylight hours are notably shorter.
