Nuremberg is Franconia’s largest town and its undisputed social, economic, and cultural center. The town lies on the Pegnitz River and the Main-Danube Canal.
For many, many years, Nuremberg was the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire and the favored residence of most German kings, who kept their jewels here. Plush and padded with architectural wonders, it was also a lodestone for well-known artists, though the most famous of all, Albrecht Dürer, was born here. ‘Nuremberg shines throughout Germany like a sun among the moon and stars,’ spewed Martin Luther. By the 19th century CE, the town had become a powerhouse in Germany’s manufacturing circuit.
Splendid patricians’ houses, gothic churches, and romantic spots and corners await you in Nuremberg.
Top Attractions in Nuremberg
Memorium Nuremberg Trials
Göring, Speer, Hess, and 21 other Nazi fanatics were tried for crimes against humanity and peace by the Allies in Court Room 600 (Schwurgerichtssaal 600) of this courthouse. Today, the room makes part of an appealing exhibit detailing the trials’ progression, background, and impact using photographs, film, audiotape, and the original defendants’ dock. To reach Memorium Nuremberg Trials, take the U1 towards Bärenschanze and move towards Sielstrasse.
Kaiserburg
This immense castle network above the Altstadt poignantly reveals Nuremberg’s medieval might. The main draw is a tour of the renovated private wing (Palas) to see a Romanesque double chapel, the lavish Imperial’ and Knights Hall, and an exhibition on the inner workings of the Holy Roman Empire. This segues to the Kaiserburg Museum, which concentrates on the castle’s building and military history. Elsewhere, savor panoramic views from the Sinwell Tower or gaze 50m down into the Deep Well.
Reichsparteitagsgelände
If you’ve ever thought where the infamous Black and White images of elated Nazi supporters hailing their Führer were taken, it was right here in Nuremberg. Much of the grounds were demolished during Allied bombing raids, but enough remains to get a sense of the instability behind it, particularly after visiting the excellent Documentation Centre (Dokumentationszentrum). It’s served by tram eight from the Hauptbahnhof.
Deutsche Bahn Museum
Forget Dürer and war rallies; Nuremberg is a railway town at heart. Germany’s first tourist trains ran between here and Fürth, a fact revealed in the German Railways Museum. which traverses the history of Germany’s fabulous railway system. The vast exhibition that continues across the road is one of Nuremberg’s best sights, particularly if you have a soft spot for things that move on rails.
Things to do in Nuremberg
Attend festivals: The big annual event in Nuremberg is the Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market). But there’s a complete calendar throughout the year – check what’s on even if you don’t plan to attend, as there may be crowd congestion and street closures. From Carnivals to Panoptikum Children’s Theatre Festival, there’s a festival almost every week in Nuremberg.
Unwind: Germans have a reputation for working hard and properly, and this means to unstress have become a substantial part of the culture. There are many wellness, bathing, and relaxation facilities in Nuremberg, which can also be a decent refuge from rainy weather.
Try Bratwurst: The town’s own pork sausage, the “Nürnberger Rostbratwürste,” is spicier than other sausages of the neighboring Franconia area, and half the size. So a serving in a restaurant is six Nürnberger, pan-fried and grilled, supplemented by potato salad or sauerkraut.
