One Day in Nuremberg
With its legendary Christmas markets, notorious WWII sites and long history as the residence of kings, Nuremberg is top of the itinerary for many visitors to Bavaria and makes a popular detour from Munich. This is Bavaria’s second-largest city, but with most of the attractions clustered around the walled Old Town, it’s still possible to take in the highlights with just one day in Nuremberg.
There’s no time to spare, so make an early start and head straight for the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, located around 20 minutes south of the historic center. It’s impossible not to be awed by the gigantic complex, the work of Nazi architect Albert Speer, which spans over 4.2 square miles and includes the stadium and parade grounds that hosted six of Hitler’s biggest Nazi Party rallies. Be sure to visit the neighboring Nazi Documentation Center, where the harrowing exhibits look at the city’s role in Nazi Germany and the infamous Nuremberg Trials.
Head into Old Town for lunch at one of the rustic bratwurst restaurants, where the traditional order is spicy Nürnberger Bratwürst, Nuremberg’s ubiquitous sausage, typically served with sauerkraut or potato salad.
Spend the afternoon walking around Nuremberg’s Old Town, admiring the half-timbered medieval buildings, 14th-century Nuremberg Castle and striking Dürer House, now a museum devoted to former resident Albrecht Dürer. If you’ve got time, the quirky Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum) offers a fun look at Nuremberg’s toy-making history, or else cross the River Pegnitz and follow the old city walls south until you reach the equally worthwhile German National Museum. Work your way back up to the central Hauptmarkt, the main market square, stopping along the way to admire the medieval Lorenzkirche (St Lorenz Church) and pick up some of Nuremberg’s famous local gingerbread at the historic Lebkuchen Schmidt gingerbread shop.
Finish your tour at the Hauptmarkt, home to many of Nuremberg’s most attractive landmarks, including the Rathaus (Town Hall), Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) and Schöner Brunnen fountain, as well as the daily food market, the Wochenmarkt. Nearby the Heilig Geist Spital restaurant makes an atmospheric choice for dinner, housed in a grand old building made of stone, brick and timber, overlooking the scenic waterfront.
- Contributed by Zoe Smith