Nuremberg Travel Guide
Introduction
More than 60 years ago, Nuremberg played host to the most important war crimes tribunal in modern history. From 1945 to 1949, the Nuremberg Trials sentenced nearly 200 Nazi officials for crimes they committed during WWII.
However, there is more to Nuremberg than grim war history. It is home to an important castle and church. And, during the holiday season, it hosts one of the biggest Christmas Markets in Europe. Give this city plenty of time during your travels through Germany.
Come check out our Nuremberg city guide as we cover the best things to do in Nuremberg, Germany.
Top Attractions
Start your tour by exploring the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg. From the 11th through to the 16th century, this keep was the home to all Holy Roman Emperors. Until the outcome of the Thirty Years’ War neutered its political influence, decisions made here affected much of Europe.
To visit, you have to hike up a steep hill first, so prepare yourself beforehand. However, the guides here will reward your effort with a colourful tour. With commentary in English and other languages, they will take you back to the days of medieval Europe.
In Nuremberg, St. Lorenz Church is by far the most prominent religious attraction. This late Gothic church began life in the 13th century as a Roman Catholic-affiliated place of worship. However, after the Protestant Reformation, it became one of Germany’s most important Evangelical Lutheran churches.
Inside, its three-pipe organ is among its biggest highlights. Apart from that, its carvings, rose-coloured windows, and many sculptures are also impressive. Be sure to light a candle for a loved one before leaving.
Not all Nuremberg attractions are enjoyable affairs. As unpleasant as it is to recognize, this city was home to the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Regularly during the 1930s, party rank-and-file would attend speeches by their leader Adolf Hitler here.
The scale of this place is massive. An on-site museum documents the rallies further, and their role in Nazism. As dark as it is, it’s important to understand how propaganda can manufacture the consent of an entire nation.
After WWII, former Nazi officials answered for their crimes at the Nuremberg Palace of Justice. Over four years, 185 of them got sentenced. Some went to jail. Others got death sentences. The exhibits here tell the story of one of the most important war crimes tribunals in history. Don’t miss it.
Other Attractions
After that, you’ll want to go for a walk to clear your head. A stroll through the Old Town of Nuremberg should do the trick. Despite extensive bombardment during the Second World War, reconstruction efforts have restored the place completely.
As you walk within the city walls of Nuremberg, it will seem like nothing ever happened here. As you walk its cobblestone streets, bratwurst in hand, admire the artisans that built this place.
The Old Town of Nuremberg is home to some major attractions. Of them, its Toy Museum is the most prominent. For over 600 years, this city has produced toys for children across Europe, and around the world.
In addition to documenting Nuremberg’s history of toy-making, it dives deep into its global story of toys. But, its display of classic toys will appeal to all. From teddy bears to model trains, this place will bring you back to your youth.
From the end of November through December, The Old Town is also home to the Nuremberg Christmas Market. For over 400 years, its stalls have sold crafts, toys, and festive food/drinks. Over that time, this event has grown to become the largest and most famous in all of Germany.
It’s not hard to see why. From the opening ceremony onward, Germans and foreign visitors enjoy local sausages, gingerbread, gluhwein, and other treats. Take care, though – with such a merry atmosphere, it can be easy to forget to do your Christmas shopping.
If you are travelling with kids outside the holiday season, no worries – go to the Nuremberg Zoo instead. This park is popular with Germans, as it sees one million visits annually. With 300 species that include lions, gorillas, and dolphins, it’ll be a visit they’ll never forget.
What To Eat
Nuremberg boasts several unique dishes you’ll want to try during your time here. Start by grabbing yourself a Nurnberger Rostbratwurste. A bevvy of food laws protects the flavour and style of this unique wurst.
First, a Nuremberg sausage must only contain ground pork. Second, its fat content must be 35%. And third, only sausages of this description that producers make in Nuremberg can be Nuremberg sausages.
When you try a Nuremberg sausage, you’ll notice a distinct flavour. That comes from its atypical blend of seasonings. Containing ginger, cardamom, marjoram, and lemon powder, they produce a flavour unlike any other bratwurst.
When dinner time rolls around, try some Schauferle. This meat dish takes pork shoulder meat and seasons it with cumin, salt, and pepper. Then, the preparer slow cooks it for a few hours in a bath of vegetables and beer. The result? A cut of meat that falls apart at the bone – delicious.
Have a light dessert – have a few Lebkuchen. These Nuremberg treats are gingerbread cookies seasoned with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. The best ones come with nuts – give them a try before leaving Nuremberg.