Notorious Sights to See in Nuremberg
Nuremberg is the largest city in Franconia and the second largest in the state of Bavaria, after Munich. Despite being severely destroyed during World War II, the city has been restored to its former glory featuring architecture from the Middle Ages. Whether you’re wandering the medieval village or discovering centuries-old history, Nuremberg is sure to delight you with its picturesque charm. Located just a few hours from other huge cities like Munich or Berlin, it is definitely worth a visit. Here are some of the top things to do while visiting Nuremberg!
1. Nuremberg Old Town
The best way to experience a new city is through a guided walking tour. Old Town is a historic section in Nuremberg with well preserved medieval style architecture and tons of colorful narrow streets where you can find a bunch of traditional German shops and restaurants. No doubt this area will be the highlight of your trip since it contains most of the city’s iconic monuments. Sign up for a walking tour to enhance your experience with a guide who is knowledgeable about historical facts and stories of Nuremberg’s past. Weißgerbergasse is a charming street with beautiful buildings that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
2. Nuremberg Imperial Castle
Dominating the Nuremberg skyline is the Imperial Castle, which is also considered one of the most formidable medieval fortifications in all of Europe. Take a walk up the hill to witness the historical structures and the best views of the city. You can also walk upon the Old City Walls which extend nearly 5 kilometers. Some sections of the wall date back to the 14th century, so there’s plenty of history imbedded into the city.
3. Schöner Brunnen
Literally translating to beautiful fountain, the Schöner Brunnen is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This decorative masterpiece lies in the heart of Old Town, in one of Nuremberg’s main plazas. Supposedly there’s a legend that if you turn the Golden ring 3 times, you’ll be granted good luck and prosperity…
4. Hauptmarkt
The Hauptmarkt is the town’s main food market held in Nuremberg’s central plaza. It is surrounded by charming, half-timbered houses and is home to a number of important landmarks including Frauenkirche and the Schöner Brunnen. The Hauptmarkt is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and is known for its weekly market, which has been held on the square since the Middle Ages. The market features a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, and traditional German souvenirs. The Hauptmarkt is also the site of many events and festivals throughout the year, including the famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas market) held during the holiday season.
5. Nuremberg Museums
Along with fantastic centuries old history, Nuremberg is home to many excellent world class museums. One of the best is the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, which is the largest and most important cultural history museum in Germany containing a vast collection of art and cultural artifacts from the middle ages. A few more noteworthy museums worth visiting are the Toy Museum, the Transportation museum, and the Fembohaus.
6. Nuremberg Churches
In addition to the traditional styled German buildings, Nuremberg also has many beautiful and distinctive churches. Frauenkirche is an iconic church located next to the Hauptmarkt, known for its distinct gothic design and mechanical clocktower show that plays everyday at 12pm. St. Sebaldus Church is the oldest church in the city named after the patron saint of Nuremberg and renowned for its medieval architecture. St. Lawrence Church is famous for its baroque-style interior and its 2 tall towers. It also holds a number of important works of art. These along with many others, help Germany rival Cathedrals even in France or Italy.
7. Albrecht Dürer House
Nuremberg was also home to one of the most influential artists in Germany; Albrecht Dürer. He was born in the 1400s and had an pivotal role in European art during the Renaissance. His residence has since been turned into a museum which you can visit for a few Euros. Find it on the edge of the Old Town district, near the bottom of the castle.
8. Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds is an important educational institution that dives into the darkest chapters of German history. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Nazi Party and the Nuremberg Trials, which describe the atrocities against humanity. It is a somber museum, but depicts an interesting past history lovers will enjoy. A few minutes nearby lies the ruins of Zeppelin Field, where multiple Nazi party rallies were held. Today the historical remains are now free for the public to visit and stand as a reminder of the authoritative oppression that once took place here.
Overall, Nuremberg is a charming city filled with tons of medieval castles, traditional German architecture, and fascinating history. With its location in the heart of Germany, I highly recommend visiting for the amazing ambiance and authentic cuisine. It is much smaller than other cities, so 2 or 3 days should be enough to see most of the major sights. Here are some of our most useful tips to help you on your first trip to Germany. Stay tuned for even more travel adventures thru this magnificent country. Until then, thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Here’s our Nuremberg travel vlog!
