Nuremberg is the historical pearl of Bavaria that attracts tourists from all over the world. Its medieval center, with its characteristic castle and old town, is a testimony to the day’s immersion in the city’s history. One of the most important monuments in Nuremberg is, of course, Nuremberg Castle. Its walls offer a breathtaking view of the city, and the interiors hide treasures and stories from ancient times. It is worth taking a walk around the Old Town and admiring the well-preserved medieval buildings. Nuremberg is also known for its annual Christmas market, the oldest and largest in Germany. It is also worth visiting the Nuremberg museums, which keep rich collections of art and history as well as historical toys.
Location
Nuremberg is the second largest city in the state of Bavaria, in the Middle Franconian region. Situated on the Pegnitz River and located in the southwest of Germany.
1. Explore Nuremberg Castle (Kaiserburg Castle)
Built on a rocky hill, Nuremberg Castle is a constant reminder of the city’s former power. Castle was one of the most important imperial palaces of the Roman Empire in the Middle Ages. The castle consists of the Imperial Castle, the Burgrave’s Castle, which was largely destroyed in 1420, and the buildings of the imperial city. It is worth visiting the two-story chapel built around 1200, which miraculously survived the bombardment. To see great views of the city, climb the Sinwell Tower (additional fee applies). Few tourists realize that Nuremberg Castle has gardens that are located on top of the bastion. To get there, just walk to the end of Am Ölberg Street, which starts at the castle entrance.
2. Find out what collections the Kaiserburg Museum hides
The Kaiserburg Museum (Imperial Castle Museum), located within the historic Imperial Castle offers a unique glimpse into the castle’s architectural and military history. Nuremberg Castle is a monumental site, embodying architectural styles and historical periods.
Visitors to the museum can explore an extensive array of original artifacts, which include medieval weapons, armor, and riding equipment, as well as astronomical devices and objects from everyday life and festive occasions—all directly related to the Nuremberg Castle. These exhibits not only highlight the technical and artistic advancements in weapon development but also shed light on the daily activities and ceremonial aspects of the castle life.
3. Visit Albrecht Dürer’s House and find out who he was
Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) was a talented man graphic designer, painter and art theorist. Dürer’s house and studio in Nuremberg were rebuilt in the 18th century, opened as a museum in 1871, and restored to a similar condition in 1909. Today, visitors can learn about painting and printmaking techniques in Dürer’s former studio and tour the house run by a disguised in a guide’s costume. There is also a rotating program of temporary exhibitions presenting Dürer’s life and work.
4. Check out what’s worth seeing at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum is a museum it houses a large collection of items relating to German culture and art extending from prehistoric times through to the present day. The museum is Germany’s largest museum of cultural history. Out of its total holding of some 1.3 million objects (including the holdings of the library and the Department of Prints and Drawings), approximately 25,000 are exhibited.
5. Discover the Hauptmarkt and the Beautiful Fountain
The Hauptmarkt is a historical site in the old town of Nuremberg, limited to the northern district of St. Selbald. This lively square in the heart of the Altstadt hosts daily markets with colorful flowers and fresh produce, as well as the famous Christkindlsmarkte (Christmas markets).
At the eastern end of the square is the ornate Gothic Frauenkirche church. Every day at noon, crowds admire the clock figures performing a spectacle called Männleinlaufen (dancing little people). On the square there is also the Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain), decorated with sculptures. Touch the golden ring in the ornate wrought iron gate for good luck.
6. Admire the architecture of St. Lorenz Church
One of the most beautiful churches in Nuremberg is the Lorenz Church. Its characteristic symbol – the Star of St. Wawrzyniec can be seen from afar. This stone rose window adds beauty to the facade and appearance of the church.In the choir one can find the carving of the Angelic Salutation by Veit Stoss, and the monumental tabernacle by Adam Kraft. The latter is notable for including a prominent figure of the sculptor himself. The church was badly damaged during the Second World War and later restored. It is one of the most prominent churches of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria.
7. Learn about the history of German railways at the German Railway Museum Nuremberg
The German Railway Museum in Nuremberg is a must-visit for any history enthusiast or railway . Housed in a beautiful historic building, this museum offers an immersive journey through the evolution of rail transportation in Germany. Visitors can explore an impressive collection of locomotives, carriages, and various railway artifacts that tell the story of how trains have transformed travel and trade. The museum features detailed exhibits that delve into the engineering marvels of the past, showcasing everything from steam engines to modern high-speed trains.
One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to step aboard some of the historic trains and experience what travel was like in different eras. Interactive displays engage visitors, allowing them to learn about the mechanics of trains and the impact of railways on society. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs that cater to families and children, making it a perfect destination for a family outing.
8. Take a delightful journey through the history of toys at the Toy Museum
Since the Middle Ages, toys have been special in Nuremberg. Today, the world-famous Toy Museum offers a wealth of unique exhibits on over 1,400 m2 of exhibition space. Visitors are greeted by wooden toys on the ground floor. Dolls, exquisite dollhouses and optical gadgets on the first floor provide a glimpse into the living world of centuries past. The world’s most important collection of Lehmann tin toys is devoted to a museum section presenting the company’s history.
On the second floor, “The World of Tinplate” is presented. Cars, trains and steam engines are testimony to the unique role played by the Nuremberg toy manufacturer in the field of technology. On the top floor, fans of newer favorites like Lego, Barbie, Playmobil and Matchbox cars will really have fun. In the creative children’s zone, under trained supervision, little guests can play as much as they want.
9. Follow Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds in Nuremberg, Germany stands on the site of the unfinished Congress Hall of the former Nazi party rallies. The permanent exhibition, ‘Fascination and Terror’, covers 13,000 m² and examines the causes, the context and consequences of the National Socialist regime of terror. The exhibition is supplemented by an educational programme and special exhibitions.
10. Go shopping at Handwerkerhof Nuremberg
The Handwerkerhof is a historic site with imitated half-timbered houses, traditional Nuremberg crafts can be seen with medieval flair and the finished products may be purchased. In search of suitable souvenirs, potters, goldsmiths and tinsmiths can be watched as they do their work.
In addition to nostalgic wooden and tin toys, high-quality leather goods and other artfully manufactured objects made according to centuries-old methods, culinary highlights such as the world-famous gingerbread, baked according to traditional mixes and the popular Nuremberg Springerle. You can find you here two restaurants with delicacies of regional.
11. Come to the Christmas market – the largest and oldest in Germany
You can fall in love with the Christmas city of Nuremberg. Christkindlesmarkt is the most beautiful Christmas market in the whole country. glass Christmas tree baubles, handmade angels made of gold foil or Christmas figurines and nutcrackers made of wood are just some of the Christmas decorations you can buy here. There are many high-quality concerts for Christmas music lovers, many exclusive boutiques and shops with original gift ideas for those who love shopping abroad, and for the youngest there is Christmas for Children and the Sternenhaus (House of Stars).
