Nuremberg, or Nürnberg as it’s known in Germany, is an exceptionally popular tourist destination that gives a thoroughly rounded experience of Bavarian life. Here, socialising and celebrating are key activities, which is evidenced by the packed calendar of public events. The city also played a prouder part in the country’s heritage during the industrial revolution, when factories here cranked with productivity day and night.
Nuremberg Castle
If you’re looking for a symbol of Nuremberg, look no further than the Imperial Castle, which stands high upon a natural rocky platform. Considered to have been one of the Old Holy Roman Empire’s most significant fortifications, the castle has a fairy tale look with a singular double-pitched turret, half-timber structure and pale stone finish. If you’re keen to learn more about the castle, make time to visit the Imperial Castle Museum, where the fascinating results of archaeological digs are displayed alongside intricate models and carefully drawn illustrations.
Markets and festivals
Thousands of visitors descend upon Nuremberg each year with one specific objective in mind - Christmas shopping. The city’s Christkindlesmarkt is held within a large central square called the Hauptmarkt and it’s a veritable feast for the senses. Incredibly, the event dates back to at least 1628 and it gets better every year. Crafts people and artisans from across the region and beyond join forces to sell their wares at some 180 stalls and a brilliantly festive time is had by all.
Whether you’re munching gingerbread, sampling locally raised pork sausages or bagging a few extra stocking fillers, a trip to Christkindlesmarkt really awakens the Christmas spirit. Those traveling at other times of the year can also get in on the action. In September the Old Town Festival brings about a fortnight-long celebration of local traditions and cuisine. Or, how about heading down to the River Pegnitz for the Fishermen’s Joust? This is an ages-old ‘fun fight’ during which fishermen undertake a watery battle for supremacy.
Art, culture and history
Nuremberg is a great city for wandering and, as you do so, you’ll often chance upon art venues and cultural highlights. One example is the Germanisches National museum, which is widely regarded as the world’s most important museum when it comes to recording Teutonic culture. In addition to valuable work by both high-profile and more obscure German artists, the Germanisches National museum houses significant archaeological finds, and other unique objects.
Another must-see is Handwerkerhof Nuremberg, a living museum that allows visitors to step back in time to discover the houses Bavarians once lived in, the foods they ate and the crafts they practiced.
