Cities & Culture
It's on: 48 hours in Nürnberg
If you are in love, visit Nuremberg. Even if you're not, visit Nuremberg anyway. It's worth it. Promise. Here is our guide to the most beautiful places.
Historic Town Centre and Castle Grounds
First of all, let's get into the mood: And that happens especially well with a walk to one of the city's landmarks: Nuremberg's historic town centre and the castle with its lovely grounds. Those who venture up the hill to the Kaiserburg will be rewarded with a view of the charming half-timbered houses of the castle quarter, the Sinwell Tower and the incomparable castle gardens. The garden is named for the famous artist, naturalist and entomologist Maria Sibylla Merian, who lived in Nuremberg for fourteen years: encircled by the castle walls, you can enjoy scented shrubs, ornamental plants and various herbs during the warm months. The view of Nuremberg's old town from this location is simply enchanting. Feel like taking a selfie?
A Historical Walk through Nuremberg
From there it's straight to the Hauptmarkt: Our path leads along the historic mile to the Hauptmarkt and the oldest Franconian Hallenkirche, the Frauenkirche: Every day at twelve o'clock you can watch the famous "Männleinlaufen" - seven tiny baronial figures step out of the doors of the huge mechanical clockwork. Another attraction is the Schöne Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain), a nineteen-metre-high pyramid with a basin and a golden ring: if you can turn it, you can make a wish. And since there are also numerous restaurants and cafés in the area, you can have lunch here. Refreshed, we continue our walk through the streets and alleyways of Nuremberg: the collection of buildings at the Maxbrücke is a sight to behold. From there you get the best view of Weinstadel, a beautifully renovated medieval half-timbered building, as well as the Henkerssteg. Lastly, the largest remaining group of historic half-timbered houses in the city awaits you in Weissgerbergasse.
Past and Present: The Nuremberg Museums
In the afternoon, a visit to the Albrecht Dürer Museum is also on the programme: the famous German painter lived and worked in Nuremberg from 1509. His impressive half-timbered house can be explored and the museum provides an insight into his work. The guided tours by actresses playing Dürer's wife Agnes are particularly enthralling. You can also relax in Nuremberg: in the evening, the Tiergärtnertor is a popular meeting place for locals.
Exciting activities for people in love, with and without children
If it rains, a trip to the historic Kunstbunker is an option on day 2. It is located below the imperial castle within ancient rock vaults. Shortly after the beginning of the Second World War, a unique art storage facility was thus created - and at a depth of 24 metres. And of course you should then also visit the medieval dungeon prison: The twelve tiny cells are located in the vaulted cellars of Nuremberg City Hall. If you are travelling with children, visit the Toy Museum. Nuremberg has been a toy city since the Middle Ages and the museum displays vintage toy treasures as well as the latest creations across 1,400 square metres. The museum also has its own playground. And in case you are interested: Nuremberg is a bastion of children's theatre.
But where to have lunch?
Dine in one of the restaurants in the trendy district of Gostenhof, on the edge of Nuremberg's Old Town. In the afternoon you can walk to the island of Schütt. It's beautiful at any time of year.
You can reach it from Grübelstrasse via one of the fishing piers. And if you are still looking for pretty souvenirs, then head for the Handwerkerhof: here you will find many shops - from glassblowers to goldsmiths - as well as restaurants. It is located right next to the railway station and behind the city wall. Classic brands and shops are also to be found in Germany's most extensive pedestrian zone. So, the rest of the day is free.
Speaking of souvenirs: don't forget to buy Nuremberg Lebkuchen gingerbread. It's really worth it. Especially during the Christmas season, you can buy the spicy-sweet biscuit everywhere. And if you travel to Nuremberg in December, you absolutely must visit Germany's oldest Christmas market. It also makes for an especially beautiful spot for kisses.