While it might leave a bad taste in some people’s mouths, Nuremberg is a great place to visit. The history of this place is vibrant although some of it is somewhat dark. There are quite a few rather interesting places to see in Nuremberg. It lies in the German state known as Bavaria which happens to be in the administrative area of Middle Franconia and Nuremberg is the second largest city in Bavaria. It is an hour and a half drive from Munich International Airport.
When Nuremberg is thought of, it is reminiscent of the Nuremberg Trials, Reich Party Rally Grounds, Christmas, toys, and gingerbread. However, the town of Nuremberg that sits in the shadows of the imperial castle is so much more than that. There are romantic spots and corners, patricians’ houses, impressive Gothic churches and more. It is a place where the medieval meets modern, and amazingly they coexist very well here.
Get Around
Although this is very much a place where it is best to walk if you want to experience EVERYTHING, some buses will take you where you need to go too. You can also rent a car, motorcycle, moped or bike to get around.
Places to See in Nuremberg
Get the Nuremberg Card
If you happen to spend the night in Nuremberg, Schwabach, Erlangen or Fuerth then you will be able to purchase what is called the Nuremberg Card for €21. This card will get you free admission to nearly 50 different attractions and museums as well as free travel on public transportation in Nuremberg and Fuerth. Additionally, this card will get you a 10 – 15% discount on your purchases in many shops.
Nuremberg Castle
While you are in Nuremberg, you MUST see the castle. It is open every day. Parts of the castle date back to before 1050! You can explore the whole castle, and there are guided tours as well. There is also a castle museum. The outside areas of the castle can be explored for free, but there is a fee to go inside the castle.
Nuremberg City Walls
The city walls are another fantastic attraction. Initially, they ran for 5 kilometers and were manned at each of the five gates. Now, there are less than 4 kilometers of the wall still intact. From the city walls, you can see the city moat that was never filled. It is still in existence with its original length and width.
Castle Quarter
Castle Quarter is another interesting place. There are a great many buildings here that survived the war. There is a street here by the name of Fuell that has sandstone houses and is an excellent example of a typical merchant’s street before the war. The craftsmen here lived in the timber framed houses, and many of them have been restored.
St. Sebald Church
If you are into the churches and the architecture used in them, then you are in luck. There are quite a few here for you to visit. St. Sebald is one that was built beginning in the 13th century and completed in the 15th century. In WWII it sustained quite a bit of damage from the bombs but has been masterfully restored. In the very heart of this church, there is a grave that is supposed to be that of the city saint. On it, scenes from his life are depicted. St. Sebald Church is surely one of the top places to see in Nuremberg.
The Nuremberg Underworld
Nuremberg’s Underworld is incredibly intriguing. Nuremberg Castle is built on a hill of sandstone and underneath it are many miles of tunnels and secret cellars, rooms and more. Each Sunday there is a tour that is a must-see attraction.
Nuremberg has some dark history, but overall, the city is one of singular beauty. The city has made an effort to show how things were in the Old World and it is amazing to behold.
