The city of Nuremberg, or Nürnberg of German, is a good tourist destination for a weekend. Nuremberg is the second largest city in Bavaria (after Munich), with a population of nearly 520 thousand people. Check our sightseeing tips in the article.
What is out there to see in Nuremberg?
On approaching the city, one can feel the atmosphere of Bavaria. Each land has its own peculiarities, and Nuremberg proudly shows its own. Even the bratwurst or original Bavarian sausages here are called Nurnberg’s bratwurst, which seems to be a bit different.
The Imperial castle,
is probably the most important landmark in the city which dates back to 11 century. The castle was serving as the unofficial venue for the assembly of a Holy Roman Empire. Nuremberg Castle was also badly damaged during the wall and a lot was restored after its end to the original condition, for instance, the Luginsland Tower was completely rebuilt.
The castle’s balcony offers a great panorama of the city – probably the best view in a city.
The inner courtyard of the castle if a good place for photo shooting and one can feel like being transferred to medieval times. More photos of the castle follows:
The Church of our Lady
Frauenkirche is located at Nuremberg’s Haupmarkt and was erected circa 1352. The Gothic church is a must-see touristic attraction in the city. The edifice also has an old clock with moving figures, representing seven Electors pacing round Emperor Charles IV. Previously we wrote about that type of clocks’ performance in post about Munich and also a bit about astronomical clock in Prague.
The interior of the church is not much different from a variety of catholic churches, but the light that is passing through stained glass is somewhat special.
Town walls
The Nuremberg city walls that surround it are well preserved till today. The majority of fortifications were erected circa 14 century and extended in 16-17. Something that amazed us is the residential buildings within the wall. They have an address and a mailbox, and we would be extremely interested taking a glimpse how does it look inside.
House of Albrecht Durer
Like the one on the photo, but it’s not that same building where a prominent renaissance artist lived and created his masterpieces in 16th century. Albrecht was a painter, printmaker and theorist of the German Renaissance who established his influence in Europe in his mid-twenties. A pretty major figure in German renaissance and art in general.
Varieties of museums
For that task we assume you would need to spend a full day. Nuremberg has a National German Museum which attracts with a range of items that tell more about the history of the region while the Neues Museum Nürnberg nearby houses modern art exhibitions. The Industrial museum (Gewerbemuseum) is also located in the same building. If traveling with kids, one can take them to the Toy Museum. The city was famous for toy production, and museum also hosts toys exhibition from medieval times. The admirers of the railway might be interested in Nuremberg Transport Museum (Verkehrsmuseum Nürnberg), which depicts the history of railroad development. Notable, that Nuremberg is the first city to adopt automatic trains circulation together with old-fashioned driver-operated trains in the city. Hence, some of the U-bahn trains are operated remotely.
The city is also known worldwide for the Nuremberg process, a trial which condemned Nazi after the war. One can book an excursion at Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, where the party held it rallies.
Some more photos of the city and landmarks
Hospital of the Holy Spirit
Used to be one of the largest hospitals that remained from medieval times and traces back to 1332. Now the edifice hosts a restaurant and a retirement house.
Nuremberg – a city of bridges
Cannot be compared to that amount of bridges in Budapest, or Venice, but still impressive how many bridges were built over Pegnitz river.
Frauentorturm and Handwerkerhof Alt Nürnberg
The renovated district of medieval workshops, that are located in traditional edifices of that time. Now some of that buildings are hosting small restaurants with local dishes that could indulge any pampered tourist.
Conclusion
If we might have missed something in this city we truly apologize. Please comment below what other interesting things are out there to see in Nuremberg.