Best things to do in Nuremberg
Franconia’s greatest city is a reminder of the triumphs and tragedies of German history, set against a splendid medieval backdrop; unsurprisingly, the museums are compelling.
Viewpoints and panoramas
Sinwell Tower: Located within the castle grounds, your ticket is also valid for an ascent of the circular Sinwellturm, worth the climb for the most panoramic of all views of the city.
River Pegnitz: The banks of the River Pegnitz are among the most tranquil spots in the city; head for the Maxbrücke bridge, which offers lovely views of another of Nuremberg’s great medieval set-pieces: the vast, half-timbered Weinstadel.
The best districts
Hauptmarkt: For all its gory origins, Hauptmarkt remains the focus of the Altstadt. Most of the buildings fringing the square are postwar, but reconstruction from wartime damage was tactful and a few key monuments survive.
Gostenhof: This trendy neighbourhood, often compared to Berlin’s Kreuzberg, is packed cheek-by-jowl with indie cafés, art galleries and cool shops.
Museums
Albrecht Dürer’s House: The 15th-century half-timbered house that was the home of the artist from 1509 until his death in 1528; visit a mock-up of his studio on the second floor, complete with copper plates and tools used for copperplate engraving.
Germanisches Nationalmuseum: This giant among Nuremberg’s museums - and the largest museum of its kind in Germany - stars medieval collections and fine art, a hangar-like room full of historic musical instruments, and entirely reconstructed farmhouse interiors.
Parks and gardens
Historical monuments
Sebalduskirche: Unusually large and magnificent for a mere parish church, its style is transitional between Romanesque and Gothic, and the interior has a rich array of artistic treasures.
Altes Rathaus: Few buildings surpass the splendid Renaissance Altes Rathaus, built between 1616 and 1622 by Jakob Wolff the Younger in the style of an Italian palazzo.
Nürnberger Felsengänge: Take a tour through this warren of passageways and chambers hollowed out of the castle hill and used since the Middle Ages to store beer.
Day trips in the area
Bamberg: Lost-in-time beauty and a distinctive beer culture make Bamberg - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a Franconian must-see.
The walled towns of the Romantic Road: Take a trip back in time to the magical medieval towns of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen; a long day but well worth it.
Activities for families in Nuremberg
Although heavily weighed down with history, there are some superb museums and attractions to keep the little ones entertained.
Aquariums and zoos: An unusually beautiful place, lushly wooded and dotted with small lakes, the zoo has over 300 species, from lions and zebras to polar bears; its lakes provide a home for sea lions, penguins and otters, and there’s also a dolphin lagoon.
Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum): Nuremberg was long a renowned toy-making centre, and this fun museum greets visitors with an array of wooden toys before progressing to tin toys, dolls and dolls’ houses and a model railway; Lego and Barbie feature too.
Adventure Parks: Located just outside Nuremberg, Playmobil FunPark does exactly what it says on the tin. From the Knight’s Castle to Mermaid Kingdom, it’s a riot of fun.
Free things to do in Nuremberg
Travelling on a budget? Don’t worry - Nuremberg has plenty of free activities that let you explore the city without breaking the bank.
Markets: Nuremberg’s most famous annual event is the Christkindlesmarkt, perhaps the world’s most famous Christmas market, which animates the Hauptmarkt from the beginning of December until Christmas Eve, with 180 wooden stalls selling everything from Lebkuchen to Christmas decorations and traditional wooden toys.
Events: The city has a bewildering array of festivals throughout the year, such as September’s Altstadtfest, two weeks stuffed full of folklore, musical and theatrical events (many free), though nothing quite tops its highlight, the traditional fisherman's joust on the River Pegnitz.
Nuremberg Castle grounds: While there’s a fee to enter the castle itself, go explore the castle’s outer walls, courtyards and gardens for free - a great way to soak up the history without spending a cent.
Nature and outdoor activities in Nuremberg
The city and its surrounding areas offer a variety of activities - from gentle walks to more adventurous pursuits - that make the most of the beautiful Franconian countryside.
Cycling: Nuremberg offers fantastic cycling opportunities. The city itself has dedicated lanes and plenty of places to rent bikes, but for a longer outing, the 5-Seidla-Steig trail takes you on a scenic route through fabulous countryside dotted with small towns and breweries; pack the panier and away you go.
River Walks: The picturesque Pegnitz River runs through the heart of Nuremberg, offering scenic strolls. The riverside paths are ideal for a morning jog or a leisurely walk, with plenty of benches and green spaces to stop, enjoy the view and maybe even partake in a picnic.
Hiking: Popular nearby trails include the stiff hike up to Moritzberg, culminating in fantastic views, and the Schwarzachklamm Gorge, where you can walk along snaking paths and enjoy the peaceful sound of the river.
