Bavaria · Nürnberg
Nuremberg
Nuremberg's walled medieval old town is famous for its castle, Christmas market and role in 20th-century history. It's a well-connected stop on the ICE line between Berlin/Frankfurt and Munich.
Highlights
Kaiserburg
The imperial castle overlooking the old town.
Christkindlesmarkt
One of Germany's oldest and best-known Christmas markets, on the Hauptmarkt square.
Old Town walls
Largely intact medieval fortifications encircling the historic centre.
Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds
A museum examining the city's role during the Third Reich.
Nuremberg sausages
The city's small grilled Rostbratwürste, a local speciality.
Getting there by train
Main station: Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof
| From | Journey time | Typical trains |
|---|---|---|
| Munich | about 1 h | ICE |
| Frankfurt | about 2 h | ICE |
| Berlin | about 3.25 h | ICE |
| Stuttgart | about 2 h | ICE |
Source: DB timetable data (typical journey times). Checked on 1 June 2024.
Local transport
The VAG operates Nuremberg's U-Bahn, trams and buses. The Deutschlandticket covers local buses, trams, U-Bahn and S-Bahn in and around the city, though not long-distance ICE/IC trains.
Day trips
- Bamberg (about 45 min) — A UNESCO-listed old town known for its smoked beer.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber (about 1.5 h) — A well-preserved walled medieval town on the Romantic Road.
Neighbourhoods
Altstadt
The walled old town, entered from the Hauptbahnhof through the Königstor gate.
Burgviertel
Steep lanes below the Imperial Castle, with the Dürer house.
Doku-Zentrum area
The former Nazi party rally grounds southeast of the centre, now a documentation centre.
Food and drink
Nürnberger Rostbratwürste are finger-sized grilled sausages served six or twelve to a plate, and Lebkuchen gingerbread has been made here since the Middle Ages.
Practical notes
- The station sits directly against the medieval walls, so the old town starts across the road.
- Munich is about an hour away on the high-speed line, making Nuremberg an easy stopover.
- The Christkindlesmarkt in December is one of Germany's busiest — book trains and rooms early.
Nuremberg bookshelf
German-language editions worth reading before or during a stop in Nuremberg, grouped by shelf. Each link searches Amazon for that edition so you land on the copy currently in print — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure.
Geschichte
- Find on Amazon →Der Nürnberger ProzessAnn Tusa und John Tusa
The standard detailed history of the proceedings.
- Find on Amazon →Nürnberg: Die Geschichte einer StadtMichael Diefenbacher
From free imperial city to rally grounds and rebuilding.
Kultur & Musik
- Find on Amazon →Albrecht Dürer: Das Werk des MalersNorbert Wolf
The painter whose house below the castle is now a museum.
Reiseführer
- Find on Amazon →Baedeker Reiseführer NürnbergBaedeker
German guide covering Franconia alongside the city.