Nuremberg boasts an enchanting and incredible history, from medieval castles and walled old towns, to its exquisite museums. As a prime cultural destination, Nuremberg provides visitors with the ideal setting for an enjoyable cultural excursion.
General Patton left his original copies of the Nuremberg Laws at Huntington Library near Los Angeles and they were eventually donated to the National Archives in 1947.
The Old Town
Nuremberg’s Old Town is at the core of city, filled with vibrant sights and sounds to be seen and experienced. From charming medieval churches to its massive castle, visitors must take time out of their visit to visit this area of Nuremberg.
Start your walk through the city at Hauptmarkt, the central market square where many of the finest restaurants and shops are situated. Dating back to 13th century, Hauptmarkt is famous for hosting an expansive Christmas market each year – on either side you’ll find Frauenkirche with its gorgeous fountain. Once here, cross over the chain bridge and head onto Weissgerbergasse – an idyllic European street full of half-timbered buildings and cobblestone streets!
As you wander along, keep an eye out for the Handwerkerhof, a courtyard that once formed part of the old defensive wall that surrounds the city and now hosts local artisans showcasing unique souvenirs that go beyond the typical branded mug or T-shirt! Here, you might just discover something truly memorable!
Make sure to visit St Sebald’s (Sebalduskirche), another Gothic church worth visiting in the old town, particularly if you appreciate architecture. With large stained glass windows and intricate details inside, Sebalduskirche provides plenty of opportunity for exploration.
As you stroll the old town streets, Lorenzkirche will come into view; an exquisite medieval castle that’s free for all to visit and one of Nuremberg’s top tourist destinations. Not only is its view breathtaking from above, but so are its breathtaking towers!
The Christkindlesmarkt
The Christkindlesmarkt is one of Europe’s premier Christmas markets, steeped in tradition. Though not held during World War II, its revival in 1948 saw an emphasis on traditional German craftsmanship. Characterized by wooden booths that form an inner city filled with cloth traders running family businesses that span three generations; as well as many items made specifically for this market that add an air of unique charm that distinguishes it from other European markets.
Every year a young woman is selected to portray the ‘Christkind’ – an angelic figure created by Martin Luther to distinguish Protestant Christmas gift giving from Catholic tradition. The prologue speech given from Frauenkirche church balcony typically marks the opening of this market with an opening address from this angelic figure known as Saint Nicholas.
As you explore the booths, keep an eye out for Rauschgoldengel – traditional gold foil angel decorations used to adorn Christmas trees in Germany. Your options include decorative straw stars and feather angels, as well as Franconian Christmas decorations like Schwetschbogen (nutcracker figurines) in various shapes and sizes from small mass-produced soldiers to handmade Santas that may become family heirlooms. Popular products in Nuremberg’s Christmas market include the fragrant mulled wine known as Gluhwein and spiced Lebkuchen. Kathe Wohlfahrt, one of its main decor suppliers since 1890 and located in Nuremberg, also provides handmade ornaments, decorations and smokers to customers.
If you prefer taking your time browsing stalls, arrive early in the day for maximum enjoyment.
The Nuremberg Fairs
Nuremberg’s prominence as an industrial hub makes it home to influential trade shows spanning various industries. These events create jobs, generate tax revenue and have billions in purchasing power effects each year; additionally they serve as invaluable networking forums and advances for industry advancement. Nuremberg also boasts world-class exhibitions offering businesses unparalleled opportunities to display their products and services.
Nuremberg’s success as a commercial centre can be traced to its history as a free imperial city in the Middle Ages, when its citizens served as entrepreneurs who oversaw trade and crafts flourishing in their region. This tradition continued into modernity when Nuremberg emerged as one of Germany’s key engines of industrial development – today this spirit of innovation can be found at science labs, start-up incubators and its many museums and libraries.
Are you curious about Nuremberg history and culture? Visit the Nuremberg Museum for an engaging educational experience that explores this vibrant city’s past and present, from medieval armor to artifacts from ancient Greece and more! Also learn about its infamous Nuremberg Trials where Nazi war criminals were tried and sentenced for crimes against humanity.
Experience Nuremberg culture firsthand by attending the Tucher Knight Games, an expansive medieval fair held each August and featuring knight tournaments, traveling minstrels, witches, merchants and handmaidens as well as exciting knight performances such as traveling minstrels. Additionally, Jobmesse Nurnberg provides companies and students alike an ideal platform for networking opportunities to find one another and take their careers forward together. Thousands of job seekers converge here with employers looking for new job prospects or change in career path to engage and interact.
The Volksfest
Nuremberg’s Volksfest, held twice annually in spring and autumn, is Nuremberg’s answer to Munich’s iconic Oktoberfest. This family folk festival offers something for all age groups; children can enjoy rides and activities such as bumper cars while older visitors can relax along the banks of Dutzendteich lake or sample beer at one of several party tents. At its center lies Dutzendteich lake where guests can picnic on benches before sampling some local beers at one of many party tents; nearby party tents offering textiles, leather goods household products as well as jewellery tea and spices products from vendors stalls!
At Volksfest, traditional stalls can be found alongside modern attractions like a large ferris wheel and fairground rides. By nightfall, Kirchweih transforms into a huge beer garden under old chestnut, oak and lime trees; music performances range from singer-songwriters and cabaret artists performing to singing-songwriters singing on various stages throughout the fairground; the event attracts both locals as well as international visitors who appreciate its relaxed yet festive atmosphere.
Nuremberg’s Christmas Market draws millions of tourists each year during the holiday season. Renowned throughout Germany for being among the oldest of its kind, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt dates back 500 years and today draws visitors with its breathtaking atmosphere and variety of delicious foods ranging from Bratwurst to Gebrannte Mandeln (cooked almonds in brown sugar).
Albrecht Durer may be Nuremberg’s most-recognized citizen, but its other attractions should not be overlooked. Nuremberg’s medieval Altstadt contains ornate churches, elaborate fountains and the Tucherschloss castle; while Documentation Centre and Memorium Nuremberg Trials serve as reminders of Nuremberg’s past. If interested in Germany’s recent history then an excursion to Reichsparteitagsgelande should not be missed!
The Nightlife
Nuremberg comes alive in the evening as cozy bars and clubs open their doors for business. From sipping cocktails at Gelbes Haus to dancing at Mach1 Club to rocking out at Rockfabrik – Nuremberg has something to offer everyone when it comes to nightlife!
Nuremberg once served as a center for business and manufacturing in the 1930s; today, however, it has transformed into an exciting cultural center with an energetic nightlife scene featuring cozy bars and dance halls, live music venues, clubs offering various musical genres, themed nights with costumes and props as well as performances by local artists as well as horseback rides through its historic streets offered at Reitstall Marienberg Equestrian Centre.
Start shopping off right by visiting Karolinenstrasse, with its mix of fashion designers and department stores as well as restaurants and cafes lining its street. Additionally, the Old Town provides boutiques and independent stores offering local products.
Nuremberg boasts not only shops but also an abundance of museums and galleries for its residents to enjoy. The Nuremberg Museum provides an in-depth history lesson, while Lenbachhaus Gallery displays modern art. Additionally, Felsenreitschule located in Altstadt district serves as a popular location for theater productions and concerts.
Bars and clubs in Germany typically stay open late; many will stay open as late as 12:30 am. Most bars have set closing times; however, they may close early if an empty or full bar has reached capacity. Please remember that legal drinking age in Germany is 16; thus be ready to present valid ID when entering clubs.