The Nuremberg Trials marked the first major war crimes trials held at an international tribunal with judges from four countries serving as jurists.
Prosecutors set out to prosecute 24 of Hitler’s key generals, such as Hermann Goring (Hitler’s deputy), Rudolf Hess, and Joachim von Ribbentrop – including Hermann Goring himself (Hitler’s former lieutenant). Their message was simple: certain crimes cannot be ignored or justified.
Main Marketplace
Nuremberg’s Main Market Square is famous as the location for the city’s Christmas Market; however, this historic civic landmark also hosts bazaars year-round. Housed beneath the Gothic tops of Frauenkirche church, these bazaars focus on food items like Bavarian rye bread and local apples while offering famous blood sausage and meeting local artisan coffee brewers.
At the center of this marketplace is the Schoner Brunnen, or Beautiful Fountain. Conceived during the late 14th century and decorated with 40 ornate figures representing important aspects of Holy Roman Empire life like philosophy, liberal arts and four Church Fathers – legend has it that spinning one of its two brass rings brings good luck!
This lively neighborhood features charming bakeries specializing in intricate gingerbread loaves and art galleries showcasing replicas of Albrecht Durer paintings, while hidden artisan shops offering handmade jewelry and pottery are just off of main streets. A notable tourist attraction here is Konigstorpassage – an underground passage which winds around Nuremberg Old Town neighborhoods until finally reaching platforms at Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof train station.
Christkindlesmarkt, located in Germany’s most visited city, is one of the city’s premier markets and an increasingly popular attraction among visitors to Germany. Hosted during the weeks leading up to Christmas, the market features wooden stalls filled with festive gifts such as mulled wine, roasted almonds and nuts as well as handmade Christmas presents from local artisans.
Nuremberg Christmas Market features concerts and plays throughout its festival dates, and features performances by choral groups from around the city during peak times of festival events. Visitors to this market also come for regional specialties such as Nurnberger Bratwurste and Kraukaurs as well as sampling local wines – making this an enjoyable holiday destination that draws crowds from far and wide!
Karolinenstrasse
Nuremberg’s old town is steeped in history, yet also embraces modernity. You can choose to indulge in shopping for designer labels or simply ramble leisurely through weekly markets – the city offers you every option to live your best life!
Karolinenstrasse, a pedestrian zone stretching from the historic center, boasts an array of stores featuring luxury labels. Find everything from trendy clothing and jewels to interior design services and exclusive interior decor projects here – and if that isn’t enough shopping, the city offers charming cafes and restaurants too!
One of the best places to experience how Nurnberg blends heritage and contemporary art is at Neues Museum Nurnberg (NMN). Here, you’ll see works by an impressive mix of international artists as well as German masters; notable pieces here include Gianni Ruffi’s giant nest made of military uniform fabric and Olaf Metzel’s aluminium sculpture Melilla that looks like crumpled newspaper headlines about refugee tragedies in the Mediterranean Sea.
Albrecht Durer’s house can be found directly below the castle in Nuremberg and it remains as one of only four half-timbered structures from Nuremberg’s heyday; here you can imagine his long locks staring out from its window panes at passersby below.
Lochgefangnis Prison offers visitors a glimpse into medieval justice. Not recommended for the faint-hearted, this underground maze of cells and torture chambers provides insight into how prisoners were punished in medieval times.
Dani Karavan’s installation The Way of Human Rights offers something more unconventional. Comprised of 27 concrete columns displaying articles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights written both in German and other languages, this challenging work serves as an eye-opener on how far civilization has come. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea; nevertheless it stands as an inspiring reminder.
Christkindlesmarkt
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt (literally “Christ Child Market”) is one of the city’s premier Christmas markets, known for its long rows of stalls stretching along Hauptmarkt square to Frauenkirche church and offering everything from food and mulled wine to ornaments and hand-crafted goods. A highlight of the market is its official opening by Christkind herself – a young woman dressed entirely in white with golden locks and angelic long golden sleeves who preside over an elaborate opening ceremony that includes prologue, children’s choir singing, church bells ringing…
Copperplate paintings dating back to the 18th century show some of its original products – such as gilded fruits, sugar figures and wax candles. By late 19th century it had declined somewhat before World War II saw Nazi Germany embrace it to promote Nuremberg as the “treasure of German Reich.” Today it remains one of Germany’s leading markets.
Even though the main market of Nuremberg can be found in Old Town, there are numerous other spots to enjoy Christmas there. For an untouristy experience, visit neighborhoods like Gostenhof – you’ll discover small-town charm and more relaxed atmosphere here, along with numerous restaurants and meeting places such as Schanzenbrau Schankwirtschaft which has an atmosphere similar to German Cheers!
Schoner Brunnen in Old Town is another must-see, said to possess magical properties. Legend has it that turning the golden ring clockwise on top of the fountain will grant your wishes, with many locals gathering every year here to make their wishes. Nuremberg boasts an elf-like bronze figure called Christkind that can be found sitting atop its fountain, while gingerbread from Nuremberg should definitely not be missed; many believe its birth could have occurred here thanks to the city’s central position along trading routes and easy access to spices. Nuremberg’s gingerbread stands out from other brands by not using corn syrup as its sweetener; rather it features an irresistibly flavorful combination of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and sugar that’s sure to please. Plus its high butter content adds another element of deliciousness!
Nuremberg Old Town
Nuremberg’s Old Town is a maze of narrow streets adorned with historical half-timbered houses. It houses many of Nuremberg’s top attractions, including Church of St. Lorenz, Nuremberg Cathedral and medieval Castle of Prince-Burgraves; additionally it serves as cultural hub thanks to the Nuremberg Book Fair as well as numerous printmakers and publishers located here. Nuremberg played an especially key role during 15th-16th century Germany due to its cultural blooming, acceptance of Protestant Reformation as well as signing of religious peace agreements (Nurnberger Religionsvertrag), between Lutherans and Catholics here.
Your best starting point on this tour should be at the Church of St. Lorenz, one of several significant historic churches you will visit on it. Named for the city’s patron saint and constructed in late Romanesque style, its western facade features a small stone rosette that contains an imperial coat-of-arms if you look closely enough.
Handwerkerhof, located near Frauentor tower, has been converted to showcase local artisans. Here you’ll find various craftspeople selling their wares; it makes an excellent place to find unique souvenirs for family and friends as well as admiring its original defensive walls that used to surround the area.
Konigstrasse, one of the oldest streets in Old Town, connects Handwerkerhof, past St. Lorenz Church, across the river and to Hauptmarkt. This pedestrian street features many fashion and sports stores as well as cafes and restaurants; chain options like H&M and Benneton can also be found here.
Old Town also features many shops specializing in traditional goods like leather goods and pottery. Be sure to stop at Krollerhaus, an amazing shop that sells unique handicrafts made by local artisans; while don’t forget to pick up some delicious bratwurst!