Nuremberg

Germany

A city for the ages, Nuremberg mixes medieval and modern.

Nuremberg, Bavaria's second largest city, has a long history. In 1356, Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV (for whom the famous bridge in Prague is named) decreed Nuremberg as the location for the first Imperial Diet (general assembly) of every newly crowned king of Germany. The city’s old Imperial Castle, which was the seat of the Diets and home to the Imperial Courts, dates back even further, to around 1000 AD. The castle underwent many alterations and additions over the centuries. A visit here after a walking tour will set the medieval scene for you perfectly.

Considered the most German of cities, Nuremberg was famous before WWII for its gingerbread and children's toys. It is here that Hitler's National Socialist movement took root and the city hosted infamous Nazi Party rallies at purpose-built rally grounds on the edge of town. It was perhaps because of this symbolism that Nuremberg was targeted for annihilation by the Allies, despite having relatively little military value. Painstaking reconstruction has since restored many of the buildings in Old Town, using original stones wherever possible to recreate Nuremberg’s unique atmosphere.

What we love about Nuremberg

Judit

Budapest City Host & Central Europe Destination Expert

Many most probably know Nuremberg for its role during WWII and thereafter. Visiting the sites connected to this heartbreakingly heavy part of history is a must, but please do it on the first day of your visit, and open up your heart for what Nuremberg really is about. It is a playful and enlightened city, home to Albrecht Dürer and Europe's largest toy fair, the city where the smallest possible sausage have been invented and where the "cake of life" (we know it as "gingerbread") was called into life. Walking in Nuremberg's Old Town is an inexplicable experience. Ancient buildings stand side by side with eclectic modern edifices constructed in a rush after WWII.

Sasha

Central Europe Destination Expert & Prague City Host

I love Nuremberg's history. From the walls built between the 12th and 16th century, the timber house that once was home to Albrecht Durer, the fascinating underground tunnel and cellar system where some of Germany’s greatest works of art survived during the WWII, to the largest surviving Nazi structure and the court room where the Nuremberg trials took place, the city is full captivating sites (not only) for history buffs.

Igor

Krakow City Host & Central Europe Destination Expert

Nuremberg is definitely worth the visit for its historical landmarks, like the imperial castle and the walled Old Town. Of course, when it comes to more modern history, you should also take your time to explore the Nazi Documentation Center and the "Memorium Nuremberg Trials".

Where to stay in Nuremberg

All of the accommodations we've selected are in the center of Nuremberg's old town, so you can be sure of being within a few minutes walk of the main sights whichever you choose. From a 3-star hotel in a 14th century half-timbered house, to 4-star hotels where each room is unique, we've chosen places with a style, location and ambience to suit everyone. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.

Family Boutique Hotel

Cozy three-star family-run hotel in the castle district.

Charming Apartment Hotel

A convenient, comfortable option close to the city's main tourist attractions.

Central Boutique Hotel

Boutique hotel with cordial service.

Things to do in Nuremberg

Explore the most German of cities with a private tour of Nuremberg. The city is infamous for its Nazi connections, from massive rallies to the trials of its leadership after World War II, which we can help you get to know via local, expert guides. The most popular day trip is to the nearby town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of southern Germany's most well-preserved gems. When we send you your customized itinerary you will be able to choose additional excursions to included in your vacation package or consider for adding later.

Former Nazi Party Rally Grounds Private Tour

Gingerbread Baking Small Group Class

Rothenburg Private Day Trip

From Bratwurst to Gingerbread City Group Tour

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Nuremberg

Spend some time in Nuremberg on a tour that takes in other cities in Germany and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Nuremberg and other destinations make traveling in Central & Eastern Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

Family Friendly Germany

Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, Munich

10 Days

Germany's Greatest Christmas Markets

Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Munich

10 Days

Contrasting Lands: Bavaria and Eastern Germany

Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, Munich

11 Days

The Best of Bavaria plus Frankfurt

Munich, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Frankfurt

11 Days

Beer Route in Germany and Prague

Munich, Nuremberg, Prague, Berlin

12 Days

German & Czech WWII Route

Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Nuremberg, Munich

13 Days

Grand Tour of Germany

Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, Munich, Rothenburg, Heidelberg, Frankfurt

15 Days

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.6 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of our Nuremberg vacation packages

Based on 1 review

Nell & Christina

Michigan

Everyone at JayWay Travel was exceedingly pleasant, knowledgeable, helpful and accommodating! Your services made planning a trip almost effortless and assured there was never a concern about our itinerary, our activities and all of the details!

Year : 2018
Visited : Germany
Itinerary : Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Berlin, Dresden, Frankfurt
Rating :

4.6 / 5

Year : 2018
Visited : Germany
Itinerary : Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Berlin, Dresden, Frankfurt
Rating :

4.6 / 5

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Nuremberg

How can I get around Nuremberg?

Most of Nuremberg's landmarks are in the easily walkable historic center, but to visit the Nazi Rally Grounds or the site of the Nuremberg Trials, you'll want to take public transportation, unless you're visiting them with a driver/guide. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or the ticket machines at all U-Bahn (subway), or S-Bahn (light rail) stations, and at some streetcar stops. Tickets cannot be purchased once you have boarded anything.

How long should I spend in Nuremberg?

Spending at least two nights in the city will give you the time to explore the historic center, with its amazing medieval buildings, castle, walls, bridges, and more, and try some of the city's culinary specialties, like Nurnberger Rostbratwurst, and various beers. After a day delving into the city's medieval history, you could then leave the center and get to know its Nazi past.

Is Nuremberg safe?

Located in Germany's safest state (Bavaria), Nuremberg has a very low crime rate. As with any large city, though, keep track of your personal belongings when in crowded areas.

When's the best time to visit Nuremberg?

Nuremberg's summers are warm and dry, while the winters are cold with occasional snow. We recommend visiting in late spring or early fall. The city hosts large fairs with entertainment and regional foods in March, April, September, and October.

Can I pay by card?

While Germany isn't the cash-only economy it used to be, it's still a very good idea to have cash on hand, especially if you're eating out. Avoid using the blue-and-yellow Euronet ATMs, and if an ATM asks if you want to be charged in Euros or your own currency, select Euros to avoid paying a useless fee. We recommend asking accommodations staff for recommended places to exchange money.

Can I visit the court where the Nuremberg Trials took place?

Court Room 600, where Nazis were prosecuted following World War II, is part of the Memorium Nuremberg Trials exhibition at the Palace of Justice. However, since the courtroom is still in use, we recommend checking its schedule in advance, and planning your visit accordingly.

What options does Nuremberg have for those with dietary restrictions?

Nuremberg may be famous for its gingerbread and small sausages, but there's no shortage to alternatives to typical Franconian cuisine. In addition to places focused on vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, raw, and other diets, many ordinary cafes and restaurants offer vegan, gluten-free, and raw options. Some places we recommend are Kuhmuhne, Die Burgerbar, the Japanese Kokoro, and Indian LeBar.