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.