There are plenty of things to do in Nuremberg, Germany depending on what your interests are. It’s a great addition to any river cruise itinerary.
If you’re a history buff, the best place to go is Kaiserberg castle. The castle dates back to medieval times and contains a unique double chapel that connects to a museum that largely focuses on military and architectural history. Another interesting place to visit includes the Germanisches National museum and the Way of Human Rights.
Nuremberg was a prominent city in Medieval and Renaissance Germany, with prosperity fueled by its location on the navigable Main River as an important hub of the salt trade, and having been granted staple rights by King Louis IV in 1355. The Imperial Diet of Constance took place here from 1514 to 1518; it hosted the largest assembly of heads of state in the history of Europe, including Henry VIII of England, Francis I of France, Emperor Charles V, and the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
Entertainment
For entertainment in Nuremberg, you can either sit back and enjoy an opera or a ballet at the staatstheater; or if you prefer a higher pace, maybe the Hirsh is the place to go. The Hirsh is a club with live alternative music played by big and local names.
For shoppers, the best place to go is Old Town which happens to be one of Germany’s first towns. Old Town includes small boutiques and department stores making it the ideal location for all shoppers. The Farmer’s Market is a great place to do some shopping while getting a taste for German culture.
Rent a bike
The best way to see Nuremberg is on a bike. Renting a bike can be quite easy and inexpensive. Go with your friends or family, take your camera and enjoy some fresh air!
Go For a Walk Through The Old Town
The Altstadt (old town) is a central neighborhood of about 34 buildings. The architecture dates from medieval times and earlier. The old buildings include Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structures. The city has strict laws regulating what can be built there now, so all new construction matches its historical surroundings. You can spend hours wandering around here and never get bored.
Tour Some of The Medieval Churches
According to its official website, there are over 200 registered churches and monasteries within its city limits. The Old Town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The churches are also beautiful and filled with gorgeous works of art by famous artists like Lucas Cranach, Mathias Grunewald, Veit Stoss, Tilman Riemenschneider and Peter Vischer.
Get Your Fill of Art at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum is a must-see for art lovers, as it contains works from numerous important artists. Known for its impressive Renaissance and Baroque paintings, the museum boasts over 3,000 works that span several centuries. Start your visit with a comprehensive overview of European painting from 1550 to 1800 before moving on to 16th-century Italian and Flemish masters.
Enjoy Some Delicious Traditional Food
Just about every region has its own take on cuisine. In Nuremberg, Germany, you can try your hand at a variety of German favorites like sausages, potato dumplings and spätzle. Be sure to grab some Stuttgarter sausage such as Weisswurst (white sausage) or Zwiebelkuchen (onion cake) before you head out!
Check Out one of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
The Christkindlesmarkt is one of Germany’s most popular winter markets. Every year, some two million people stroll through Nuremberg’s medieval old town to sample food and drink, listen to folk music, buy gifts and ogle handmade wooden toys. Stalls on every street sell everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables and traditional treats like gingerbread nuts (Lebkuchenherzen) or glühwein, a mulled wine.
Go Ice Skating on the Pegnitz River
The Pegnitz River is now an ice skating rink at Christmas time. It’s an annual tradition—in fact, it’s so much of a tradition that there’s even a Nuremberg Ice Carnival. Aside from being family-friendly, its popularity among all ages has meant it has become one of Germany’s most significant New Year traditions!
Climb up the Felsenturm Tower
The Felsenturm (Rock Tower) is one of two medieval towers left from Nuremberg’s city fortifications. It was a watchtower and prison, and today you can walk to its top for great views of the city and beyond. On a clear day, you can see 25 miles from up there! There are 214 steps, so go ahead and get your workout in while you admire lovely views like these
Have Fun at the Zeppelin Museum
When you visit Germany’s third-largest city, one of your stops should be Nuremberg’s Zeppelin Museum. Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin built the first rigid airship ever flown in 1900. The museum documents his life and achievements; some of his engineering tools are even on display here. There are many interactive exhibits for children, as well as an outdoor park where you can see several full-size replicas of zeppelins.
Drink some beer and have some fun!
Nuremberg is known for it’s love of beer and was even called world city of beer back in Middle Ages. Therefore, you should make sure that you’ll be enjoying at least a couple of beers while on your trip. The best way to approach drinking is just having a good time and letting things take its course.
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