How to have fun in Nuremberg? Where to go on excursions or shopping? What activities are worth travelling to Nuremberg for?

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Christmas in Nuremberg

Nuremberg is one of the most popular Advent destinations.

The local advent markets are often described as the biggest and most beautiful in Europe, vying with those in Dresden and Vienna for the top spot in terms of attendance. Expect bigger crowds, but also a wide range of souvenirs, handicrafts, food and delicious refreshment stalls.

• Buy your bus ticket - flixbus.com
• Buy train tickets - bahn.de

For detailed information on the dates of Advent events and more, see the chapter Christmas Markets in Nuremberg.

Get to know medieval Nuremberg

The metropolis of northern Bavaria boasts one of the most extensive historical centres in the whole of Germany.

What's more, it starts right opposite the main bus or train station, so you can start admiring the beauty of Nuremberg on foot as soon as you arrive.

During the Middle Ages, Nuremberg was one of the most important cities on the map of Europe and one of the centres of the Holy Roman Empire. Although the centre was badly damaged during World War II, many important monuments have survived. Here's a look at the best ones that are not to be missed:

• The Imperial Castle - the preserved grounds and residence of the Holy Roman Emperors.
• St. Lawrence Church - the largest church in Nuremberg
• Church of St. Sebald - the oldest large church in Nuremberg
• Frauenkirche - the largest Catholic church in the city
• Schöner Brunnen - ornate fountain and symbol of Nuremberg
• Weißgerbergasse - the street with the largest number of preserved medieval houses

Entertainment for (not only) children

Nuremberg is not only a city for adults, but also for the youngest children. While strolling through the historic centre, we recommend a visit to the nicely furnished Toy Museum, where you can spend an hour or so.

A half-day and sometimes even a full day trip awaits you when you visit the Playmobil FunPark, the central motif of which is the famous Playmobil figures. There are many attractions for children up to 10 years old.

One of the most popular attractions in Nuremberg is the local zoo with its dolphinarium, which is unique in Central Europe. You can also enjoy a dolphin show twice a day.

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The city where the circle of Nazism closed

Explore the dark side of Nuremberg and visit two historic sites closely linked to the rise and fall of the Nazis. This period is also an integral part of history and can be explored in Nuremberg in two museums:

• The Kongresshalle and the Documentation Centre - the vast plains to the south-east of the city centre were shaped by the meteoric rise of the Nazi party, the NSDAP. The only remaining of the monumental buildings is the Congress Hall with its information and documentation centre.
• The Nuremberg Trials Museum - the circle came full circle at the Nuremberg Trials Complex, where Nazi criminals were tried after the war. Here you can visit the museum and courtroom 600, where the main trial took place.

Walk along the banks of the Pegnitz River

The small river Pegnitz flows through the centre of the town and creates a unique space.

Don't expect any monumental embankments with crowds of people. On the contrary. The river meanders between historic buildings and creates quiet corners with willow trees, views of historic bridges and beautiful little squares reaching down to the water.

Part of the banks are completely built up with old houses, part is freely accessible.

Wandering along the Pegnitz, the historic building of the St. Spirit Hospital or the area with the Henkerbücke bridge, the old water tower and the execution museum will catch your eye.