The Ultimate Nuremberg Weekend Guide – Top Things To Do For Free

During the second World War, Nuremberg was almost completely destroyed. Over 90 percent of the city was razed to the ground, making it one of the most heavily destroyed cities in Germany. Fortunately, many buildings were rebuilt in the old style which characterize the cityscape of Nuremberg but you will find only a few original buildings in the Old Town.

HOW TO GET TO Nuremberg

In order to get to Nuremberg I recommend traveling by train from anywhere in Germany with the Deutsche Bahn. For example traveling from Berlin to Nuremberg takes only a bit over 3 hours with the ICE or 1 hour from Munich to Nuremberg by train! This will not only save you the tiresome search for a parking space, but also expensive parking fees in the city. From Nuremberg main station you walk about ten minutes to the old town.

There is no need for a car. In the center you can easily reach the most important sights on foot and even if you want to go a bit further outside the subway, train and bus service is very well developed!

WHAT IS Nuremberg FAMOUS FOR?

The Christmas Market - Christkindlesmarkt

The Christkindlesmarkt is quite nice, but also quite kitschy and I actually haven't been there in ages as it's pretty touristy and crowded. It takes place annually during Advent in the Old Town on the Main Market Square. With over two million visitors, it is one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany and one of the most famous in the world.

The Yummy Ginger Bread - Lebkuchen

Nuremberg is known to be the gingerbread capital. You will find no way to get around it in Nuremberg. There are many different manufacturer but the oldest gingerbread bakery in Nuremberg is "Wicklein" and they also offer organic vegan options.

Pretzels "Kolb" & Sausages "Drei Im WeGGla" 

As you might know I'm vegan. But I share this anyway because hardly any meat eater will leave Nuremberg without having tried the famous Nuremberg grilled sausages. You can get them to take away at different food booths around the old town.

Whenever I am in the city centre, I don't leave without having a pretzel from "Brezen Kolb". This bakery makes the best pretzels. Plus they are vegan and now have some with super delicious vegan spread as well!

best THINGS TO DO ON A DAY or weekend TRIP TO Nuremberg

Weinstadel & Henkersteg

Only a few meters from the suspension bridge, you will find the Weinstadel and the Henkersteg. The best view is from the Maxbrücke - which is also a very popular photo motif with the reflecting water. From there you have the best view of Weinstadel and Henkersteg. 

KEttensteg

The Kettensteg is a pedestrian bridge and the oldest preserved iron chain bridge in continental Europe. Once again the best view is from the Maxbrücke but do not miss out walking over the bridge as well.

Weißgerbergasse

The Weißgerbergasse, lined with colorful half-timbered houses, is undoubtedly the most beautiful and certainly the most photographed alley in Nuremberg. Here you will find the largest still existing ensemble of old half-timbered houses in the whole of Nuremberg with lots of cafés, bars and small stores.

Make sure to stop by the Kleine Eismanufaktur. They offer super delicious and unusual ice cream creations. All varieties are lovingly made from certified organic ingredients - and of course they have vegan options too!

Kaiserburg & Burggärten

The Kaiserburg is the landmark of Nuremberg. After a short but quite steep climb up the only hill of the city you will be rewarded with a great view over the brick-red roofs of the city. The viewing platform is accessible free of charge.

Make sure to also walk through the castle gardens to get access to the "best view of Nuremberg". 

Hauptmarkt,  Frauenkirche & Schöner Brunnen

Nuremberg's main market is the most important square in the center of the city. The Frauenkirche, is a very worth seeing building here and you will find directly opposite the so-called "Schöne Brunnen" (beautiful fountain). Two rings are embedded in the fountain gates. It is supposed to bring good luck to turn the said ring three times (and of course to make a wish). Every tourist turns the golden ring but there is a second, black ring which is the actual ring to fulfill your wishes. According to us locals, the golden ring is meant for tourists.

Heilig-Geist-Spital

Another popular photo motif in Nuremberg's Old Town is the "Holy Spirit Hospital". The medieval-looking building is now used as a retirement home. You can take amazing photos of the Heilig-Geist-Spital from the Museum Bridge. The backside of the Heilig-Geist-Spital is also nice to look at.

St. Lorenz Church

Through the shopping mile of Königsstraße and Breite Gasse you will reach the "Lorenzkirche". St. Lorenz was constructed in the 13th century and badly damaged during WWII, but has been rebuild as well. If you want to admire the church from the inside you have to pay for entrance.

Pellerhof im Pellerhaus

The inner courtyard of the Pellerhaus at Egidienplatz is quite unknown - even by us locals! I actually don't even know one person who knows about this place. The Pellerhaus was built in the 17th century, but sadly fell victim to the Second World War.

Don't be fooled by the exterior façade, which is anything but a jewel, but the Renaissance courtyard, restored through donations, is a must see! You should definitely go up the stairs to the second floor for the best view. The entrance is free of charge. Free donations go towards the restoration of the Pellerhof.

Important Note: The Pellerhaus is only open from Friday to Sunday from 2 to 5 pm.

The Best View over Nuremberg

Now comes another insider tip. From the last floor of the Adlerparkhaus you have an amazing view of the Old Town, the Sebaldus Church and the Imperial Castle. 

I honestly prefer this view over the several ones at the castle because here the view actually includes the castle and makes it an incredible skyline.

Dutzendteich & Documentation Centre 

The Documentation Center as an ensemble of one of the best preserved testimonies of still preserved architecture of the Nazi era is not only very instructive, but also very interesting. Even if you're not overly interested in politics or history - you have to see a place like this. The context leaves no one cold, and the National Party Congress (Reichsparteitage) and racial laws are a historical fact that you have to take with you when visiting Nuremberg.

The adjoining Dutzendteich is a popular excursion destination. It is not a naturally formed water body, but was artificially created and you are not allowed to swim in it - it actually is shallower than it seems! Instead you can rent rowing and pedal boats of different sizes during summer.

the street of Human Rights

The Street of Human Rights is a spacious outdoor sculpture and memorial site in downtown Nuremberg. Each of the 27 eight meters high white round pillars carries a short version of one of the human rights articles in German and another language. It is both an indictment of the crimes of the National Socialists and a reminder to people that human rights are still being massively violated in many countries of the world.

Alternative districts

Gostenhof (GoHo)

Gostenhof is the multicultural district of Nuremberg with its diversity and creativity. The graffiti density is higher than elsewhere and there are so many amazing cafés and (bulk/ zero waste/ vintage) stores.

St. Johannis

The heart of St. Johannis is the medieval St. Johannis cemetery with the St. Johannis church. The cemetery, which is under monumental protection, is especially beautiful. You find graves decorated with rose trees give the cemetery a very special flair.

My all time favorite place for a take away in St. Johannis is definitely the Vegöner - a fantastic vegan kebab store. Unfortunately there are hardly any seats and it can get pretty busy with long waiting times.

CONCLUSION

As you can see there is a lot to explore and do in medieval Nuremberg. You can try to do as much as you can in one day but a weekend trip is definitely the more comfortable option.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to write them in the comment section below. ⇣

xx

Nina

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