15 Best Reasons Why Nuremberg Is Worth Visiting

Nuremberg may not be as famous as other cities in Germany, but it is a gem we can consider. So, is Nuremberg worth visiting?

Yes, Nuremberg is worth visiting. It’s a city with picturesque time-transporting streets and impressive landmarks. Visitors marvel at Schöner Brunnen, Imperial Castle, Sebalduskirche, and more. Most importantly, Nuremberg has a unique tourist attraction where you can discover the history of the Nazis.

In this blog post, I have 15 reasons to visit Nuremberg, explaining all the beautiful things you can find in the city. Along the discussion, you will see how beautiful Nuremberg is and its streets/landmarks. After reading this post, you already know what to see in Nuremberg if you have decided to visit.

Nuremberg is the second-largest city in the most touristy German state of Bavaria. It is a city with an airport closest to the beautiful Franconian Region. Thus, serving as a favorite jump-off location for travelers wanting to visit Franconia.

Franconian charming small towns surround Nuremberg. Believe it or not, some of them are even Germany’s best destinations! We can name Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bamberg, Bayreuth, and Wurzburg as examples. 

Yet, it does not mean that Nuremberg is only a transportation hub. If you wonder if Nuremberg is worth visiting, you arrive at the right place. I’ll give you 15 reasons why you should visit Nuremberg.

I made this post helpful, especially if I convinced you to visit Nuremberg. Aside from the 15 reasons to visit Nuremberg, this blog post should provide the following too:

• Exact map locations of the landmarks and tourist attractions in Nuremberg. (with links to Google Maps).
• Visiting information for the tourist attractions in Nuremberg.
• Tips and recommendations for an enjoyable/full-of-discovery visit to Nuremberg.

15 Reasons To Visit Nuremberg

Did you know that more than 3 million visitors come to Nuremberg yearly? According to the tourism office of Nuremberg, the city peaked at 3.6 million overnight stays in 2018. This city, 186 square kilometers wide and 1000 years old, will surely have exciting discoveries for you.  

If there is any reason why millions visit Nuremberg, it’s any of the reasons in this post. Below is a list summary of the reasons why you should visit Nuremberg:

1. Nuremberg’s Picturesque Streets
2. Beautiful Churches in Nuremberg
3. Nuremberg Imperial Castle
4. Unique Fountain in Nuremberg
5. Nuremberg’s Instagrammable River and Bridges
6. More Time-Transporting Places in Nuremberg
7. Documentation Center Nazi Party Rallying Grounds
8. Fascinating Museums in Nuremberg
9. Nuremberg’s Famous Christmas Market
10. More Fun Events in Nuremberg
11. Nuremberg Zoo for Kids
12. Nuremberg’s Culinary Delights
13. Nuremberg’s Leisure Activities
14. Exciting Day Trips From Nuremberg
15. Lovely Souvenirs from Nuremberg Craftmen’s Courtyard

Nuremberg isn’t the only beautiful city in Southern Germany. For me, Munich and Stuttgart are also worth visiting!

Suppose you’re still planning a trip to southern Germany. In that case, you should consider adding Munich and Stuttgart to your itinerary. Here’s why:

1. Munich: 10 Beautiful Places in Munich You Must See
2. Stuttgart: 10 Reasons Why Visit Stuttgart

Like Nuremberg, Stuttgart and Munich have easy access to the most beautiful places in Southern Germany:

1. From Stuttgart, you can quickly reach Lichtenstein Castle and the Black Forest.
2. From Munich, visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden, Mittenwald, Neuschwanstein Castle, and Oberammergau are very simple. These are the towns in the Bavarian Alps, and here’s how you can explore the Bavarian Alps in 3, 7, or 10 days.

Going back to Nuremberg. Let’s kick off the list (of reasons to visit) with Nuremberg’s most attractive part. Its picturesque streets.

Reason 1. Nuremberg’s Picturesque Streets

Seeing a medieval city center is one of the most exciting parts of a trip to Europe. It is, especially if you are like me, who grew up in a younger country. Are we in the same shoes? Yes? Then you got the first reason to visit Nuremberg!

This city, founded almost 1000 years ago, has a medieval flair for us to see. It has cobblestone streets, houses made of bricks, and many more time-transporting scenes. 

Visitors going to Nuremberg must not forget to do one thing. That’s to clear the camera’s storage, as Nuremberg will fill it with beautiful new pics! 

Nuremberg’s charm lies even outside the city squares and narrow lanes. Stroll along River Pegnitz and see quaint bridges and timber-framed houses. They are a fantastic sight you can’t miss!

Are you wondering where exactly the picturesque spots in Nuremberg are? Worry not! Because here are the exact location of the Instagrammable places in Nuremberg:

• Hauptmarkt
• Weissgerbergasse
• Rathausplatz
• Tiergärtnertor 

Bookmark this post or save this article to your Pinterest. This way, you can get back to these Google Map links much faster and easier. Here’s a guide to using Google Maps if you need it.

Among the four places I mentioned, Weissgerbergasse should be the top priority. Weissgerbergasse is the most beautiful street in Nuremberg. The pastel-colored timber-framed houses in this curved street form one gorgeous, shutter-presser scene.

Tourism officials consider Weissgerbergasse the largest ensemble of old artisan houses in Nuremberg. Today, you can find this street full of cafes, shops, and bars. For me, a charming place to rest after exploring the rest of the city.

Here are some of the ways you can explore Nuremberg:

Europe is filled with beautiful cities like Nuremberg, we can all agree! Below are the cities similar to Nuremberg (they also have picturesque streets). I suggest you discover (click the names of the city to read the article—they open in a new tab):

1. Strasbourg—it is the capital of Europe that has half-timber framed houses, a Haussman architecture new city, and a charming medieval old town center.
2. Colmar—the most fairytale town in France filled with half-timber framed houses. It’s so beautiful it was copied in other countries, i.e., Malaysia.
3. Bern—Its historic center is a stunning UNESCO site with cute fountains and picturesque streets.
4. Verona—it is the Romantic city where the story of Romeo and Juliet is set. It also has a 2000-year-old arena like Rome.
5. Bergamo—do you want to visit a medieval place with scenic views? Here’s where you should go.
6. Florence—it is where the Renaissance was born. It has stunning landmarks, thousands of artworks, and lovely city views. You’ll like visiting it.

Reason 2. Beautiful Churches in Nuremberg

Witnessing imposing architecture is one of the things most travelers aim to do in Europe. If it is also your travel goal, Nuremberg won’t let you down! Nuremberg has many stunning buildings to please your wanderlust for architecture. 

We can discuss Nuremberg’s architectural wonders, starting with its churches. For me, they are another reason why Nuremberg is worth visiting. The uniqueness and craftmanship manifested in them are superb!

It is the case, especially if you like to visit as many cathedrals/chapels as possible in one trip. Nine or ten notable churches are there in Nuremberg. Three churches are in the northern part of the city, and the rest are in the south.  

By the way, I said Nuremberg has two parts because of River Pegnitz. It is the river that flows in the “heart of the city,” dividing Nuremberg into two. 

Going back to the churches, everyone defines beauty in different ways. But, if you ask me, what are the three most beautiful churches in Nuremberg? Those would be Sebalduskirche, and Frauenkirche, Lorenzkirche. 

Sebalduskirche

Sebalduskirche, the first church I mentioned, is also Nuremberg’s first parish church. Believe it or not, it dates back to 1215, which is more than 800 years ago already! It is one of the tallest structures in Nuremberg, located north of the Pegnitz and in front of the old city hall.

Other European churches are more beautiful than Sebalduskirche. That’s for sure! Although it may be true, its architecture is one you can find outstanding too. Have its elaborate rose windows as examples.

The appearance of the Sebalduskirche inside should impress you more. The tall narrow nave, surrounded by stained glass windows, is stunning. It should look enchanting when strong sunlight enters through the windows! 

Sebalduskirche has many artworks inside. But, I doubt there should be more if it did not become a Protestant church and wasn’t destroyed during WWII. You should see the Monument of Saint Sebaldus, created by Peter Visher, inside.

360-degree-image of Sebalduskirche above (Swipe to see more views)

Visiting hours for Sebalduskirche start from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm from January to March and 6:00 pm from April to December. Entry is 2 EUR. German tours are available every Wednesday and Saturday at 3:00 pm.

Lorenzkirche 

The construction of Lorenzkirche started only a few years after Sebalduskirche’s construction began. Like Sebalduskirche, Lorenzkirche is also one of the oldest Nuremberg.

Lorenzkirche is also one of Nuremberg’s most beautiful churches. Your jaws will drop when you see its imposing west facade. That is for sure! 

The west facade’s tympanum, 9-meter-diameter rose window, and middle spire’s elaborations are majestic. Admiring all its details can take you minutes to finish! It is why it is one of Bavaria’s most beautiful Lutheran churches. 

Lorenzkirche houses many artworks, including survivors of the Iconoclasm during the Reformation. From stained glass to medieval altars – all seem to have a breathtaking appearance. You must see the Angelic Greeting, an early 16th-century artwork created by Veit Stoss. 

You must also see its three-pipe organ! Travelers consider it one of the largest in the world. It has an impressive number of pipes (12,000 pipes) and registers (165 registers).   

360-degree-image of Lorenzkirche above (Swipe to see more views)

You can find Lorenzkirche a few steps south of the Museum Bridge in River Pegnitz. Here is the exact location from Google Maps.

Lorenzkirche is open for visitors from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm every Monday to Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Every Thursday, it has the same opening hours but closes at 9:00 pm. The church accepts visitors only from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm on Sundays.

Sometimes, concerts occur inside Lorenzkirche. You cannot enter the church during that time. See Nuremberg’s official tourism website for more information.

Admission costs only 1 EUR. But, if you want to tour the tower, you must pay 5 EUR more.

Frauenkirche 

Church hopping in Nuremberg can be so fun if you like architecture. And if you are a Catholic like me, you got another reason to visit Nuremberg. Frauenkirche, a Catholic church in Nuremberg, is yet another religious marvel to see.

Frauenkirche isn’t that huge compared to Lorenzkirche and Sebalduskirche. But, its west facade should be another one to awe-inspire you. The design of Frauenkirche’s facade is unique – an ensemble of German architecture.

You’ll definitely admire the tympanum’s embossed decorations below the facade’s central porch. The towers attached to it make the entire facade even more elegant. And the pinnacles on top? They’ll catch your attention even from afar.

Männleinlaufen, the mechanical clock on the facade’s upper part, is also worth mentioning. Also, you must not miss seeing the stained glass windows inside Frauenkirche. They are Nuremberg’s oldest stained glass windows.

You can find several artworks inside the Frauenkirche. Check out the stone sculpture cycle in the choir – it dates back to 1360! Include the things to see in Frauenkirche the Tucher altar, a panel painting created in 1445.

360-degree-image of Frauenkirche above (Swipe to see more views)

Frauenkirche is on the east side of Nuremberg’s main market square (Hauptmarkt). It is only a few steps away from Museum Bridge in the Pegnitz River. If you can’t find it, here’s the exact location of Frauenkirche on Google Maps.

Are you planning to visit Frauenkirche? It is open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Saturday. On Sunday, it’s 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm. There are no admission fees. But you can donate for generosity.

Reason 3. Nuremberg Imperial Castle

Nuremberg is one of Germany’s most fascinating destinations, especially if you love history. It is not only about the medieval appearance of the structures in the city. But, significance.

Did you know you can find Europe’s most formidable medieval fortifications in Nuremberg? It is Nuremberg Castle. The Holy Roman Empire used it as its seat of power, where kings and emperors stayed.

Not to mention that Nuremberg Castle sits on a sandstone ridge overlooking the city (see location in Google Maps). Thus breathtaking views await you here when you come! The castle’s views, architecture, and significance are good reasons to visit Nuremberg.

Even today, it has some glory to manifest, though unrelated to the military. Its Imperial Stables are now used with a new purpose. They are now considered Germany’s largest and most modern youth hostels.

Also, Nuremberg Castle still dominates the skyline of the city. It has several parts, which you can distinguish even from afar. From west to east:

1. Palas
2. Imperial Chapel
3. Heathens’ Tower
4. Sinwell Tower
5. Imperial Stables
6. Luginsland Tower

By the way, do you like visiting beautiful places like castles and palaces? You should check out Munich. Read my article to discover Munich’s stunning palaces and other lovely destinations in this city. Is Munich Beautiful? 10 Beautiful Places in Munich to See

When you come inside the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, you will find that it’s not only a castle. Instead, it is a complex of fortified structures with many places to explore. It also has a beautiful garden, a deep well, an Imperial Castle museum, and more chapels. 

World War II almost destroyed Nuremberg Castle. But the restoration work was excellent! It is why in exploring the different parts of the castle, you’ll feel like traveling back in time.

Get more insights into the history of Nuremberg Castle and of the city with a “tour of the Palas.” You will be covering the ground and upper floors of the Palas during the tour. See the Knights’ Hall, Saint Margaret’s Chapel, Imperial Hall, Emperor’s Chamber, and Bower.

Currently, the Bower hosts the Imperial Castle Museum. Here you can find a collection of armor, shields, and weapons used by medieval soldiers. Discover more about the museum from its official website.

360-degree-image of Nuremberg Imperial Castle above (Swipe to see more views)

Nuremberg Imperial Castle is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm from April to October 3. From October 4 to March, it has shorter opening hours from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Come 45 minutes before the closing time!

The Castle Gardens is an unmissable part of visiting Nuremberg Imperial Castle. It is an excellent place to catch the sunset/golden hour! But, it only accepts visitors from April 15 to October, 8:00 am until nightfall.

Kids and teens under 18 are free to enter. For adults, the admission fee is 7 EUR. It includes access to Palas, Deep Well, and Sinwell Tower. Castle Gardens is free to enter. Learn more from the official website of the Imperial Castle.

Reason 4. Unique Fountain in Nuremberg

The streets of Nuremberg are not only picture-worthy. It has surprises awaiting you. Wandering will be as fun as discovering artworks in an open museum.

Fountains are one kind of beautiful surprise in the streets of Nuremberg. Nuremberg’s fountains are the gems you can find while exploring the city if you ask me. These fountains are a masterpiece, enough to be a reason to visit Nuremberg.

Nuremberg, like most medieval towns, has several fountains. Some appear very ordinary. But, the three fountains in Nuremberg I found are the ones you’ll like to see with intention.

Two of the fountains I’ll mention are actual landmarks in Nuremberg. Because often they aren’t mentioned in the books, they tend to be more of a surprise for visitors. Below are the names of the beautiful fountains in Nuremberg. 

1. Tugendbrunnen
2. Ehekarussell
3. Schöner Brunnen

Click the names of the fountains above to see their exact location in Google Maps. 

Ehekarussell

Among the three I mentioned, Ehekarussell and Schöner Brunnen are the two you should not miss seeing. Both fountains are beautiful. But, can you guess which fountain depicts a story? 

If you think it is Ehekarussell, you are right! You can read its description from Atlas Obscura. But, in short, it’s a fountain with controversial meaning and horrific sculptures. It may not be suitable for all.

Ehekarussell depicts the scene in the poem “Bitter-Sweet Married Life” by Hans Sachs. The sculptures in the fountain include a monstrous lizard, nudes, and the undead. If this still interests you, visit it near Weisser Turm tower (see it on Google Maps).

Schöner Brunnen

Schöner Brunnen is one of the main attractions in Nuremberg. This famous 14th-century fountain resembles a Gothic spire 19 meters tall. You can find it on Hauptmarkt (see exact location in Google Maps). 

Do you know what makes Schoner Bunnen unique? Aside from its eye-catching size, it is the fountain’s 40 colorful figures on the spire. They depict the most important characters in the world of the Holy Roman Empire.

The colorful figures adorning the spire and its golden elaborations will impress you. But, don’t only admire the fountain. Spin the two brass rings in the fountain’s fence. Legends say spinning the brass rings brings good luck to those who rotate them.

Reason 5. Nuremberg’s Instagrammable River and Bridges

In the previous sections, I mentioned that the River Pegnitz flows in the middle of Nuremberg. It divides the city into two. But, Nuremberg stays one with the bridges across the river.

Nuremberg’s bridges are not very ordinary. Here you can see some lovely scenery within the city. Sometimes you can see Nuremberg’s beautiful houses reflected in the river’s calm water. And it’s so picture-worthy!

What makes me think that the bridges in the city are a reason to visit Nuremberg is simple. The scenes awaiting you here involve nature and quaint medieval structures. Beholding them is a delightful experience – something straight out of a fairytale.

The bridges in Nuremberg can also be so romantic, to be frank! It is the case, especially during the sunset when everything looks warm and golden. I can imagine how beautiful a marriage proposal in such places can be! 

Not every bridge in Nuremberg offers beautiful views. Yet, you must at least visit one of the bridges in Nuremberg I will mention below. At specific times, they can appear so lovely!

1. Museumsbrücke
2. Fleischbrücke
3. Maxbrücke
4. Kettensteg (Brücke) and Schlayerturm

I arranged the list of bridges above from middle-east to the west across the Pegnitz River. The links above will show the bridges’ exact location in Google Maps.

Kettensteg & Schlayerturm

Kettensteg & Schlayerturm is the must-see among the four bridges in Nuremberg I mentioned. But, they are not medieval stone bridges, unlike Museumsbrücke, Fleischbrücke, and Maxbrücke. So, why them? 

Kettensteg & Schlayerturm are only my preference, but they are a hidden gem we can consider! Because of its location, only a few tourists come here. You can expect to have some pleasant time-transport-to-medieval moments here.

By the way, Schlayerturm is an early 15th-century fortification of Nuremberg. And it stands on a small island in the middle of the Pegnitz River. Its pitched roof and sandstone blocks are straight out of a movie set in the medieval ages.

Kettensteg, the chain bridge, hangs beside Schlayerturm. It offers a close-up view of Schlayerturm, letting you admire the tower’s architecture. Both have an excellent lighting setup, and you will find them appearing gorgeous at night.

Maxbrücke

Maxbrücke is the bridge on the east of Kettensteg & Schlayerturm. They are in proximity, and you can spot one another from each other. If you want to photograph Schlayerturm, Maxbrücke is the place to go.

Schlayerturm is not the only medieval structure that adds charm to the view from Maxbrücke. On the other side of the bridge, you can spot Henkerhaus Museum. I tell you, it’s a view you won’t resist photographing!

Museumsbrücke & Fleischbrücke

Museumsbrücke and Fleischbrücke are the bridges south of the Hauptmarkt Nuremberg. The view from these two bridges has a lesser touch of nature. But, they will give you ideas of what was the image of Nuremberg back in the middle ages.

Of the two, Fleischbrücke is the older one dating to the late 16th century. Museumsbrücke is only the replacement of the ruined 13th-century bridge. These two bridges should only be a quick stop, yet it offers many photo opportunities.

You can see the two largest islands of the Pegnitz River from these two bridges. There are only three, but still! *laughs*.

On the east of Museumsbrücke, you see Heilig-Geist-Spital. This building is another beautiful structure in Nuremberg with preserved medieval architecture. You can see its adorable image reflected over the Pegnitz River when the current isn’t raging.

See sample Nuremberg Itinerary: Spend 1,2,3 Days in Nuremberg, Germany

Reason 6. More Time-Transporting Places in Nuremberg

Your history trip to Nuremberg does not end after the castle, bridges, and churches. Continue to time-travel with more beautiful and nostalgic destinations within the city. Yes, there are more you can see!

Check Nuremberg’s gardens, cellars, and medieval dungeons. You can find the islands in the Pegnitz River also worth a stroll. These hidden, little gems in the city add to the reason to visit Nuremberg.

If you do slow travel, these places should be on your itinerary. Often in the off-the-beaten-path destinations, we find other benefits of traveling. Here is a list summary of the less-visited yet beautiful places in Nuremberg:

1. Trödelmarkt
2. Historic Rock-Cut Cellars
3. Medieval Dungeons
4. Bürgermeistergarten
5. Hesperidengärten 

I arranged them in no particular order. You may click the links above to see where they are in Google Maps. 

Trödelmarkt

First is the Trödelmarkt. It is a tiny neighborhood in Nuremberg, which was once a pig market during medieval times. This place has a nostalgic wooden bridge, a restored ensemble of houses, and cozy little shops. 

If you’re on a budget date, the small park at the easternmost part of the island offers a romantic spot. You can sit by the island’s tip and watch the river flow through Fleischbrücke. On the other side lies Henkerbrücke, an Instagrammable wooden bridge.

Historic Rock-Cut Cellars

Did you know that Nuremberg has a deep affiliation with beers? (Yes, it is Bavaria!) Discover a maze of cellars underneath Nuremberg packed with stories to discover! Nuremberg’s Historic Rock-Cut Cellars are Southern Germany’s “largest” and contiguous cellar labyrinth.

See visiting information from the website of the tourism office of Nuremberg.

Medieval Dungeons

Uncover the darkest history of Nuremberg from the vaulted Historic City Hall. It’s where you can find the 14th-century prison tools used to interrogate prisoners. You will learn the old legal system of the Nuremberg Imperial city on a visit here.

Learn about the visiting information from Nuremberg’s tourism website.  

Bürgermeistergarten

Bürgermeistergarten is the fairly-tale garden hidden near Nuremberg Castle. Its cobblestone paths, stone gates, and mythical figures give an enchanting vibe. You’ll love the view of Tiergärtnertorplatz and the Albrecht Dürer House from this garden!

The garden is open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. With benches and shades of trees, it is also a lovely place to spend sunset! 

Hesperidengärten

Travel back to the 17th and 18th centuries with a classic Italian garden! The scene made by neatly cut bushes and the statues in the garden is superb. Do you want to visit? Bring a drone and capture the geometric patterns Hesperidengärten makes from above.

Like Bürgermeistergarten, Hesperidengärten is open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. Admission is free!

Reason 7. Documentation Center Nazi Party Rallying Grounds

The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rallying Grounds is Nuremberg’s most unique tourist attraction. I’m sure! It is a reason to visit Nuremberg, not only because we can only find it in Nuremberg. But, also for the things you can discover from this museum. 

Believe it or not, this museum is in The Congress Hall of the former Nazi Party! It is where Nazis get together to influence their ways. Get to this historic place with only one 16-minute train ride from Nuremberg city center. (See the museum’s location from Google Maps)

360-degree-image of Documentation Center Nazi Party Rallying Grounds above (Swipe to see more views)

The structure of Congress Hall will impress you. The congress hall is humongous – you can imagine how many people gathered here during a Nazi rally. It looks like one giant colosseum at first impression from Volksfestplatz.

The Congress Hall isn’t circular, unlike what you can see from most surrounding spots. When you look at it from the sky, you’ll discover that it forms a horseshoe shape instead. Though the building looks imposing, the real deal is inside you must unveil.

Coming here, you also unfold the most intriguing parts of German history. You tap into the events, ideology, and architecture of the Nazis during your visit. Even on the appearance of Congress Hall, you can sense how the Nazis spread their propaganda. 

The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rallying Grounds museum has ongoing developments. Before, the museum housed a permanent exhibition called “Fascination and Terror.” It tackled the causes, connections, and consequences of Nazi Germany.

As of this writing, the exhibition “Fascination and Terror” is no longer available. The museum now showcases the “Nuremberg – Site of the Nazi Party Rallies.” A temporary exhibition. In it, you’ll see different articles about Nazi and Nuremberg dating from 1819 to 1945. 

The museum is on continuous improvements. It is why it’s better to visit the museum’s website for the latest updates. You can enter the museum from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Sunday. The admission fee is 6 EUR. 

For Instagrammers and photography enthusiasts, try my suggestion. If you want to photograph the Nazi Congress Hall, go to the other side of the lake beside the building. It’s a beautiful spot to capture the hall with an inverted image on the lake’s surface.

See sample Nuremberg Itinerary: Spend 1,2,3 Days in Nuremberg, Germany

Reason 8. Fascinating Museums in Nuremberg

Whether you love to see a different culture or learn about history, Nuremberg is still a place to be. The city has many museums. And they tackle more than history and culture.

The different museums in Nuremberg cover a wide range of topics. It ranges from science and technology to arts and culture, local history to unusual ones. If you like museum-hopping, you got one more reason to visit Nuremberg. 

Being Bavaria’s second-largest city, I expected Nuremberg to have many museums. After I checked, I was not surprised. Nuremberg has more than 50 museums!

In the previous sections, I discussed attractions in Nuremberg with their museums. In this section, we’ll tackle some of the rest of the museums in the city. I will not introduce every one of them but only the museums I find fascinating. They’re too many! LOL.

If you ask me, what are the three museums good enough to be a reason to visit Nuremberg? They are the following:

1. Toy Museum
2. Germanisches Nationalmuseum
3. Nuremberg Transport Museum

Note that I chose these museums separate from the ones I mentioned in the previous parts of this post. You can click the names of the museums to see their exact location on Google Maps.

Let’s begin the discussion with the museum to awaken the kid within us, the Toy Museum.

Toy Museum

As a millennial, I grew up playing with “real toys.” And you know, it’s nostalgia whenever I see the old toys I used to play with years ago. Sometimes, I can still feel some amusement when seeing one!

Are you like me, who wants a throwback experience? Or are you a traveler who wants to discover cool stuff? If you are, Nuremberg’s Toy Museum is the one you must see.

360-degree-image of Nuremberg Toy Museum above (Swipe to see more views)

Nuremberg Toy Museum is not only for us adults who experienced playing with “real toys.” If you already have kids and want your kids to be with you on your travels, have this museum on your itinerary. It’s a place they will enjoy!

There are uncountable toys inside the Toy Museum. You can spend more than half a day inside it, looking into all sorts of toys you can ever imagine! Some of the toys inside even date back 600 years ago. Funny to think that even my grandparents will relate.

You can enter Nuremberg Toy Museum from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm from Tuesday to Friday. It closes an hour later on Saturday, Sunday, or Holiday.

Admission to the Toy Museum in Nuremberg costs 6 EUR for adults (1.5 EUR for visitors eligible for discounts). See more information about the Toy Museum on their official website.

Germanisches Nationalmuseum

Though Germany has a very dark side in a part of its history, its culture is still one of the few I admire the most. German Architecture – most especially this one! Also, German art. German Rococo frescoes awe-inspire me so much! 

If your heart beats the same, I urge you to visit Germanisches Nationalmuseum. It will be one of your “best reasons” why you should visit Nuremberg. This museum will show you countless beautiful things made by the German-speaking population.

I am not sure if all exhibits in Germanisches Nationalmuseum are on their website. But, I’m sure the catalogs will give you a glimpse of what items await you in the museum. Check it out to feel more excited to come to Nuremberg!

The items found in Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg came from all ages of the German culture. There are renaissance and medieval artworks, German weapons, folk culture stuff, clothes, and more! Different visitors spent 2 hours to an entire inside the museum.

Germanisches Nationalmuseum is open from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. On Wednesdays, closing time happens much later, 8:30 pm. Entry is 8 EUR for adults (5 EUR, reduced). See all details from the museum’s official website.

Nuremberg Transport Museum

Believe it or not, Germany is among the countries in Europe with the best railway system. Do you wonder how? Nuremberg Transport Museum has the answers. 

Above all, the Nuremberg Transport Museum is another reason to visit Nuremberg. It is definitely, especially if you are an enthusiast! Here you can find exhibits ranging from nostalgic locomotives to futuristic bullet trains.

Did you know? Nuremberg’s Transport Museum is one of Europe’s oldest technical history museums? It is also the museum of the National Railway Company of Germany. Your visit will be full of discovery and very informative. 

The last time I checked, not all displays and descriptions of the exhibits were in English. Better to get an audio guide for a complete insightful museum tour. Audio guides are available for 1 EUR.

Nuremberg’s Transport Museum has six permanent exhibitions:

1. The history of the railway in Germany. (Discover the developments of the German railways from 1835 to the present)
2. Bahnhofszeiten. (See how train stations evolved throughout the years)
3. Time-traveling with Grandpa Adler. (An interactive museum where stories of the locomotive that ran Germany’s first passenger train service unfold)
4. Modellarium (An exhibition with 2,000 models of all different sizes of trains worldwide)
5. Outdoor display area (See real nostalgic trains on an open-air site)
6. Model railway display (Experience rail operations in miniature)

Bonus! The Transport Museum of Nuremberg includes a communications museum. Play and discover tools used in communications like analog phones, etc.

Do you want to visit? Nuremberg Transport Museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Tuesday to Friday. Every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday, the museum closes an hour later at 6:00 pm.

The Entry fee is 7 EUR for adults and 4 EUR for kids. See more visiting information from the museum’s official website. Or, you may download the museum’s app (Appstore, Playstore) for their other services.

Reason 9. Nuremberg’s Famous Christmas Market

Aside from scenic views, culture is another reason I want to visit a specific destination. Culture makes a place unique and exciting, especially if it involves human interaction. It is fascinating to see how people keep their heritage alive.

Like, culture takes years to develop and keep it going. Discovering and witnessing a culture that’s been alive for centuries is a privilege. Often, it is more than a discovery, but an amusing moment that makes a beautiful memory.

A beautiful and magical German culture instilled in Nuremberg occurs every December. I’d like you to guess, but the answer is obvious. Yes, it is the Christmas Markets – another reason to visit Nuremberg.

There are Christmas markets all over the world. But the most authentic versions lie in the German cities, like, Nuremberg. It is where Christmas markets originated, dating more than 700 years ago.

Christmas markets, in tradition, occur in the town square. You can find open-air shops selling traditional and seasonal items. Christmas markets also have food stalls selling classic German specialties. 

Wurst (Nuremburger sausages) and Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes) are common in German Christmas Markets. Also, Gebrannte Mandeln (Roasted Almonds), delicious crepes, warm waffles, and its most famous gingerbreads!

You’ll love the glamorous lights and glittering decorations for sure! Bring your kids because there are also mini carnivals they’d be so excited to try. There are the Christmas performances – the soul of the Christmas market experience.

Drop by town courtyards for some carolings. Or enter the churches for soothing Mozart Christmas songs. Above all is Christkind, the symbol of Nuremberg’s Christmas Market. Learn everything about Nuremberg Christmas Market from its official website. 

The Christmas market in Nuremberg starts around the last week of November or the first week of December. The last day is on December 24. It is open from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm from Monday to Sunday. On December 24, the Christmas market closes earlier, at 2:00 pm.

See sample Nuremberg Itinerary: Spend 1,2,3 Days in Nuremberg, Germany

Reason 10. More Fun Events in Nuremberg

Nuremberg Christmas market is definitely a reason to visit. But it is not the only occasion in Nuremberg that can interest you to go to the city. Culture-filled events occur in Nuremberg in many parts of the year!

Nuremberg Festivals

Starting with festivals, do you know that Nuremberg has not one but three kinds of festivals? Nuremberg celebrates beer, film, and music fest! They’re the younger German culture to which all can relate. 

Fränkisches Bierfest (Franconian Beer Festival) is the one I find so exciting. Tourists and locals come to Nuremberg Castle’s Moat to celebrate this festival. Some consider it the “largest” beer garden festival in the world!

Every mid-June, around 40 local breweries serve more than 100 types of beer at this festival. Thousands of tourists and locals join and party as energetic local artists perform. A wide range of culinary is available too! Can you imagine the fun?

Party people can find fun at Nuremberg’s festivals. Also, solo travelers who want to meet new acquaintances! For culture shoppers, Nuremberg markets is definitely a mini-paradise.

Nuremberg Markets

Nuremberg has a Christmas Market, Easter Market, Autumn Market, and more flea markets. Collectors would have a hard time picking which souvenir to buy! Find items starting from handmade baskets to hand-blown art glasses, table decorations, ceramic figures, and more.

If you plan to experience one of Nuremberg’s markets aside from Christmas markets, the Autumn Market is what I recommend. This colorful market takes place with the Old Town Festival. Together, they turn Nuremberg into a city packed with free fun activities to do.

During the Old Town Festival and Autumn Market, you can discover local crafts. Also, enjoy multi-faceted entertainment programs. Everyone in the city will be celebrating local traditions and regional food! It is one of the best ways to tap into the Franconian Tradition.

You can watch the open-air cooking studios unfold Franconian Cuisine secrets. Or join the concerts in Katharinenkloster or Nuremberg’s main market square. Yet, you must not miss Fischerstechen.

Fischerstechen is a tradition in Nuremberg that dates back to medieval times. Here you can watch fishermen jousting in the River Pegnitz. It’s the highlight of the Old Town Festival, a unique event to see.

Reason 11. Nuremberg Zoo for Kids

From the previous sections, we realize that Nuremberg offers many things to do. From discovering history to architecture and so on – you won’t get bored during your visit. It is one of the reasons why Nuremberg is worth a visit. 

If you thought I had mentioned every attraction already, it’s not yet! There’s more! Being Europe’s one of the largest, Nuremberg Zoo is definitely a contender place to see. If you are traveling with your family, this can be another reason you’d pick to visit Nuremberg. (Of course, if you love animals too!) 

Did you know that Nuremberg Zoo houses around 3000 animals of 300 species? Unlike ordinary zoos, the 67-hectare Nuremberg Zoo keeps the animals in natural enclosures. You won’t feel bad watching them in a cage during your visit. 

Nuremberg Zoo has some exotic wildlife you can’t easily see anywhere else. Siberian tigers, snow leopards, and polar bears are a few. You’ll get surprised by animals you thought never existed. Some of them are Indian rhinoceroses, Malayan tapirs, and Turkmenian kulans.

You can spend half to an entire day at Nuremberg Zoo to see every animal. Going here is very straightforward, only one bus ride (#E5) from the Nuremberg train station. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.

Nuremberg Zoo is open from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm. But you have to come at least mid-afternoon to fully enjoy the zoo. I urge you to read the visiting information and announcements before coming to the zoo.

The admission fee for adults is 18 EUR. For teens and kids, it is 13.5 EUR and 8.5 EUR. You can buy package tickets to save some EUR. Learn more from the Admission Fee page of Nuremberg Zoo.

Reason 12. Nuremberg’s Culinary Delights

Visiting Nuremberg, satisfaction will also come to your sense of taste. Nuremberg has specialties that can serve as a unique experience we can consider. If you like discovering mouth-watering food when you travel, you got another reason to be in Nuremberg.

Nuremberg has two world-famous specialties you must try. And it is not a coincidence that they are the best specialties you can buy at Nuremberg Christmas Markets. They are Nuremberg Sausage (Bratwurst) and gingerbread (Lebkuchen). 

What’s so fascinating about Bratwurst? Bratwurst has been in Nuremberg folk’s kitchen since the early 14th century. Believe it or not, its taste did not change since then! How? the City Council of the Free Imperial City of Nuremberg put its recipe into law in 1313.

Even now, locals ensure the highest quality of Bratwurst production. And they produce more than 3 million small sausages every year. European Union Product of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) helps maintain the quality.

A few decades after authorities put the Bratwurst recipe into law, Nuremberg created another specialty. Locals call it Lebkuchen, or gingerbread. Franconian Monks made the first Lebkuchen way back in the 14th century.

Like Bratwurst, Nuremberg Lebkuchen is recognized in Europe as a “protected geographical indication.” Now locals call it “Elisenlebkuchen,” and one must have at least 25% nuts and should contain 10% flour or fewer.

Reason 13. Nuremberg’s Leisure Activities

Another reason you would like to visit Nuremberg is the bodies of water near and within the city. You can mix up your culture and history itinerary with nature in Nuremberg. This is Nuremberg’s advantage over other cities, a reason to visit Nuremberg.

Believe me, there are lakes in Nuremberg. You may not notice these nature spots on the map immediately. But zoom in, and you’ll find two located east of the city. 

Wöhrder See is the name of the first lake, linked to the River Pegnitz to the east. For locals, Wöhrder See serves as their most accessible recreation site. The best place for relaxation after exploring Nuremberg for travelers like us.

Wöhrder See offers only a few activities, mostly sightseeing. Several hiking trails, picnic grounds, and restaurants surround the Wöhrder See. Some parts of Nuremberg’s skyline are visible from those spots.

Also, Wöhrder See has a few artworks along its shores. You can find one at the beach and another near the Pegnitz River. It’s a place to see little discoveries!

Another lake you can visit lie beside the Congress Hall, built by the Nazis. People call it Dutzendteich Lake. And it is a lovely place where you can have more leisure activities. Have a stroll, cycle, rent a pedal boat, or sail!

Dutzendteich Lake can be a picturesque lake, especially during the sunset. Bring your camera during the golden hour and take photos of Dutzendteich Lake. If the lake is still, you can see Congress Hall’s image reflected by the lake.

Reason 14. Exciting Day Trips From Nuremberg

If you plan to see more of Franconia, Nuremberg is one of the best places you can stay and visit. Nuremberg’s very strategic location makes it logical why you’d choose this city as your home base in Franconia.

Although it is unofficial, Nuremberg is Franconia’s capital. You got easy access to the many other tourist destinations from Nuremberg. Travelers can make several day trips from Nuremberg. 

The day trips from Nuremberg visit the beautiful towns that surround the city. These are also historic towns with preserved medieval architecture. Visiting Franconia and seeing only Nuremberg alone isn’t enough. You got to visit these smaller towns!

The towns I’m telling you are Bamberg, Bayreuth, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Wurzburg. In the meantime, I can only recommend three of them aside from Bayreuth. 

Bamberg

The first on the list is Bamberg. It is a town with similarities to Rome and Venice. Like Rome, Bamberg has seven hills and churches on top of it. Venice, as you can also ride a gondola on the River Regnitz, passing in its old town.

Bamberg has a centuries-old smoked beer tradition, one of the unique things found in the town. Above anything, you’ll love to see its primary landmark, its town hall. Learn more about Bamberg from my article “7 Reasons + 12 Things To Do in Bamberg.”

Wurzburg

Compared to Bamberg, Wurzburg is a larger town you can visit from Nuremberg. It is known to be a town of its dry wines. Wurzburg is also called the city of 100 churches.

If you want to see the unparalleled beauty of Rococo architecture, Wurzburg is the place to go. Here you can find beautiful buildings, churches, and palaces. You should see Wurzburg Residence – learn about it from my article, 5 Reasons to visit Wurzburg (20 Attractions to Visit).

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

What do you think about seeing a whole village appearing stuck in the middle ages? If you ask me, it’s beyond a “magical” experience. In Rothenburg ob der Tauber is where you can have one.

Rothenburg is one of the most visited and beautiful towns in Germany. It is only one of the three remaining villages in the country with intact medieval walls. I find it hard to explain Rothenburg’s charm in a few paragraphs. 

However, I got a whole article describing the experience and all the tourist attractions in Rothenburg. I will introduce them in detail to you in that article. 

Reason 15. Lovely Souvenirs from Nuremberg Craftmen’s Courtyard

Another reason why you should visit Nuremberg is a place you must see before you leave Nuremberg. Craftsmen Courtyard is the name of this place. Discover and buy handmade souvenirs to remind you of your beautiful Nuremberg memories.

You would not be able to decide what souvenirs to buy from Craftsmen’s Courtyard immediately. Because there are too many, and everything is cute. All are worth bringing home!

The handmade crafts in Craftsmen’s Courtyard range from wooden toys to glittering jewelry. There are door signs, room decorations, and more! They’re the items you’ll put in your rooms to spark wanderlust in you always. 

Quaintness overflows in Craftsmen’s Courtyard. It is not only because of the craftsmen’s products everywhere in the area. But, the place has half-timber framed houses, colorful decorations, and cobblestone lanes.

The location of Craftsmen’s Courtyard contributes to its charm also. Attached to Nuremberg’s wall, you’ll find the scenes from the Craftsmen’s Courtyard stunning. The massive towers and brick stone walls give throwback vibes, an incredible sight to see.

On Craftsmen’s Courtyard’s cobblestone lanes are lovely shops and cozy cafes to satisfy your tummy and sight. They offer most of the best of Franconian and Nuremberg specialties. Savor the moment eating Bratwurst and genuine gingerbreads while admiring the beautiful views in the area. 

360-degree-image of Handwerkerhof Nuremberg above (Swipe to see more views)

See Nuremberg Craftsmen’s Courtyard or Handwerkerhof Nürnberg’s location from this link to Google Maps. If you plan to visit, I suggest checking the announcements on its official website before going. The site is in German; you can use Google Chrome on Desktop to translate the page to English.

Handwerkerhof Nürnberg is open daily from 8:00 am to 10:30 pm from Monday to Saturday. Every Sunday, it opens a little bit later, at 10:00 am. There’s no entry fee, so don’t miss it!

See sample Nuremberg Itinerary: Spend 1,2,3 Days in Nuremberg, Germany.

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