In this article, we’ll discover the 17 best things to do in Nuremberg (Nürnberg in German), based upon tourist reviews and ratings.
If you are looking for a place to experience the true Bavarian culture, look no further than Nuremberg. This historic German city is the birthplace of many famous people and has something for everyone with its incredible history, world-class museums, and some of the best shopping in Germany.
The town’s medieval center, with its impressive German churches and patrician houses, has earned it the nickname “The Florence on the Danube” (we didn’t focus on the fact that it also goes under the name “City of Sausages”).
Nuremberg is a great place for families and kids, and it’s home to one of Europe’s oldest toy museums, which features over 6,000 toys from around the world. In addition, you’ll find plenty of zoos, museums, and wildlife parks to explore.
Let’s have a look at the 17 best things to see in Nuremberg!
17. Sebalduskirche
The church of Saint Sebald is an architectural masterpiece. It was built during the Late Gothic period and consists primarily out of stone, but also features some beautiful artwork by Peter Vischer who redesigned it in 1510 with Early-Renaissance bronze figurines depicting episodes from his life for Nuremberg’s patron saint!
The church is a perfect example of how two different architectural styles can coexist in harmony. The west side has Romanesque and early Gothic from the 13th century, while the east nave was built during the Late-Gothic period with Early Renaissance figurines that make up for an interesting contrast between both eras.
16. Palace of Justice
The Nuremberg Palace of Justice was built in the early 20th century.
In the Nuremberg Palace of Justice, Nazi leaders from around the world faced charges for crimes committed against humanity. The trials are remembered as one of many major milestones in international criminal law and were influential up until this day because they helped shape how justice systems work today.
Courtroom 600 remains open as you can see evidence within its walls that detail each defendant’s guilt or innocence with detailed explanations put together by historians who were present at these events themselves.
15. Frauenkirche
The Frauenkirche, a parish church of Mary now known as the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady is one of Nuremberg’s most important church landmarks. It was erected beginning in 1352
The church was built on the site of a synagogue that had been destroyed by an outbreak of plague in 1349. The client, Emperor Charles IV, hired artist Peter Parler to be its architect and one who is often referred to as being responsible for designing St Vitus Cathedral without any evidence backing up these claims so far found.
Inside the church, numerous works of art from the Middle Ages have survived, which is rare because they were often not allowed inside churches until the early 19th century.
14. Nürnberg Hauptmarkt
The Hauptmarkt is the main square in Nuremberg’s old town. On approximately 5,000 square meters of outdoor area, you’ll find weekly markets that are held every working day if you’re lucky enough to be there when they happen!
These market stalls provide a glimpse into what life might have been like for locals centuries ago as well as other events and celebrations such as Christmas or just daily business. The rebuilding after World War II left little original architecture standing to save only landmarks like Frauenkirche church or Schöne Brunnen.
13. Ehebrunnen
Just before the White Tower, you’ll see the Ehebrunnen (Ehekarussell). The Ehekarussell is an architectural fountain that has stood the test of time in Nuremberg. This 12-meter high structure was built specifically for Hans Sachs-Brunnen.
The statuary fountain was erected in 1981 to conceal a subterranean shaft. Jürgen Weber went above and beyond with his design, which appears to reflect not so much what married life is really like for most couples today–a rough circle of emotional male figures representing various phases of relationships while the female figurine offers no support or understanding at all.
12. Handwerkerhof
Discover something unique in the Handwerkerhof and see what the greats are doing over their shoulder. Whether it’s a goldsmith, pewter foundry, or ceramist there is always some treat to be had on this side of town! You’ll learn how to decorate wooden signs using pyrography next door too – so don’t forget your camera for that one!
The Handwerkerhof is also ideal as a stopover for those who are looking to make their way from the nearby main train station. While outside traffic whizzes by, there’s an inviting atmosphere inside with old walls and cozy seating areas perfect for catching up on your reading or drinking some Franconian beer while watching people walk past!
11. Nuremberg Transport Museum
The Nuremberg Transport Museum is a fantastic place to visit with kids since it includes numerous exhibits about Germany’s railways, including the Deutsche Bahn (country’s railway) DB Museum and museum of communications.
The museum has a large model railway that is over 100 years old and various other exhibits. One such exhibit includes royal trains, perfectly restored steam engines as well as diesel ones in perfect condition with many interactive features to keep the visitor interested all day long!
Fun fact: It’s the oldest railway museum in Germany!
The museum will be an unforgettable experience for anyone with a sense of adventure. From experiencing locomotive sounds and seeing historic properties, this is one trip you don’t want to miss!
10. Weissgerbergasse in the old city
The oldest and largest Nuremberg ensemble of old craftsmen’s houses can be found in Weißgerbergasse. The historical townhouses are predominantly half-timbered, which attest to their prosperity when leather crafting was at its height during medieval times.
Today, cafés, bars, or small shops line the street instead. It’s not uncommon for people who live there as well because they offer shopping opportunities that do not require any needling through crowds on market days!
9. Schöner Brunnen
The beautiful fountain in front of the Frauenkirche dates back to Emperor Karl IV.
The structure features shell limestone and has been painstakingly restored over six centuries.
According to the legend, turning the golden ring of this beautiful fountain will grant you three wishes, but if you turn it three times in a row you can look forward to many children as well!
The Schöne Brunnen was renovated in 2016, and now it shines again with new LED lighting.
8. Toy Museum
Nuremberg has been a hotspot for toys since medieval times. The tradition started when dollmakers created their masterpieces and continue today with outstanding figurine artists that make pewter figures or modern-day tin ones out in factories.
The Nurnberg Toy Fair has grown into one of the world’s most important trade shows for this industry.
The museum is home to a vast collection, which contains around 87,000 objects. Of these only five percent can be seen at the exhibits in-person but thanks for their website where you’ll find an overview of cultural history as well.
In 1933, Adolf Hitler designated Nuremberg as the city of Nazi party rallies.
The Reichsparteitagsgelände is an area southeast of Nuremberg, where the annual Nazi Party rally was held from 1933 to 1938. It includes such landmarks as the Congress Hall and Zeppelinfeld, Frankenstadion, and the main road.
The architect Albert Speer designed most places you will see around here including the Congress Hall which he handled on his own without help from Ludwig Ruff when designing these buildings.
The remains of the Nazi party rally grounds are still there, dominating large parts of this city.
6. Germanisches Nationalmuseum
The Germanic National Museum in Nuremberg has a vast collection of artifacts depicting German culture and art from Medieval times to the present. Founded way back in 1852 by King Otto I for all the people of his Kingdom who loved learning and culture, it’s since grown to be one of the largest museums that specializes just in cultural history.
This museum traces the story of what it means to be ‘German’ across centuries using objects as both historical documents and artistic expressions. From weapons used by warriors on campaigns up until modern-day paintings that capture scenes right outside your door.
Official website: www.gnm.de
5. St. Lorenz Kirche
The spectacular twin-towered 14th-century Gothic church of St. Lawrence, located on Lorenzer Platz, is Nuremberg’s largest church. One of its many distinctive features is a huge rose window, nine meters in diameter, set above the spectacular west entrance.
The building was badly damaged during the Second World War, but due to its importance and late Gothic style, it received much-needed restoration. The very important furnishings were largely preserved with outsourcing help in order for them all still stand today!
4. Nuremberg Zoo
The Nuremberg Zoo is one of the largest in Europe, and like any great zoo, it’s always introducing new enclosures for its visitors. The setting at this historic 70-hectare site was formerly a sandstone quarry east of Altstadt. It’s since been transformed into a lush green landscape with large outdoor spaces to accommodate snow leopards & maned wolves among other species that call these natural habitats home.
Nuremberg Zoo is a wonderful place to visit for kids or those who simply love animals. With more than 300 species in its collection, you are sure to find something that appeals!
3. Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
The Documentation Center for Nazi Party Rallying Grounds is a museum in Nuremberg that tells the story of how Hitler came to power, its connection with events that happened at this location as well as consequences which were both fascinating and terrifying due to what they meant about humanity’s future direction after World War II.
The city of Nuremberg commissioned an international competition to design a museum that would not only house their documentation center but also act as its very entrance. Austrian architect Günther Domenig won this task with his proposal for the new building which features glass and steel passageways from different angles making it appear like there’s more than one passage into what is considered by many architects today to be just stunningly beautiful work.
2. Playmobil FunPark
Playmobil’s founder, Horst Brandstätter wanted to offer children an activity they could enjoy without having any money. He came up with the idea for Playmobil FunPark after noticing how many play areas were geared towards entertainment and distraction rather than exercise or education, the focus being on rides instead of active participation by visitors in order make them “play there” as opposed to just watching people go around doing stuff on rollercoasters while sitting down.
The park itself has many different themed areas such as pirates, medieval knights and space explorers. You can also find a fairytale garden or enjoy one of the rides like the roller coaster or carousel! It’s easy to spend hours exploring this great attraction for all ages so bring your whole family along and have some fun!
1. Kaiserburg Nürnberg
Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle) is the symbol of Nuremberg and is the reason while it’s the most popular thing to do in Nuremberg among tourists.
The Imperial Castle and the Burggrafenburg are two buildings that make up a castle as a whole. It has represented power and importance since before it was even an empire when this mighty city on a hill played host to many emperors as they sought counsel from their bishops about how best to govern their lands spanning Europe’s central plains.
The Imperial Castle in Nuremberg was one of Germany’s most important castles, not only because it has a long history but also for its architecture. The structure dates back to around 1000 AD and suffered severe damage during World War II when Allied forces bombed the city center with heavy aerospace equipment which left little more than rubble where once stood buildings like this ancient fortress
Somehow still standing despite all odds is an incredible testament to how well-engineered construction joints were at that time or perhaps divine intervention? Look for yourself, when visiting the most popular attraction in Nuremberg!
Frequently Asked Questions about Nuremberg
What is Nuremberg best known for?
Nuremberg is best known as the scene of both the Reichsparteitagsgelände Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Nuremberg Trials following World War II. The city’s most salient features include its grand medieval castle, the great chain bridge over the river Pegnitz, and a well-preserved old town surrounded by a typically Bavarian park and “Geschlossenes Gebiet”.
What to do in Nuremberg on a Sunday?
We’ve listed 17 things to do in Nuremberg, and most of the attractions are worth exploring on a Sunday. However, tourists recommend that you head down to the Hauptmarkt square and grab some traditional German food or drink, and watch people socializing and haggling. Nuremberg zoo will be open if you want to visit that too. Reichsparteitagsgelände has many outdoor historical displays that are worth checking out as well as indoor options like the Nazi Documentation Centre.
