Nuremberg

Nuremberg is Franconia's largest city and a vibrant blend of medieval and modern. Known for its imperial castle, Gothic churches, and rich history as a former free imperial city and site of Nazi rallies and the Nuremberg Trials, it offers museums, traditional food like sausages and gingerbread, and a lively old town. Its position as a transport hub makes it a great base for exploring the region.

Nuremberg has excellent rail connections with ICE service to Munich (1 hr), Leipzig (2 hr), Frankfurt (2 hr), and Berlin (under 3 hr). The airport is close to the city centre. Long-distance buses stop at the ZOB opposite the main station. Nightjet sleepers serve Brussels, Vienna, and Innsbruck.

The old town is best explored on foot. Public transport includes U-Bahn, trams, and buses, with free WiFi on most buses and some U-Bahn stops. A day ticket for municipal museums costs €9, and the Nürnberg + Fürth Card (€33) covers admission to over 50 museums and public transport for 48 hours.

Nuremberg is a year-round destination. The Christmas market (Christkindlesmarkt) from late November to December is a major draw. Summer (June-August) is pleasant for outdoor festivals like Rock im Park. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Sundays are quiet with many shops closed.

Nuremberg is famous for its small grilled sausages (Nürnberger Rostbratwürste), typically served as 'Drei im Weggla' in a bread roll or six with sauerkraut. Traditional restaurants like Bratwursthäusle and Zum Gulden Stern have been serving them for centuries. Lebkuchen (gingerbread) is another local specialty. The city also has many beer gardens and breweries, such as Schanzenbräu. Sunday is a strict rest day, so most businesses are closed, but restaurants and museums often remain open.

Accommodation ranges from youth hostels to mid-range hotels. The DJH youth hostel is in the castle stables (dorm from €26.50), and budget options like Five Reasons Hotel & Hostel (dorm from €18) and a&o Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof (dorm from €18) are near the station. Many hotels are in the old town, such as Hotel Victoria and Hotel Ibis. For a quieter stay, try the suburbs.

Key sights include Nuremberg Castle (€10), Albrecht Dürer's House (€7.50), the Toy Museum (€7.50), Germanisches Nationalmuseum (€8), and the Documentation Center at the Reich Party Rally Grounds (€6). The Memorium Nuremberg Trials (€6) is a poignant museum. The city also hosts annual events like the Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas market), Rock im Park, and the Norisring DTM motor racing.

According to the state police, Nuremberg has the lowest crime rate among German cities with more than 400,000 inhabitants. It is generally safe, but standard precautions apply.

Free WiFi is available on most city buses and some U-Bahn stops. U-Bahn vehicles and most trams do not have WiFi. Many hotels and cafes offer WiFi.

Several interesting destinations are nearby: Fürth (5 km west) with its Jewish Museum; Erlangen with its university atmosphere and Bergkirchweih festival; Bamberg (UNESCO World Heritage site); Bayreuth with baroque palaces; and Regensburg along the Danube. The Romantic Road passes through Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Nuremberg is a major railway hub with ICE connections to Munich (1 hr), Frankfurt (2 hr), Berlin (under 3 hr), and beyond. Regular trains serve nearby cities and regional destinations. The Fränkische Schweiz and Fränkisches Seenland are best explored with a car.