History, culture and romance on a budget
One of the most interesting features about Europe is all the history and culture that can be felt in the air. Cities like Prague, Paris, Amsterdam and Munich all offer its visitors some of the best opportunities to experience the culture, history and rich tradition which has been cultivated for centuries. There are, however, some hidden treasures in Europe which will let you enjoy an equally enriching experience. Among those treasures is the city of Nuremberg in Bavaria.
Nuremberg has been famous over the years for all the right and wrong reasons. It was once infamously branded “the most German of German towns” and served as the city of choice for many of the military parades and rallies of the Third Reich. In an effort to clean the image of the town, Nuremberg was chosen as the place where the officials of the National Socialist Party were trialed after the second World War came to an end. It has also been famous over the centuries for its Christmas Market and for being the birthplace of renowned Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer and for making some of the best Lebkuchen (Gingerbread).
In spite of all that, Nuremberg still pales in comparison to cities like Berlin, Munich or Hamburg when it comes to receiving the most visitors. And that is why we present to you the walled city of Nuremberg.
Nuremberg was badly damaged by allied bombing but the West German government made an effort to restore as much as was humanly possible. And if you have visited the city already, you’ll know they did a fantastic job. The majestic Imperial Castle, now completely restored, sits atop a hill overlooking the many traditional Bavarian-styled houses and imposing churches. Walking inside its walls brings vivd memories of events you were never part of and standing at the top of the “Sinwell” tower makes you feels just the way archers must have felt centuries ago while guarding the castle.
Nuremberg has slowly but firmly become a sprawling metropolis in its own right. With a little over 500,000 inhabitants, it is the second largest and second most important city of the “Free State of Bavaria”. High-street shopping with world-famous brands and stores, a wide variety of museums, historic churches and myriad entertainment possibilities make of the modern Nuremberg a must-see in the 21st century Europe. Renowned executive events, such as the Toy Fair which leaves the city wishing it had more hotels, or sporting events, such as the famous Norisring race where renowned pilots such as Ralf Schumacher and Mikka Häkkinen are part of the annual lineup and are all part of the many other possibilities offered by the former “unofficial capital” of the Holy Roman Empire.
The best times to visit Nuremberg are early spring or in the summer. Granted, the city’s popularity goes through the roof in December due to the popular “Christkindlmarkt” (Christmas Market) but that is precisely why we recommend visiting this wonderful historical city when most tourists are gone, the sun is shining and the town where Dürer was born can be properly enjoyed and discovered.
Take a look at some of the best hotels in Nuremberg.
