Nuremberg
A City of History, Culture, and Charm
Nuremberg (Nürnberg), located in the heart of Bavaria, is a city where centuries of history live alongside a modern, vibrant culture. From its well-preserved medieval old town to its poignant connection to World War II, Nuremberg offers a rich and diverse experience for every traveler.
A Journey Through Time
The city's past is best explored within its historic center, encircled by a massive city wall. Here, you'll find a blend of stunning Gothic architecture, quaint cobblestone streets, and bustling squares.
Imperial Castle of Nuremberg (Kaiserburg): Dominating the city skyline, this impressive fortress was a residence for Holy Roman Emperors and is one of Europe's most important medieval fortifications. You can explore the grounds for free, climb the Sinwell Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, and descend into the Deep Well to learn about its water supply system.
Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square): This lively square is the heart of the old town. It's home to the intricate Schöner Brunnen, a beautiful 14th-century fountain. Legend says that turning the golden ring on the fountain's fence brings good luck. The square is also the site of the famous Nuremberg Christmas Market.
St. Lorenz Church & St. Sebald Church: These two magnificent Gothic churches are cornerstones of Nuremberg's architectural heritage. They both suffered extensive damage during the war but have been meticulously restored. St. Lorenz is known for its beautiful rose window, while St. Sebald houses the tomb of the city's patron saint.
Albrecht Dürer's House: Step back in time at the former home of the city's most famous son, the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. This museum provides a fascinating look into his life and work, and you can even meet an actress playing his wife, Agnes, on a guided tour.
Medieval Dungeons (Lochgefängnisse): Just beneath the Old Town Hall, you can tour the eerie dungeons that once held prisoners and housed a torture chamber.
Nuremberg and the Legacy of World War II
Nuremberg holds a unique and somber place in modern history. The city was chosen by the Nazi Party as the site for its massive annual propaganda rallies, making it a symbolic capital of the Third Reich. After the war, the Allies selected the city for the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi war criminals were prosecuted.
Memorium Nuremberg Trials
This museum is located in the very courtroom where the Nuremberg Trials took place (Courtroom 600). It tells the story of the trials, the defendants, and the long-lasting impact they had on international law and human rights.
Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
Opened in 2001, the Documentation Center was created to critically examine the Nazi era and its legacy. Rather than demolish the remnants of the rally grounds, the city of Nuremberg chose to preserve them as a “Mahnmal”—a warning monument.
The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds in Nuremberg provides a vital and sobering look into one of the most significant and chilling sites of the Third Reich. This is not a typical museum visit, but a deep dive into the history of Nazi propaganda, the cult of personality around Adolf Hitler, and the devastating consequences of their ideology. The center is located within the unfinished Congress Hall, a massive, uncompleted building meant to be a grand stage for Nazi spectacles. The brutalist, imposing architecture of the building itself sets the tone for a powerful and reflective experience.
The Site and the Exhibitions
The Documentation Center's core mission is to critically examine the Nazi Party Rallies and the history of the rally grounds. The former permanent exhibition, "Fascination and Terror," is currently closed for renovation, with a new one scheduled to open in 2025. In the meantime, an interim exhibition, "Nuremberg – Site of the Nazi Party Rallies. Staging, Experience and Violence," presents a concise and powerful overview.
Interim Exhibition: This temporary exhibit delves into the history of the Nazi Party Rallies and the grounds. It uses a variety of media, including photos, documents, and eyewitness interviews, to explain how the Nazis used these mass events for propaganda and control. It highlights how the rallies were carefully staged to project an image of a unified German "people's community," while in reality, they were a tool for exclusion and violence, notably with the announcement of the Nuremberg Laws in 1935.
The Congress Hall: The Documentation Center is housed in the unfinished Congress Hall, a colossal structure that was meant to hold 50,000 people. The building's massive scale serves as a physical testament to the Nazi regime's megalomania. A striking architectural feature is a glass and steel walkway that slices diagonally through the building, a conscious modern addition that offers a stark contrast to the historical surroundings.
The Rally Grounds: The museum visit is only half the experience. The former Nazi Party Rally Grounds, a vast, open area spanning over 4 square kilometers, are freely accessible. A walking tour of the grounds is highly recommended to fully appreciate the scale of the Nazi's ambitions. Informational panels with English translations are placed at 23 locations across the site, explaining the history of each area.
Key sites to see include:
Zeppelinfeld (Zeppelin Field): This is where Hitler delivered his speeches to massive crowds. The remnants of the grandstand, or Zeppelin Tribune, can still be seen, including the area where the swastika was once displayed.
The Great Road: A 55-meter-wide road intended for military parades. Its grand scale was designed to impress and intimidate.
Luitpold Arena: A former recreational area transformed into a parade ground.
The Congress Hall: The Documentation Center itself is in this building.
Märzfeld: A former parade ground.
Culinary Delights: A Taste of Nuremberg
Nuremberg is a foodie's paradise, famous for a few unique local specialties.
Nuremberg Sausages (Nürnberger Rostbratwurst): These small, finger-sized sausages have a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), meaning they can only be produced within the city limits according to a specific recipe. A popular way to enjoy them is "drei im Weggla" (three in a bun) from a street vendor. For a sit-down meal, they are traditionally served on a pewter plate with sauerkraut and horseradish.
Nuremberg Gingerbread (Nürnberger Lebkuchen): This delicious spice cookie, similar to gingerbread, has been a Nuremberg tradition for centuries. Thanks to the city's historic location at the intersection of medieval spice routes, the recipes are rich with cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Look for the "Elisenlebkuchen," a particularly high-quality variety with a high nut content and minimal flour.
Christmas Market (Christkindlesmarkt): If you visit during Advent, you absolutely must experience the world-famous Nuremberg Christmas Market. It's a magical "little town of wood and cloth" with stalls selling handcrafted goods, ornaments, and festive treats. The market is ceremoniously opened by the "Christkind," an angelic figure who reads a prologue from the balcony of the Frauenkirche. The scent of mulled wine and grilled sausages fills the air, creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere.