An hour’s drive from Munich and you hit the Bavarian city of Nuremberg, one of the favourite targets of the Allied Forces during WWII. While air raids left much of the city’s old buildings in ruins, a reconstruction program has seen some interesting structures restored to former glory. The city is within easy reach of the natural beauty of the Black Forest and the Danube River.
Nuremberg’s Altstadt is the place to head to see many of the city’s still-standing historical structures. The area is pedestrianized and includes such fine sights as the picturesque market square and the magnificent city hall. The medieval Kaiserburg Castle, previously the seat of German kings and emperors and now home to a museum, is perhaps the finest architectural treasure in the city.
Königstraße is the place to head later when the sightseeing escapades have worked up a hunger or thirst. A multitude of venues are on hand serving finest Bavarian beer and delicacies such as the popular bratwurst sausage and sauerkraut. If the weather is on the cool side then the warming effects of soups such as Leberknödelsuppe or Leberspätzlesuppe will indeed be welcome.
Highlights
Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum): the city has been a major toy making center for many years; this museum gives a little background on the history of the industry.
Germanisches Nationalmuseum (Germanic National Museum): the country’s largest collection of art and cultural artifacts can be found at this museum located in the Altstadt.
Kettensteg: the country’s oldest hanging bridge stands proud with only a little support from structural additions and presents some great photo opportunities.
St.-Lorenz-Kirche: undoubtedly the finest church in the city, this magnificent structure took over two centuries to complete, having been started in 1270.