NÜRNBERG
General Information

History   I   Sightseeing   I   Practical   I  Hotels in Nürnberg  

Nürnberg is a modern city which has, nevertheless,  managed to retain much of its medieval centre. Nürnberg may well be Bavaria's second largest city but the locals prefer to think of it as the centre of Franconia (Franken). Therefore, never say to an inhabitant of Nürnberg that he is a Bavarian !. The town is usually associated with some of the darkest episodes in German history but contemporary Franconia will force you to see another side to the place.

It has a distinctly cosmopolitan feel and there are enough monuments to make it a worthwile visit. The region’s typical red sandstone forms the fabric of the churches of St Lawrence and St Sebald. Attractions include the Kaiserburg Imperial Castle with its old stables today used as a youth hostel; the City Wall (over 5km/3 miles long) with 80 watchtowers; Dürer’s House; Museum of Toys; Fembohaus (municipal museum); the Post and Communications Museum (with more than 200,000 stamps); Germanic National Museum; German Railway Museum; Town Hall; and the ‘Schöne Brunnen’ Fountain with mechanical clock.

The international toy fair and the famous Christmas Fair, Christkindlmarkt, also attract many visitors. Nuremberg's Alstadt, or Old Town is surrounded by a mighty city-wall that is 5km long. It soon becomes obvious why this city was a favourite with the Romantic Movement. Cobble-stoned squares, half-timbered houses make up the scenery and the aroma of roasted sausages and Gingerbread fill the air.