One city I had to visit in Germany was Nuremberg. Known for its famous Christmas Market, medieval castles, cuckoo clocks, delicious sausages, Nazi Rally Grounds, Nuremberg Courthouse, and Gothic churches, Nuremberg is a city full of history and charm.
A Bit of Nuremberg’s History
Nuremberg carries a significant place in World War II history. Unfortunately, it was chosen by Hitler as the site for his Nazi rallies in the 1930s, and the infamous Nuremberg Laws on racial purity were named after the town. During the war, over 75% of Nuremberg’s historic buildings were destroyed by Allied bombing. Today, the Old Town has been beautifully restored, giving it a timeless, medieval appearance, even if much of it is new construction by German standards.
Planning a Day Trip from Munich
I decided to visit Nuremberg as a day trip from Munich, focusing on the Nazi Documentation Center, Rally Grounds, and the Old Town.
Best Way to Get to Nuremberg from Munich:
The Bayern Ticket is ideal for this trip. It covers regional train travel throughout Bavaria (except ICE, IC/EC, or Railjet trains) and includes nearly all local public transport in Nuremberg. On weekdays, the Bayern Ticket cannot be used before 9 AM, so I recommend taking this trip on a weekend. This allows for an early departure and more time to explore Nuremberg.
Arrival and Nazi Documentation Center
I arrived at Nuremberg train station in the morning and took Tram #9 to the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds (Doku-Zentrum). The center provides an insightful look into how the Nazi Party rose to power, with original artifacts and a complete audio tour explaining the phenomenon. Visiting the Documentation Center is both educational and sobering — a reminder of historical mistakes that must not be repeated.
Exploring the Nazi Rally Grounds
From the Documentation Center, I walked around the Dutzendeich Lake that surrounds the Zeppelin Field and headed to the Nazi Rally Grounds. Standing on the giant steps and the podium where Hitler once gave speeches was an unusual and eerie experience, knowing the propaganda that took place there.
On the way back, I stopped at a local beer garden before taking the tram back to the train station.
Wandering the Old Town
The Old Town of Nuremberg is just a 10-minute walk from the train station. It is enclosed by medieval walls, which makes it very walkable and hard to get lost. In the main square, there was a vibrant market selling fresh fruits, snacks, crafts, and showcasing beautiful fountains — perfect for photography.
I wandered the charming streets before making the final climb to Kaiserburg Castle. The steep, cobblestone path is a bit of a workout, but reaching the top is worth it. From the castle grounds, the panoramic views of Nuremberg are breathtaking, and I spent some time exploring the fortress and capturing photos.
Final Thoughts on Nuremberg
Nuremberg is a city of contrasts — charming, fairytale-like streets and medieval architecture mixed with a somber WWII history. I highly recommend visiting for at least a day, though two or more days would allow you to explore the city fully. There’s a lot to see, from history and culture to food and markets, making it a must-visit destination in Bavaria.