by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 9/16/2025
Nuremberg was our first "road trip" from Munich, as we wanted to see some fascinating historical sites, as well as the Nazi Documentation Center. 170 kilometers north of Munich via the A9 Autobahn with a pleasant view of the Bavarian countryside along the way.
The city's well-preserved medieval old town is a sight to behold, with a beautifully reconstructed imperial castle and an awe-inspiring city wall. The Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square) is the heart of the old town, where the famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market) takes place, filling the air with festive cheer during the holiday season.
Nuremberg is also significant in terms of its historical importance. The Palace of Justice was the site of the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi war criminals were prosecuted after World War II. The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds offers an in-depth look at the city's role in the Nazi regime.
Our journey from Munich to Nuremberg began with a scenic drive through Bavaria's charming countryside. Since our rental condo was located in the southeastern part of Munich, we had to navigate through the city's streets before merging onto Germany’s A9 Autobahn, which would take us north to Nuremberg—a distance of about 170 kilometers.
Driving on the Autobahn is always an interesting experience, especially with its "unlimited speed zones", although near urban areas the speed limits are clearly posted and must be observed. The route took us through rolling hills, picturesque villages, and lush forests, offering a glimpse of Bavaria's natural beauty.
Our primary destination in Nuremberg was the Nazi Documentation Center, a historical site that provides a sobering look at Germany’s past. We exited the A9 onto A73 and followed B8 to reach the center’s parking area. The drive, which took just under two hours, was both smooth and visually rewarding, making it an enjoyable journey despite the serious nature of our destination.
Base Yourself in Munich
Most travelers visit Nuremberg as an easy day trip from Munich (fast trains ≈1 hour). See our Munich guide for transport tips, itineraries, and neighborhood advice.Nuremberg blends centuries of history with vibrant modern life — making it a rewarding destination for travelers interested in architecture, culture, and local cuisine. As the former seat of medieval emperors and a pivotal site in 20th-century history, the city offers a remarkable range of experiences in a compact, walkable area.
You can explore the beautifully reconstructed Old Town, marvel at half-timbered buildings and the Imperial Castle, and reflect at historic sites such as the Nazi Documentation Center and the Palace of Justice. Nuremberg is also famous for its delicious bratwurst, gingerbread, and open-air markets — especially during the Christmas season.
Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying longer, Nuremberg delivers a well-rounded experience that’s easy to reach and hard to forget.
Overhead View of Nuremberg and the Documentation CenterPerched across the Dutzendteich pond, the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds occupies the northern wing of the unfinished Congress Hall—a dramatic relic of the Nazi era that once stood at the heart of Hitler’s grandiose architectural vision. The building’s stark, modern insertion of glass and steel by architect Günther Domenig is a compelling, symbolic counterpoint to the Nazi past it confronts
From 1933 to 1938, the surrounding area served as the site of annual Nazi Party Rallies, where colossal spectacles of authoritarian power were staged—including mass parades, the iconic “Cathedral of Light,” and Leni Riefenstahl’s infamous propaganda films Triumph of the Will and Victory of Faith.
Inside the museum, the former permanent exhibition—Fascination and Terror—was on display until 2020, weaving together the origins, mechanisms, and aftermath of Nazi rule through immersive storytelling, film, eyewitness accounts, and electronic media. The center is currently closed for renovation (with reopening planned for around 2025–2026), but right now you can explore an Interim Exhibition titled "Nuremberg – Site of the Nazi Party Rallies: Staging, Experience, Violence," offering a distilled, yet powerful, narrative of the site’s history.
The Rally Grounds themselves stretch across several square kilometers, and interpretive signboards, mapped trails, and multimedia kiosks guide you through the remnants of the Congress Hall, Zeppelin Field, Great Road, and other monumental, if incomplete, structures.
Note in the above image that route 4R parallels the Center site, this road connects to the B8, which is how we drove to the Center from Munich.
Why It’s Worth the Stop:
Best Time to Visit?
Visit the Documentation Center first thing in the morning when it’s least crowded, or head to the Castle for sunset views over the Old Town
More Info for the Nazi Documentation Center
Nuremberg (Nürnberg) is a city packed with medieval charm, historical weight, and cultural richness. Here are the top 10 most interesting facts about Nuremberg:
Nuremberg was a free imperial city and often hosted imperial assemblies (Reichstage). The Nuremberg Castle was a key residence of Holy Roman Emperors for centuries.
It was home to Albrecht Dürer, Germany’s most famous Renaissance artist. You can still visit his half-timbered house in the old town.
After WWII, the city hosted the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi leaders were prosecuted for war crimes. The Palace of Justice and Courtroom 600 are now historic memorial sites.
Nuremberg is world-famous for its toy industry and hosts the largest toy fair in the world—the Spielwarenmesse—each year.
The Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most iconic Christmas markets in Europe, attracting over 2 million visitors annually.
The massive Zeppelin Field and Documentation Center remain as stark reminders of the Nazi propaganda machine and architecture.
Nuremberg is famous for its Nürnberger Rostbratwürste—small, spiced pork sausages that are so iconic they’re protected by EU law.
The city boasts one of the most complete medieval fortification systems in Europe—around 4 kilometers of wall and over 60 towers remain.
Crowd Avoidance
For fewer crowds, walk the city wall at sunset—most tourists head straight to the square
Nuremberg native Martin Behaim created the first known globe of the Earth ("Erdapfel") in 1492—before Columbus returned from the New World.
The roots of companies like MAN (mechanical engineering) and Diehl (defense tech) are in Nuremberg, making it a historical hub of innovation.
Hitler's Podium at the Rally Grounds
Viewing Stands at the Rally Grounds
Viewing Stands at the Rally GroundsStanding on these historic grounds was an eerie and sobering experience. This is the very place where Nazi troops once marched past Hitler’s podium, a location that played a central role in the massive Nazi propaganda rallies held in Nuremberg during the 1930s. In fact, in the photo to the left, that’s me standing on the exact spot where Adolf Hitler once stood, addressing thousands of soldiers and supporters in carefully orchestrated displays of power.
The grandstand, part of the Zeppelinfeld, was designed by Hitler’s chief architect, Albert Speer, and originally featured an elevated speaker’s platform flanked by three massive swastika banners. Towering bronze eagles, sculpted by Kurt Schmid-Ehmen, once loomed over both ends of the structure, reinforcing the regime’s obsession with monumental symbolism. Though much of the site has deteriorated over time, the core remains largely intact, allowing visitors to stand where some of the most infamous moments of Nazi propaganda took place.
The feeling of standing in that spot was surreal—both chilling and thought-provoking. If you search for old footage of Hitler in Nuremberg, whether on Google or YouTube, you’ll find numerous videos showing him standing on this very podium, overseeing massive military parades and delivering hate-filled speeches to thousands of followers. To physically be there, knowing its dark history, sent a wave of emotions through me—fascination, discomfort, and an overwhelming sense of reflection on the lessons of history. It’s a stark reminder of how crucial it is to remember the past so that history’s darkest chapters are never repeated.
Today, the rally grounds are used for various purposes, including auto racing; The DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) race in Nuremberg is held at the Norisring, a street circuit located on the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Specifically, it's situated near the football stadium, with the closest commuter rail station being "Frankenstadion". The track is known for its unique layout and challenging course, featuring two hairpin turns and a chicane.
Nazi Party Congress Party Hall RuinsThis is the Nazi Congress Party Hall interior court yard - A self-supporting roof construction was to have spanned this area at a height of approximately 70 metres. The monumental building would have provided space for over 50,000 people and would thus have been almost twice as big as the Coliseum in Rome. The unfinished shell (1937–1939) was put up to a height of 39 metres. Construction work was abandoned late in World War II.
The Grosser Dutzendteich Lake sits between the Nazi Party Rally Center and the Nazi Documentation Center. Prior to walking over to the area where Hitler used to review his troops, we had explored the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rallying Grounds museum. This is an incredible museum, and it utilizes video, still photography, artifacts, and documents, to display to visitors what took place during the Nazi era. This picture to the left, was taken of the area immediately behind the museum, which was originally intended to be the Nazi Congress Party Hall. Since World War Two got in the way of the construction budget, that area was never finished.
This picture was taken from across the Lake that separates the Documentation Center from the Nazi Rallying grounds area. It is a beautiful site, and it is a pity that it is associated with such a horrifying past.
Hitler's plans were to construct a much larger complex, but once WW2 started, those plans were placed into a holding pattern and never completed because the German war effort consumed all of the building materials.
Image # 1 was taken through a window in the Nazi Documentation Center Museum of the unfinished "Congress Hall" interior. The Congress Hall is the largest preserved national socialist (Nazi) building. Contruction started in 1935 but was never finished. It was planned as a congress centre for the Nazi Party with a self-supporting roof and should have provided 50,000 seats. The building reached a height of 39 meters (a maximum height of 70 metres was planned) and a diameter of 250 meters.
The Documentation Center Museum provides a comprehensive view of Nazi tyranny and the history of the Nazi Party rallies via all types of media including imagery & video. In some cases where video was available of young Germans during the Nazi rallies, they also show those same Germans years later who attempt to explain why they were enthusiastic about the Nazi party.
Image # 2 is a picture of the entrance to the Documentation Center, an impressive entrance!
Click here to go to the Museum Website.
Nuremberg is a city with a rich and complex history, offering visitors a captivating journey through time. From the towering imperial castle that dominates the skyline to the sobering reminders of its 20th-century past, Nuremberg's attractions provide a multifaceted glimpse into German culture and history.
What is Nuremberg known for?
Nuremberg is known for a blend of rich history and vibrant culture. It was a prominent trade center and a cultural hub during the German Renaissance, producing figures like Albrecht Dürer. The city also played a significant role in World War II, serving as the site of the Nazi Party rallies and, later, the post-war Nuremberg Trials. Today, visitors can still see remnants of both its medieval past, like the Imperial Castle, and its wartime history, such as the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the courtroom where the Nuremberg Trials took place.
What are the Must-See Attractions in Nuremberg?
From historic landmarks to local delicacies, here are the top things to experience during your visit to Nuremberg, each is linked to a specific Google Map:
How long should a visitor spend in Nuremberg?
A day trip allows for seeing the main sights within the Old Town. However, a more comprehensive visit to experience the city's landmarks, museums, and historical sites is best with 2-3 days.
What is the best time to visit Nuremberg?
Nuremberg is a year-round destination. The best weather is typically in late spring or early autumn. The Christmas Market is popular in December, although it can be crowded. January and February are the low season, with fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation.
How can you get around Nuremberg?
Nuremberg's Old Town is walkable. Public transportation (U-Bahn, buses, and trams) is available for attractions outside the Old Town, such as the Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
Is Nuremberg safe?
Nuremberg is considered a safe city, located in Bavaria, one of Germany's safest states.
What are some culinary specialties of Nuremberg?
Can you visit the courtroom where the Nuremberg Trials took place?
Yes, the Palace of Justice, where the trials were held, is still operational. Courtroom 600 and the attached Nuremberg Trials Museum can be visited.
Is it easy to travel to Nuremberg from other major German cities?
Yes, Nuremberg is well-connected by train and road. Direct trains run between Nuremberg and cities like Berlin and Munich. Frankfurt Airport also has a high-speed rail station for convenient connections. We drove from the south side of Munich to Nuremberg in two hours, the autobahn highway system is well maintained and fast.
Are there specific events or festivals throughout the year?
Yes, Nuremberg hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the most prominent;
Nuremberg's beer culture is deeply ingrained in its history, with the city being particularly renowned for its distinctive "Rotbier" or red beer. While this malty, amber-hued lager is a must-try for any visitor, local breweries offer a variety of other popular styles. Here are the top five most popular local beers that capture the authentic taste of Nuremberg.
Often hailed as the quintessential Nuremberg beer experience, the Rotbier from Hausbrauerei Altstadthof is a true classic. This brewery is credited with reviving the city's historic red beer tradition. Their version is a smooth, malty lager with a beautifully balanced character and a hint of caramel sweetness. Enjoying a glass in their historic brewery tavern in the heart of the Old Town is a quintessential Nuremberg experience.
A favorite among locals, Schanzenbräu's Rotbier is another outstanding example of this iconic Nuremberg style. Known for its slightly more pronounced hop profile compared to other Rotbiers, it offers a refreshing crispness that complements its rich, malty backbone. This unfiltered beer is a staple in many of Nuremberg's pubs and beer gardens.
As one of Nuremberg's most established and widely available breweries, Tucher's Original Nürnberger Rotbier is a benchmark for the style. This beer is celebrated for its consistent quality and easy-drinking nature. It presents a brilliant copper color and a well-rounded flavor that perfectly balances malt sweetness with a subtle hop bitterness, making it a popular choice for any occasion.
While Rotbier may be the star, the Helles from Schanzenbräu is another immensely popular local choice. This pale lager is clean, crisp, and incredibly refreshing, showcasing the German brewing art of creating a simple yet flavorful beer. Its light body and delicate balance of malt and hops make it a perfect session beer, especially during the warmer months in a traditional beer garden.
For those looking to explore beyond the amber hues of Rotbier, the Schwarzbier from Hausbrauerei Altstadthof is a top contender. This black lager is surprisingly light on the palate, offering roasted malt flavors with hints of coffee and dark chocolate, but without the heaviness of a stout or porter. It's a flavorful and complex beer that demonstrates the brewing prowess of this beloved local institution.
Here are five of the most popular restaurants in Nuremberg, known for their standout cuisine and unique dining experiences. Note that this list is based upon each restaurant's Google Review Ratings, please also note that each restaurant "name" is linked to their website:
If you would prefer to do your own restaurants research, here is a link to a Google Search Results list for restaurants in Nuremberg. Once you are on that page, you can have Google re-sort the list based upon your requirements, ie; cuisine type, price levels, guest ratings, etc.
Whether you’re visiting Nuremberg for its history, its charming Old Town, or as a convenient stop on a broader trip through Bavaria, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations to suit every type of traveler.
Hotels and guesthouses here vary by price, style, and amenities — from budget-friendly inns to upscale properties with amenities like on-site parking, spa services, family-friendly rooms, or even a pool. Some are located in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town) for walkability, while others offer quieter surroundings just outside the city center.
To make your research easier, we’ve grouped recommended options by price range, with direct links to Google search results that reflect each category.
How Many Accommodations Are in Nuremberg? The number varies depending on who's counting—popular booking sites report anywhere from 500 to over 1,500 options. Booking.com currently lists around 539 hotels and places to stay, while Hotels.com and Expedia each show figures in the 1,500‑plus range. The difference comes down to inclusion criteria—whether it’s hotels only or an expanded mix of guesthouses, apartments, B&Bs, hostels, and private rentals.
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