Bavaria's second city offers one of Germany's finest medieval old towns alongside compelling WWII history. The well-preserved Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), the Hauptmarkt Christmas market, the Nuremberg Trials documentation centre, and Germany's most famous small sausages (Nuremberger Bratwürste) make this a richly rewarding day trip.
Nuremberg sits about 170 km north of Munich, reached in just over an hour by ICE high-speed train or in 2h 20min by regional train using the Bavaria Ticket. Bavaria's second city pairs a well-preserved medieval Altstadt with sobering 20th-century history. The morning suits the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), which overlooks the old town's red rooftops, followed by a walk down through St. Sebaldus church toward the Hauptmarkt, where the Schöner Brunnen fountain and the Frauenkirche anchor the market square. Afternoons work well for the Nuremberg Trials Courthouse and Documentation Centre, a short tram ride from the centre, which explains the postwar trials held in Courtroom 600. St. Lorenz church, with its intricate Gothic tabernacle, rounds out the old town walk. Nuremberg is a year-round destination, though December transforms the Hauptmarkt into the Christkindlesmarkt, Germany's most famous Christmas market, drawing large crowds that reward an early arrival. Bratwurstglöcklein and Bratwurst Röslein, both near the old town, serve the city's famous small grilled sausages, typically with sauerkraut and a pretzel, as the signature lunch or dinner stop.
| Travel time | 1h 05min (ICE high-speed train, not covered by Bavaria Ticket) or 2h 20min (RE regional train, Bavaria Ticket valid) |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy |
Highlights
- Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle)
- Hauptmarkt with Schöner Brunnen fountain
- Nuremberg Trials Courthouse and Documentation Centre
- St. Lorenz and St. Sebaldus churches
- Bratwurst Röslein restaurant
- Christmas market (December)
Tips for visiting
- Allow 5–6 hours to properly see Nuremberg's Altstadt and the castle
- The Bratwurstglöcklein and Bratwurst Röslein are the best places for the famous small sausages
- December Christmas market (Christkindlesmarkt) is Germany's most famous — arrive early to beat the crowds
When to visit
The old town is pleasant year-round, with December's Christkindlesmarkt as a distinct highlight best visited early in the day to avoid crowds.
Accessibility
The Hauptmarkt and much of the Altstadt are flat and walkable, though the Kaiserburg's cobbled approach and towers involve stairs that limit wheelchair access.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nuremberg reachable as a quick day trip from Munich?
Yes, the ICE high-speed train covers the distance in about an hour, making it one of the more time-efficient day trips from Munich.
What is the best time to visit the Christmas market?
The Christkindlesmarkt runs through December and is Germany's most famous; arriving early in the day helps avoid the heaviest crowds.
How much time should be set aside for Nuremberg?
Around 5–6 hours is enough to see the Kaiserburg, the Altstadt, and the Nuremberg Trials Documentation Centre without rushing.
Where can visitors try Nuremberg's famous sausages?
Bratwurstglöcklein and Bratwurst Röslein, both in or near the old town, are considered the best places for the traditional small Nuremberg bratwurst.