After 2 years, I finally returned to Nuremberg, this time in winter for some more sightseeing in the Franconia region of Germany and it was truly magical! Think: twinkling lights, charming Christmas markets, and cities filled with history and culture.
It was even more fun to explore them with my photographer friend Remke Vet, of which we're happy to share many pictures to inspire your next German road or city trip!
While I’ve shared my love for summer in Bavaria in this road trip blog, as well as the famous and most authentic Christmas markets in this Christmas markets blog already, there’s so much more to explore in this vibrant Franconian region, especially during this enchanting season.
Sightseeing in Franconia - Germany
To make the trip even more special, we also visited nearby Erlangen, a quaint university town with a relaxed vibe, perfect for a day trip or overnight stay. Both cities are located in the Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany, an area renowned for its culinary traditions, historical landmarks, and welcoming atmosphere.
In this blog I will dive into the culinary history of the region with many restaurant recommendations for your own visit. Of course all tried and tested ourselves😊
And I'll happily share some sightseeing tips and accommodations for both Nuremberg and Erlangen, which you can all find marked on this Google map as well, for your convenience:
Nuremberg: History & modern charm combined
Founded around 1050, Nuremberg has long been a center of trade, craftsmanship, and culture. Its strategic location made it a hub during the Holy Roman Empire, and remnants of its medieval glory are still clearly visible throughout the city.
Post-World War 2, Nuremberg became synonymous with the Nuremberg Trials, but today the beautifully preserved heritage, combined with modern buildings throughout the city, makes it very popular and a unique city to explore.
Top sightseeing spots Nuremberg
Nuremberg has Europe’s largest and oldest pedestrian-friendly city center in the old town. Also the extensive footpaths and many unique spots and gardens created in the old moat encircling the city walls make this city quite special and lovely to explore on foot.
Here are some of my sightseeing recommendations for your own visit:
Imperial Castle (Kaiserburg): A must-see, this medieval castle towers over the city, offering stunning views of the city. The courtyard and castle gardens are free to visit and very photogenic already. And a visit to the palace and castle is possible for just €7 or €9 p.p. for a combination ticket with the towers and well, and free with the Nuremberg card.
Seeing the interior and exhibits will give you an interesting insight into Nuremberg’s important role in the Holy Roman Empire.
City walls: Nuremberg has one of the the largest stretches of preserved medieval city walls in Europe, consisting of 4 kilometers encircling the old town. You can walk along the whole wall through publicly accessible walk ways, designed like a park, while admiring the 71 towers in the wall. All still fully intact and currently in use by several organizations.
Albrecht Dürer House: Once home to the famous Renaissance artist, this house-turned-museum celebrates his life and works. It's located on one of the most photogenic squares of Nuremberg old town: Beim Tiergartnertor, where the quaint local Café Wanderer is a must to visit as well!
Hauptmarkt: The heart of Nuremberg, where daily markets are held on the square that also hosts the iconic Christkindlesmarkt. Don’t miss the Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain) here and nearby churches, St. Lorenz and St. Sebald.
Weissgerbergasse: A picturesque street lined with colorful half-timbered houses, one of the most photogenic and quaint areas of the city, in my opinion!
Germanisches Nationalmuseum: Germany’s largest cultural history museum, housing everything from medieval artifacts to contemporary art in a modern architectural setting.
Hangman’s Bridge, Maxbrücke and Trödelmarkt: These areas and photogenic bridges showcase Nuremberg’s historic charm so well.
Craftmen's Courtyard: an area of old town where you can see the craftsmen work and buy unique souvenirs and traditional artisan work.
Nuremberg Rock-Cut Cellars: Explore the underground cellars, once used for beer storage and as World War 2 shelters.
Jakobsplatz: a cute square that is extra photogenic because of its 2 churches.
Most are just a short walk apart and easy to explore on foot. All information about the many quaint neighborhoods can be found on: Quartiere Nuremberg.
And to make sightseeing even easier you can also purchase the Nuremberg Card online in advance, which is only €33 for 48 hours. This will get you free access to public transportation and over 50 attractions, including museums and guided tours.
Where to eat in Nuremberg
Franconian cuisine is generally hearty, flavorful, and quite traditional, consisting of warming dishes, many sausage variations and interesting combinations, perfect in wintertime.
Although nowadays the region has many restaurants that offer high-end cusine and a modern take on the traditional German kitchen as well.
Here are some of my top restaurant picks throughout Nuremberg:
Die Wirtschaft: Here you can try traditional Franconian dishes like the “Gudzerla” (Franconian tapas), making it easy to sample a variety of local flavors.
Zum Gulden Stern: Known as the oldest bratwurst kitchen, this is a must! The history of this kitchen goes back to 1419 and was the first to serve the original Nuremberg grilled sausages, cooked fresh over a beechwood fire.
Schanzenbräu Schankwirtschaft: A local hotspot where the menu is on the black board! They serve classics like roast pork, schnitzel, different sausages, käsespätzle and my favourite dessert kaiserschmarrn. This tavern is located a bit outside the city center, in the Gostenhof neighborhood, and can get quite busy, as locals love it! So be prepared to share a table, it’s part of the fun and a really authentic experience!
Imperial by Alexander Herrmann & Michael Seitz: For a fine dining experience, this chic restaurant serves innovative dishes in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting with a club atmosphere. We had 2 courses of 7 sharing dishes which were exceptional. But you can also choose 4-6 courses of more traditional, yet high-end dishes.
Where to stay in Nuremberg
For a central and comfortable stay, the Scandic Nürnberg Central is a great choice. Located near the old town and central station, the hotel offers modern rooms with an extensive breakfast, has an in-house restaurant, underground parking garage and even a pool and sauna, perfect for recharging after a day of exploring.
Erlangen: A quaint small-town escape
Erlangen’s origins date back to the 8th century, but really blossomed in the 17th century when French Huguenots settled here. Known for its baroque architecture and status as an important university town, Erlangen combines historic charm with a vibrant community.
It also played an important role in beer brewing, being one of Bavaria’s first brewing hubs. Erlangen has a brewing history dating back to the Middle Ages.
Beer brewing history of Erlangen
By the 18th century Erlangen had become a significant player in Franconian beer production, thanks to the innovative use of deep rock cellars in the nearby Burgberg (Castle Hill).
These cellars provided the perfect cool environment for fermenting and storing beer, long before refrigeration existed.
Erlangen’s beer tradition is celebrated annually at the Bergkirchweih Festival, which began in 1755.
Known as one of Germany’s oldest and largest beer festivals, it features local brews served in the picturesque surroundings of the rock cellars, offering a more intimate vibe compared to Munich’s Oktoberfest.
Sightseeing highlights Erlangen
While it has more than 110,000 residents and is an important university city in the region, Erlangen’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot.
Here are some highlights:
Schlossgarten and Orangerie: This extensive garden, flanked by historical buildings, is perfect for a peaceful stroll and even has a small forest and some lakes.
Don’t miss the historic fountain, the classy university housed in the old castle and the extensive gardens. The Botanical Gardens are a must and free to visit, with several green houses, with extensive cactus displays and tropical gardens indoor.
Markgrafentheater: Germany’s oldest baroque theater, its Beaux-Arts classicism-style interior is certainly impressive and worth a visit.
Main street and the market, on the castle square are perfect for shopping.
Neustadt alleys: Wander through these quaint streets to find even more unique shops, restaurants and cafés with local charm.
Kunstpalais: A modern art museum showcasing rotating exhibitions every 3 months, in an impressive historical building.
Street Art on Münchener Strasse: Discover colorful and artistic murals that add a modern touch to this historic town.
Where to eat in Erlangen
Erlangen offers a mix of traditional and contemporary dining options in the many unique restaurants and historic venues throughout town:
Katzentempel: A vegan café where you can enjoy plant-based meals in the company of adorable cats, a unique and cozy experience.
Das Muskat: This organic, eco-conscious restaurant focuses on Mediterranean-inspired dishes using local ingredients.
Steinbach Bräu: At the heart of Erlangen’s beer scene is this historic brewery founded in the early 1700s. It remains one of the town’s oldest continuously operating breweries, producing beer according to the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516. Housed in a historic building, this restaurant combines a working brewery with a cozy Franconian tavern. Here they serve authentic Franconian dishes like schnitzels, pork knuckles, bratwurst, and pretzels, all paired with Steinbach’s handcrafted beers, served amidst the copper brewing kettles.
Steinbach Bräu is more than just a brewery; it’s an important part of Erlangen’s beer heritage. A must-visit if you want to experience the authentic Franconian beer culture and the warm hospitality of this historic town.
Where to stay in Erlangen
For a charming and central stay, check into the Hotelchen am Theater.
Located opposite to the stunning Theater, the perfect location in the middle of town, with everything within walking distance.
This boutique hotel offers 12 cozy rooms situated around a cute courtyard, top notch hospitality, a delicious extensive breakfast and a warm personal welcome from its friendly owners (and their sweet dogs!).
There is a big parking space next door, however you can’t park here long term. If you're staying here for several days, like we did, it’s most convenient and affordable to park at the Grossparkplatz on the edge of town for €12 per day, just a 10-minute walk away.
Why visit Franconia in winter?
The Franconia region is magical year-round, but winter adds a special touch. The festive atmosphere, snow-dusted rooftops, and authentic hearty meals will make this a unique experience. Also the Christmas Markets here are unmatched and so quaint, as you can see here: 10 Authentic Christmas Markets Germany.
And find even more info for your own visit to these 2 towns here:
However, a spring or summer visit to this versatile region is also highly recommended, you can find more tips for that and other German destinations on this page: AuthenticChicLifestyle.com/germany.
Whether you'll explore Nuremberg’s vibrant history or Erlangen’s quiet charm in any season, I'm sure that this part of Bavaria will surprise you as much as it did us!
So, pack your warmest coat and get ready for some sightseeing in the Franconia region of Germany to explore these delightful destinations yourself the coming months.
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