The Bavarian city of Nuremberg is best known for its dark legacy of having been the venue for Nazi Party conventions in the lead up to the Second World War. Known as the ‘Nuremberg rallies’ these events were crucial to Adolf Hitler in spreading Nazi propaganda. In 1945 the British and American Air Forces carried out a systematic bombardment of the city which destroyed almost all of Nuremberg’s historic centre. An estimated 6000 people were killed in the air raids.
In the aftermath of World War Two the Allied forces held military tribunals of the key personnel from the Third Reich. These were known as the ‘Nuremberg trials’ and resulted in 11 members of the Nazi party receiving the death penalty whilst others got lesser sentences.
Cruise passengers arriving in Nuremberg needn’t concern themselves with the city’s tragic past. Many years of reconstruction work in the post-war era returned the medieval centre to its former splendour such that today you cannot even imagine that such events ever took place. Planning officials worked closely with the original city plans to help recreate the beautiful city which stood here before the ravages of the Second World War turned it to dust.
Insider Tip: The Nürnberger Bratwurst sausage is a shorter and thinner version of the typical bratwurst that you might have tried elsewhere. These grilled sausages are a great snack which you’ll see on sale all over the city.
The main place of interest to history buffs is to the crumbling remains of the grounds where the Nazi Party Rallies took place. Your cruise line will most likely offer a shore excursion if you’re interested in a visit. For a more joyous way of passing your time in port simply head for historic centre, wander the seemingly ancient cobbled streets and be sure to grab yourself a ‘Nürnberger Lebkuchen’, this is a gingerbread cookie which has been a local speciality for more than 700 years.
Port of Nuremberg
The city of Nuremberg stands on both the River Pegnitz and the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. Most river cruise vessels dock some 6km south-west of the historic centre along the Hafenstrasse so cruise lines generally provide shuttle transport into the city. Some operators dock in the lovely university town of Erlangen which lies some 20km north Nuremberg.
Nuremberg Airport
You’re in for a treat if you happen to be joining (or ending) your river cruise in Nuremberg as the city’s airport is one of the best in Germany. It is located just 7km north of the city centre by road, a journey which shouldn’t take more than about 20 minutes during light traffic. Alternatively, you can hop on the U-Bahn on arrival and be delivered to Nuremberg’s central station in just 12 minutes. Bus and taxi services are also readily available.
For the sake of convenience you can pre-book a private transfer with Shuttledirect. Their driver will take you directly to the port or drop you off at a city centre hotel if you’re planning on enjoying some extra time in this beautiful city.
Some visitors from overseas might enter Germany via Munich Airport which lies 160km to the south-east of Nuremberg. Shuttledirect can also provide transport from this airport which takes about 1.5 hours outside rush hour.
Getting Around in Nuremberg
Whilst the city has an excellent public transport system including an impressive underground network you’re unlikely to use it as many of the main attractions are all accessible on foot within the historic centre. Organised walking tours of the old town lasting about 2 hours depart daily at 1pm from outside the main Tourist Information Office (Hauptmarkt 18).
Main Tourist Attractions
Market Square: The Hauptmarkt will prove central to your wanderings around the Old Town. It is packed with market stalls selling all kinds of fresh produce and is surrounded by cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops. The square serves as the focal point for Nuremberg’s famous Christmas markets. Architectural highlights include the 14th century Church Of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) and the Beautiful Fountain (Schöner Brunnen).
Toy Museum: The city has had a long history of toy making ever since doll makers began plying their trade here in medieval times. Established in 1971, this is one of the world’s best-known toy museums which tells the story of the evolution of toys fromm centuries ago to the modern day.
Nuremberg Castle: Overlooking the city, the Imperial Castle which dates back to 1050 served as one of Europe’s best fortified structures under the Old Holy Roman Empire. Most of it was destroyed in the Second World war but has been rebuilt according to its original specifications.
Albrecht Durer’s House: Nuremberg’s most famous son is the artist Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) who was an influential figure on European art in his day. His home and workplace are open to the public in the medieval Old Town.
Insider Tip: Take a walk down Tanners’ Lane (Weißgerbergasse) where you’ll see a beautiful selection of wooden artisan houses. This is a lovely place to stop for a coffee or local beer at one of the street’s cafés or bars.
Nazi Rally Grounds: This vast site of the Nazi Party Rallies covers some 11 square kilometres with some of the architecture based on the Coliseum in Rome. In the post-war era the site was left to deteriorate whilst some areas were demolished. Today, although still in ruins, the site has been given protected status. It attracts many foreign visitors and is likely to be preserved in some form as a reminder of the horrors of Nazism. The site’s Documentation Centre is an important museum which investigates Nazi Germany and specifically how it affected Nuremberg.
Saint John’s Cemetery: Perhaps it’s a little odd that a cemetery becomes a tourist attraction but in the case of Saint John’s it is worth a visit. Located towards the edge of the Old Town this serene place is where Albrecht Dürer is buried.
One Night in Nuremberg
If you happen to be staying in Nuremberg overnight you should check out the calendar for the historic Nuremberg State Theatre. Their performances of opera, ballet and theatre throughout the year attract major audiences. The other main cultural attraction is the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra which performs in numerous venues around the city. A great time to be in town is at the end of July when the city hosts the Bardentreffen music festival which attracts artists from all over the world.
Those of you who’d prefer to spend your evening in port at a local restaurant rather than attending such cultural events won’t be disappointed.
The historic Albrecht Dürer Stube (Albrecht-Dürer-Straße 6) is located next to the castle and serves up a selection of excellent local specialities. Another highly regarded restaurant is Heilig Geist Spital (Spitalgasse 16) which is housed in one of the city’s oldest remaining buildings. Seasonal German dishes are their speciality. If you’re looking for somewhere more down to earth and want to try the speciality Nürnberger sausage you should head to Bratwursthäusle (Rathausplatz 1) which is a meat and beer lovers’ paradise.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is the most established and respected airport transfer provider in Europe and northern Africa. Our friendly local drivers will ensure your safe, economical, and convenient passage to and from the cruise terminal, airport, or major train station of your choice with a minimum of fuss. Book your transfer with our easy to use online booking system and leave the rest up to us!
