Nuremberg, or Nürnberg, is a historic city in Bavaria, Germany, known for its medieval heritage. During the medieval ages, Nuremberg was a major trade and imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire. Located at just about an hour from Munich on the high-speed ICE train, it is a perfect day trip from the city.

Start your day at the tippy top of Nuremberg at the Nuremberg Castle. Nuremberg Castle, or Nürnberger Burg, is a landmark medieval fortress overlooking the old town of Nuremberg that dates roughly from the 11th–13th centuries. It is one of the most significant castles of the Holy Roman Empire, symbolizing the imperial power of numerous German kings and emperors.

The Sinwell Tower, which served as a watchtower and defensive structure, offers panoramic views of Nuremberg. To get to the top, you have to climb a staircase with 113 steps. The Castle Museum offers exhibits with armor, weapons, and daily life artifacts.

After visiting the Castle, meander down to the Old Town (Altstadt). Nuremberg’s Old Town (Nürnberger Altstadt) is the historic heart of Nuremberg and one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Germany. Its streets are filled with museums, local shops, and gorgeous medieval architecture.

Have lunch at Bratwursthäusle, a famous traditional restaurant in Nuremberg Old Town, right next to St. Sebaldus Church. Founded in 1313, it is one of the oldest restaurants in the world and is the oldest restaurant in Nuremberg. Their sausages are grilled over an open beechwood fire, just like in the Middle Ages. We had this delicious meal of sausages with some Bavarian cheese, along with a classic beer.

If you’re in town during the Christmas season, head over to Nuremberg Christkindlmarkt. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world. Located on the Main Market Square (Hauptmarkt), the market usually runs from late November until Christmas Eve. Here you can try a multitude of delicious German specialties like Nuremberg Bratwurst, Lebkuchen, which is a Nuremberg specialty, and Glühwein.

Nuremberg’s Christkindlmarkt is also made up of several smaller markets, like the Original Regional Market, a special section dedicated entirely to authentic Franconian (regional) products. There is also the Sister Cities Market, which showcases Christmas foods, crafts, and customs from Nuremberg’s partner (sister) cities around the world. Just a short walk from the main Christkindlmarkt is the Children’s Market (Kinderweihnacht), which is designed especially for children and families.

At the Christkindlmarkt, we had Dampfnudel, a traditional German yeast dumpling that is steamed in a covered pot with milk, butter, and sugar. We had ours smothered in a vanilla cream sauce. We also had Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, which are small, flavorful pork sausages that are grilled and served in a bun or with sauerkraut. We also had Schaschlik mit Brötchen, a popular German street food of tender, saucy meat skewers (often pork, bacon, onion, peppers) that is served with a hearty tomato-based sauce and a piece of crusty bread roll to soak up the sauce. And of course, we had to get a Glühwein!

On your way back to the Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof (Hbf), stop by the Handwerkerhof Nürnberg. Located just across the street from the Hbf, the market is a medieval shopping area with small shops that focus on traditional crafts.

There’s a small Christmas market right next to Handwerkerhof Nürnberg as well. You can find smaller stalls selling a variety of Nuremberg goodies like Lebkuchen and handmade products. You can also find tons of glühwein stalls with their own mugs!