Prague/Nuremberg – Day 2 of a 10-Day Trip in Europe
Next destination was Nuremberg, the second largest city in the German state of Bavaria. Nuremberg was once a major city during the Nazi regime and held annual rallies in support of the Nazis between 1933 and 1938, also known as the Nuremberg Rallies. Ironically, Nuremberg is also home to Nuremberg’s Palace of Justice’s Courtroom 600, where between 1945-1946, Nazi leaders underwent trials to answer to the crimes they committed. Today, it is a popular destination due to its well-preserved landmarks such as the Nuremberg Castle and the Old Town area.
Day 2
Prague/Nuremberg
The day started with commuting to the Na Knizeci Bus Station for a 8am bus to Nuremberg Central Bus Station. There is no train route between Prague and Nuremberg. I made a reservation ahead of time using the Flixbus website (required!). During the ticket purchase, there is an optional choice to pick a seat. If this option is declined, the seat will be selected automatically. For groups, this means you may not sit together on the bus. I was purposely early for my bus by about 20 minutes – I’d rather not risk missing my bus, but I was hungry as I had to miss the hotel’s breakfast due to the time. There is a deli near the bus station called Libeřské Lahůdky, which is a great option for breakfast. I was pleasantly surprised at the selection of items. There are pastries, coffee, and sandwiches. What I really liked though is that they have individual slices of bread with toppings (deli meat, vegetables, eggs, etc) for less than the equivalent of $3 CAD each. This was perfect for a quick breakfast. I got it to go and ate it on the bus ride to Nuremberg. Unfortunately I was not able to get a photo of it, but if you google pictures of the deli Libeřské Lahůdky – you’ll see exactly what I mean! The boarding process for the bus was easy; the driver scanned my ticket from my phone and I sat down in my designated seat. The bus ride was just under 4 hours and I was so jet-lagged, I slept for most of the trip. At about the half way point of the trip, two border patrol officers boarded the bus to check passport as we were entering Germany – this is a standard stop. Overall, a pretty seamless trip.
Once in Nuremberg, I walked to my hotel, Hotel Avenue, to drop off my bags. On the way to the hotel, I walked passed the St. Lawrence Church. This Evangelical Lutheran Church was constructed and completed in 1477. It was badly damaged during the Second World War, but restored.
Next I walked to Hausbrauerei Altstadthof for lunch. On the way, I stopped at the St. Sebald Church. This Lutheran church’s construction was completed in 1273, making it one of the oldest churches in Nuremberg.
Hausbrauerei Altstadthof is the oldest brewery tavern in Nuremberg – the name has changed over the years, but its history dates back to the 14th century. Their speciality is the malt red beer, the Nuremberg Stadtbier, which I ordered (of course!). For food, I ordered a plate of the Nuremberg sausage, brown bread, and hot mustard. Nuremberg sausage is a specialty of the area consisting of pork, bacon and spices (marjoram is the key spice) in sheep casing.
Afterwards, I walked to the Nuremberg Castle, stopping to take a photo at the plaza near Tiergärtnertor, one of the city gates. Nearby is Albrecht Dürer’s – a famous German painter – house and museum.
The Nuremberg Castle consists of a group of fortified buildings at the centre of the city. The Castle has been around since before the year 1000 and was iconic during the Medieval Ages due to it being a popular spot for royal events. I purchased a combination ticket which included the Imperial Castle Museum, the Palas with Double Chapel, the Deep Well presentation, and the Sinwell Tower. I went to the Deep Well presentation first, which happens at various times through out the day in German or English. The guide talked about the history of the deep well and demonstrated the depth of the well (~50m). The museum is interesting to visit as well along with the chapel. Ascending the Sinwell Tower gives a great view of Nuremberg.
From the Nuremberg Castle, I walked to Weißgerbergasse, a picturesque pedestrian pathway with medieval-looking homes.
From there, I walked to the Central Market Square (or Hauptmarkt in German), the location of the Nuremberg Christmas Market. Two iconic landmarks in the square is the Schoner Brunnen, a 14th century fountain, and the Catholic church, Frauenkirche (also known as the Church of our Lady).
Close to the Central Market Square is the Hospital of the Holy Spirit View, which is a popular stock photo.
It was time for an afternoon Christmas Market drink. I ordered the Eierpunsch hausgemacht from a local vendor, which is essentially a warm eggnog mixed with wine and rum and topped with whipped cream. To be honest, I was not a huge fan – I’m not sure if it was because it was too sweet or if the mix was just not for me. The mug costs an extra 5 euros, which is refundable if you return the mug. I kept my mug for the memories however!
The Nuremberg Christmas Market is the largest in Germany and sees over 2 million visitors every holiday season. I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the shops and looking for a Christmas ornament to bring home to Canada.
For dinner, I had wanted to go to a restaurant called “Trödelstuben”, Wein- und Bierstuben, but they were fully booked and not accepting any walk-ins. As it was raining quite heavily, I did not want to wander around looking at other restaurants, nor wait outside until a table cleared up, so I got a Nuremberg sausage sandwich with sauerkraut and hot mustard from one of the Christmas Market stalls for dinner. Just before heading back to the hotel for the evening, I snapped a photo of the Christmas tree and Frauenkirche lit up.
Complete Day 2 Itinerary
*Travel times may vary. Check Google Maps for most accurate travel details.
7am: Head to Na Knizeci Bus Station to take the Flixbus to Nuremberg Central Bus Station. Pick up breakfast from Libeřské Lahůdky near the Na Knizeci Bus Station.
12:00pm: Visit the St. Sebald Church (18 minute walk from the Nuremberg Central Bus Station).
1:00pm: Have lunch at the Hausbrauerei Alstadthof (5 minute walk from St. Sebald Church). Order the Nuremberg Stadtbier and the Nuremberg sausage.
2:00pm: Visit the Nuremberg Castle (1 minute walk from Hausbrauerei Alstadthof). Stop at the Tiergärtnertor Square for a photo spot.
4:00pm: Wander Weißgerbergasse (8 minute walk from Nuremberg Castle). Walk to the Central Market Square (Hauptmarkt) (3 minute walk from Weißgerbergasse). See the Schoner Brunnen, Frauenkirche, and the Hospital of the Holy Spirit View.
6:00pm: Have dinner at “Trödelstuben”, Wein- und Bierstuben (5 minute walk from Hauptmarkt).
10-Day Europe Itinerary
Click “Download” below for an excel version of my 10-Day Europe Itinerary to Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria. Feel free to use the excel file as a planning template for your own trip!
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Travels with Carolyne 