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Are you traveling to Nuremberg and have time to see more of Bavaria? Any destinations under two hours are always my go-to when planning a day trip. With that in mind, I will share the 3 best day trips from Nuremberg!
First, a little bit of what you can expect when visiting Nuremberg! Nuremberg airport is not very far from the old town. By train, it is a 13-minute ride, and by car 15 minutes. I suggest the train unless you have a lot of baggage. If you arrive directly in Nuremberg via the main train station, it’s a short walk to the old town center.
The city of Nuremberg, Germany, is famously known as a preserved medieval town with the most idyllic Christmas Markets. However, you history buffs may remember Nuremberg as the location where the Nuremberg nazi trials took place in 1945.
If you are here for a trip back in time for some history of WWII, then make time to visit the Memorial Nuremberg Trials. On a guided tour, you can stand in the courtroom where the Nuremberg trials were held. Afterward, you can take a self-guided tour through the museum that chronicles the war timeline and through the trials. It is a somber experience, so keep this in mind.
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3 Best Day Trips From Nuremberg
Nuremberg has so much to offer tourists! Located on the river Danube, I found it to be a quaint town to photograph. Especially all the old timbered houses and cobblestone streets!
The Top Activities To Do In Nuremberg Are:
- Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
- Albrecht Dürer’s House
- St. Lorenz Gothic Church
- Nazi Party Rally Grounds
- Church of Our Lady
- Memorial Nuremberg Trials
- Concentration Camp Dachau
Depending on your mobility level, you can get away with seeing most of the medieval old town in two nights and two full days. I would highly recommend visiting in December to participate in the Christmas Market season.
Best Restaurants in Nuremberg
It is always important to find some great eateries when traveling. I had some delicious meals at:
- Brauerei-Laden – A Brewery that offers guided tours and a restaurant with a Biergarten.
- Albrecht-Dürer Stube – This historic building located near the castle is must try!
- Restauration Fischer Classic German Restaurant is set in a traditional setting. The menu offers a variety of dishes, but if you are vegan or vegetarian, call ahead to see if you can be accommodated.
Best Hotels in Nuremberg
If you are looking for some top-notch hotel accommodations in Nuremberg, I have a few recommendations:
- Melter Hotel is a charming hotel located in the city center. You can walk to the main train station in under 10 minutes from this hotel. Very modern and stylish. There is no room service or 24-hour reception.
- Hotel Elch Boutique is a high-end boutique hotel in the heart of the old town. Medieval vibes throughout, you will be impressed with just about everything if you stay here.
- Hotel Drei Raben is another fantastic choice in a hotel located very close to the main train station. Enjoy modern style and convenience located next to the Round Tower!
3 Best Day Trips From Nuremberg
Once you have seen all you want to see in the charming town of Nuremberg, consider a day trip! I love doing little excursions from my main destination, it is like a trip within a trip!
Train trips are easy in Germany with the transit app DB navigator. The linked text is the app for the iPhone, but you can also get it for Android.
For the 3 best day trips from Nuremberg, consider the following:
#1 Day Trip to Bamberg
Did you know that the old town of Bamberg is a Unesco World Heritage Site? This charming village has structures erected between the 11th to 19th centuries. Bamberg is a perfectly preserved medieval town that blew me away. It is so magical I have it on my list of places to visit for the Christmas Markets!
Making day trips from Nuremberg to Bamberg is very easy. The main train station in Nuremberg offers several one-hour direct trains to this medieval city. No more than two full days are needed when visiting Bamberg. If you have the entire day, you can likely see it all. But that all depends on your level of mobility.
The city wall in Bamberg is known to be the oldest intact city wall in Europe and one of the main attractions. The Bamberg Cathedral is most impressive, with renovations completed during the 12th and 13th centuries. And finally, the Altes Rathaus and stone bridge is a must-see!
Your To-Do List in Bamberg:
Bamberg Cathedral
Visit Bamberg Cathedral & Michelsberg Monastery, and take a trip into Bavarian history. Both sites are incredibly awe-inspiring and packed with rich architectural details that tell a thousand stories about the evolution of this region’s past.
From the intricate stained glass windows to the impressive stone carvings, these gorgeous sites will leave even the biggest skeptics in awe.
Altes Rathaus
If you’re looking for a unique experience in Bamberg, then visiting the Altes Rathaus should be at the top of your list! This magnificent building is one of the most impressive examples of Germanic Renaissance architecture in all of Europe.
Located along the banks of the Regnitz River, its grandiose exterior will leave you speechless. Inside, you’ll find a grand hall with ornate ceilings and beautiful frescoes. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the mayor or other city officials in their official chambers!
The Altes Rathaus is also home to some fascinating artifacts, including historic documents from centuries past. After exploring the interior, take some time to wander around the property and enjoy its breathtaking gardens.
Altenburg Castle Tour
Visiting Altenburg Castle in Bamberg is like stepping into a fairytale. This iconic Bavarian castle is set atop a hill overlooking the city of Bamberg. Of all the places I visited in Bamberg the Altenburg castle was at the top of my list!
The best way to visit this medieval gem is by taking a guided tour. It will be sure to leave you spellbound as you explore the many wonders it has to offer.
From the grandiose throne rooms and majestic towers to the secret passages and incredible frescoes, there is no shortage of things to discover in this remarkable castle.
Join a Brewery Tour and Drink Smoked Bier
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting experience, join a smoked beer tour as I did in Bamberg! This small city in Bavaria is home to some of Germany’s best-known breweries.
On the tour, you’ll get an inside look at how the brewers make their delicious beers with help from local smokehouses. You’ll also have the chance to sample a range of beers and learn about the history, culture, and traditions behind the brewing process. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the stunning scenery of this picturesque region.
Best Hotels in Bamberg
This post is all about day trips. However, if you do decide to stay the night in Bamberg, I have a couple of suggestions:
- Hotel Bamberger Hof Bellevue– This modern and luxurious hotel is one of the best in Bamberg! Enjoy the conveniences of being centrally located with a 15-minute to the main train station and a 5-minute walk to the town hall. Check Rates & Availability!
- Welcome Hotel Residenzschloss Bamberg– Everything you would expect from a four-star hotel located centrally in Bamberg. Onsite restaurant and bar. This hotel is very popular in the busy summer season! Check rates and availability!
- Hotel Villa Geyerswörth– If you want extra pampering, check out this spa hotel! You can’t beat the amenities and location of this Hotel Villa Geyerswörth. Check rates & availability.
Are you interested in medieval history in Bamberg? If so, I suggest doing a day tour! The tour below is highly reviewed!
Solo Traveler Essentials
#2 Day Trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
If you search for the most idyllic small towns in Germany, you often find that Rothenburg od der Tauber is top of the list! I can confidently say this is one of the most magical places I have ever visited in Germany. The market square is like something straight out of a fairytale.
A quick day trip to this preserved medieval city will leave you wanting to spend full days here. Since I experienced this place on a day trip from Nuremberg, I can confirm it is more than doable; you just might want more time.
The journey from the main train station in Nuremberg was not direct but was manageable. I would advise making day trips from Nuremberg early so that you can see as much of Rothenburg ob der Tauber as possible! Expect two connections to reach this medieval town, with a transit time of one hour and 30 minutes.
The main train station is a 10-minute walk to the city wall and 12 minutes to the town hall. On arrival, walk the upper deck for a great overview of the little town! You will get some lovely views of this preserved medieval city!
Tour From Nuremberg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Would you rather rely on someone else to get you to Rothenburg ob der Tauber? Lucky for you there is a super affordable day tour that will take you from Nuremberg straight to Rothenburg ob der Tauber!
>> BOOK TOUR FROM NUREMBERG TO ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER
Top attractions in Rothenburg ob der Tauber are:
The best part about traveling is trying out the local cuisine! If you have a sweet tooth, you must try this traditional pastry!
Schneeballen- “Schnee” means snow in English, and “Ballen” means ball. This is a shortcrust pastry that has been wrapped up in ball shape! These pasties are then covered in frostings of all different kinds.
Best Restaurants in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
My top picks for restaurants in Rothenburg ob der Tauber are:
Best Hotels in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
If you decide you want to make these 2 best day trips from Nuremberg an overnight adventure, here are the best hotels:
- Historik Hotel Gotisches Haus Garni If you want an authentic village-like experience, check out this great hotel!
- Tilman Riemenschneider This hotel plays right into the fairytale book theme! You can’t go wrong staying here with its charming interior and unbeatable location!
- Hotel Herrnschloesschen Once-in-a-lifetime experience here at Hotel Herrnschuloesschen. Five-star luxury in a fairytale-like village.
Some of my best advice when considering a day trip is to keep the transit time under 2 hours each way. Otherwise, it can become too much time to travel to get there. I would consider staying the night when the journey has a lot of connections.
#3 Best Day Trip to Regensburg
The duration from Nuremberg to Regensburg is 1 h 45 min. Take an ICE train from Nuremberg; note it’s a very separate ticket from the Bayern Pass. Regensburg might actually be the most undervalued city in Germany.
The medieval city of Altstadt has been a treasured place, and it can sometimes make you feel like you are stepping back in time. It was once one of the wealthiest towns in the whole of Germany. A day trip to Regensburg is one of fascinating history.
Keep it to one city per day trip.
Trying to achieve more than one will leave you feeling too rushed. It’s better to research the destination fully that interests you the most.
A day trip should be relatively low-stress; skip it if it seems too complicated. I have learned a lot from the past decade of solo traveling. My guide on How To Plan A Multi-City Trip To Europe will give you some helpful tips on planning an adventure.
I hope you have a wonderful time in Germany and enjoy the 3 best day trips from Nuremberg!
FAQs Nuremberg
Nuremberg is small enough to see most attractions in one day. I advise you to arrive in the early morning and plan out all that you want to see. It may be tough to do both the castle and the Nuremberg trial museum in one day.
Nuremberg is filled with a fascinating history that shouldn’t be passed by. If the Nuremberg courthouse and trail museum doesn’t interest you, there are many other attractions to see. Don’t miss Nuremberg castle and cathedral square.
Nuremberg is highly walkable and well-connected with public transit. The trains can take you almost anywhere you desire.
Prices in Nuremberg are lower than they are in Munich. The cost of living is nearly 61% percent higher in Munich. When visiting the two cities, you will find lower prices in Nuremberg.
SHANY says
Such a beautiful place! I haven’t got to visit Bavaria and would like to someday. The architecture and the view of the city is breathtaking. Thank you for sharing!
Julia Williams says
You’ve landed Rothenberg on my itinerary for my next Eurotrip…. it looks absolutely stunning!! Was it really that empty when you were there or did you work some photoshop magic on your photos?? Thanks for sharing! I love discovering smaller cities and towns through bloggers!
Melissa Byron says
It was empty.. it was recent, so you know why. It’s a fairytale-like town if I have ever seen one! You must see it for yourself one day!!
Karen says
I love the beauty of the medieval part of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. I like your tips for day trips. Less is more. I never find it great to pack too much into a day or I miss some of the charm of a place.
Sharon says
The Bamberg cathedral and monastery look incredible. And did I read that right… smoked beer? Sounds intriguing. Great suggestions for day trips, they look like really beautiful places to visit. Your photos are gorgeous!
Rick Rodriguez says
That’s very beautiful! The photos are incredible! I have not been to Bavaria, but I dream of getting there. Great blog! You inspired me! Thanks!
Melissa Byron says
That is so wonderful to hear! If you ever have travel questions, feel free to reach out!
Emma says
Nuremberg looks amazing, such a beautiful looking city. And as someone who really is interested in history this would be such a good place to visit. I would have to do a day trip to Bamberg though. That picture you have of the water there makes it look a lot like Bruges which I also loved. I’m a big fan of the smaller, medieval looking towns that you get so many of in Europe
Bolupe says
Bamberg sounds like a lovely destination I need to see. I am dying to see Bamberg Cathedral, I like the character of the building and to think it has been in existence since the 14th century is mind-blowing.
Kez says
I love Germany, but I havent been to Nuremburg. It looks lovely and a little bit different to other German towns I’ve been to. I’ll have to make sure to see it if I ever get back to Germany.
Tina says
I would love to visit Germany one day, especially a day Trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. What a pretty place indeed looks so idyllic! My kind of town. Thanks for sharing!
Diane says
This region looks lovely! I haven’t visited Germany much, but have been to Innsbruck, Austria which looks similar in a lot of ways. There are so many places going on my list!
Tal Bright says
Thanks for this super detailed post and all the great trip ideas. I’ve put Rothenburg ob der Tauber on my list 🙂
aine says
Wow, I only read about the biggest cities in Germany but never been to Nuremberg or Rottenberg. Will definitely add to my list once we can travel again!
Cristina says
Nuremberg looks a very beautiful city 🙂 I have never considered visiting it, but after reading your guide, I am adding it to my travel list. I definitely need to explore Germany more. Also, I love your pictures.
Sydney says
This looks like a dream, I would love to visit! Saving this guide for later 🙂
Rhonda Albom says
I have not been to Nuremberg although your idea of visiting in December sounds awesome as I have not been to European Christmas markets either. I love the half-timbered buildings in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.