Dated all the way back to the 16th century, the Nuremberg’s Christmas Market, or the Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt, is one of the oldest in Germany. During the World War II the event didn’t happen, being re established only in 1948 as the old town was destroyed during that period.
It’s been long since I try to visit the Nuremberg’s Christmas Market, and finally this year I made it there. I was not only impressed with the market, but also with the city itself, as it was my first time there too. The old town is the perfect scenario for the Christmas Market, there is no way one cannot get into the Christmas mood while there.
The Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt
As in every traditional Christmas Market in Germany, this one has mulled wine, actually a variety of them, including blueberry flavour; handcrafts such as board games and Christmas decorations, gingerbread hearts and other shapes, chocolates, fruits covered with chocolates, nuts, clothes, candles, sausages, especially the Nürnberger würst – typical local sausage – concerts, plays, and much more.
The difference between this market and the ones I have been so far is: the size is doubled, tripled or maybe more. Once it gets busy, you can really get lost among the stalls. There is certainly enough to keep you busy for hours.
The Christmas Market is located in the Main Market Square, Hauptmarkt Nürnberg, and from there you can take some time to explore the surroundings. Important landmarks of the city are just a few steps away, like the St. Lorenz Cathedral and the Kaiserburg – Nuremberg’s castle.
Since I did a day tour from Munich by train, I enjoyed the time to visit other things in town, not far from the Christmas Markets. Here are 5 of them, which are free and worth doing:
The Handwerkhof am Königstor
Just across the Hauptbahnhof you will see a medieval tower and gate (Königstor), right there you will find a mini Christmas Market, the Handwerkhof Nürnberg. It is basically composed by handcrafters, where it is possible to find jewelry, wooden crafts, clothing accessories and others, but there is also mulled wine and Bratwürstsemmel – sausage and bread.
- One day without a smile is a lost day (Charlie Chaplin)
St. Lorenz Cathedral
If you think the outside is beautiful, you should enter and see how stunning it is on the inside. One of the most breath taking cathedrals I have entered so far, certainly worth the visit.
Kaiserburg
The Kaiserburg is located on a hill, from where you have a great view over town. You can walk around its medieval walls and cobbled stoned floors, go up the tower, or simply hang around.
The bridges over Pegnitz river
Pegnitz river crosses Nuremberg’s old town and gives an extra charm to it. Small islands can be spotted, cafes and galleries nearby. I never guessed how beautiful Nürnberg is, and I’m glad I know now.
Stroll around the streets of the Old Town
The old town with its colourful buildings, cathedrals, cobbled stoned streets, carriages, castles and medieval walls and gates make Nuremberg one of the prettiest German towns I have visited so far.
How to get there from Munich
You can easily take a day tour from Munich to Nuremberg; a cheap and nice way to get there is by train. There are several trains leaving from Munich’s Hauptbahnhof throughout the day, and the journey lasts around 2 hours maximum.
Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt: date and opening times
The Christmas Market starts on the last Friday of November and goes until the 24th of December. It is open daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, and on the last day (Christmas Eve) it closes at 2:00 pm.
Tips
- If you are staying in Munich, it is very easy to take the train to Nuremberg, and if traveling in a group you can buy the Bayern Ticket (no need for reservation), which allows up to 5 people to use it and costs between 23€ (1 person) to 43€ (5 persons)
- In Nuremberg itself you won’t need to take public transportation, the old town is just across the Hauptbahnhof, so you can just walk. Here was my itinerary:
- On the way back, make sure to be early at the train platform, as the train will probably be packed (especially on the weekends).
