Nuremberg is Bavaria’s second-largest city and the fourteenth-largest in Germany. It is famous for being the venue of the major rallies and Nuremberg trials, and home to several museums displaying collections in arts, history, science, and technology. Several tours of the city are offered including sightseeing buses and self-guided tours. A walk through the Old Town will take you through the walled city which is home to historical buildings and museums. Marvel at the unique architecture at Nuremberg Castle comprising three medieval fortified buildings and St. Lorenz medieval church. Food lovers can indulge in local fares such as lebkuchen (traditional German baked Christmas cookie), Bratwurst (Nuremberg sausage), and local beer. You can stay in an Airbnb vacation rental, or, if you prefer accommodations outside the city, in one of the historic hotels in Munich, which is just two hours away. With its proximity to various highways, a railway, and a waterway, Nuremberg offers easy access to other nearby towns. Scroll down to find out more about the top day trips from Nuremberg, Germany.
1. Bayreuth (from USD 16.42)
Bayreuth is just a short train ride from Nuremberg, known for its rich history and cultural heritage.
Visitors can explore the historic Old Town, with its beautiful Baroque architecture and quaint cobblestone streets. One of the beautiful small towns near Nuremberg, it is home to several museums, including the Richard Wagner Museum, which showcases the life and works of the famous composer who lived in Bayreuth for many years.
Music lovers can visit the Bayreuth Festival, an annual music festival dedicated to the works of Richard Wagner. The festival attracts visitors worldwide and offers a unique opportunity to experience Wagner’s music in the stunning surroundings of the Bayreuth Festspielhaus.
Bayreuth: Self-Guided Outdoor-Escape Game and adventure
2. Pottenstein
Take a quick day tour from Nuremberg to Pottenstein, which is a charming destination known for its natural beauty, with stunning rock formations and scenic hiking trails.
Visitors can explore the nearby Devil’s Cave, a natural limestone cave home to various stalactites and stalagmites, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s natural history. As the town is in the Franconian Switzerland region, known for its breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages, nature lovers can take the opportunity to hike or bike along the many trails to explore the surrounding forests and hills.
The town also offers a variety of dining options, with several local restaurants serving traditional Franconian cuisine, including sausages, dumplings, and beer.
3. Bamberg
If you’re looking for fun things to do near Nuremberg, visit this picturesque town in northern Bavaria which is a UNESCO World Heritage Center. It is approximately a one-hour drive from Nuremberg. Laid out over 7 hills, it is a town famous for its medieval buildings from the 11th to 19th centuries. Each hill has a church at the top. Marvel at the Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral featuring four towers, several stone carvings and tombs of Emperor Henry II and Pope Clement II. Visit the ornate residences of bishops in the 16th and 17th centuries and after the 17th century such as Alte Hofhaltung, Neue Residenz and Altenburg. Admire the Old Town Hall which is built in the middle of Regnitz River and has beautiful frescoes adorning its facades. Other magnificent buildings include Altes Rathaus and Michaelsberg Abbey.
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4. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a town located in northern Bavaria and is famous for its medieval architecture. For the outdoor lovers, go hiking on the scenic trails that take you through Tauber Valley which features several attractions. Admire the beautiful half-timbered houses lining the cobblestone lanes. To see a magnificent Gothic altarpiece made by woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider, visit St. Jakob’s Church. Enjoy Christmas shopping at the gift shop in the German Christmas Museum. Discover instruments of punishment and torture at Medieval Crime Museum.
5. Regensburg
Done with all the sightseeing in Nuremberg? Visit Regensburg which is the fourth largest city in Bavaria. Its medieval city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the unique architecture of its buildings and picturesque cityscape. Buildings of interest include Regensburg Cathedral that features Gothic architecture and an interior with numerous monuments and Walhalla hall of fame for important people in the history of Germany. Walk across the iconic 12th-century Old Stone Bridge. Regensburg is also home to 20 museums including the Regensburg Museum of History and Imperial Diet Museum. Have fun exploring this city rich in history and unique attractions.
6. Würzburg
Explore lavish baroque and rococo architecture which is popular in this city. Take a tour of the renowned Würzburg Residence. This palace features Baroque/Rococo or Neoclassical architecture, ornate rooms, a huge fresco showing paintings of Europe, Asia, America and Africa, a grand staircase and court gardens. For the art and history lovers, visit Marienberg Fortress which is home to the Museum for Franconia and The Fürstenbaumuseum. You can also indulge in a variety of wines at Franconian Wine Country. Other attractions include Romanesque Würzburger Cathedral, Old Main Bridge (which is a medieval stone bridge with statues), and Schloss Veitshöchheim.
7. Weltenburg Abbey and Kloster
Explore this Benedictine monastery located in Weltenburg. Its popular attractions include the intimate landscape and the Asamkirche. Marvel at the gorgeous view of the forest-crowned rock walls along the Danube Gorge and the beautiful interior decor of the building. It is used for pastoral activities, farming, adult education and hosting conferences and concerts. You can also shop for postcards, gift books, wood carvings, rosaries and so much more at the monastery shop. This spot is also home to Abbey Brewing Company famous for its Dunkel beer and a restaurant that offers a traditional Bavarian menu.
8. Iphofen
Iphofen is a town in Bavaria known for its unique medieval town wall that completely surrounds its historic buildings and wine production. See the seven towers and four gatehouses along the wall. Explore the unique architecture of the historic buildings such as St. Vitus featuring Gothic, Renaissance and early Baroque styles and the Baroque town hall on the market square. Visit Geschichtsscheune museum which houses a large model of the town and sculptures from the 16th and 18th centuries. You can also take a relaxing ride or hike through the town’s vineyards and enjoy tasting various German wines.
9. Fünf-Seidla-Steig
Fünf-Seidla-Steig is a scenic brewery hiking trail that takes you through five private breweries in Graefenberg and Weissenohe. A haven for beer and hiking lovers, this trail showcases everything Franconia has to offer. Take in breaths of fresh air and amazing scenery of the meadows and forests. Indulge in beer and Franconian delicacies that will leave you craving for more. Get to also observe the process of beer production. At the end of your tour, you can purchase souvenirs and beer specialties for keepsakes and as gifts for friends.
10. Flossenberg Concentration Camp
For the history lovers, visit this concentration camp that was built in 1938. Learn about the sad history of this camp. It was used to detain prisoners who were used as slave laborers in weapon production and in the granite quarries. The stone was then used to build monumental buildings. Many of the prisoners died from malnutrition, disease, and deplorable working conditions. This camp features a memorial site for the prisoners who died here, a cemetery, exhibitions and a permanent museum.
11. Bad Windsheim
This small historic town lies west of Nuremberg. Tour the Franconian Open Air Museum Bad Windsheim which is an open-air museum of ethnography that displays the rural life in Franconia. Buildings are grouped into numerous small towns featuring period furniture and household stuff. Take in the beautiful scenery and burn those extra calories hiking along the Aisch. Other attractions include museums such as Reichsstadtmuseum im Ochsenhof, lakes such as Obernzenner See, and castles such as Schloss Seehaus and Schloss Virnsberg.
12. Franconian Lake District
Relax in the serenity that comes with spending time around water bodies. Franconian Lake District is made up of seven lakes and several streams. The lakes include Altmühlsee, Brombachsee, Rothsee, Dennenloher See and Hahnenkammsee. Relish activities such as swimming, surfing, sailing, fishing, and boating. Soak up the sun while basking on the sandy beaches or hiking and cycling along the scenic shoreline. For the outdoor lovers, this is the place to be. By the end of your trip, you will be left feeling rejuvenated.
Journey through medieval Germany
Nuremberg and its nearby towns offer the perfect destinations to discover history. From marveling at the unique architecture of the medieval buildings, learning about history, hiking in scenic trails to sampling Franconian wine, this city has it all. Have fun exploring these top destinations from Nuremberg, Germany.
Frequently asked questions about day trips from Nuremberg, Germany
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