Please note that some of the links on the website might be affiliate links, which means that at absolutely no extra cost for you our website will earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting this project! Our Disclaimer
Table of Contents:
How to get to Nuremberg from Munich
I have travelled extensively around Southern Germany and I can say that the area is full of attractions, be it inspiring countryside, magnificent tiny towns scattered around, great architecture, thermal springs or any other sites. Plus, getting around is pretty much easy here, because of developed transport infrastructure. You can use trains, buses or cars to get around. I tried all of these means of transport and I can confirm that they are pretty much convenient and fast.
When to travel to Nuremberg
Nuremberg is the second most populous city in Bavaria after Munich and the administrative center of the Bavarian province of Franconia. In terms of tourism, Nuremberg also shares the palm with Munich and is considered to be one of the most visited cities in Germany by tourists. The city of Nuremberg deserved such popularity not by chance, since it is an architectural “treasury” of the former German Empire. Walking along Nuremberg streets, you can easily feel the vibes of the Middle Ages.
Based on my research, I recommend visiting Nuremberg all year round as the local climate is quite mild and suits best for long distance strolling around the city and enjoying its architecture. During the springs and summers, you can feel nature blossoming. During the autumn time you can be surprised with colorful trees and plants. During the winter time you can be charmed with Christmas fairs and holiday illumination. Nuremberg Christmas fairs are one of the most-known fairs in Germany.
How to get to Nuremberg
Where do you fly into to get to Nuremberg? Getting to Nuremberg on your own is quite easy as it is situated close to Munich airport. Munich has the international airport where a lot of flights land from all over the world. There are also Stuttgart and Frankfurt, located little further away than Munich, but both cities also have international airports. Check the current timetable from your city at Aviasales booking service. I usually use Aviasales when planning my trips, because it can compare a great variety of available flight options in order to choose the best one for me. Then, you can get to Nuremberg from these cities by train, by bus or by car.
How to get to Nuremberg from Munich
I did some research and found out that the distance between Munich and Nuremberg is approximately 165 km. The cities are connected with highway # A9, as well as by rail, so getting to Nuremberg from Munich on your own is not difficult at all.
By train: Trains from Munich to Nuremberg run approximately 1 time every half an hour, starting at 4 am. High-speed trains (ICE) depart from the Munich Main Train Station; the travel time is a little bit over 1 hour. The trains are direct, no change is required. Train timetables can be checked at the Raileurope booking service. I use Raileurope regularly to check out the current train timetable throughout the whole of Europe. In my opinion, it is a very convenient service, because I can compare different routes, duration of the train journey and many other useful options.
By bus: Buses to Nuremberg depart from the Central Bus Station of Munich during the whole day with a frequency of 1 time per hour. Buses have direct routes, no changes required; the travel time varies from 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 55 minutes, depending on the traffic.
By taxi: If necessary, you can also take a taxi from Munich to Nuremberg, this option is considered to be especially relevant at night, when trains and buses do not run between cities. Travel time by taxi is about 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on the traffic. The travel time from Munich Airport to Nuremberg and from the center of Munich varies slightly due to the fact that the airport is outside of the city. You can order a taxi car upon arrival or in advance on the transfer booking services such as Kiwitaxi service, Intui.Travel service and the others. I examined both services and checked out reviews. Most of them are positive so I can recommend them.
By renting a car: Another way to get from Munich to Nuremberg is to rent a car. Car rental in Munich is an extremely popular option among tourists; you can find rental offices in any area of the city, as well as at the Munich airport. You can also book a car in advance on the different booking services such as Discover Cars, Economybookings, etc. Both online services are well-known and I usually can easily find and book an option I need.
◊A useful tip: Compare a few of booking services to choose the best price. Roads in Germany are high-speed (the so-called autobahns), so you can move along quickly and comfortably. Nuremberg is connected with Munich with # A9 highway. The distance between cities is 165 km (see on the map). I travelled a lot along the German highways and based on my experience, I can confirm they are pretty much comfortable and it is often the fastest way to get to the desired destination.
Where to stay in Nuremberg
I did some research and I can conclude that Nuremberg has a variety of options for accommodation. It can be hotels of all-star categories (from 2 to 5 stars, as well as without stars), guest houses, hostels or apartments. The most popular district of the city for booking accommodation is the Mitte area, but the Südostadt, Nordstadt, and Weststadt districts are also quite popular. Nuremberg is dominated by 3- and 4-star hotels, this is the most common accommodation option in the city.
Holiday Inn Nuremberg City Center 4* – The hotel is located in the historical center of the city, next to the Metro station. There are 2 restaurants and a bar, a fitness room and a sauna on site. Wi-fi is provided free of charge. Private parking is available on site for a fee. The hotel has standard, superior rooms and suites. All of them are equipped with hairdryer, kettle, telephone, TV, radio, mini-bar, iron, safe, air conditioning. Some room types include breakfast (check when booking). The hotel received high ratings from tourists for its cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, location and staff professionalism. At the reception you can find luggage storage and currency exchange. The front desk is open 24/7. Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 12.00.
NH Collection Nuremberg City 4* – This chain hotel is located within the walking distance of the Main Train Station and close to historical attractions. You can find a restaurant (with a terrace open in summer), a fitness room, a sauna, and paid parking on site. The hotel has standard, superior and family rooms. The rooms are equipped with everything you need, including hairdryer, telephone, TV, radio, mini-bar, iron, safe, air conditioning. Depending on the type of room, breakfast may be included in the price (check when booking). The hotel received the best reviews for the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, as well as for the location. The reception provides luggage storage and a tour desk service. The front desk is open 24/7. Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 12.00.
Novina Hotel Wohrdersee Nuremberg City 4* – The hotel is located in a park area, in a beautiful and quiet location. You can walk to the railway station in 10 minutes. There is also a public transport stop nearby. The hotel has a restaurant and a gym. The restaurant serves local and international cuisine. Guests can stay in rooms of various categories. Breakfast is included in the price. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, safe, minibar, hairdryer. Wired internet is available in public areas free of charge. Private parking is possible on site at an additional cost. The front desk is open 24 hours a day and provides currency exchange and luggage storage services. Check-in at the hotel is from 15.00, check-out – until 11.00.
Hotel Elch Boutique 3* – This boutique hotel is located in the “heart” of Nuremberg historic Centre, within the walking distance of the main attractions. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants nearby. Wi-fi is provided free of charge. Private parking is available on site, but parking is possible at an additional cost. The hotel has rooms of different categories. All of them are equipped with hairdryer, TV, safe, air conditioning, mini-bar. Breakfast is included in some room types. The hotel received the best reviews for its location, cleanliness of the rooms and the quality of the Wi-Fi provided. Luggage storage is available at the reception. Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 11.00.
Hotel Prinzregent 3* – Among Nuremberg hotels, this one stands out for its original Art Nouveau design. The hotel is located in a quiet area, close to the Metro station, from which you can reach anywhere in the city. The historic center is within walking distance. Wi-Fi is available free of charge. Parking spaces at the hotel can be booked for a fee (reservations must be made in advance). The hotel has standard and superior rooms, which are equipped with everything you need from hair dryer and telephone to TV and minibar. Breakfasts are included in the room rate. Based on my research, the hotel receives high ratings for its the location, cleanliness of the rooms and professionalism of the staff. Luggage storage is available on site. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 11.00.
TIPTOP Hotel Burgschmiet Garni 3* – This hotel is located in a quiet area, within the walking distance from the main attractions and the old town. Bus, metro and tram stops are also nearby. Guests of the hotel can stay in one, two, three or four-bed rooms. All rooms are made in a classic style and are equipped with a TV, mini-bar, safe, telephone, hairdryer, fan. Breakfast is paid separately. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge. Public parking is available on site upon reservation and at an additional cost. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out – until 12.00. The front desk also provides luggage storage services.
What to see & do in Nuremberg
Most of the attractions of Nuremberg are historical monuments, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The local museums also have great collections. Nuremberg also offers a special tourist route called the “Historical Mile”. Following this route, you can get a complete picture of the 25 outstanding attractions of the city. The list includes fortress walls, churches, bridges, towers, houses of famous people, monuments, monasteries, museums etc. If you are interested in architecture as much as me, you will definitely be pleased with walking along the Historical Mile.
Almost all the attractions of Nuremberg refer us to one or another period of history – whether it is Pilate’s House, medieval towers and churches or a monument to the victims who suffered during the Second World War.
I examined some information and can say that, geographically, the Old Town is divided into two areas by the river – Sebalder Altstadt (north side) and Lorenzer Altstadt (south side). The building that dominates all the other architectural monuments of the Old Town is the Nuremberg Fortress. The construction of the fortress dates back to the end of the 15th century, while the pentagonal tower was built at the beginning of the 11th century. The fortress rises over the city, so it offers breathtaking views. Inside you can find a Historical Museum here. I found out detailed information for visiting the fortress:
- The Nuremberg Fortress is open daily from 09.00 to 18.00 (from April to 4 October) and from 10.00 to 16.00 (from 4 October to March inclusive).
- The fortress gardens are available for viewing from April to October from 08.00 to 20.00.
- The entrance ticket costs 7 euros. Entrance to the gardens is free.
- How to get there: it is better to use public transport as there is no parking space near the Fortress.
- Use the following options of public transport: the tram # 4 to “Tiergartnertorplatz” stop, the bus # 36 to “Burgstraße” stop, the U-Bahn (underground) to “Lorenzkirche” station.
Another notable architectural detail of the city is the Fortress Walls, which were built back in the 13th century and for the most part have survived to these days (out of 5 km of the wall, a section of 4 km long has been preserved). Along the way, the walls have several entrance gates that lead to the Old Town. This area is called the Castle Quarter, or Burgviertel.
Most-known churches of the city are Sebalduskirche and Lorenzkirche built in the 13th century. Both of them have amazing facades, but you should definitely go inside, because the interiors are decorated with paintings by outstanding German artists.
The Market Square is the place where the famous Christmas fairs are held annually. The market square has a long history, dating back to the 14th century when it was built, but these days it is almost always a festively decorated place of the city. On the square, the Gothic Church of the Virgin Mary, which was built in the same 14th century, can be found. The fountain under the dome is also located on the Market Square and has an interesting architecture, the only one of its kind.
Nuremberg is home to several outstanding museums. Depending on your interests, you can visit the German National Museum, which has preserved a unique collection of works by German artists, from prehistoric times to the 20th century.
- The German National Museum is open daily, except Mondays, from 10.00 to 18.00 (on Wednesdays – until 20.30);
- The entrance fee is 8 euros for adults.
There is also a Transport Museum in Nuremberg, which tells about the history of the railway in Germany. Here you can find original exhibits, for example, parts of the railway or trains. In addition, the museum has a miniature model of the railway, so this museum is considered to be interesting not only for adults, but also for kids. There is some useful information for visiting that I discovered:
- The Transport Museum is open daily, except Mondays, from 09.00 to 17.00 (on Saturdays and Sundays – from 10.00 until 18.00);
- The entrance ticket costs 9 euros for adults and 5 euros for kids. You can purchase a family ticket for 18 euros (2 adults + up to 4 children).
Nuremberg is the homeland for Albrecht Durer, an outstanding German artist, which is why today the Durer House Museum is open and devoted to the artist. Inside, the interiors, in which the master worked, were restored. The exposition tells about Durer’s life in general and about the period when he created his masterpieces, in particular. The museum exhibits copies of his works; the originals can be seen in the German National Museum, here in Nuremberg.
- The Durer Museum is open daily from 10.00 to 17.00 (It is closed on Mondays during the winter time).
- The price of the entrance ticket is 7,5 euros.
Another popular museum in Nuremberg is the Toy Museum. A collection of various toys is located on 4 floors! Here you can find both antique items and ultra-modern robot toys, as well as many toy-related details – doll houses, car models, doll outfits, soft toys and more. The museum delights both adults and children at the same time and is considered to be one of the most visited museums in Nuremberg.
- The Toy Museum is open from 10.00 to 17.00 daily (in winter, Monday is a day off).
- The entrance ticket costs 7,5 euros.
The Nuremberg Zoo has close to natural conditions for animals to live. You can find here any, even the most exotic animals, including elephant, rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra and polar bear. The collection of monkeys and reptiles is also amazing. Another highlight of the zoo is a dolphinarium. It hosts performances of dolphins, fur seals and other marine habitats. After some research, I discovered the following practical information:
- The zoo is open from 08.00 to 19.30 daily.
- The entrance ticket costs 18 euros for an adult, 13,50 euros for teenagers (from 14 to 17 years old), 8,50 euros for children.
- You can purchase a family ticket for 42 euros (2 adults and children) or 24 euros (1 adult and children).
- The zoo has a restaurant, a snack bar and a fast-food kiosk.
Take a note! When going on a trip to Germany, do not forget to take out travel insurance, which is useful for receiving a tourist visa and for solving emerging medical problems when travelling in another country. You can purchase insurance via online services, for example, via EKTA and others. You can choose from different modes, including quiet, active or extreme rest.
Photo above the article: Ștefan Jurcă
Julia is an experienced traveller, BA in International Relations and Languages and true lover of planning trips in advance. Learn more about the author…
You have sold me on Nuremburg. I would love to see this beautiful city!
This brings back great memories from a visit to Nuremberg to stay with friends there. Looking forward to visiting again.
Nuremberg looks like a fantastic city to explore! I knew that it has seen fierce fighting in WWII, so I honestly thought it would have lost more of those gorgeous historical buildings. The Old Town and the Nuremberg Fortress are incredible eh!?
Nuremberg looks like a fantastic city to visit! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I love you travel guides to different parts of Germany! So much great information and tips, makes it so easy for new visitors to figure out all the logistics and see the best sites.