Munich to Nuremberg train

Visiting the city of Nuremberg

Are you a history buff? Then Nuremberg should be right at the top of your list of cities to visit. Wandering the cobbled streets of this Bavarian city, admiring the half-timbered houses, will transport you right back to the medieval era, leaving you feeling like you've just stepped out of the pages of a storybook. Museums, Christmas markets, and the famous castle are other top attractions in Nuremberg.

The best things to do in Nuremberg

Nuremberg's charming old town is just 10 minutes to the north of the railway station. When you take the Munich to Nuremberg train, it's a quick and easy walk to the medieval cobbled streets. Nuremberg Old Town is surrounded by imposing stone walls, dating back to its historic role as a major city of the Holy Roman Empire. While you're exploring the old town, be sure to take enough time to admire the sights of Hauptmarkt, the central square. There are three impressive churches and the Schöner Brunnen fountain, where you can twist an old brass ring to make a wish.

Your day in the old town should also include a stroll along Weißgerbergasse, a delightfully traditional street with cobblestones and half-timbered houses, and a visit to the house of Albrecht Dürer, one of Germany's finest painters.

Of course, Nuremberg is also famous for a darker chapter in history. The Nuremberg Palace of Justice, where Nazis were tried and sentenced for their war crimes, is open to the public. A permanent exhibition uses multimedia to give visitors a sense of what the trials were like. Harrowing but educational, a day at the Palace of Justice is sure to make an impact on you.

Exploring Nuremberg Castle

As soon as you disembark the train from Munich to Nuremberg, you'll be greeted with a spectacular view of the Imperial Castle. In fact, this famous monument isn't just a single building; it's a number of fortified castles built to protect the old town from invaders.

You could easily spend all day exploring the castle. Inside, the Imperial Castle Museum has an impressive collection of weapons and armour, as well as artifacts from the Holy Roman Empire. The gorgeous, intricately jewelled imperial crown is on display, alongside a 16th century model of Nuremberg, painstakingly carved from wood.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll want to climb the 113 steps to the top of the Sinwell Tower for the best views of Nuremberg from above. There are also a number of guided tours of the castle. Some include visits to the secret, hidden passages that were built here in centuries gone by - the perfect, hands-on way to inspire children to take an interest in history.

Visiting Nuremberg with the family

As well as Nuremberg Castle, the city has a number of other great family-friendly attractions. Nuremberg Toy Museum dates back over 50 years, with countless generations of kids being spellbound by its collections. There are adorable antique dolls and dollhouses, as well as exhibits showing how toys have evolved from 1945 until the present day. It's a great day out for youngsters - and for the young at heart, too.

Kids will also love another attraction - one which celebrates Bavaria's most famous line of toys. The Playmobil FunPark has playground attractions for the little ones, with life-size Playmobil characters that are bound to put a smile on everyone's faces.

One of the best times to visit Nuremberg with children is winter. Throughout the month of December, the old town's Hauptmarkt square hosts one of Germany's largest Christmas markets. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt has been attracting visitors for centuries. Handmade Christmas decorations, carved wooden ornaments, and unique artisan gifts are some of the main attractions. Of course, you'll also find some delicious food. A tin of festive gingerbread from Nuremberg is the perfect Christmas souvenir.

Food and drink to try in Nuremberg

Bavaria's snowy winters demand hearty, warming food - and that's exactly what you'll find in Nuremberg. Restaurants in the old town often serve traditional fare, giving you the chance to sample local delicacies in picturesque surroundings. Here are some must-try Bavarian dishes:

• Every German city has its own type of sausage, and locals are usually fiercely proud of theirs. In Nuremberg, that honour belongs to the Nürnberger Rostbratwurst. These are small grilled sausages no larger than a man's finger, usually served in threes on a crusty bun spread with mustard.
• Schäufele, a slow-roast pork shoulder, is just what you need on a cold day. This tasty meat dish is often accompanied by sauerkraut and potatoes for a warming, satisfying meal.
• Kartoffelpuffer are similar to rösti, but contain egg for a smoother texture. These fried treats are enjoyed at any time of day, and are usually topped with a dollop of applesauce.
• For dessert, try Dampfnudeln. They're halfway between a bread roll and a dumpling, cooked like a dumpling but with made with yeast. Dampfnudeln are usually served with vanilla sauce, but some restaurants put their own unique spin on them.
• Lebkuchen are one of the highlights of the Nuremberg Christmas market. You'll find different vendors selling all kinds of versions of these gingerbread treats, often involving nuts, honey, and spices like cinnamon and cloves.

What better way to wash down a Bavarian feast than with local beer? As everyone knows, this region of Germany is a world centre of the brewing industry. You might be surprised to learn that local wines are also available; the Franconian area of Bavaria produces both white and red varieties, usually served in the characteristic Bocksbeutel, a bottle in the shape of a flask. Take the train from Munich to Nuremberg if you want to indulge in these local specialities without worrying about driving.

Nuremberg even has some non-alcoholic drinks which everyone can enjoy. Apfelschorle, a mix of apple juice and sparkling water, is a light, refreshing beverage that young and old can enjoy together.