Nuremberg, Germany, travel guide and things to do: Nine must-do highlights

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Nuremberg, Germany, travel guide and things to do: Nine must-do highlights

By Mark Chipperfield
The restored St Lawrence Church dominates the scenery at Nuremberg.

The restored St Lawrence Church dominates the scenery at Nuremberg.Credit: Dimitar Todorov / Alamy Stock Photo

THE ONE CHURCH

Allied bombs destroyed 87 per cent of Nuremberg in the final days of World War II and the magnificent 13th-century Lorenzkirche (St Lawrence Church) was not spared. After the war the huge edifice was painstakingly rebuilt and restored. Designed in the high Gothic style the church blends ornate Catholic decoration, such as stained glass windows, medieval altars and statutory, with a cooler Lutheran ascetic. The church has no less than three organs – and organists have been employed to play here for more than 500 years. See tourismus.nuernberg.de

THE ONE NAZI SHRINE

The Documentation Centre, in the southern suburbs, takes the visitor on a chilling journey into the heart of Nazi ideology. This unflinchingly honest museum charts the rise of National Socialism from a fringe political movement to its apotheosis in World War II2. The 19 exhibition spaces show how Nazi propaganda infected every aspect of German life. From here it's just a short stroll to the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, where 700,000 fanatical supporters once saluted their Fuhrer. See museums.nuernberg.de

THE ONE CASTLE

Nuremberg is not only the second largest city in Bavaria, but is also closely associated with the Holy Roman Empire, which lasted from the Middle Ages until 1806. The Imperial Castle captures the power and wealth of this peculiar trans-national entity. The sprawling complex sits atop a rocky outcrop in the north of the old city and consists of a mish-mash of architectural styles. Highlights include the Imperial Hall, Double Chapel, Deep Well and the Bower. Climb Sinwell Tower for panoramic views of the city. See kaiserburg-nuernberg.de

THE ONE MUSEUM

For a regional city with a population of about 500,0000, Nuremberg is well endowed with cultural institutions. Prominent among these is the German National Museum, the largest of its type in the German-speaking world. The vast collection includes ancient coins, musical instruments, textiles, jewellery, medieval armaments and 20th century German art. Nuremberg is famous for its toy production so the collection of antique dolls, board games and early toy cars is particularly interesting. See gnm.de

THE ONE CYCLEWAY

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Nuremberg is surrounded by some really delicious scenery, so why not hop on a bike to explore the real Franconia on two wheels? Follow the popular Regnitz Bicycle Trail to Bamberg though lush farmland, pretty hamlets and medieval towns. This route follows a gentle valley path besides the River Regnitz, but cyclists can return along the shorter 75-kilometre Main-Danube Canal loop. Bikes are available in Nuremberg. See frankentourismus.com

THE ONE RESTAURANT

The city's most celebrated culinary creation is its dainty, highly seasoned and toothsome pork sausage. Nurnberger bratwurst is served in bars and restaurants across the city, but the finest can be found at Bratwursthausle – a slightly kitsch establishment on the Rathausplatz where they have been making and grilling (over aged beech wood) bratwurst for more than 700 years. Order yours with a side order of sauerkraut and potato salad. See die-nuernberger-bratwurst.de

THE ONE CAFE

With its unmistakable modish 1970s exterior Neef Confiserie Cafe is a much-loved foodie destination in Nuremberg, attracting locals and sweet-toothed visitors alike. The shelves are packed with exquisite fruit topped flans, Bavarian biscuits and gusset-busting cream buns. The coffee here is also very good. See confiserie-neef.de

THE ONE HOTEL

Adina Apartment Hotel is Nuremberg's newest accommodation option. The contemporary property offers 138 well-appointed, sunny and spacious apartments, a 12-metre lap pool, fitness room, sauna, cocktail bar and an in-house restaurant. Staff are ultra-friendly and the hotel is well away from the bustling Konigstrasse, the city's main shopping street, but within easy walking distance of the other major tourist attractions. See tfehotels.com

ONE MORE THING

For a different perspective on this fascinating city join Subterranean Nuremberg for an escorted tour of the maze of cellars and corridors underneath your feet – many date from the 14th century and played a crucial role in Nuremberg's brewing industry. During World War II the Nazi elite took shelter from Allied bombs down here, but today the cellars are once again being used to condition beer and whisky. See historische-felsengaenge.de

Mark Chipperfield travelled as a guest of TFE Hotels and Rail Europe. See raileurope.com.au

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