Nuremberg

Nearly a thousand years of history surrounds Nuremberg, which played a key role in the development of printing and the pocket watch. Today’s half million residents revere its ancient past, celebrate its current status as a highly livable city, while slowly coming to grips with the burden of its Nazi past and the 1946 War Crimes Tribunal.

Old Town’s rubble was rebuilt from the original stones after the war, It’s fairy tale charm is nearly surrounded by five kilometers of 15/16th century wall. Fürther Tor probably offers the best views and photos of the circuit walls, old town and the Burg.

Stunning Frauenkirche church towers over the Hauptmarkt square, a lively people watching and shopping venue year round. It does get more crowded with happy, holiday shoppers in the special Christmas market, Christkindlesmarkt, a magical time when the aroma of glühwein and gingerbread permeates the air.

The imperial Castle Kaiserburg was occupied by every Roman emperor from 1050 to 1571! Get your exercise and sightseeing in one by climbing the Sinwell Tower, then visit the living quarters and castle’s museum.

Nuremberg was known for its Nazi rallies on its immense marching grounds. Today, the city embraces international attention through the Peace Banquet, International Human Rights Award and the “Street of Human Rights.” At the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, a permanent Documentation Center exhibition “Fascination and Violence” achieved worldwide accolade.

Time for just one museum? Make it the German National Museum, Germanisches Nationalmuseum, a rich 1.2 million piece collection of 60,000 coins, 30,000 prints and drawings, musical instruments, documents, paintings, sculpture and toys.

Don’t forget to turn Schöner Brunnen fountain’s golden ring three times at the Hauptmarkt. Legend has it that your wish will come true!