Nuremberg Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Nuremberg

The most "German" of all cities in Germany, Nuremberg has witnessed many historic events in its lifetime. Sadly, the first thing immediately associated with Nuremberg is the rise of the Third Reich, the Nazi rallies, and the postwar trials over the Nazi leaders. Indeed, the city was favored by Hitler, who planned to build here a grandiose architectural complex for his party.

Nonetheless, prior to WWII, Nuremberg had given the world its famous sausages and gingerbread, and even earned some rather joyful, informal titles like the "treasury of Germany" and the "city of toys”.

Most versions as to the origin of its name suggest the word "nor", the Latin for rock, referring to the castle built on the rocky outcrop (Nuoin-berg) in the early 11th century, around which servants, artisans and merchants began to settle and thus laid foundation for the future city. The first documented mention of Nuremberg, as the location of the Imperial Castle, dates back to 1050.

Thenceforth until 1571 the city expanded and rose dramatically in importance due to its location on key trade-routes on the Pegnitz River. The largest growth of Nuremberg occurred in the 14th century when it was appointed to hold the first Imperial Diet by the newly elected kings of Germany. The Frauenkirche, built between 1352 and 1362 in Hauptmarkt, is where the Imperial Court worshiped during their stay.

The cultural flowering of Nuremberg in the 15th-16th centuries made it the center of the German Renaissance. Symbolic in this respect is Nuremberg's being the birthplace of the great German artist, Albrecht Dürer, who lived here from 1509 until his death in 1528, and whose house is now a museum.

Previously a free imperial city, Nuremberg officially became part of Bavaria in 1806. Later in the 19th century it emerged as an industrial hub, and grew further in significance during the Nazi era, becoming an important site for military production during World War II. Unfortunately, 90% of the city was destroyed in 1945; but fortunately, after the war, much of the medieval Old Town was rebuilt.

These days, Bavaria's second largest city after Munich – although Franconian in essence, with a distinctive vibe and dialect – Nuremberg is a popular tourist destination, visited annually by up to two million guests. If you are in Nuremberg, make some time to explore its notable attractions with the help of our introductory walk.