Nuremberg: A Familiar Place with New Surprises

Returning to Nuremberg feels like catching up with someone you didn’t expect to see—but are secretly happy you did. It wasn’t a trip I planned for leisure, but somehow, this city keeps calling me back. And every time, it offers something new. Like re-reading a favourite book and noticing a line you never really paid attention to before.

Nuremberg might seem small—and in some ways, it is. Especially the Altstadt, the historic Old Town. You can walk the whole city centre in a few hours, but somehow, I never do. I’m always stopping. Always looking. Always discovering something that makes me pause—like the soft clang of the tram, or the way the light hits the castle walls just right.

So what is it about Nuremberg that pulls me in? Here's what I’ve come to love:

A City of Artists and Makers

Nuremberg was once home to the Renaissance genius Albrecht Dürer, whose half-timbered house still stands near the castle—quiet and proud, just like the art inside. Not far away, you'll find the roots of another creative legend: Faber-Castell, one of the world’s oldest and most beloved pencil makers. I mean, what other city gives you medieval towers and iconic stationery?

Cobblestones and Castles

There’s something poetic about cities with cobblestone streets. They make you slow down—literally and figuratively. Nuremberg’s paths lead you through winding alleys, up to the Kaiserburg castle, and past homes with flower boxes and wood-beamed charm. Wear good shoes. And don’t rush.

A City That Remembers

Nuremberg holds a complicated place in history. It was once used as the stage for the Nazi Party rallies, and later, the Nuremberg Trials brought justice to some of history’s darkest crimes. The city doesn’t hide from that past. It confronts it, reflects on it, and builds something better from it. That quiet strength is something I respect deeply.

The Cafés (and the Calm)

This city has a stillness I crave. It's in the sound of the river, the empty corners of the Hauptmarkt early in the morning, and the quiet hum of a café where the coffee is strong and the vibe is just right. It doesn’t shout for your attention—but you feel it.

Nuremberg might not have been on my bucket list, but it’s become one of those places that always stays with me. Whether it’s the layered history, the quiet beauty of its streets, or a warm Brezel—that perfectly chewy pretzel you grab right off the street—they’re everywhere, and somehow always exactly what you need. I know I’ll always find something here that feels familiar… and something new.