Hi Germany experts! My family will be in Germany and Austria for two weeks this summer. We are traveling from Salzburg to Erfurt (to see the Luther sites) but have one day available to see something in between (and also to break up the long-ish train rides). We are thinking about spending our available day/night in Nuremberg but are open to other options. Any alternative recommendations? Or is Nuremberg the best choice? My nature-loving 8 year old would really enjoy somewhere that he can be outside instead of at museums/churches/etc. Thanks all!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Nürnberg is the obvious choice, but you could also consider Landshut, Bamberg or Coburg.
The Fränkische Schweiz (Franconian Switzerland) region ranges north and east of Nürnberg and offers plenty of interesting rock formations, gorges, and forests for the nature lover (and also plenty of castles and scenic villages). However, without a car, getting to a suitable trail head would be very difficult, even more so because you only have one day.
Closer to Erfurt, you could try the Thüringerwald (Thuringian Forest), but I know considerably less about this area.
Posted by
Washington DC
28102 posts
I haven't yet made it to Nuremberg so I cannot compare, but I took two recommendable side-trips while I stayed in Erfurt. Both are manageable by public transportation though quicker by car.
Eisenach, with an interesting historic center and the impressive Wartburg Castle (English-language tours available).
Weimar, an historically-important city that I visited primarily in order to see Buchenwald. The latter has an outdoor component, of course, but it is probably not what you had in mind. This can be a rather time-consuming visit, because after the war, the new regime housed political enemies there, so there are two layers of history to explore.
In addition, Erfurt itself has a lovely historic district. Be sure to allow time for just wandering around. I found it a very pleasant place, and quite lively because of the students.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7893 posts
I think you have over 6 hours on the train. Don't plan too much. Both terminal cities are open and attractive.
Edit: For the 8 year old, EGAPark in summer in Erfurt is absolutely ideal, good for hours and hours including for adults. Has its own tram stop. Admission charge.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
Hi,
For taking a break between the two, I suggest Weimar, a lovely town to relax and explore known as "Deutschlands Dichterstadt." (the city of poets), which you'll see why. I have been there three times and am not tired of the place.
Posted by
Ohio
171 posts
I liked Nuremberg. The town is pretty, especially the view of the Heilig Geist Spital from the main pedestrian street and the town square with its cathedral and fountain. Nearby is a medieval castle and the home of Albrecht Dürer.
If you are a WWII buff you will want to see the Documentation Center (museum) and the Nazi Rally Grounds. The movie Triumph of the Will, by Leni Riefenstahl, (available on Youtube) will give you an idea of what a Rally was like in the Nazi era.
Near the castle are tunnels used to store art "saved" from destruction by the Nazis during WWII (see Monuments Men). And not far away is the Palace of Justice where the Nuremberg Trials were held.