Hi all,
I've decided to spend a night in either Nuremburg or Regensburg in early December. Which town do you prefer? I read that Regensburg is a more scenic looking medieval town, but I feel like Nuremburg looks nicer in pictures. I will be there during the Christmas market season, and Nuremburg's market is pretty famous. I will have just one day and one night to experience the city, so I'm just looking for a town with the best initial impression.
Thanks you for your help!
Christmas markets are everywhere in Germany. Regensburg alone has four. The one at Schloss Thurn und Taxis even scored on an award last year. See
http://www.bayern.by/weihnachtsmarkt-christkindlmarkt-regensburg You have less foreign tourists at Regensburg, though.
I would throw a dice.
There's no contest. Regensburg wins. Please don't spread the word, though. ;)
Oh, and why only 1 night? I'd live there if I could.
I'm with j: Regensburg.
I disagree. Nürnberg is three times bigger than Regensburg and has three times more to offer in terms of historical architecture and museums. The beer at the Regensburg, however, is good. ;)
WIll you be there during the week or on a weekend? That is what would tip the balance for me. We did Nuremberg on a weekday as we heard the markets get really really crowded on the weekend. I would take that into consideration.
The Nuremberg Markets were nice. I liked the Artisan part near the train station. I really enjoyed the International part, they were Markets from all of their sister cities, so that was fun. The main market was also nice. There are three old churches there that are amazing.
I have not been to Regensburg, so I cannot weigh in on that city, but it is on my list :)
We lived in Nürnberg for 18 months in the mid 80's. We have been back multiple times on visits. Great town.
All that said, Regensburg is our favorite town in Germany, especially in the Advent season. We like the Dom, the Roman ruins, Alte Kapelle, St. Emmeram, etc. The Christmas Markets largely sell the same goods and Regensburg is less overwhelmed by crowds.
Regensburg in snow.
https://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Advent-2010/Regensburg/
Thurn & Taxis Romantic Market
https://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Advent-2010/Thurn-and-Taxis-Palace-Market/
I would gladly go back to either this coming December.
Another vote for Regensburg. For one night I always prefer a smaller city. The Nuremburg market I find to be too crowded and too big (especially on the weekend). Famous doesn't always = good.
My 2¢
DJ
I've been to both in December. For a short stay where your main concern is overall atmosphere and impression, Regensburg wins hands down. It's just lovely and is beautifully decorated for the holidays. I just loved walking around the town.
Nuremberg is also nice, but it's much more crowded (we were there on a weekday). It's certainly not a bad choice, but Regensburg is better, IMO.
Thank you for all the responses! I thought I was set on Regensburg, but then I couldn't find a good hostel in Regensburg, so now I have another idea. I will be there on Wednesday, so I am considering spending the night in Nuremberg and then day tripping to Regensburg, Landshutt, and back to Munich the following day. What do you guys think?
That's a nice trip and completely reasonable.
I disagree. Nürnberg is three times bigger than Regensburg and has
three times more to offer in terms of historical architecture and
museums.
Nuremberg was leveled in WW2 and rebuilt, not reconstructed. 90% of the buildings in the "old town" are ugly postwar buildings. Regensburg on the other hand survived WW2 undamaged, and it's one of only a few truly medieval towns in Germany. And therefore a Word Heritage Site.
I like them both very much. If you are interested in WWII history, then see Nuremberg with the Rally grounds and Documentation center and courtroom 600; if you have not seen many medieval cities then Regensburg and the cathedral and the bridge. Both are worthwhile. Excellent sausages in each- the Nurnberg sausages are finger sized and scrumptious.
I assume you are young with the Hostel thing. I would opt for Regensburg and an overnight. Many bars, cafes and locals in and around the old city and university. Plenty to see too and the Christmas Markets are nice and the old city is really decorated/lit well. Landshut is nice too, but trying to do so much in such a short time I cannot recommend. Landshut is more tame and not so much going on as in Regensburg or Nuremburg. Nuremburg you need to know some folks to get the most out of it (after hours etc.). Just going there for a short trip with the overcrowded Christmas Market I cannot recommend.
