Our tour guide asked what he knew about Nuremberg as we prepared to board the bus.
The famous Nuremberg tribunals, where Nazi leaders were convicted of war crimes, were just the trials, I said.
He replied sadly, as if he'd been hoping for a different answer.
Nuremberg is a city that has a past and you don't have to go far to learn about it. Tour guides are knowledgeable and honest about the era of World War II, which is why you can find tours that explore this dark chapter of history.
Nuremberg is loaded with culture, art and cuisine that can be seen by a wide range of visitors, and over the course of a few days, I tried to see them all.
There is a key figure of the German Renaissance at the museum. The photo was taken by Uwe Niklas.
Looking back.
Some of the most notorious Nazi ringleaders were convicted of crimes against humanity by an international tribunal in the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1946, which is where the Nuremberg Trials Memorial is located.
The trials that took place in Courtroom 600 have been preserved in a museum, which offers a virtual experience of the proceedings with video recordings.
The Documentation Centre at the Nazi Party Rally Grounds has an exhibit about Hitler's rallies in the 1930s. Set aside some time for exploration, because you can see the size and shape of Rome's Colosseum. There is a sign in place to help you understand what you are looking at.
The Way of Human Rights is located at the Germanic National Museum. The city's commitment to justice and humanity and a warning to not forget crimes against humanity are both represented by the white columns in the open-air installation.
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We embarked on a journey into the Middle Ages the next day, because Nuremberg's history goes further back than the war.
You don't have to be a student of architecture to appreciate the wealth of medieval churches, half-timbered houses and historical monuments in the city's Old Town. Many of the medieval structures were bombed in 1945 by the Allies in the war, but they are still faithfully executed.
The Imperial Castle of Nuremberg was built in the 12th century and is located over Old Town. The castle has a restaurant and extensive gardens. After the war, the castle was damaged but some Gothic sections survived.
The Toy Museum has hands-on sections for children and exhibits that range from historical to modern-day toys and dolls.
The works of one of the best-known German Renaissance artists can be seen at the Albrecht Durer's House. The house where Durer worked in the 1500s is well preserved, and it's where he created his self-portraits.
The techniques Durer used to create his art are being demonstrated by the museum staff.
The Craftsmen's Courtyard is during Advent. The main market square and different spots in the Old Town will have booths. The photo was taken by Uwe Niklas.
Looking forward.
One of Europe's oldest Christmas markets is getting ready. The market this year will take place in a different way, with different booths in different spots in the Old Town. The idea is to allow locals and visitors to mingle more and enjoy the market experience.
The market will be open from November 26 to December 24.
The Blue Night festival was inaugurated in 2000 to mark the 950th anniversary of Nuremberg. The festival was canceled last year because of the Pandemic, but will be held in May.
The one-night event, which has drawn some 140,000 visitors in the past, takes place in venues throughout Old Town and features art installations, sound and light shows, interactive presentations and dance performances.
TheDeutsches Museum is a branch of theDeutsches Museum in Munich. Exhibits show how to imagine and shape the future with technology and the natural sciences.
Several new hotels are opening this year.
The 120-room Hotel Karl August is located next to the main market square and features an indoor pool, a gym, a restaurant, and long-stay suites with kitchens and dining tables.
The Leonardo Royal is located at the main railway station. The property has a bar and breakfast buffet, a rooftop terrace and free internet.
Motel One has a hotel bar on the 14th floor that has a scenic view over Nuremberg.
The budget-friendly property has a lounge with drinks and snacks and a breakfast buffet in a room with vintage railway-inspired images. Kids 12 and younger are free in their parents' room.
Visitors to Nuremberg should be prepared to wear medical-grade masks on transportation and in public space.
