For those keen on a whimsical winter break, jetting off beyond British borders may just hit the festive spot.
Tucked away in the charming heart of Bavaria lies the enchanting city of Nuremberg, famed for being the birthplace of Christmas Lebkuchen.
This traditional German gingerbread is synonymous with the festive period and Nuremberg’s illustrious Christmas market, Christkindlesmarkt, which will be running from November 29 until December 24.
Find everything from traditional Franconian Christmas decorations to blueberry mulled wine and much more.
A trip here isn’t complete without a stop at Lebkuchen-Schmidt to savour the original Nurnberger Lebkuchen, earning Nuremberg its moniker as “the capital of gingerbread” through the ages.
Much like the regional exclusivity claimed by Emmental cheese, only treats actually baked within the city can boast the esteemed title of genuine Lebkuchen, reports MyLondon. Nuremberg’s pride also extends to Franconia’s own variation, known as “Elisen”, a recipe brimming with hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds that must be met for it to earn its namesake.
The city’s affair with gingerbread harks back to medieval times when trade routes ferried spices such as ginger, and locally sourced honey created a thriving culture for these sweet treasures.
Local monks are revered for their ancient gingerbread recipes, which became invaluable during winters when food was scarce; they would rely on the enduring shelf-life of honey cake for sustenance.
Over centuries, Lebkuchen recipes have blossomed with variety, giving you the chance to indulge in chocolate-draped gingerbread, traditional Nuremberg Cinnamon Stars, and 2024’s official Lebucken, the Treasure Elisen.
Nuremberg is renowned for its unique Bratwurst, which is notably thinner and shorter than other German variants.
For a ‘true’ taste of Bavarian cuisine, the Albrecht-Durer-Stube restaurant serves up traditional dishes such as Kasespatzle, Blaue Zipfel (a vinegar-cooked Bratwurst), and Apfelkuchle. The eatery also bagged Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award in 2021.
When in Nuremberg, there are several must-visit attractions, including the Aldstadt, the city’s historic area.
The Hauptmarkt offers a glimpse into where the Christkindlesmarkt is held, with numerous market vendors selling food and gifts.
The Kaiserburg Nurnberg, the city’s imperial castle, along with the city walls, ranks among Europe’s most formidable medieval fortresses. The castle has hosted various rulers who visited the city but sadly fell into disrepair following the end of the Holy Roman Empire.
Architect Carl Alexander von Heideloff revived it so that the then King Ludwig I could reside there as sovereign. However, by 1945, the castle was almost entirely in ruins, with only significant Romanesque and late Gothic elements remaining undamaged.
St Lorenz Church and the Frauenkirche are among the city’s most significant religious sites. Nuremberg also boasts several museums, including the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, the Toy Museum, and the German Railway Museum. Nuremberg also has a rich history related to the Second World War and the Third Reich.
Tourists can visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Documentation Centre, where remnants of the buildings still stand.
The museum provides an insight into the city’s rule during the Weimar Republic following World War One, leading up to the first National Social Party rallies in 1927.
From 1933, the Nazis held their annual party rallies in Nuremberg, making it a hub for the party’s propaganda.
Visitors can also pay a visit to The Nuremberg Trials Memorial situated atop the Nuremberg Palace of Justice.
From November 1945 to 1949, numerous Nazi leaders and party members were tried in court here.
The trials witnessed 20 doctors and three high-ranking SS members standing trial in December 1946.