While wanting to explore the stereotypical Bavaria, but also wanting to have some insight into the real German culture in this area, I visited the towns of Nuremberg and Bamberg. Nuremberg, with the imposing Imperial Castle, wandering through the charming Altstadt adorned with half-timbered houses, and ponder the somber memories of the Nuremberg trials. Just north, Bamberg unveils its own medieval magic, a UNESCO World Heritage site where baroque beauty blends with ancient charm.
Nuremberg itself is a beautiful city in Bavarian Germany that gives a real sense of the German culture.
The city walls surround the large Old Town, which is halved by the river Pegnitz. A few gorgeous bridges and locks, a medieval castle and an impressive cathedral, and you have yourself a quaint yet typical medieval city. Throw in a pork knuckle and a few sausages, and I can't think of anything more German!
Nuremberg was named Germany's "most German city" once Nazi party rallies began to be held in the town from 1928-1938. Infrastructure was built to host the 1.1m Germans who flocked to the city including the Congress Hall and the Zeppelinfeld shown below.
Zeppelinfeld is an amphitheatre type stadium with a large grandstand where many of the rallies and demonstrations were held by the Nazi party. The grandstand is famous as being the site where the swastika atop it was blown up in 1945 after the fall of Germany at the conclusion of World War 2.
These days, the Zeppelinfeld is used as a race track and football fields. The grandstand is easily accessible to the public and is not a conserved site.
The Documentation Centre provides an exhibition on the site, which we then followed by a walk around the grounds which expand 11 square kilometres.
Our adventures to find the cutest German town was not hard as we jumped on a train to Bamberg, about a 30 minute ride from Nuremberg. Bamberg is everything that you want in a small country German town. The beautiful scenery, original colourful buildings, cute shops, excellent meals, and buzzing centre square made it a perfect day trip, but we wish we could have stayed longer!
The start to our Germany trip could not be complete without a taste of the traditional beverages on offer. The extensive range of locally brewed beers and schnapps means you are always in for a good time. PROST!
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