Nuremberg calling: top things to see, do and try in Bavaria’s second city as easyJet launches Manchester link
As temperatures drop, festive lights begin to twinkle, and lashings of hot Gluhwein are served up to thirsty patrons at the city’s enchanting Christmas market, there’s no better time for travellers to discover Nuremberg – Manchester Airport’s newest destination.
Yesterday afternoon marked the launch of easyJet’s brand-new direct route from Manchester to Nuremberg, opening up a convenient gateway to the cultural heartland of Bavaria renowned for its world-famous Christmas markets, medieval architecture, rich history and celebrated Franconian food and drink.
Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said:
“We’re proud to connect people from across the North with the destinations they want to travel to – so it’s incredibly exciting to see easyJet launching direct flights to Nuremberg from Manchester, just in time for the city’s iconic Christmas markets.
“This service makes us the only UK airport outside London with a direct connection to Bavaria’s second city.
“Nuremberg is a hotbed of German culture, history, cuisine and architecture – there’s so much to explore within the city and we’re sure it’ll prove extremely popular with travellers from Manchester.”
Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said:
“We’re really pleased to be celebrating the launch of our first flight from Manchester to Nuremberg today and welcoming customers onboard our newest route from the North West.
“Nuremberg is a fantastic addition to our network and an ideal destination for a winter city break, from its famous Christmas markets to its fascinating history and medieval architecture.
“The launch further expands the choice we offer our customers from Manchester, providing even more great-value connectivity across Europe and beyond.”
Nuremberg, the second-largest city in the Bavaria region behind Munich, is often overlooked in favour of Germany’s bigger cities. Yet its compact size, walkable Old Town and wealth of cultural attractions make it an ideal choice for a short break.
And while Nuremberg’s Christmas market attracts visitors from around the globe each winter, the city offers far more than festive charm alone.
Here, we run through eight of the top things to see, do and try in Nuremberg.
Experience Nuremberg’s world-famous Christmas Market
No visit to Nuremberg in the run-up to Christmas would be complete without a trip to the Christkindlesmarkt. Dating back centuries, the compact market is a feast for the senses, filling the city's picturesque Hauptmarkt square with traditional wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts, decorations and festive treats.
Other stands serve up Gluhwein (mulled wine), roasted almonds and gingerbread, while scheduled and spontaneous performances from choirs, carol singers and musicians provide a magical soundtrack.
Explore Nuremberg Castle
Perched high above the city, Nuremberg Castle offers panoramic views across the red-roofed Old Town. Once one of the most important imperial residences of the Holy Roman Empire, the castle complex includes historic buildings, towers and courtyards that tell the story of Nuremberg's significance throughout the Middle Ages. Visitors can climb the Sinwell Tower or descend into the Deep Well, which reaches more than 160 feet below ground.
Wander through the Old Town
Surrounded by some of Europe's best-preserved medieval city walls, Nuremberg's Old Town is a delight to explore on foot. Cobbled streets wind between half-timbered houses, elegant churches and bustling cafes. Highlights include the Schöner Brunnen fountain and the charming medieval covered bridges spanning the River Pegnitz.
Visit the Palace of Justice and Nazi Party Rally Grounds
There is a darker side to Nuremberg’s history, and visitors can learn more at two of the city’s most popular museums. The Palace of Justice hosted trials of leading government figures from Nazi Germany after the end of World War Two, and the building now hosts the Memorium Nuremberg Trials museum, dedicated to exploring how Nazi criminals were brought to justice in the aftermath of the war.
The nearby Nazi Party Rally Grounds, an outdoor arena specially constructed to hold enormous annual rallies in the 1930s, offers a different kind of insight into this period of history – looking at the rise of National Socialism and Fascism in Europe, examining its consequences and highlighting the lessons handed down to future generations that must not be forgotten.
Step inside the city’s historic churches
Among the city's most recognisable landmarks, two huge medieval churches face each other across the River Pegnitz in the heart of the city. St Lorenz Church is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, whose twin towers dominate the city’s skyline, while St Sebaldus Church – which dates to the early 1200s – is best known for its connections to Nuremberg-born baroque composer Johann Pachelbel, whose Canon in D Major is one of the most iconic pieces of classical music from the medieval period.
Try Nuremberg's famous sausages
Foodies will make a beeline for street stands selling Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, the city's most famous culinary export. These chipolata-sized grilled pork sausages have been produced in Nuremberg for hundreds of years and are typically served ‘Drei im Weggla’ – meaning three at a time – in a crusty bread roll topped with sauerkraut and German mustard.
Sample traditional gingerbread
Nürnberger Lebkuchen has become globally renowned. The festive gingerbread treat has a Protected Geographical Indication – meaning it can only be made in the city and its surrounds – and comes in a variety of styles, from chocolate-coated varieties to nut-based recipes. Although historically associated with Christmas, many bakeries sell them year-round.
Discover Franconian beer culture
Franconia – the part of Bavaria centred around the city – is home to one of the highest concentrations of breweries in the world, and Nuremberg provides an excellent introduction to its brewing heritage. Traditional beer cellars, cosy taverns and historic brewhouses can be found throughout the city, offering everything from smoky Märzen-style beers to crisp lagers brewed using centuries-old methods.
Flights from Manchester to Nuremberg will operate twice per week until early January 2027, on Mondays and Fridays, with return fares from only £64pp.*
*Fare quoted is the cheapest return fare available on easyJet’s Manchester – Nuremberg service at the time of publication. This price does not include extras like seat selection or hold luggage.