In 2003, the Nuremberg “Rostbratwurst” was the first sausage to be accepted on the EU PGI registry, which recognizes traditional, locally-produced specialties in the European Union. The protected geographical indication for Nuremberg Bratwurst says that every Nuremberg sausage must be made within the city limits of Nuremberg according to an official traditional recipe. In addition to the official seal of the EU, they also bear their own “Original” seal.

These culinary delights are eaten in groups of six, eight, ten or twelve with mustard or – more traditionally – horseradish, which is called “Kren” in the local dialect. Typical side dishes are sauerkraut, potato salad or a farmer’s rye bread. In addition to the grilled version, you’ll also find sausages prepared as "Saure Zipfel". In this recipe, the brats are slowly cooked in a broth flavored with vinegar, onions, wine and spices. The sausages sometimes take on a light bluish-grey color, which led to the name "blue tails". A real treat for the people of Nuremberg – and therefore available all over the Old Town – are “3 im Weggla“. Three of the small sausages are laid in a sliced-open hard roll (“Weggla“) and topped with mustard – voilà: You have a hearty snack in your hand. Don’t miss it!

Why is a Nuremberg Bratwurst so small?

Everyone knows that although the Nuremberg Bratwurst is smaller than others, they offer a mighty big taste. But why are they so small? We wanted to investigate this question. There are many theories and stories that attempt to explain the size of Nuremberg sausages. Here’s a sample:

In the Middle Ages, the pubs (and the gates in the city wall) were required to close early. The legend says that Nuremberg innkeepers found the sausages practical, because they were small enough to fit through a keyhole … so they could even feed guests who were locked out at night.

Another story says that prisoners in the Nuremberg Dungeon were fed Nuremberg sausages by their warden. They drilled an extra hole in the prison wall and pushed the sausages to the criminals through this narrow slit. A legend which combines both theories is the story of the Nuremberg patrician Hans Stromer. He was given a life sentence because he refused to pay his debts. Before they locked him up, they granted him one last wish: He asked to receive two Nuremberg brats each day. They were passed to him through the keyhole. During his 38 years in jail, Stromer managed to enjoy 28,000 sausages!

While we don’t expect you to eat as many as Stromer (though you may want to!), we know you won’t want to miss this special treat when you visit Nuremberg. Check out our flights here!

Text and Image by Congress - und Tourismus-Zentrale Nürnberg

The Nuremberg trials and the paintings by Dürer have made the German city of Nuremberg famous worldwide . The Palace of Justice is still there to remember where the members of Hitler’s political party were judged as well as Albert Dürer’s house, the most important painter in Germany, but there are other reasons to visit Nuremberg beyond the usual past related to the justice and their illustrious painter.

Let me tell you about five things born in Nuremberg and so will never be remembered, though its value is incalculable. Shall we begin?

1 – Christmas Cookies

In Nuremberg the first Christmas cookies known as Lebkuchen were invented in the XIIIth century. Sure you can try these traditional Christmas sweets in German markets such as the Nuremberg Christmas market. Do not worry if you are traveling when it is not Christmas as HauptMarket‘s activity lasts throughout the year. A must for curious travelers and lovers of good living market.

2 – the MP3

Here it was invented the famous audio file compression standardized as mp3 in 1995. It was in the laboratories of Fraunhofer IIS in Erlangen-Nuremberg University. Visit the university may not have much interest to music lovers who have mp3 support a way of listening to as much music as ever they had imagined but it is interesting to visit the record store Artphoenix Vinyl, they boast of having one of the best record collections vinyl world.

3 – Sweets against cough

The German chemist Dr. Carl Sodan developed in 1899 in his Nuremberg’s pharmacy the first recipes for sweets for dry throat and cough suppressants based eucalyptus and menthol. In 1923 Sodan produces the now famous candies Em-Eukal sold, today, in more than 20 countries. Approaching a pharmacy is not the main attraction of a city like Nuremberg but visiting one of the most important commercial areas of the city itself is. In Breite Gasse, plus pharmacies that sell these candies, you’ll find a thousand and one ideas for a gift back home. Breite Gasse is Nuremberg’s commercial center and you may find from smaller surfaces to famous trademarks stores.

4 – The first clarinet

Johann Christoph Denner built in 1700 the first clarinet. Who was going to tell Woody Allen that this German guy was going to give him many pleasures in life thanks to this instrument?

Keep calm. We will not recommend you visit a clarinets factory or visit where Denner was born in Nuremberg. We recommend that you pay a visit to Jazzstudio, one of the first live jazz venues in Germany. Founded in 1954, the jazz club on Planierplastz street has seen playing on its stage young talents, regional stars and big international names. Concerts are usually at 20:00 and 21:00 on Friday and Saturday.

5 – The globe

Did you know that in 1492 another resident of Nuremberg, Martin Behaim constructed the first globe? As built in 1492, the American continent does not appear yet. You can see it in the Germanic National Museum, along with other curiosities such as the Brothers Grimm‘s desktop and other Cultural and Heritage jewels. And since you are in the museum you will see works by Dürer because one can not leave the German city without seeing Dürer.

1- Hauptmarket: Hauptmarkt 18, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany, +49 911 23360, L-S 9:00 a 18:00

2- ArtPhoenix: Irrerstrasse 18, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany +49 911 96048765

3- Breite Gasse

4- Jazzstudio: Paniersplatz 27, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany +49 911 364297

5 – Museo Nacional Germano: +49 91113310 M-D 10 a 18 h.

So you feel like visiting Nuremberg, do you? Book your flights here!

Albrecht Dürer’s “The praying hands” and “Young hare” are some of the most widely reproduced works in art history. But, would this great artist have liked his work to be engraved on chocolate bars or Christmas decorations? Probably not, as his paintings are featured in the most important art museums in the world. If you look close enough, some spots in the city of Nuremberg reveal traces of Albrecht Dürer.

The Artist in His Workshop

Albrecht Dürer was born on 21 May 1471 in Nuremberg and died on 6 April 1528. He is buried in Nuremberg’s Johannisfriedhof. His father, Albrecht Dürer the Elder, moved to this city from Hungary in 1455 and married the daughter of a goldsmith. Of his 19 children, only 3 males survived, all without issue.

His first self-portrait was painted in 1484 while training in his father’s goldsmithery. It is still preserved today. Since Albrecht Dürer intended to become a painter after training as a goldsmith, his father sent him to the workshop of the painter, Michael Wolgemut, between 1486 and 1490. There he learned painting, wood carving and metal engraving.

His training took him to Basel in 1492 and to Strasbourg in 1494, among other places, where he made a living by selling books. In 1494, Albrecht Dürer received a dowry of 200 florins after marrying Agnes Frey, the daughter of a Nuremberg goldsmith. This led Albrecht to open his first painting workshop. Thanks to his mother-in-law’s relatives, he was able to come into contact with the city's upper class.

A Medieval and Renaissance Man

Living in the early Renaissance led Albrecht Dürer to strive for perfection through the technological advances of the time. He was a multifaceted genius who, in addition to painting, also explored other genres such as drawing or art theory. Noteworthy are his studies of proportion, geometry and design. Here is a review of  his legacy in the city of Nuremberg.

First, some of his works are exhibited at the German National Museum (Germanisches Nationalmuseum), one of the world’s most important research centres for Albrecht Dürer. This museum also features exhibits of German culture from pre-history to the 20th century, the most notable of its kind in the country. Their permanent exhibition includes works by German painters and sculptors, as well as sections on archaeology, weapons and armour, musical and scientific instruments, and even toys. This museum also features Dürer’s “Hercules kills the Stymphalian Birds”. However, if you would like to discover the painter in his everyday and creative life, nothing better than visiting his own house. Dürer lived and worked in the Albrecht-Dürer-Haus from 1509 until his death in 1528. After a multimedia performance you can follow the audio guide tour of this 4-storey house, narrated by “Agnes”, Dürer’s wife. The highlights of this visit are the interactive demonstrations of his recreated workshop, a print store on the 3rd floor, and a gallery with his originals and reproductions in the attic.

Some 150 metres down the street, a monument dedicated to the artist – the ­ Albrecht Dürer Monument­ –stands in the Albrecht-Dürer-Platz. Interestingly, the Felsengänge lies beneath this monument. This is a 14th-century  underground labyrinth with four levels that used to house a brewery and a wine cellar. It was used as an air-raid shelter during World War II. You can visit this maze by going to the beer store on Burgstrasse 19.

Dürer’s Everyday Life Revisited

A good way of getting to know Dürer’s life in Nuremberg is by visiting the Stadtmuseum Fembohaus. This museum, which gives a comprehensive overview of the city’s history, features the restored rooms of a 16th-century merchant’s house. For taverns and eateries, look no further than Goldenes Posthorn. After going through its heavy copper door, you will find yourself in a gastronomic paradise that has been feeding Nuremberg citizens since 1498. Here you will find great local sausages, as well as many other country dishes – hard to find in other places – in addition to vegetarian options. Another tavern from those times is Marientorzwinger. This is Nuremberg’s last zwinger – a tavern built within the walls of old military quarters. This is a picturesque establishment offering wholesome Franconian produce, in addition to simple vegetable dishes. You can choose between their unpretentious dining room and the luxurious terrace. To drink, nothing better than a Tucher beer from Fürth.

To stay the night, we recommend the Dürer-Hotel, a four-star establishment located in the historic centre, right next to the Imperial Castle. Its bedrooms and lounges are uniquely decorated, perfectly combining tradition and modernity – after Albrecht Dürer’s perfectionist spirit. Oh, and, their cuisine is spectacular, with breakfasts that include confectionery, cold meats and local cheeses. Their products are high quality and organically produced in the region.

Dürer is synonymous with Nuremberg. Come and discover the city of this emblematic Renaissance artist. Remember, you can visit any time of the year. However, if you do so in spring or summer, the weather will likely be better, and you’ll be able to enjoy the old city’s splendid terrace cafés. Check out our flights here.

Text by ISABELYLUIS Comunicación

Images by ISABELYLUIS Comunicación, Tourismus Nuernberg

By Gastronomistas

They say if you haven’t truly experienced the magic of Christmas until you’ve been to Nuremberg. All the streets decked out in festive lights and decorations while carols ring out to the delight of old and young alike, creating a magical atmosphere imbued with the very essence of Christmas Eve.

From 29 November through to 24 December, the whole city becomes one huge Christmas celebration and a “picturesque village of fabric and wood” appears as if by magic in the heart of the city’s old quarter; the Christkindlesmarkt, one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned street markets.

More than 180 stalls adorned with candles, decorations and winter plants tempt visitors with their toys, local crafts, nativity scenes, Christmas ornaments and, above all, delicious sweets and wholesome culinary delights. The air is filled with an enticing mixture of aromas, from spices and wine through to toffee, nuts and savoury treats. Absolutely EVERYTHING is a temptation for the senses. What are the best things to try while strolling around the Christkindlesmarkt?

MULLED WINE
What better to ward off the crisp cold of Nuremberg than a mug of mulled wine. This hearty drink made with cinnamon, cloves and fruit peel is served in ceramic mugs that visitors can take home with them as a souvenir from the Christkindlesmarkt. They even do a non-alcoholic mulled wine for the kids to try.

FEUERZANGENBOWLE
This famous punch is named after the sugar tongs used in its concoction. To make Feuerzangenbowle, dry red wine is slowly heated in a large punch bowl, along with rum, caramelised sugar, cloves, cinnamon, slices of lemon and orange juice.

BRATWURST
“It is one of the reasons why you never forget Nuremberg”, wrote the poet Jean-Paul (maybe while suffering writer’s block), in reference to the sausages par excellence originating from this Bavarian city: bratwurst. They are on sale all around the city at stalls equipped with giant barbecues, so you’re bound to gobble up more than one during your stay. They are served in a bread roll, garnished with sauerkraut or potato salad, or even as a three-in-one known as a “weggla”. To make sure you only get the real McCoy, it’s worth knowing that an authentic bratwurst from Nuremberg is between seven and nine centimetres long, no more and no less.

NUREMBERG LEBKUCHEN
No Christmas is complete without some famous lebkuchen: a biscuit made from nuts, honey and spices covered in chocolate or icing. The recipe has been a closely-guarded secret in Nuremberg for over 600 years and has even been given a protected designation of origin. It’s easy to spot the market stalls selling lebkuchen as nearly all of them look like the witch’s candy cottage from Hansel and Gretel.

And there are many other food stalls selling a wide range of mouth-watering treats, such as candied fruit, all kinds of sweets, caramelised almonds, chocolates, waffles and sauerkraut. But be warned! After indulging yourself in beautiful Nuremberg, you may need to go on a diet for a few days.

CHRISTKINDLESMARKT
From the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent through to 24 December.

Where: in Nuremberg’s main market square (Hauptmarkt) and surrounding area.

Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 9am to 8pm.
Wednesday to Saturday: 9am to 9pm.
Sunday: 10.30am to 8pm.

By Gastronomistas

We’ll be there. If you want to come too, check out our flights here.