Things to do in  Castle Road

A vast tract of untended land southeast of Nuremberg's medieval city center, the Nazi Party Rally Grounds were once the stage for some of Adolf Hitler's most infamous and dangerous speeches during the rise of the Third Reich. The nearby Documentation Center museum chronicles the terrors inflicted by the Nazi party during World War II.

Built in 1120, Imperial Castle of Nuremberg (Kaiserburg) was once a residence for kings of the Holy Roman Empire. Despite suffering damage over the years (especially during WWII), the castle has been carefully restored to showcase its original Gothic and Romanesque architecture.

Founded way back in 1368, this historic university is Germany’s oldest—and one of its most prestigious. Heidelberg University is spread across three campuses. But the baroque-era Old University, built in the early 18th century, is compact and contains several popular attractions. These include the University Museum, the university library, the graffiti-covered student prison, and the historic lecture and assembly halls.

Heidelberg’s Old Bridge—the Karl Theodor Bridge or the Alte Brucke—is a pedestrian bridge spanning the Neckar River. The bridge dates back to 1786 with sandstone arches, towers, dungeons that were part of medieval fortifications, and various sculptures—including a lucky monkey statue (the “Brückenaffe”).

Nuremberg’s Hauptmarkt is a bustling square in the center of the Old Town. Known for its market stalls selling fresh produce, crafts, and local goods, it’s also the setting of Nuremberg’s famous Christmas market. Notable landmarks include the Schönen Brunnen fountain and the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady).

St. Lorenz Church is a Gothic Lutheran building in Nuremberg’s Old Town that dates back to the 13th century. Despite being bombed during World War II, its rare artwork was protected, and its structure was restored. Travelers come here to see medieval altars and one of the world’s largest three-part pipe organs.

One of Germany’s most famous Renaissance artists, Albrecht Dürer lived in Nuremberg from 1471 to 1528. He created paintings, prints, etchings, and woodcuts, and now his idyllic half-timbered home is a museum. During a visit, it’s possible to see reproductions of Dürer’s work, and a workshop that showcases historical printing techniques.

Schöner Brunnen—“beautiful fountain” in German—refers to a decorative fountain in Nuremberg’s main market square that dates back to the 14th century. The Gothic masterpiece is highly photogenic, with religious imagery and stone figures from the Holy Roman Empire. It also has a ring that people turn to for good luck.

Heidelberg’s charming Market Square (Marktplatz) is the epicenter of the Old Town. Dotted with key landmarks, you can see the Hercules Fountain at its center, which dates back to the early 1700s, the Church of the Holy Spirit to the west, and the Town Hall to the east. It hosts a weekly food market and a fantastic annual Christmas market.

Nuremberg’s picturesque Old Town (“Altstadt”), located inside the city’s medieval walls, has been lovingly restored after being bombed during World War II. This walkable historical heart is home to picturesque half-timbered houses, a bustling square (Hauptmarkt), the Frauenkirche, Nuremberg Castle, and the Schöner Brunnen fountain.

The German National Museum dates back to 1852 when it was founded to showcase the art, history, and culture of German-speaking areas from prehistoric times to today. It is home to more than 1 million objects, with around 25,000 exhibited at any time. These items range from Stone Age tools to jewelry, armor, and artwork by notable German painters.

The Nuremberg Palace of Justice is a historic landmark that’s famous for being the setting of the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi war criminals were prosecuted after World War II. Courtroom 600, where these trials took place, was a working courtroom until 2020, and you can visit this room, watch media installations, and see the Nuremberg Trials Memorial on the top floor.

SEA LIFE®Speyer, on the banks of the Rhine River, is an aquarium offering an interactive, educational glimpse of life under the sea. Here you'll find thousands of creatures across hundreds of species, including colorful tropical fish, all living in recreated habitats.

Sitting beneath the hilltop Heidelberg Castle along the southern bank of the Neckar River, Heidelberg Altstadt (Old Town) is a large and atmospheric cluster of narrow streets, beautiful architecture, and historic buildings. It’s the focal point of most travelers’ visits to Heidelberg and a charming place to stroll around before or after a visit to the castle.

Rothenburg Market Square is a historical and architectural hub in the heart of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Dominated by a photogenic town hall, this vibrant square hosts markets, events, and traditional festivals throughout the year. Visitors from around the world flock to admire Renaissance architecture, soak up the fairytale atmosphere, and people-watch from cafés.