Nuremberg is an interesting mix of the quaint and the cosmopolitan. The Altstadt (Old City) is a medieval walled city with large pedestrian walkways graced by the pretty Pegnitz River. Spend the afternoon strolling the narrow streets and alleys, shopping for antiques, toys, crafts and jewelry. In December, the city's main market turns into the famous Christkindlmarkt, an open-air Christmas Market that has spawned imitators throughout Germany. The main attractions are
gluhwein (warm spiced wine) and
lebkuchen (similar to gingerbread). Visit the city's three churches (Frauenkirche, St. Lorenze Kirche and St. Sebaldus Kirche) and the Albrecht Durer House, where the artist lived for 20 years. For a bit of 20th-century history, visit the permanent exhibition on Nazi Germany that has opened at the never-finished stadium site (where the most infamous Nazi rallies were held at the height of the party's power). Before you leave town, turn the gold ring at the fountain called Schoner Brunnen—for good luck—and taste the city's uniquely seasoned, finger-sized bratwurst (there are normally five in a bun).
Located in southeast of Nuremberg, on a bend of the Danube River, Regensburg is a beautifully preserved medieval city. See the Dom St. Peter, a Gothic cathedral (with nice stained glass) and the house at Keplerstrasse 5 where the astronomer Johannes Kepler lived, which is now a small museum. Near the train station are the Thurn and Taxis castle and the St. Emmeram Basilica, both baroque masterpieces. Cross the 12th-century Stone Bridge and spend time walking through the streets around the Old Town Hall—notice the fine houses of the old noble families. You should allow at least half a day there, but spend more time if your schedule permits.
Just outside of Regensburg is the Altmuhl River in central Bavaria, a tributary of the Danube. Its valley is popular with hikers and cyclists, and its network of footpaths has linked area villages for centuries. You'll pass Roman ruins, prehistoric caves (near Kelheim), medieval castles and walled towns (Berching). The trail is very scenic, winding along limestone cliffs and down the banks of the river, which connects a chain of pretty lakes and camping sites along the Altmuhl River between Pappenheim and Kelheim, centered around Eichstatt. Nuremburg is 90 mi/150 km northwest of Munich.
