Scenes From Bamberg and Nuremberg, Germany
Of course it was raining. It seems like it always rains in Germany, and this summer especially was colder and rainier than normal. We were in Nuremberg for a long weekend for WEBMU, which stands for Whiny Expat Bloggers Meet Up, an annual gathering of expat bloggers in Germany. Andy went a few years ago while I was on my round the world trip, but we haven’t been able to make it since then. I was excited to see a new city, and even a day trip to nearby Bamberg, but of course that rain followed us around most of the weekend.
Bamberg, Germany
We arrived Thursday evening, and the day trip to Bamberg was scheduled for Friday. After meeting everyone at the train station, we hopped on an overly crowded train, and 45 minutes later we spilled out into Bamberg. I didn’t really know much about the city, other than it was supposed to be very pretty with lots of old, typically German-looking buildings.
The eight of us wandered the streets of the old town, peeked inside the cathedral, and ate food from the local area, including a smoky beer that is often referred to as bacon beer. I struggled to keep the rain from hitting my lens.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg, or Nürnberg in German, was a significant city during World War II and, as a result, almost all of the city was destroyed during bombings. As with most European cities that were destroyed during the war, the city decided to rebuild in the original styles, so today it still looks like an old German city.
On Saturday, our second day of the trip, we met in the center of the city for a walking tour, and it continued to rain. Our guide told us how Nuremberg was once two separate cities. He brought us up to the city’s castle, pointed out the former home of a significant artist, showed us a piece of the Berlin Wall that’s now in Nuremberg, and explained some of the history of the city.
Thoroughly soaked from our walking tour in the rain, we went for lunch at a tavern serving typical Nuremberg food. Andy and I both opted for the Nuremberger sausages, and between the two of us, we ordered all three sides: sour kraut, potato salad, and horseradish. I liked the bell-shaped metal dish the sausages came in.
On our last day in Nuremberg, after brunch with the group, the sun finally decided to come out for a few hours. Andy and I still had some time before our train left to go home, so we wandered around to get some pictures in the light. We walked along the river, through the old town, and past a few things we saw on the tour the day before.
One of the things we saw on the tour that we had to return to was this crazy fountain. The artist designed it as a representation of marriage. Hopefully it doesn’t look like any marriages you know. It’s definitely one of the strangest fountains I’ve ever seen.
Just as we got back to the train station to go back home to Freiburg, it started to rain again. At least we got a little break from the bad weather, even if it was just for a few hours. Overall it was a great weekend in Bamberg and Nuremberg, and it was really fun hanging out with other people who understand what it’s like to be an expat in Germany with all its frustrations and joys. I also enjoyed seeing a couple cities I hadn’t been to before, reminders that there is always more of Germany to explore.
You might also enjoy:
- How Much We Spent Traveling in Nuremberg and Bamberg
- Views of Munich from St. Peter’s Church
- Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg – More Than Just Model Trains
- Berlin Christmas Market Round-Up
October 20, 2014 @ 11:42 AM
Exploring more of Germany is something we really need to do as after spending about 4 or 5 months here over the past year we’ve only seen the bigger cities of Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Munich. Really could do with seeing some interesting places like this.
October 21, 2014 @ 1:54 PM
It really is a great country, and it’s so different from one area to the next. The big cities are popular for a reason (I *love* Berlin) but the smaller cities have quite a lot of character as well.
October 20, 2014 @ 7:30 PM
That pub food is exactly what the doctor ordered after such a rainy dour day … nice fountains in Nuremburg as well!
October 21, 2014 @ 1:54 PM
Thanks Uma!
October 21, 2014 @ 7:47 AM
Hahaha, that fountain is insane! I also love that bell shaped plate as well! Your pictures are lovely, even in the rain. Thanks for sharing, Ali!
Happy travels 🙂
October 21, 2014 @ 1:55 PM
Thanks Lauren! It was a really fun weekend despite the rain.
October 22, 2014 @ 1:52 PM
13 years ago my grandparents took me on a river cruise through Germany and these were two of the cities we stopped in. I loved them both! So much history and some is a little hard to swallow, but it’s all good information to know. They are so beautiful too! If you get the chance, I think Heidelberg is worth a visit too! I can’t wait to go back…I want to take the same cruise with my husband so he can see it all too 🙂
October 22, 2014 @ 2:00 PM
We saw a bunch of people touring around both cities from a river cruise, must be a nice way to see the area. I’m glad you enjoyed it so much! I’ve been to Heidelberg twice, and I agree, definitely a great city and worth a visit. I love castles and I love history, so Germany is a great country to explore. Thanks Jessica!
November 26, 2014 @ 9:54 AM
This is a fantastic photo montage of my adopted home town, Nürnberg, and another Franconian jewel, Bamberg.
Nürnberg isn’t one of the oldest cities in Germany, but oozes nonetheless with history starting back in 972. Anyone interested in history starting in the Middle Ages and running through to the Second World War and beyond will be well satisfied in Nürnberg.
The Old Town of Bamberg fortunately escaped much of the destruction wrought by WW2 and therefore remains a Baroque beauty that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
December 1, 2014 @ 6:12 PM
Thanks Kevin! I had a great time there, Nuremberg is definitely an interesting city to explore and full of history!