Pondering German history in Nurnberg
Visitors to Europe's Nazi and Holocaust sights inevitably ask the same question: How could this happen? Nurnberg's Documentation Center does its best to provide an answer. It meticulously traces the evolution of the National Socialist (Nazi) movement, focusing on how it both energized and terrified the German on the street. The center frankly analyzes the Nazi phenomenon, to understand how it happened -- and to ensure it never happens again.
Whether you're a historian or just a curious traveler, Nurnberg has much to teach and much to offer -- from its cuisine, bustling markets, and appealing architecture to its fascinating sights.
IF YOU VISIT...
SLEEPING: Just five minutes from the train station, Hotel Victoria rents 62 spacious rooms and serves a delicious breakfast buffet (splurge, www.hotelvictoria.de). Sorat Hotel Saxx offers 103 stylish rooms in the middle of town, right on the Hauptmarkt (moderate, www.sorat-hotels.com).
EATING: Hans im Gluck Burgergrill and Bar, a top pick for young locals, is the spot for great burgers (Konigstrasse 74, www.hansimglueck-burgergrill.de). For a quick lunch, the covered arcade beyond the Meat Bridge offers a variety of eateries: Mischbar ("everything's mixed"), serves an assortment of blends like curry or fresh-squeezed juice (Hauptmarkt 2, www.mischbar.net), while the Siegersdorfer bakery offers daily baked breads (Backerstrasse 6, www.siegersdorfer.de).
GETTING AROUND: Nurnberg is a very walkable city, but you'll need to use public transit (bus, tram, or subway) to reach the Nazi sights on the edge of town.
TOURIST INFORMATION: www.tourismus.nuernberg.de.
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Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.
(c)2014 RICK STEVES DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
