Nuremberg

Nuremberg was a cool contradiction to what I saw in Berlin in the fact that it was so medieval looking. The town is rebuilt of course due to the extensive destruction during WWII. Some ninety percent of the city was destroyed but due to massive reconstruction the city really does look like a little time capsule. We stayed in the youth hostel which is part of the Nuremberg castle on top of the hill and wow that was a great first hostile experience. Apparently where we stayed was the royal stable for the king during the Holy Roman Empire. Pretty cool I thought.

The sights were incredible and I have to say Nuremberg really is a place that I would highly suggest for anyone venturing through Germany to visit. From the castle to the incredible churches and cathedrals it really was in a league of its own. As far as food was concerned the beer was fantastic along with the traditional dishes I tried such as roast pork, döner (this is actually Turkish), and bratwurst from the oldest bratwurst kitchen in the world (over a thousand years old). I also got the chance to watch a bike race while I was there.

But on a more somber note I also saw the Nazi party rally grounds in Nuremberg. It was an interesting experience to see what is there and also what could have been there if it was ever completed (thank goodness that it never was). While I was there I stood on the platform that Hitler would give his speeches to the hundreds of thousands that would attend these rallies in the thirties. I was told that if you raise your right hand in the air while standing on that platform it’ll cost three years of your life in prison. I took a picture standing on the platform and fittingly didn’t smile.

Overall my experience in Nuremberg was great. I came away from it with great memories, many friends, and of course my lederhosen.