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Nuremberg’s Christmas Market

by Arie Boris, CruiseGourmet.com Editor-in-Chief

Massive fortification walls with a total of 80 towers encircle the medieval core of this Franconian metropolis, which was first mentioned in a historic record in the year 1050. Known for its infamous Nazi rallies during Hitler’s reign, the city was, in a way, redeemed with the outcome of the Nuremberg trials after the war.

Numerous art museums and galleries offer a fascinating counterpoint to the city’s medieval flair in the form of exhibitions by noted artists, with contemporary paintings and works of sculpture. And the Nuremberg Zoo, one of the most beautifully landscaped animal parks in Europe, is worth a visit at any season.

The famous grilled Nuremberg sausages known as “Nuremberg Bratwurst” (they are so small, you can easily eat a dozen of them), taste best when eaten in one of the quaint and cozy “sausage kitchens” in the historic old town.

With medieval architecture and twenty-first century technology, Nuremberg is a great stop on any visit to Germany, but especially during the annual Christmas Market in December. Probably the most well known of any of the German Christmas Markets, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is spectacular! There is a written record of it as early as 1628. More than 2 million visitors from all over the world are expected by Christmas Eve. The market is open from December 1 to December 24, unless Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, in which case the market’s last day is December 23.

The special charm of the Christkindlesmarkt lies in the historic backdrop of the Nuremberg main market square with the Church of our Lady, the Beautiful Fountain and view of the Old Town Gothic Church of St. Sebaldus. The “little town of wood and cloth” consists of approximately 180 stalls with red-and-white striped canvas roofs which form the center of the Christmas Market. A variety of traditional wares and household items are available at bargain prices…along with traditional Nuremberg Christmas gingerbread and fruit bread. Visitors can also purchase confectionary goods, toys and Christmas tree decorations as well as holiday arts and crafts. Mulled wine and grilled sausages provide the most popular refreshment while droves of German locals and tourists enjoy strolling among all the booths.

For more information about this magical yearly event log onto www.christkindlesmarkt.de

Arabella Sheraton Hotel Carlton-Nuremberg

Nuremberg offers a variety of hotel options, but one of the most luxurious is certainly the Arabella Sheraton Hotel Carlton. Located close to the modern train station and an easy walk to the old city center, this hotel offers top quality service and amenities.

Our suite was terrific and comparable to hotels in any major European city. The entry door opened onto a large seating area, with a full sized contemporary couch upholstered in “Christmas” red, with comfy side chairs, a wall unit with flat screen television and a full dining area with seating for four. An extra “powder room” just off the living room is available to visitors.

Particularly “vunderbar” is the master bedroom and bath. Separated from the living area by frosted glass pocket doors, the enormous bedroom offered sumptuous bedding, a large bathroom with sunken tub, separate stall shower, numerous closets and an additional television.

Included in our stay was an impressive breakfast buffet. Along with an omelet station, freshly baked German breads and champagne, the delicious Nuremberg sausages made for a great dining experience. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree and holiday music playing in the background made breakfast at the Arabella Sheraton Hotel Carlton-Nuremberg extra special. For more information, log onto www.carlton-nuernberg.de.

Zum Sudhaus…German Cuisine at its Best!

With more than 1,000 years of tradition, Germany’s December Christmas markets are magical. Dining at Zum Sudhaus is particularly special during this time of year.

Entering this superior restaurant in the heart of Nuremberg’s medieval center, the Christmas spirit abounds. Resplendent with traditional Christmas decorations, this wonderful restaurant captures the essence of Christmas in Germany and the Christmas market season.

Zum Sudhaus is the perfect place to absorb this wonderful time and experience cuisine rooted in the age-old season, but with a contemporary flair. Our ‘traditional’ advent meal consisted of classic Franconian dishes with a modern twist. A mouthwatering roast goose served with knoedel and sweet red apple cabbage was preceded by Zum Sudhaus’s signature roast sausage tower.

The three-tiered serving dish was awash with grilled and smoked sausages, with some boiled in a bouillon of onions, carrots and vinegar. Served with generous helpings of hearty German potato salad and sauerkraut, this was a very filling start to our holiday meal at Zum Sudhaus.

My favorite dessert was the gingerbread ice ream, a Zum Sudhaus specialty. Our memorable evening was arranged and hosted by Margit Eggemann, a charming and most effective representative from the Nuremberg Convention and Tourist Office. Nuremberg, like the excellent cuisine at Zum Sudhaus, is rooted in ancient tradition, but with a very definite contemporary flair!

For more information about Nuremberg, log onto www.tourismus.nuernberg.de . Also, private tours can be arranged by Nuevent, a local tour operator by contacting Ingrid Petermann at Ingrid.petermann@nuevent.de.

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