Located in the fairy tale region of Bavaria, Nuremberg is surrounded by emerald green hills, enchanting castles and idyllic towns, leading the way to the frosted peaks of the Alps. Discover the historic city of Nuremberg with a rental car and then enjoy Germany’s most romantic drives.

You’ll find some on-street parking in the heart of the city and plenty of parking lots dotted around the center. Findelgasse parking lot is on the outskirts of the old town, and there’s one near the bustling Haupmarkt square, too.

Nuremberg is connected to several major German freeways, called autobahns. The A3 skirts the north of the city, spanning the country from the border with the Netherlands in the north-west, through Dusseldorf, Cologne and Frankfurt  to the Austrian border in the south-east.

Below Nuremburg, the A6 runs across the width of Germany, from Saarbrücken on the French border to Waidhaus on the Czech side. From north to south, the A9 starts in Potsdam, near Berlin, continuing all the way down to Munich, passing Nuremberg on the way.

In Germany, you drive on the right-hand side, just as in the rest of mainland Europe. While Germany is famed for its lack of speed limits on the autobahn, this is actually limited to certain more rural sections only, and the limit is usually 130km/h (80mph). In built-up areas, this can drop to 50km/h (31mph) and outside it’s 100km/h (62mph).

One of the most beautiful drives in the world, the Romantic Road, can be found just over an hour from Nuremberg. Take the A3 west, change on to the A7 south and follow the brown signs marked “Romantische Straße” to journey through colorful German towns into the snow-capped Alps.

From the storybook sweep of half-timbered houses on Weissgerbergasse to the infamous rally ground used by the Nazis in World War II, Nuremberg is an open-air museum of history through the ages.

History, old and new

Climb the hill to Nuremberg Castle for panoramic views of the Aldtstadt, translated as the old town. Step inside this imperial palace, built for Roman Emperors, to find 16th-century paintings and the fascinating Kaiserburg Museum.

Start at Nuremberg’s castle and wander down the so-called historical mile. This ancient street takes you past gabled facades and boutique stores, over stone bridges crossing the river, through lively markets in idyllic squares, and alongside ornately decorated churches that pierce the sky. Admire the Weinstadel, a medieval wine warehouse perched on the water, and the 15th-century city walls, which are studded with imposing gatehouses.

One of Nuremberg’s most famous monuments is the Reichsparteigelande, once the Nazi party’s rally grounds. This imposing building is like a monolithic amphitheater, and though it remains incomplete it’s no less atmospheric. Step into this venue and pause to contemplate Germany’s turbulent past, looking from the vast Zeppelinfield arena to the cold, concrete grandstands.

‘Tis the season

During the festive months, head to the Hauptmarkt square, where one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets comes to life in a twinkle of holiday lights. Stroll past wooden huts selling hand-crafted toys and woodwork, and sample the famous spiced gingerbread to get in the spirit while carolers sing a seasonal soundtrack.

Stop for a quick bite

No trip to Nuremberg is complete without sampling Rostbratwurst, the city’s staple food. Visit a traditional bratwurst kitchen, such as Bratwurstglöcklein im Handwerkerhof, for an authentic serving of this sausage snack.

For a taste of the Middle Ages, pay a visit to Zum Gulden Stern, where steak and sausage dishes are topped with tangy sauerkraut and freshly grated horseradish.

A romantic road trip to remember

Roughly an hour and 20 minute drive from Nuremberg will take you to the baroque city of Würzburg and the beginning of Germany’s Romantic Road. Würzburg itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and leads on to one of the most spectacular drives in the country.

When you’re journeying down the Romantic Road, stop off at Augsburg. Once a trade hub in the 16th century, this Roman settlement was named after Emperor Augustus and is the oldest city in Bavaria.

Along the way you’ll find Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a walled, medieval town iconic of Bavarian Germany. Pastel-colored houses line the cobbled streets, opening out into the main square where a delicate fountain stands in front of the gothic town hall.

Finish your trip with a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle. Perched on a rocky outcrop with fairy tale turrets against a backdrop of snow-peaked mountains, this is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

One of the final stops on the Romantic Road, spend some time exploring the fantastical interior of this enchanting structure. Designed by an eccentric Bavarian king, the opulent rooms are like a daydream come to life.

Whatever brings you to this enchanting area of Germany, make the most of your time in Nuremberg with a rental car from Hertz.