Spend a Christian holiday in a city steeped in history and experience a wonderful ambience. This is what Nuremberg offers you at Pentecost.
Easter officially ends on Pentecost, the tenth day after Ascension Day. 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus – or the search for the Easter eggs if you are not a believer, or if you prefer to worship Ostara – are Whit Sunday and Whit Monday. As a Sunday, the former is generally a day off for many people. The latter is considered a public holiday nationwide in Germany. But it’s not just the Germans who value this time; people in Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Hungary and parts of Switzerland also enjoy a day off. Pentecost usually falls on the first warm time of the year when the weather is reasonably stable. Even if Pentecost is in April instead of May, there is still a chance of sunshine.
While some people relax at home in their own garden, others prefer to go exploring in the cities. The Franconian metropolis of Nuremberg is ideal for a day trip from Munich during this time in several respects: in addition to the larger places of worship such as the Frauenkirche, Lorenzkirche and Sebalduskirche, many smaller places of worship characterize the cityscape. A festive setting for believers on a short vacation could hardly be better. But a detour to Nuremberg is also worthwhile for those who are less interested in religion: Half-timbered houses, romantic alleys in the old town and medieval walls invite you to linger. If you get hungry, it may not be the right time for the famous Nuremberg gingerbread, but it’s definitely for the region’s bratwurst. Nuremberg is also known as the center of the German beer and whiskey scene.
Pentecost Sunday in the Nuremberg churches
In Nuremberg you are spoiled for choice as to where to attend the service. The smaller or less popular churches such as Sankt Egidien, Sankt Martha or Sankt Elisabeth also have a varied history. Its past and its architecture also make it interesting for visitors who do not count themselves among the classic churchgoers. But most of the time you won’t find these architectural jewels in the streets of Nuremberg without a local guide and it’s definitely more fun with me.
Saints and art in one place
The three main attractions of the city – the Frauenkirche, the Lorenzkirche and the Sebalduskirche – can still be located. If in doubt, just follow the other tourists. However, one might miss one or the other interesting detail here as well, because it is difficult to process the abundance of positive impressions. You may then unsuspectingly walk past the silver-plated “Sarch” (in High German: “coffin”), which is said to contain the bones of Nuremberg’s city saint in the Sebalduskirche. The man in question listened to the name Sebald and served as the church’s namesake. If you don’t have an eye for works of art, you might not notice that Veit Stoss’s important Greeting from the Angels hangs in the Lorenz Church.
Discover the charm of Nuremberg on Whit Monday
If you have devoted a day to the church side of the Franconian metropolis, the city offers enough variety. In bad weather, the world-famous Germanic National Museum is an alternative to a leisurely stroll through the city. As the largest cultural-historical museum in the German-speaking world, those interested in art and culture could spend a few days here alone. The diversity of Nuremberg is by no means limited to church buildings. In the worst case, you spend the whole day looking for the trendy Gostenhof district, often shortened to Goho, and give up in frustration. After all, the cafés, restaurants and shops there are not considered a real insider tip for nothing.
The fine nuances of brewing beer
Nuremberg can look back on centuries of tradition as a brewing city. All tastes are catered for: you can get light, dark and real red beer on site. The beers from the traditional Tucher brewery, the Schanzenbräu and the Altstadthof brewery are best enjoyed in the company of a beer sommelier, who will open your senses to the special features of the local beer tradition. Apart from the breweries, the historical rock passages made of castle sandstone play a crucial role in beer brewing. This is where the Nuremberg specialties made from malt and hops were and are stored.
On a city tour in the footsteps of Albrecht Dürer
If you’ve made the decision to visit Nuremberg at Pentecost, you’ll want to make the most of your time there. You might even decide against staying overnight and want to arrive or depart on the same day
is. I would be happy to answer your questions on my day tour through Nuremberg’s old town. Ask the questions that have always been on your mind.
A metropolis worth seeing in every season
As a trained international beer sommelier, I am not only happy to introduce you to the multifaceted history and present of Nuremberg at Pentecost. With me at your side, you won’t miss even the most interesting detail. In a small group, marvel at the city’s architectural masterpieces and immerse yourself in the life of Albrecht Dürer in the house where he was born.
You will definitely meet: either in Nuremberg’s old town, during a visit to the brewery or during one of my guided tours!
Your city guide from Munich and beer sommelier Paul Riedel