Located in the northern part of Bavaria, Nuremberg is a destination worth admiring. Once nearly destroyed, the city now stands proudly, inviting visitors from near and far. Although the distance from Vienna to Nuremberg is almost 310 miles (or about 500 km), your journey will be filled with equally impressive sights that will be unveiled as you go.
Begin your trip by exploring the surroundings of Vienna, including a visit to the stunning Heiligenkreuz Abbey. Next, head towards the Danube River and allow yourself at least 1.5 hours to explore the town of Melk and its UNESCO-listed Baroque abbey.
Upon arriving in Germany, stretch your legs and explore the picturesque city of Passau, famous for being home to the world's largest organ. Before completing the final stretch of your journey from Vienna to Nuremberg, take another break and explore the Old Town of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
About Nuremberg
Nuremberg is a city steeped in almost a thousand years of history—it was founded back in 1050 and was later known as one of the most important and powerful Holy Roman Empire cities. Moving forward to World War II, Nuremberg gained infamous recognition as the place where the Nuremberg Laws were introduced by the Nazi regime. Consequently, Nuremberg was the epicenter of Nazi propaganda and, therefore, an obvious target which resulted in the heavy bombing, sweeping away almost the entire city.
After the war, Nuremberg focused on rebuilding its houses and infrastructure. As many historic buildings were lost, significant efforts were made to restore landmarks such as Nuremberg Castle. Rebuilding the city almost from scratch introduced modern features, but it did not come at the expense of its historical heritage.
Today, walking through the streets of Nuremberg, it is hard to believe that around 90% of the city was destroyed during World War II. The restoration, particularly in the old town, is so impressive that it feels like you are wandering through an authentic medieval village.
Turning the page on its past, Nuremberg is known as the Toy City, reflecting its long history of toy manufacturing. Visitors interested in this aspect of the city can explore the Toy Museum or attend the annual Toy Fair to learn about this unique cultural heritage and the latest innovations in the industry.
While Nuremberg is a fantastic destination any time of the year, it really stands out in December with its famous Christmas market. Dating back to 1628, this festive market in the Main Market Square is one of the oldest in Germany. So, whether you’re on the hunt for a winter getaway or just an unforgettable vacation, no matter the season, Nuremberg has plenty to offer.
From Vienna to Nuremberg: travel tips
Before you start your journey from Vienna to Nuremberg, there are a few tips that can help make your trip smoother and potentially save you both money and time.
### Get the Nuremberg Card
Getting the Nuremberg Card offers multiple benefits, such as unlimited access to public transport without any additional costs and free admission to museums and numerous attractions, including Nuremberg Castle and the German National Museum. Additionally, you can enjoy a special 50% discount on admission to such sites as the Historical Rock Cut Cellars. The card is valid for 48 hours, and it costs around $35 (€33).
### Check the opening hours
In Nuremberg, most museums are closed on Mondays, so check if the Nuremberg Card is a good option if you’re visiting early in the week. Also, be aware of public holidays, as many shops, restaurants, and attractions might be closed or have opening hours on those days.
How to get from Vienna to Nuremberg
If you are searching for the best Vienna to Nuremberg transfer method, look no further, as we have summarized transportation options for all budgets and preferences.
### From Vienna to Nuremberg by bus
In most cases, a bus is the most cost-effective way to travel from one city to another. Flixbus offers routes from Vienna to Nuremberg for almost $37 (€35) and with a travel time of 7 hours.
### From Vienna to Nuremberg by train
You can choose between trains operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) or Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB). DB offers Intercity Express (ICE) high-speed trains with a direct travel time of about 4 hours and 45 minutes. These trains can be quite pricey, but if you book in advance, one-way tickets start from around $65 (€60).
ÖBB also offers direct ICE trains, and if you are lucky, you may find tickets for as low as $38 (€35.50). The travel time is the same as for DB trains.
### From Vienna to Nuremberg by river cruise
If you are seeking a more luxurious and unique way to travel from Vienna to Nuremberg, consider a cruise along the Danube River. There are several options available, with some cruises lasting up to eight days. These journeys often include the opportunity to explore the cities along the river.
### From Vienna to Nuremberg by private car service
But if you want to explore cities and other sightseeing spots that are not only scattered along the riverbanks, opt for a private car service. With Daytrip, you will be given the freedom to explore stops along the way, including Heiligenkreuz Abbey, the city of Melk, Passau, and Regensburg, as well as delve into history at the Mauthausen memorial site.
Daytrip’s services are also the perfect option for those who prioritize comfort. Your local driver will pick you up from your accommodation at your chosen time and drop you off at your hotel in Nuremberg. The cars are spacious, comfortable, and air-conditioned to ensure a relaxing journey. While the drive (excluding sightseeing stops) takes around 5 hours, it will feel like a breeze, and you will reach Nuremberg in no time!
Things to do when you get to Nuremberg
After your journey from Vienna to Nuremberg, your Daytrip driver will drop you off at your hotel, and it’s finally time to start exploring the city. Here are some of our favorite things to visit in Nuremberg, along with a bonus: local dishes you must sample during your stay.
### Explore the Nuremberg Castle
Nuremberg Castle is one of the oldest buildings in the city, as it was initially built in 1050, not long after the city was founded. As the castle is perched on the top of a hill, it has a great strategic position. After WWII, the castle was renovated, and today it is open to visitors. You can opt for a guided tour or even an audio guide to learn more about the castle's role in the history of Nuremberg, climb the main tower, which is the oldest part of the castle, and admire the panoramic views of the city.
### Learn about the Nuremberg’s toy-making legacy
When in Nuremberg, visiting the nostalgic Toy Museum is a no-brainer. Whether you are into toys or not, they form a big part of Nuremberg’s culture. After all, everyone used to play with toys, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the simple beauty of toys that brought so much joy.
P.S. Traveling with kids? Don't forget to request a child seat when booking your trip from Vienna to Nuremberg with Daytrip!
### Wander around the prettiest neighborhood
Weissgerbergasse is almost like a fairy-tale neighborhood, with stunning half-timbered houses lining both sides. By walking through this district, you might never guess the darker chapters of the city's history. However, Nuremberg does not hide its past. Instead, it creates a balance between its historical and charming sites.
### Sample the local cuisine
Nuremberg's cuisine reflects not only German culinary traditions but also the Bavarian and Austrian influences. Here are some of the dishes you can look for if you want to try the authentic Nuremberg's gastronomy:
Nuremberg’s sausages (Bratwurst)
Pork roast (Schweinebraten)
* Nuremberg’s gingerbread (Nuremberg Lebkuchen)
When is the best time to visit Nuremberg
While it entirely depends on your personal preferences, the best time to visit Nuremberg, like most parts of Europe, is either in spring or fall, as during these seasons the temperatures are pleasant and there are not as many tourists compared to the summer months. Spring and fall are great for both indoor and outdoor activities.
December is also a great time to visit Nuremberg if you don’t mind the low temperatures. Nuremberg is famous for its Christmas market which creates a truly magical atmosphere in the city. Plus, with several ski resorts nearby, winter enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy during the colder months.
Constructed by the Liechtenstein dynasty’s founder around 1130, the castle passed into the hands of other nobility and was only reacquired by the dynasty in 1807. Ancestral seat of Liechtenstein Princes
Heiligenkreuz Abbey
This beautiful medieval abbey is the second-oldest Cistercian monastery and the oldest continuously active monastery in the world today and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A living work of spiritual art
Melk
Located on a small arm of Strauss' 'Beautiful Blue Danube', this quiet town still retains an imperial air. Abbey town on the Danube
Mauthausen
A forced labour camp for intellectuals, artists, aristocrats and political enemies of the Nazi Regime, Mauthausen is the Concentration Camp you won't have read about in history books. Austria's Secret Nazi Death Camp
Passau
This delightful riverside city offers a beautiful Baroque Old Town, the world's largest organ, and stupendous views from one of Europe's largest castle complexes. Three Rivers of Delight
Regensburg
The UNESCO-listed Old Town of this sleepy riverside city is the largest north of the Alps, and home to the world's longest continuously operating eatery. A Taste of History
"Everything was great. The driver was friendly and helpful. Enjoyed the chance to see the scenery. Would use this service again.
Thanks"
Alan B.
United States
2020年1月2日
"Our trip with Nikolas was quite nice. He was on-time, but we were upstairs (issue with my phone I think). Think texting arrivals is easier than calling for me. I liked the way that you sent the photo of our driver ahead of time.
Nikolas was very professional and interesting to talk with. His driving was very good and able to navigate into downtown Vienna with not problem. We were kindly upgraded to a larger van, which was nice!"
