Bavaria by train – Munich, Nuremberg and Würzburg

German trains are fast, punctual and comfortable, which makes Bavaria perfect for a car-free trip. This route links the Bavarian capital Munich, medieval Nuremberg and Baroque Würzburg on the River Main, with the option of continuing to Frankfurt.

Munich

• Marienplatz, with the New Town Hall and its Glockenspiel show at 11:00 and 12:00.
• The Frauenkirche – the cathedral with twin onion-domed towers.
• The Viktualienmarkt – a food market with a beer garden.
• The Residenz – the former palace of Bavaria’s rulers – and Nymphenburg Palace.
• The English Garden – a huge park with surfers on the Eisbach channel.
• The Hofbräuhaus – the world’s most famous beer hall.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg’s history begins around 1050. Its name is linked to the “rocky hill” crowned by the Imperial Castle (Kaiserburg). The old town is ringed by about 5 km of city walls and towers.

• Start at the King’s Gate and the Craftsmen’s Courtyard – medieval workshops in half-timbered houses.
• St Lorenz and St Sebaldus – Gothic masterpieces.
• The Main Market, with the gilded Schöner Brunnen fountain.
• Albrecht Dürer’s House – the great artist’s home.
• The Christkindlesmarkt – one of Germany’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets.
• Try the small Nuremberg sausages and Lebkuchen gingerbread.

Würzburg

Würzburg sits among vineyards on the Main. The prince-bishops’ Residence is a UNESCO site, with a vast Tiepolo fresco above the staircase. Above the town is Marienberg Fortress. Stroll the Old Main Bridge with a glass of local Franconian wine – an evening tradition. Würzburg is also the start of the Romantic Road – see Rothenburg and the Romantic Road.

Four-day itinerary

1. Munich – Nuremberg by train (about 1 h 15 min by ICE). The old town in the afternoon.
2. Nuremberg – the Kaiserburg, the walls and the museums.
3. Würzburg (about 1 hour) – the Residence and Marienberg.
4. Frankfurt (about 1 h 10 min) and fly home, or return to Munich.

Practical tips

• The Bayern-Ticket is great value for a day of regional trains, for up to 5 people.
• Book ICE tickets early – they’re cheaper.
• In December, Christmas markets make every town magical.