We checked out of our timeshare in the Austrian Alps and headed back into Germany. We had been warned that the route we were taking was one that many refugees used, so there was a possibility of a delay of up to 3 hours at the border. Fortunately, we had no traffic problems and were able to make it to Nuremberg by lunchtime. We are staying in Hotel Elch (elk), the oldest hotel in the city -- it was built over 500 years ago.
Just look at the hotel bar:
We got here too early to check in, so we got out our Rick Steves book, stepped outside the hotel, and followed his walking tour of the old town. Nuremberg was heavily bombed during World War II, and many buildings that did survive show where bullet holes have been patched.
You'll see below an area that had become neglected until Starbucks arrived. Now it's a thriving part of the riverbank.
Very much like Rothenburg, we saw a castle, half-timbered buildings, and busy pedestrian squares.
Of course we had to stop for a bite to eat, and decided on a Turkish cafe where we tried ayran (a refreshing non-sweet yogurt drink) and Turkish tea (which tasted like regular tea to us).
We continued along and discovered the beautiful Holy Ghost Hospital, which dates from the 1300's. This peaceful setting is one of my favorite sights of our trip so far.
There's lots of public art -- both old and new -- throughout Nuremberg.
We had a full afternoon covering most of the old town, and now we're anxious to get out there tomorrow to take in some sites dedicated to the history of the Nazis.
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