football: 2006 FIFA World Cup™ Nuremberg

Football World Cup

Nuremburg:

Nuremberg is in the German state of Bavaria, in the administrative region of Middle Franconia. It is situated on the Pegnitz river and the (Rhine-) Main-Danube Canal.

Nuremberg offers visitors all sorts of surprises. For one, Nuremberg is a large modern city with half a million inhabitants, the core city of a European metropolitan region and Bavaria's second economic centre. For another, so much of Nuremberg's history can be seen and experienced, unlike other comparable locations in Germany. History allows you to a rendezvous with Nuremberg.

Architecture, museums, art treasures and a perceptible flair keep the past alive. In no other German metropolis can you find so many traces of medieval and modern (from the 16th century!) art and culture.     

Trivia: Nuremberg for many people is still associated with its traditional gingerbread (Lebkuchen) products, sausages and handmade toys. The first pocket watches, the Nuremberg eggs, were made here in the 16th century. In the 19th century, however, Nuremberg became the "industrial heart" of Bavaria. Companies like Siemens and MAN had their roots in this city. 

Transport I Hotels I Car Hire I Entertainment I Food I Sport I Stadium I Tourist Tips I History

Transport:

The city's location next to numerous highways, railways and a waterway has contributed to its rising importance for trade with Eastern Europe. From 28th May 2006 it will be connected via a 300 km/h high speed railway line via Ingolstadt to Munich.

Nuremberg has two subway, six tramway and numerous bus lines. The subway lines stop both at the main station (Hauptbahnhof) and at the station Plarrer. Each tramway line goes to one of these stations. Subway line 1 connects Nuremberg with its neighbour city Furth, line 2 goes to the airport.

The Nuremberg Card:

Any visitor who spends at least one night in Nuremberg, Furth, Erlangen or Schwabach is entitled to purchase the Card for 18 euros. If you have booked at least one night's accommodation in a hotel or at the Nuremberg camp site before your trip or on arrival in one of the four cities, you can take advantage of the benefits of the Nuremberg Card:

  • Free admision to all museums and attractions
  • Free travel on all public transport services in Nuremberg and Furth 
  • Discounts in many theatres, shops, in the IMAX cinema and on city walking and bus tours.


Getting There:

Nuremberg Airport, (NUE) is located 5 km (3 miles) north of the city centre. An U-Bahn (Metro) line connects the airport to the city centre in about 20 minutes. Because of the airport's close-in location and its direct connections to local streets, it is possible to walk or ride a bicycle from nearby neighbourhoods right up to the terminal.  The airport is served predominantly by Air Berlin and Lufthansa.

 

Hotels:

We would advise early booking as all hotels in German cities hosting World Cup matches will become extremely busy.

5 Star Options:

  • Arabella Sheraton Hotel Carlton
  • Le Meridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg

4 Star Options:

  • Movenpick Hotel Nurnberg-Airport
  • Ramada Treff Landhotel Nuremberg
  • Mercure Congress Hotel Nuremberg
  • EuroHotel & Suites Nuremberg
  • Durer Hotel
  • NH Nurnberg City
  • Holiday Inn Nuremberg City Centre
  • Atrium Hotel Nuremberg
  • Hotel Drei Raben
  • Arvena Park Hotel

3 Star Options:

  • Prinzregent
  • Hotel Burgschmiet Garni
  • Leonardo Hotel Nuremberg
  • Hotel am Schoenen Brunnen
  • Burghotel Stammhaus
  • Garden Hotel
  • Burghotel
  • ArtHotel City
  • Hotel Astoria
  • InterCityHotel Nuremberg
  • Novotel Nurnberg am Messezentrum
  • Hotel Cristal
  • Best Western Hotel Nuremberg
  • Hotel Agneshof Nuremberg
  • Aria Hotel
  • EaziRes Victoria Hotel
  • Hotel St. Peter
  • Sued-West Park Hotel

 

Car Hire:

Please call Stuart Stamp for advice and rates on 01903 832888. Alternatively you can email us, or click here to see rates online and request a vehicle. 

 

Entertainment:

Culture:

Nuremberg was an early centre of humanism, science, printing, and mechanical invention. The city contributed much to the science of astronomy.

In 1471 Johannes Mueller of Königsberg (Bavaria), later called Regiomontanus, built an astronomical observatory in Nuremberg and published many important astronomical charts. In 1515, Albrecht Durer, a native of Nuremberg, mapped the stars of the northern and southern hemispheres, producing the first printed star charts, which had been ordered by Johann Stabius. Around 1515 Durer also published the "Stabiussche 'Weltkarte', the first perspective reproduction of the terrestrial globe. Perhaps most famously, the main part of Nicolaus Copernicus' work was published in Nuremberg in 1543.

Printers and publishers have a long history in Nuremberg. Many of these publishers worked with well-known artists of the day to produce books that could also be considered works of art. Others furthered geographical knowledge and travel by mapmaking. Two of these were navigator and geographer Martin Behaim, who made the first world globe, and Hartmann Schedel, who wrote his World Chronicles (Schedelsche Weltchronik) in the local Franconian dialect. Sculptors like Veit Stoss and Peter Vischer are also associated with Nuremberg.

Composed of prosperous artisans, the guilds of the Meistersingers flourished here. Richard Wagner made their most famous member, Hans Sachs, the hero of his opera Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg. Baroque composer Johann Pachelbel was born here and was organist of St. Sebald church. 

 

Museums:

  • Toy Museum - shows toys reaching back to the Middle Ages. All are very well preserved. Just about every school child in Nuremberg visits this museum during its elementary school period. It is open to the public every day, for a nominal entrance fee.
  • Documentation Centre - Former Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Nuremberg Trials
  • Germanisches Nationalmuseum - founded in Nuremberg, Germany in 1852, houses a significant collection of items relating to German culture and art extending from prehistoric times through to the present day.
  • Albrecht Durer's House - "Back to Durer" is the motto of Albrecht Durer's House, presenting the living and working quarters of the great artist,(1471-1528).
  • Medieval Dungeons
  • Graphic Art Collection
  • Historic Art Shelter 
  • Kaiserburg Museum


Shopping:

Nuremberg's main shopping district is the Lorenzer Altstadt, the part of the old town south of river Pegnitz. There are three shopping streets running from the white tower to the vicinity of St Lawrence church: The cheapest stores can be found in Breite Gasse, in Karolinenstrasse you find mid-priced stores and Kaisserstrasse, next to the river, offers luxury goods.

At their eastern end the three streets are connected by the street Konigsstrasse, which runs from the main station via St Lawrence church to the main market place. The biggest department stores, Karstadt and Kaufhof, are located here.

 

 

Food:

Within the city you get Nuernberger Bratwuerste, in the surrounding area Fraenkische Bratwuerste. Nuernberger are only about half the size, but contain more spices than Fraenkische. Consequently one typically eats three Fraenkische or six Nuernberger. In restaurants Bratwuerste are served with Sauerkraut or potato salad. On the street you can also buy two or three sausages in a roll. But be careful to get "real" Nuernberger and not "foreign" Thueringer Bratwuerste.

Some Suggested Restaurants:

Brasserie
Le Meridien Grand Hotel
Bahnhofstrasse 1-3
The Brasserie serves freshly prepared local specialities and international cuisine.

Cosmos
Kornmarkt 7
Tel: 911 99 21 50
This chic glass and stainless steel Asian dining spot is centrally located just around the corner of the popular Konigstrasse. Try some of the spicy and delicious Asian fusion fare with a touch of tradition. The interior is minimalist and the art is modern. It’s a great place to come and get a small bite to eat and a drink before going out on the town for a night of fun.

Da Claudio
Hauptmarkt 16
Tel: 911 2047 5253
This is not one of the oldest restaurants in Nuremberg nor does it serve up traditional German fare, but it is still a fine dining joy. What you will receive at Da Claudio is a superbly prepared, authentic Italian meal. The interior features light colours and open ambience and is in stark contrast to the surrounding buildings and shops.

Da Gaetano
Hauptmarkt 9
Tel: 911 22 76 31
This is one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in this international city, and one that serves up a first-rate fare that deserves the name "fine." Located on the large Hauptmarkt, this family-owned Italian restaurant is located on the second floor of a historic building on the square across from a beautiful medieval church. The best seat in the house is the window box that looks out onto the market and directly across to the Church of Our Lady. The food is superb and prepared fresh to your liking. Service is friendly and the staff speaks Italian, German, and English. Portions are large, and prices are reasonable.

Essigbratlein
Weinmarkt 3
Tel: 911 22 51 31
U-Bahn: Karstadt
This is the best restaurant in Nuremberg, dwarfing all other competition. The city's most ancient restaurant, dating from 1550, was originally a meeting place of wine merchants. Its upscale cuisine is reason enough to visit the city in the first place. The cuisine is so inventive and refreshing, and the chef firmly believes in market-fresh ingredients. The traditional specialty is roast loin of beef (what the name of the restaurant means in German).

Gasthaus Alte Post
Kraftshofer Hauptstrasse 164
Tel: 911 30 58 63
Regional favourites and weekly specials highlight the menu at this city centre dining delight. Try the pork sausage with onion stock or shoulder of pork roast. Perfectly prepared small sausages are also a regional treat. An excellent wine list is another draw to this restaurant.

Heilig-Geist-Spital
Spitalgasse 16
Tel: 911 22 17 61
Bus: 46 or 47
Heilig-Geist-Spital is Nuremberg's largest historical wine house, and has been in business for 650 years. The entrance is through an arcade above the river. The main dishes are typical Franconian fare, hearty and filling. Carp is a specialty, as is pork knuckle. In season, you can order leg of venison with noodles and berries. The wine list is abundant and excellent, with more than 100 vintages.

Historische Bratwurst-Glocklein
Im Handwerkerhof
Tel: 911 22 76 25
U-Bahn: Hauptbahnhof
The kitchen prepares a traditional Nuremberg-style bratwurst with sauerkraut and boiled potatoes, all served on tin plates. Because beer goes perfectly with wurst, you'll enjoy sampling some of the brews on tap while admiring the craftsmanship of the room, which dates from the Middle Ages. Ham hocks are an additional specialty.

Historic Beer Garden of Hexenhausla
The Castle
This lovely outdoor beer garden is centrally located beside the Nuremberg Castle in a grove of trees. A good selection of local and regional beers is offered, as well as a traditional German dining menu. Perfect stop after a tour of the castle.

Lorenz
Lorenzer Platz 23
Tel: 911 205 9390
The lovely Lorenzer Platz restaurant serves up a good international menu. Dining choices include popular German as well as European dishes. The creative wine list and local beers complement any dining choice. The first-rate service and casual atmosphere will bolster any appetite.

Nassauer Keller
Karolinenstrasse 2
Tel: 911 225 967
This highly rated restaurant serves up a full menu of deliciously prepared traditional German dining options. Perfect for either the romantic dinner or the evening business meeting. Enjoy the extensive wine list and drinks menu and first-rate service.

Sausalitos
Farberstrasse 8
Tel: 911 200 4889
This rustic Mexican cantina is located in the heart of the old city in Nuremberg. They serve up authentic Mexican fare such as fajitas and quesadillas. They also have burgers, steaks, and burritos. Try a cool drink from an extensive list that includes margaritas, daiquiris (even banana), and Jumbos. The atmosphere is casual and the service complements the meal.

Sushi Glas
Kornmarkt 5-7
Tel: 911 205 9901
Try any of the perfectly prepared sushi treats at this modern spot in one of the oldest towns in Germany. The service is traditional German, but the food is 100% Asian. Your favourite sushi and more are served here. The chic and modern ambience complements any meal perfectly.

Weinhaus Steichele
Knorrstrasse 2
Tel: 911 20 22 80
U-Bahn: Weisser Turm
Steichele's walls are covered with polished copper pots, antique display cases lit from within, and hanging chandeliers carved into double-tailed sea monsters and other mythical beasts. Try roast shoulder of pork with potato balls and sauerkraut; or paprika-coated baked ham in an onion sauce, served with french fries and a salad. The wine list is superb.
 

Sport:

Cycling and ice hockey are traditional sports in Nuremberg and both have a loyal group of fans. The 1. FC Nurnberg soccer club plays in the Franken Stadium, and is of international standard. Cycling and ice-skating also have long traditions in Nuremberg. 8,600 ice-hockey fans are able to watch league matches in the new Nuremberg Ice Arena, which  also hosted the Ice-Hockey World Championships in April 2001.

Other sporting facilities include: golf courses, skate parks, shooting ranges, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, squash courts and a velodrome.

 

Stadium:

Frankenstadion:

The Frankenstadion was inaugurated in 1928 in Nuremberg as home stadium to the Bundesliga club 1. FC Nurnberg. It is located next to the Zeppelinfeld. In 1991 it recived its current name, before that it was known simply as the Urban Stadium. It also neighbours the new Arena Nuernberg. The Stadium is planned to host five games of the 2006 World Cup.

The available facilities at the stadium include two changing rooms for players, changing rooms for coaches, referees. Also physician and treatment rooms are available. A 300 square metre press area, an area for press conferences, and three TV studios make the Frankenstadion a truly modern stadium. 1200 square metres makes up the VIP area with place for 800 guests.

To compensate for the large amount of seats there are 15,000 parking spaces with 205 for VIPs. The stadium also has track and field facilities that follow international regulation.

A full sprinkler system, that feeds the grass with rain water. The pitch is also heated, and lit with a floodlight system. There are two 60 square metre video walls that provide video to the fans.

The Frankenstadion has twice been renovated, once in 1988 to 1991, and then again renovation began again in 2002 to be ready in time for the 2006 World Cup. The 2002 renovation cost €56.2 million; the cost is split between the city of Nuremberg, The State of Bavaria and the building society which is to manage the stadium. The Stadium has had its capacity increased to 48,000. This is achieved by extending the southwest and northwest grandstand. The playing field was lowered by 1.30 metres in order to provide all seats an unrestricted view of the field.


Directions:

The Frankenstadion is serviced by several lines of the metro. On the U-Bahn take line U1, on the S-Bahn take line S2 To get there by bus simply take the 65 line.

By Car:

From the A9 Munchen-Berlin: Leave the A9 at the exit Nurnberg-Fischbach. Turn onto the Regensburger Strasse in the direction of the city centre (Zentrum). Turn left at the third traffic lights and follow the signs to the stadium.


World Cup Stadium Schedule:

  • 11th June 2006 Group D: Mexico - Iran
  • 15th June 2006 Group B: England - Trinidad & Tobago
  • 18th June 2006 Group F: Japan - Croatia
  • 22nd June 2006 Group E: Ghana - USA
  • 25th June 2006 Last 16: winner of Group D - runner up of Group C at 9pm

 

Tourist Tips:

The easily manageable, yet picturesque Old Town, neighbourhoods with tradition and character, an abundance of sport and leisure time activities, unmatched musical events, cultural highlights for children and adults, lively markets and festivals, attractive living and working opportunities and last but not least irresistible gastronomic offerings make Nuremberg a charming city worth living and working in for home-grown locals as well as for visitors.              

The old town is best explored on foot. If you want to get from one part of the old town to another by car or public transport, you will often have to leave the old town and reenter it at a different gate. Nuremberg's old town is divided by the river Pegnitz. The northern half is called Sebalder Alstadt, the southern Lorenzer Altstadt.

In the castle quarter (Burgviertel) numerous old buildings survived the war. The street Fuell with its sand stone houses is a typical merchant's street. The craftsmen lived in timber-framed houses, many of which have been restored in Weissgerbergasse. More timber-framed houses can be seen in Obere and Untere Kraemersgasse. In Untere Kraemersgasse 16 you can often look into the tiny courtyard.


Nuremberg Castle:

The castle dominates the north-western corner of Nuremberg's old town. In the west (on the right, when coming from the city) the castle starts with Luginsland tower. Between it and the five-cornered tower is the Kaiserstallung. It was built in 1495 in only one year and served originally as storehouse for grain. Today it is used as youth hostel. The five-cornered tower was constructed before 1050 and is the oldest building of the castle and city. Further east are the entry to the castle garden and the castle gate. Through the castle gate one gets to the Freiung, where you can enjoy one of the best views of the old town. If you want to look further you can climb the round tower (Sinwellturm) in the first court of the castle. There you also find the deep well (Tiefer Brunnen). In the main court is the Kemenate on the right and the Palas on the left side. The Palas houses the castle museum, further rooms including the two-storey chapel can be seen on a guided tour.

 

Norisring:

The Norisring is a race track in Nuremberg, on the former "Reichsparteitagsgelande" site of the NSDAP party conventions. As the German name Nurnberg would lead to confusion with the Nurburgring, the old name Noris was chosen for the simple track which is nowadays approximately 2600m long.

Since May 18 1947, motorracing events around the remaining large grand stand are held on roads that are used for public traffic. From start finish, a right hand sweeper leads into a lefthand U-turn at Grundig tower, and back in a lefthand sweeper to the Steintribune, where the "Scholler S" right-left turns lead to the backstraight at its backside. After a righthand kink, the lefthand U-turn of "Dutzendteichkehre" leads back to the main straight.

Due to the proximity of the lake "Dutzendteich", it is even compared to the Monaco Grand Prix. The Norisrennen of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters is considered a highlight of this series, as fans get closer to the action and the drivers than on modern venues.


Other suggestions for sightseeing:

  • St Sebald Church - was built from the 13th to 15th century. In the centre of the church is the grave of the city saint, depicting scenes of his life.
  • St Lawrence Church (Lorenzkirche) was built from the 13th to 15th century. Among its many treasures are the Tabernacel by Adam Kraft and the Greeting Angels by Veit Stoss.
  • Nuremberg Zoo (Europe's biggest Zoological garden)
  • Neunhof Manor
  • Hauptmarkt
  • Nassauer House (city's oldest house)
  • Church of Our Lady

 

History:

From 1050 to 1571, the city was a regular stop on the progression of the Holy Roman Emperor, particularly because Reichstage (Imperial Diets) and courts met at Nuremberg Castle. The Diets of Nuremberg were an important part of the administrative structure of the empire. In 1219 Nuremberg became an Imperial Free City under Emperor Frederick II.

Nuremberg soon became, with Augsburg, one of the two great trade centres on the route from Italy to Northern Europe. Nuremberg is also known for owning the first Iron Maiden torturing device. The cultural flowering of Nuremberg in the 15th and 16th centuries made it the centre of the German Renaissance.

In 1525, Nuremberg accepted the Reformation, and in 1532, the religious Peace of Nuremberg, by which the Lutherans gained important concessions, was signed there. During the Thirty Years War, in 1632, Gustavus II was besieged in Nuremberg by Wallenstein. The city declined after the war and recovered its importance only in the 19th century, when it grew as an industrial center. At the beginning of the 19th century Nuremberg was practically bankrupt. In 1806 with the Holy Roman Empire formally being dissolved, Nuremberg passed to Bavaria. The Bavarian state took over the debts of Nuremberg and did guarantee their amortization. The first German railway, from Nuremberg to nearby Furth, was opened in 1835.

Because of its relevance to the Holy Roman Empire, in line with the connotations raised by the term Third Reich, the Nazis chose the city as the site of their large NSDAP party conventions. A number of premises were specially constructed for these assemblies, as well as other buildings, some of which were not finished. To this date, many examples of Nazi architecture can be seen in the city, making it an interesting visit for those interested in the History of Germany overall.

After Adolf Hitler came to power, Nuremberg was made a national shrine by the National Socialists, who held their annual party congresses nearby from 1933 through 1938. The city was the home of the Nazi leader Julius Streicher and became a center of anti-Semitic propaganda, including the famous Nuremberg rallies captured in Leni Riefenstahl's 1934 film Triumph of the Will.

During World War II, Nuremberg was the Headquarters of Military District/Wehrkreis XIII, and an important site for the production of airplane, submarine, and tank engines. The industrial areas of the city were severely damaged in air raids (1943/44). On January 2nd, 1945, the medieval city centre was systematically bombed by the British and Americans and was largely (90%) destroyed in only one hour, with 1 800 residents killed and roughly 100 000 left homeless. In February 1945, additional attacks followed. All in all, 6 000 residents of Nuremberg are estimated to have been killed in air raids. Despite this, the city was rebuilt after the war and was to some extent restored to its pre-war appearance, down to the replication of some of its medieval buildings. However, the pre-war splendour of the city seems to be lost forever.

After the end of World War II, the city became famous for the trials of Nazi officials for war crimes, the Nuremberg Trials. In order to come to terms with the role Nuremberg played during the Third Reich, the city established the "Nuremberg International Human Rights Award" in 1995, which is awarded every second year to individuals or groups defending human rights worldwide.

 

 

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