I have been splashing around in the Moscow mud for thirty-eight winters, and every time I am surprised by one phenomenon. In European capitals, falling snow means beautiful snowflakes and dry asphalt. Nobody washes cars because they don’t get dirty. And blue suede shoes remain blue, even if you walk across the city. Maybe it’s not real winter there, but just a decoration for a winter Christmas fairy tale?
I have two children, and we love fairy tales. Ornate German towns decorated for Christmas with dolls’ houses and cobblestone paths are a real medieval fairy tale. And December is the best time to be there. My favorite city is Nuremberg. From November 22 to December 24, there is a large Christmas market – an incredible festive extravaganza with aromatic fried sausages, fragrant gingerbread, hot punch, a carousel and winter entertainment for children.
In addition to the market, Nuremberg has a zoo with an impressive Dolphin Lagoon. This is as much as 5.3 million liters of salt water in a pool 6 meters deep and 1100 square meters in area. m. Dolphins and sea lions live there. A children’s railway runs through the zoo – past enclosures with giraffes, under the Dolphin Lagoon and straight to the children’s zoo, where you can feed and pet the animals.
And, of course, the Spielzeugmuseum – a toy museum! The exhibition area of more than one and a half thousand square meters contains unique antique toys. And on the top floor of the museum there are modern toys. Here children can play with giant Lego, Barbie dolls, Playmobil sets and Matchbox cars.
After a few unforgettable days in Nuremberg, we usually head to the Playmobil Funpark. It is just half an hour from Nuremberg. Getting there is easy and cheap – by train, metro or city bus – no more than €5 for adults and free for children under 15 years old.
By the way, I prefer the train service to the car. German trains are accurate, economical and comfortable. In addition, children under fifteen years of age can ride for free. We always take the Nuremberg + Fürth card for €25 for 2 days. The card gives free access to all museums and attractions, as well as travel on any transport in Nuremberg, Fürth and Stein. The card is free for children under 5 years old, and from 6 to 11 years old – only €5.
Go to a Christmas fairy tale for two: “flight + hotel” from 11,000 rubles per person (2 nights)
And this is a valuable link for you: here are all the details about Nuremberg – about its parks, gardens and museums, as well as concerts, all kinds of shows and shopping.
See you in Nuremberg!
