The Last Trip

The last trip of 2016. A day out in Nürnberg on 30 December.

The starting point was Gaimersheim near Ingolstadt, about 55 miles (90km) to the south, so it was a train journey and not a flight!

DB does a Bayern ticket which gives unlimited train travel within Bavaria (after 9am). Prices went up in December, but I think it’s €25 for one person now and about €30 for the two of us. An excellent deal. A brand new train too - still smelling just like a new car.

The main reason for choosing Nürnberg was to visit the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. It’s very close to the main train station, and that was another reason for letting the train take the strain.

It has a whole host of interesting sections, with contents ranging from old masters to antique musical instruments.

I’d guess we saw about 30% of it in 3 hours, although part of that was spent in a special exhibition about Emperor Charles IV.

The coffee shop was very enjoyable too - a smoked salmon bagel at lunchtime and apple cake mid afternoon.

About 5pm we set off to find a place for a drink and dinner, with no plan except wishful thinking.

It worked a treat and we found Bratwurst Röslein. It dates back to the 1400s, so it is “in with the bricks’. An excellent dinner, with several highlights.

First, the Bratwurst with Sauerkraut. Next, the white Franconian wine (Weisser Burgunder). Then, the service. Last but not least, the atmosphere.

It looks like a tourist trap, but don’t let that put you off. It’s genuine.

For those who don’t know, the city has its own style of Bratwurst. Smaller than usual. To be tried... with Sauerkraut.

€70 for two. That was for 2.5 courses (a shared starter) and wine (€19 for the bottle).

Then back to the station to catch the 19:38.

My only previous visit to the city had been to visit the famous Christmas market. It was worth seeing, but the market and the whole of the old city centre was swarming with tourists. You could hardly move in the market by late afternoon. This time was more “normal” and more fun.

Hopefully I’ll be back - there’s plenty more to see.