Hello from the Avalon Illumination! Today was our last day in Nuremberg, and it was packed with history, stunning sights, delicious gingerbread, and the start of a unique experience on the Main-Danube Canal. From exploring the city’s rich past to watching the ship navigate through locks, it was a day full of wonder and discovery.
Breakfast in Our Cabin
We began the morning with a cozy breakfast right in our cabin. Sipping coffee and enjoying fresh pastries while watching the misty river float by was the perfect way to start the day. Nuremberg awaited, and we were eager to dive into its storied history.
Splendors of Nuremberg Tour
Our Avalon Waterways Splendors of Nuremberg excursion took us on a fascinating journey through the city’s past and present. The short 20-minute bus ride from the ship docked on the Main-Danube Canal to the Old Town was packed with information from our guide.
The Founding and Growth of Nuremberg
Nuremberg was founded in 1050 at a strategic crossroads in Franconia, which allowed it to flourish as a hub of trade and innovation. By 1170, the first city wall was built to protect its growing population and important marketplaces. As the city expanded, a second wall was constructed in the 14th century, creating a larger fortified area. These walls and their towers still stand today, offering a glimpse into the medieval city’s grandeur.
During the Industrial Revolution, Nuremberg’s population boomed as factories and businesses sprang up. Today, major companies like Siemens, Adidas, and Puma contribute to its modern economy, blending a rich historical foundation with industrial progress.
Pictures from the ride from the ship to the Castle
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Nuremberg Castle, Durer and Churches
The bus dropped us off at the Nuremberg Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Old Town. This medieval fortress was a key symbol of power for the Holy Roman Empire and offered protection for the city below. The castle complex includes various buildings, each with a unique story. From the castle grounds, we had sweeping views of Nuremberg’s iconic red rooftops and bustling streets.
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| Steep walk down from the castle |
Albrecht Dürer: Nuremberg’s Favorite Son
One of Nuremberg’s most famous residents is Albrecht Dürer, the painter and engraver renowned for his masterful detail and creativity. Born in 1471, Dürer was the son of a Hungarian immigrant who settled in Nuremberg. His innovative works, including intricate woodcuts and engravings, earned him international fame during the Renaissance.
Our guide led us to a beautiful square that includes the Albrecht Dürer House, the artist’s former home, which is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The house itself is a beautiful half-timbered building that transports you back to the Renaissance era. Nearby, we spotted the Rabbit Statue, an oversized bronze sculpture inspired by Dürer’s famous watercolor, Young Hare. The quirky statue, with its exaggerated features, is a playful nod to his artistic legacy and makes for a fun photo stop.
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| Building is being used as an advent calendar. with most windows still white, the first two days have been opened. |
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| Derer's Rabbit |
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| The Hare statue to commemorate Derer's famous painting |
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| The house that Durer bought and lived in. |
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| Santa Sighting |
Descending into the Old Town, we viewed St. Sebald’s Church (that we went in earlier in the week), one of the city’s oldest and most important religious sites. Built in the 13th century, this Gothic church has been carefully restored after suffering damage during WWII. Its intricate stained-glass windows and towering spires left us in awe.
At the bottom of the hill, we reached the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche), which dominates the Hauptmarkt square. Our guide explained that this stunning Gothic church, built in the 14th century, is the backdrop for the famous Christkindlesmarkt and home to the Männleinlaufen, a mechanical clock that springs to life every day at noon.
Christmas Market Treasures
We ended the tour at the Christkindlesmarkt, where we were free to explore at our own pace. The market was quieter today, giving us time to appreciate the details we might have missed earlier.
One of our favorite discoveries was a building where they were baking Nuremberg lebkuchen, the city’s world-famous gingerbread. The warm, spicy aroma drew us in, and we couldn’t resist trying a piece straight from the oven. Soft, sweet, and fragrant, it was the perfect treat for a chilly day.
Lunch and a Unique Afternoon on the Canal
After the tour, we returned to the Avalon Illumination for lunch. With a mix of warm dishes and light bites, it was just what we needed to recharge.
In the afternoon, we had the option to take a bus back to the Christmas Market, but we decided to stay aboard the ship for a unique experience: passing through the locks on the Main-Danube Canal.
The crew announced that the bridge and covers on the Sun Deck would be lowered to fit under the low-clearance areas. They even reminded everyone to watch their heads as we entered the first lock! From the Sun Deck, we watched the ship slowly descend as the water level lowered, an impressive feat of engineering.
We stayed on the Sun Deck for the entire lock transition, marveling at the precision and scale of the process. Each lock felt like a mini adventure, and the drizzle added a cozy ambiance to the experience.
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| Everything Lowered |
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| Coming up on the first lock |
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| We had to go under the structure above |
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| Time to for Toni to get low... |
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| and lower! |
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| Plenty of room |
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| Inside the first dock and looks like we are going way up |
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| Touched the wall |
Relaxing Evening on Board
Afterward, we returned to our cabin to rest before joining fellow passengers for Happy Hour in the lounge. Dinner followed, featuring more delicious dishes and lively conversation.
As the night fell, the ship continued passing through multiple locks, each one a reminder of the incredible journey we’re on. The gentle motion and occasional sounds of the locks lulled us into a sense of calm as we prepared for the next leg of our adventure.
Reflections on the Day
Today was a beautiful blend of history, holiday magic, and unique moments aboard the Avalon Illumination. Nuremberg’s rich past, from its medieval walls to its artistic legacy, left a lasting impression. Tomorrow, we’ll set sail for our next destination along the Danube, but Nuremberg will always hold a special place in our hearts.
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