In short: Nuremberg has one real flea market, the Trempelmarkt (twice a year, usually May and September), and three seasonal markets on the Hauptmarkt: Easter, autumn and the famous Christkindlesmarkt. Check the current dates on the city's official sites before you travel (sources at the end).
How many flea markets does Nuremberg have?
One real one, plus three seasonal markets. Nuremberg's market calendar is often described as four flea markets, which is not quite right. There is one genuine flea market, the Trempelmarkt, and three seasonal markets on the Hauptmarkt that sell crafts, food and decorations rather than second-hand goods. Knowing the difference saves you a wasted trip if you came to hunt for old things.
All of them happen in and around the walled old town, which means the market is only half the reason to be there.
When and where is the Trempelmarkt?
Twice a year, usually in May and September, the Trempelmarkt takes over the streets of the old town: private sellers, dealers and shops all putting tables out along the pavements. It is one of the largest flea markets in southern Germany, and it runs late into the Friday evening as well as all day Saturday.
The Friday night session is the interesting one. The atmosphere is closer to a street festival than a market, with bars open and people browsing by lamplight. If you want the good finds rather than the atmosphere, come early on Saturday instead, and bring cash and a bag.
What is the Nuremberg Easter market like?
On the Hauptmarkt, the Easter market fills the square in the weeks before Easter with painted eggs, wooden decorations, regional food and craft stalls. It is far smaller and calmer than the Christmas market, which is exactly its appeal: you can actually see the stalls.
While you are on the square, find the Schöner Brunnen, the tall Gothic fountain, and look for the brass ring set into the ironwork surrounding it. Local custom says turning it brings luck. Everybody does it and nobody agrees on the story behind it.
What is the Nuremberg autumn market like?
The autumn market, also on the Hauptmarkt, leans towards food and craft: preserves, honey, cheese, textiles and woodwork. It usually runs for a couple of weeks in September and it is the least touristy of the seasonal markets, which makes it the best one for actually buying something you will use.
What should you know about the Christkindlesmarkt?
Nuremberg's Christmas market is one of the most famous in the world. It opens with a prologue read by the Christkind, a young woman chosen for a two-year term who appears in gold and white on the gallery of the Frauenkirche above the square.
What to buy and eat here is specific. Nürnberger Rostbratwürste are small, finger-sized grilled sausages, ordered three in a bread roll. Lebkuchen, the spiced gingerbread, is a Nuremberg product with centuries of history behind it and travels home well in a tin. And Zwetschgenmännle, little figures made of dried prunes, are the traditional souvenir.
It is extremely busy. Go on a weekday, or in the first hour after opening, and know that the smaller children's market next door is often more pleasant than the main square.
What else is there to see around the markets?
Nuremberg was bombed in January 1945 and the old town largely destroyed, then rebuilt in the old plan. The Kaiserburg castle sits above the town with a view over the roofs, and long stretches of the city wall still stand, which is unusual for a German city this size.
Two places are harder and worth the time. The Documentation Centre at the former Nazi party rally grounds explains how the regime used this city as a stage, and Courtroom 600, where the Nuremberg trials were held, can be visited. Neither is a comfortable afternoon and both are among the most important things you can do here.
How can you explore Nuremberg's old town as a game?
The old town is compact, walled and full of detail: the castle approach, the craft courtyard by the station, the bridges over the Pegnitz. A city game gives your walk a route and clues, so you notice the wall towers and the fountains rather than just crossing between markets. It works well with children and with a group.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Trempelmarkt?
Usually twice a year, in May and September, across a Friday evening and Saturday. Check the current dates before travelling.
When is the Christkindlesmarkt?
From late November until Christmas Eve, on the Hauptmarkt. It is one of the busiest Christmas markets in Germany.
Are the markets free?
Yes, all of them are free to enter. Bring cash for the Trempelmarkt, where cards are often not accepted.
What should I eat?
Three Nuremberg sausages in a roll, and Lebkuchen. Both are local specialities rather than generic market food.
Is Nuremberg walkable?
Yes. The old town is small and enclosed by walls, and the station sits directly outside them.
In short: markets and the walled city
If you want the walled city as well as the stalls, walk it with a playing route. Here is how it works, and for team outings and larger groups we have formats on this page. Questions about dates, group sizes or routes? Get in touch. About an hour away by train: Munich.
Sources
Market dates and details: Nuremberg tourist office and the official Christkindlesmarkt site. The Documentation Centre and Courtroom 600 (Memorium Nuremberg Trials): Nuremberg municipal museums.
