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Remembering WWII History in Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg, Germany has a long, robust, 950-year history. It is a marvelous city to visit on a river cruise or for a few days. There are so many things that you can choose to do and see in Nuremberg you could become a little overwhelmed. Since the stories of history are so important to remember, this first post about Nuremberg will focus on the monumental WWII historic places you can visit during your day. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started learning about the places that you can visit to remember WWII history in Nuremberg, Germany.

The links below have some great historical information and are very interesting to read if you enjoy that sort of thing. ( I sure do!)

Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds

Remembering WWII history in Nuremberg Germany at the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds and Congress Hall.
Congress Hall–Houses the Documentation Center of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds

In 1933, Adolf Hitler declared that Nuremberg, Germany should be the “City of the Nazi Party Rallies,” so plans were made and construction was begun. Even though these buildings were not ever finished this area stands as a remembrance to this dark time in German history that is not to be forgotten.

The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds (Dokumentationszentrum Reichsparteitagsgelände) is one of the most important museums in Germany dedicated to remembering the Nazi regime. The rally grounds is an absolutely enormous area. The parade grounds alone were designed to hold 200,000. Now, in one wing of the unfinished Congress Hall (designed to seat 50,000), you will find the main exhibit called “Fascination and Terror.” This exhibit chronicles the rise of the Nazi Party, Nazi rallies, racism, anti-Semitism, the German resistance, and the Nuremberg Trials.

Guided tours are available in English if reserved ahead of time. Self-guided tours are also available in English to help you explore this piece of WWII history in Nuremberg, Germany.

Before you visit you might want to watch “The Triumph of the Will,” a propaganda film produced in 1934. The film shows a Nazi Party Rally at the Rally Grounds with over 700,000 attendees, soldiers marching, clips from speeches of prominent Nazi leaders and Adolf Hitler. It isn’t the most exciting film, but it is still very fascinating.

Memorium Nuremberg Trials

Nuremberg Germany remembering WWII history at the Palace of Justice in Courtroom 600.

Another interesting place to visit for WWII history in Nuremberg, Germany is the Memorium Nuremberg Trials. This exhibit focuses on the war trials conducted by the Allies between 1945 and 1949 that tried Nazi officials for crimes against peace, the rules of war, and humanity. You will find this memorial in Nuremberg’s Place of Justice directly above the courtroom where the trials took place.

If you are lucky you might even get to see the actual courtroom, room 600. Access is limited during the weekdays since it is an active courtroom used today. If you happen to visit the Palace of Justice on a Saturday you can experience an audio tour of the room (in English) bringing this sobering piece of history back to life.

River Cruise Tours

Most river cruise lines will include tours in each city and town you visit. These are generally overview tours that help you get a better understanding of the town. So, while in Nuremberg you most likely have the option of a city tour. Your tour will probably include a visit to the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds and possibly even the Palace of Justice. For some, this quick visit might be enough. But, if you are a history buff (and especially WWII) you will want to plan to come back to this area later in the day to fully take in all the exhibits.

Have you visited this part of Nuremberg, Germany? If not, is it on your list of must-visit places? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Here are some more posts you might like to read:

Ama Waterways

Cooking Classes in Bratislava, Slovakia

There are so many wonderful dishes to taste while you are in Bratislava, Slovakia. Now, you can certainly take a tasting tour (complimentary option on your AmaWaterways river cruise) but then you just have to remember the taste. Taking a cooking class in Bratislava will allow you to take the taste of Slovakia home with you! Read on to find cooking classes in Bratislava, Slovakia

Chefparade Cooking School

Do you want to taste the traditional Slovak cuisine and learn to prepare “Bryndzové halušky”?Chefparade has two locations in Bratislava ready to teach you. This cooking school is a contemporary cosmopolitan cooking studio where you can master Slovak cooking. The hands-on courses will give you the confidence to make the dishes at home. Not only do you learn about specific recipes they will also teach basic cooking practices if needed. Their courses are on request so contact your travel advisor to reserve a class.

Bread and Pastry Classes with Tanya Novak

Tanya Novak is a master baker and pastry chef. She teaches classes (in English) in conjunction with Boulanger&Patissiere. She teaches classes for beginners and professionals. You can take a class to make bread and baguettes, macarons, butter croissants, Brioche Feuilletée, and other delectable desserts. Have your travel advisor assist you in booking one of her classes.

Bon Manufaktur Confectionary

Bon Manufaktur is a unique Slovak Confectionary as they turn sugar into art. They sell their own hand made products ranging from candies and lollipops to marshmallos and chocolates. You can go in for some decadent desserts and watch a caramel show but wouldn’t it be much more fun to learn how to make some yourself!

They offer workshops for children and adults from basic to expert skills. A basic class teaches you how to make a somewhat simple lollipop where the upper level classes guide you to creating works of art. Classes are in English.

There are other cooking class possibilites that you travel advisor can look into for you:

  • Bratislava Cooking Workshop–In this 3 hour class you prepare a 3-course Slovakian meal. The menu changes but you might make potato dumplings with sheep’s cheese or creamy garlic soup. After you finish cooking you get to enjoy the meal you prepared. Yum! This workshop isn’t currently available but might be in the future. Have your travel advisor keep an eye out for you.
  • The Sheraton Bratislava Hotel also offers cooking classes. Have your travel advisor find out more information for you. Here is one woman’s account of her class and a delicious recipe.

Have you tried a cooking class in Bratislava? How about somewhere else? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

If you are interested in planning a river cruise that has a stop in Bratislava, Slovakia please let me know. I would love to help!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Here are some other posts you might be interested in:

Ama Waterways

5 Unique Things to do in Lyon, France

Find unique things to do in Lyon, France situated on the Rhone River.

As you know, I think river cruising is a fantastic way to see Europe and France’s Provence region is no exception. Sailing down the Rhone River is a perfect way to view the countryside and visit the towns. Lyon, France is often a beginning or ending point for Provence river cruises. But what is there to do? Well, aside from the food (Lyon is considered the Gastronomic Capital of France) there is so much to see and do in this easy to navigate city.

See this post: Lyon, France–the Gastronomic capital of France

If you are traveling by river cruise then you will have an overview tour of Lyon included. But, what if you have already been on that tour or want to venture out on your own. The tours usually visit the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the St. Jean District and Cathedral, Palace of Justice, and Lyon Old Town. Let’s discover more of Lyon, France. Read on for some unique things to do in Lyon, France!

Navigate the Traboules

The Traboules are one of the things to do in Lyon, France

Winding their way throughout the city, the traboules are a perfect way to experience the city’s colorful and hidden past. There is thought to be more than 400 traboules but only around 40 are open to the public. If you don’t want to hunt for the passages yourself then head to the tourist office on Place Bellecour for a self guided map or guided tour.

The passages are mainly located in Vieux Lyon, La Croix-Rousse, and in La Presqu’île.  Originally they were used to help the silk workers get to the riverbank quickly. Later they were used to aid the resistance in WWII. Most all the traboules are on private property so be respectful.

Picnic in Parc de la Tête d’Or

This park sits atop the ritzy 6th arrondissement on the east side of the Rhône. Along with beautiful grounds for a picnic, you can visit a beautiful botanical garden, paddleboat on the lake, or see animals at the zoo. In the spring don’t miss the rose garden! With lunch from one of the delicious charcuteries or boulangeries, this is a wonderful way to spend a couple hours.

Visit the Croix-Rousse

This neighborhood sits atop the other hill in Lyon. To get there you can walk up La Montée de la Grande Côte which is a pedestrian path with boutiques and cafe’s on either side. The buildings are a sight to be seen from below and on the way up the hill. And at the top there is a small park which has a beautiful view of the city.

This is also the location of the largest outdoor market in Lyon. Open early in the day Tuesday-Sunday, this is another perfect place to get some lunch and picnic in the park!

Musée Miniature et Cinéma

Lyon, France is the home to many museums but the Musée Miniature et Cinéma is one of the most unique things to do in Lyon, France. In fact, it is the only one of it’s kind. Located in Vieux-Lyon this museum is dedicated to two things: miniatures and film props. The main attraction is the over 100 different miniature scenes created by Dan Ohlmann. The attention to detail and craftsmanship is astounding!

The other section of the museum houses more than 300 authentic movie props, artifacts and models from the last 50 years. A truly unique experience!

The Murals of Lyon

Exploring the murals is one of the things to do in Lyon, France.

Discover the distinct culture of Lyon, France through the more than 100 murals painted on walls around the city. These huge murals are painted in the trompe l’oeil style. The paintings depict historical events, important people, or just the everyday moments of life in Lyon.

The most famous mural is La Fresque des Lyonnais. Located near the Quai Saint Vincent on 2 rue de la Martinière, this painting depicts many famous people of Lyon.

The oldest mural is Le mur des canuts.  You can find it on Boulevard des Canuts near the Henon metro.

Otherwise, just keep your eye out and your camera ready as you tour the city!

Have you done something in Lyon, France that was unique or off the beaten path? Let me know in the comments below!

If you would like more information about river cruises that have Lyon, France as part of the itinerary please contact me. I would love to help!

Happy Travels to you…until we meet again!

Other Posts that might interest you:

Ama Waterways

Lyon: The Gastronomy Capital of France

Many river cruise lines begin their cruises of the Provence region of France in Lyon. Lyon is a beautiful city and quite easy to navigate. It is the perfect beginning as it sits on both the Rhône and Saône Rivers creating a beautiful landscape and a hub of trade (think ingredients for delicious cusine). Lyon, France has become the gastronomy capital of France for good reason. Read on and learn fantastic places to experience in Lyon, France, the gastronomy capital of France!

Why is Lyon the food capital of France?

Lyon, France is world renoun for its delicious and hearty meals. They are know for simple meals cooked with local produce. But there also are many chefs in Lyon daily creating modern, inventive dishes to delight even the most astute foodie. Much of the food in Lyon is rich, leaning on the long heritage of traditional cooking.

Lyon is situated in the perfect location to become a foodie mecca. All around the region come specialties–veggies from farms in Charolais, fish from Savoy, port from Monts du Lyonnais, and of course, wine and cheese from the Rhone Valley. Oh, let’s not forget the ‘royalty’ of chickens from Bresse. They cook up like no other chicken you have ever tasted.

Let’s also not forget that Lyon is home to 1500 restaurants, 13 of which have Michelin Stars. But you don’t need to go to a gourmet, Starred restaurant to indulge your tastebuds. The other secret to Lyonnaise gastronomy is the bouchons (traditional Lyonnaise restaurants), food markets, and the dedicated shops–charcuteries, fromageries, chocolatiers, and boulangeries.

Authentic places to find food in Lyon, France

A traditional Bouchon

A bouchon is a traditional Lyonnaise restaurant that is unique to Lyon and a part of their history. These small, family-owned bistros each serve a specific type of food, and have their own casual atmosphere. Think simple, inexpensive meals in a friendly atmosphere. Some bouchons might not even have a menu but instead the owner informs you of what he is serving that day. This is a great way to try different Lyonnaise specialties!

The bouchon orriginated as a result of hard working Lyonnise “Mothers” who started restaurants out of necessity to their family and the silk workers. These women began Lyon on their culinary path to greatness, and have taught many chefs to carry on the tradition.

Recommended Bouchons

More than 300 restaurants claim to be a bouchon but some are imposters. They might not respect the traditional aspects as well(food quality, source, home-made dishes, hospitality and atmosphere). If you are looking for a true bouchon, the Lyon Chamber of Commerce created a label to help–Les Bouchons Lyonnais–which will be clearly posted in the window.

Listed are some highly rated bouchons. Note: Download “The Fork”, Europe’s Open Table app as it will be helpful finding great food all over Europe. Oh, and check out this post from jadorelyon.com describing bouchons and how to pick authentic ones.

Lyon Outdoor Markets

  • Market of Croix-Rousse (largest and most famous one in Lyon)–Open Tuesday-Sunday 6am-1pm–1 Kilometer of stalls offering fresh and local items; fruit, veggies, cheeses, meat, fish, bread, and flowers. Saturday is organic day.
  • Saint Antoine Farmers Market–Open Tuesday-Sunday 6am-1pm–You will find an abundance of meats, cheeses, produce and other specialties of Lyon along the Saône banks between Place des Terreaux and Place Bellecour.

Halles de Lyon

Discover the gastronomy of Lyon, France at Halles de Lyon.

Halles de Lyon boasts as the premier indoor market in Lyon. This market was renamed in honor of top French chef Paus Bocuse or Monsieur Paul (hmmm…Epcot has a Signature restaruant also named after this famous chef). People looking for the best regional items will find them here, on the left bank of the Rhône. This market is a little more expensive than the outdoor markets but well worth the visit. The market is open Tuesday to Saturday 7am-10pm and 2pm on Sundays (but the vendors only bring so much product so get there as early as possible).

If you want an extra special experience with a knowlegable guide, there are tours of the market available. Not only do you get to savor many of the specialty foods but you also hear stories about the gastronomic history of Lyon. Your travel advisor can point you in the right direction.

Specialty shops

If you want a little taste of different foods, try some of the many specialty shops might be just for you.

  • Fromagerie Tête d’Or— 51 Rue Tete d’Or 69006 Lyon–delicious cheeses and dairy products
  • Reynon Traiteur–13 Rue des Archers, 69002 Lyon–famous for its sausages but also has wonderful salads, fresh meats, Bresse chickens and other gourmet foods
  • Le Comptoir du Poulet–14 rue Constantine 69001 Lyon–an inexpensive meal of succulent roasted chicken and potatoes, also serving a selection of sandwiches and other sides
  • Boulangerie des Cinq Sens–128 cours Lafayette,69003 Lyon–baguettes and other breads

As I am sure you can imagine, these lists only scratch the surface of amazing places to tempt you taste buds in Lyon, France.

Do you have a favorite restaurant, bouchon, market, or specialty shop in Lyon, France? Do you have a favorite food? Let me know in the comments below!

If you would like to learn more about river cruise itineraries that incluce Lyon, France please contact me. I would love to help!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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