Nuremberg and Erlangen: Old cities, new horizons

What happens when two historically medieval cities are zapped with a jolt of electricity from one of the country's biggest engineering companies? In northern Bavaria at least, two cities fuse history with technology: Nuremberg and neighboring Erlangen are both a thousand years old, but their universities have a reputation for being on the frontier of discovery and innovation.

Nuremberg and Erlangen at a glance

Nürnberger Schloss, Foto:DAAD/Ebert

With over 500,000 residents, Nuremberg is Bavaria's second largest city after Munich. The city's historic architecture was almost completely destroyed during World War II, but Nuremberg's citizens rebuilt the old town to its former state, preserving the medieval flair of the old city center. Over the centuries, Nuremberg has been home to such pioneering astronomers, musicians, and artists as Regiomontanus, Johann Pachelbel, and Veit Stoss. Nuremberg is also a pioneer in transportation: The city's U3 underground line is the first fully computer-automated and -driven metro in Germany.
The city of Erlangen lies just 16 km north of Nuremberg and has a population of around 100,000. An environmentally-friendly kind of place, Erlangen's bike paths run through the city's Baroque streets, and there seem to be parks and gardens around every corner. Erlangen is also linked by public transport to Nuremberg and other nearby cities.

Overview of the universities

Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg

Unicampus Erlangen, Foto: Stadt Erlangen

Together, Erlangen and Nuremberg boast the second largest university in Bavaria. A twin-site university, FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg divides 25,000 students between the two cities. Founded in 1742, it is well-respected for its medical and scientific research and is Erlangen's second largest employer. Also offering a broad range of degree programs in the humanities, the school prides itself in having something for everyone. The university welcomes international students and teaches an increasing number of classes in English. About one tenth of the university is comprised of foreign students. It's no surprise that engineering is a strong field of study at FAU - Siemens AG was started in Erlangen and remains the city's largest employer. At the forefront of electrical engineering and innovation, this research and development company attracts many of the university's graduates.

Georg-Simon-Ohm University of Applied Sciences Nuremberg
More than 8,600 students attend this university named for one of FAU's most famous graduates. Erlangen native Georg Ohm gave the world Ohm's Law - and the tradition of science lives on at this Nuremberg facility. The University of Applied Sciences offers training in the fields of engineering, business, and design as well as courses in architecture, social services and IT.

College of Fine Arts in Nuremberg
Founded in 1662, Nuremberg's College of Fine Arts enjoys a rich artistic past. Alongside traditional subjects such as painting and sculpture, it also offers courses which incorporate new media technologies. Close to Nuremberg's zoo, the college has a study body of 300.

Protestant University College Nuremberg
Founded just 40 years ago, this small school of about 850 students provides degrees in various fields of service work. Students can seek diplomas in social work, health care, or religious instruction.

Nuremberg Academy of Music
Nuremberg Academy of Music was founded in 2008 and is Germany's latest public academy of music. About 400 students attend Bavaria's third academy that offers music education not only in nearly all instruments and vocals but also in jazz and early music.

Recreation in Nuremberg and Erlangen

Albrecht-Dürer-Haus, Foto:WikiCommons/Monika Wiedemann

Be sure to stop into the Albrecht Dürer's House in historic downtown Nuremberg. The city's most famous artist spent the last years of his life in this building, and visitors today can step into Dürer's world as they examine his studio and artwork. And for an even more authentic experience, you can actually take a tour of the house led by an actress playing the artist's wife!
After you've worked up an appetite, try both Nuremberg's trademark foods: Drei-im-Weggla - three Nuremberg sausages in a roll - and the city's gingerbread-like Lebkuchen. Both can be found in booths and restaurants across the city and are fond favorites of tourists and locals alike.
On your way out of town, head to the former Nazi party rally grounds and site of the Nuremberg Trials. The dark history of this part of the city has been organized into a solemn yet eye-opening exhibition in the former Congress Hall. The Documentation Centre there also offers educational programs for young adult visitors and class groups.
Nature lovers should check out the Botanic Garden in Erlangen. Nearly as old as the university itself, it is home to plant life from all over the globe. The garden is a network of greenhouses and open air areas that cover two hectares of the city with greenery.

Rock im Park draws the crowds, Foto: privat

In the summer, Nuremberg is the place for all music fans. The city hosts an annual open air festival for classical music and it is also home to Rock im Park, a huge music festival that attracts over 40,000 spectators from around the world.
If you're in Nuremberg for the winter months, the Christkindlesmarkt is a must-see event. Dating from the middle of the 16th century, it is the most famous Christmas market in the world. Vendors sell ornaments, crafts, hot wine, and other goods under cloth and wood tents around the city's market square.
Similar to Munich's popular Oktoberfest, but on a much smaller scale, Erlangen's Bergkirchweih Festival is held during the twelve days before and after Pentecost. The smaller, more intimate celebration is a laid-back, scaled-down version of Germany's biggest festival.