Top 6 Nature Spots in Nuremberg

Nuremberg, like most European cities, has done a great job in providing necessary green spaces for the city residents to enjoy communal "backyards" throughout the cityscape. Each park has its own neighborhood and local vibe, all the while providing various unique aspects to Nuremberg's natural scene. These are my favorite free parks for you to enjoy during your time in Nuremberg!  

6. Archivpark

This beautiful wide open space that breaks up the northern mass of streets in Nuremberg is a relief to the senses. It has the largest children's playground, and plenty of benches to enjoy all the eclectic people watching and the pretty flowering trees. It has a very symmetrical layout, so everything is quite obvious upon arrival, and that serves to create a positive calming effect.

5. Cramer-Klett-Park

This cute and often overlooked park between the larger Wöhrder See and Stadtpark is perfect for a good read, yoga, or dog play date. It has nice sport and exercise areas, along with a decently sized kids playground. The highlight of this park is the peach-colored Marionette theater, which hosts puppet shows on Sundays during the winter months. The summer has its own highlight, of course, with the ground fountain going strong all day long for everyone to run around and through to cool off.

4. Rosenaupark

Rosenaupark has the most local feeling out of all the parks listed here. There is a cute café in one of the corners, and the other spaces are filled with families enjoying their free time. It has a bit more tree cover and foliage to provide some more exploration for visitors, but, of course, has the general Nuremberg welcoming charm.

3. Stadtpark

Nuremberg's main city park is huge! Several paths crisscross throughout the park on the upper east side of the city, and it is really fun to discover different parts of the park as you walk through it. Some highlights include the pond and fountain, the "kids' lane" play zones, and a variety of bridges and art spaces. There are a couple of cafés as well, and a community center putting on different events throughout the week and year.

2. Hallerwiese

This is the most hip spot you can go to hang out outside on the west side of Nuremberg. There is a bar and various food vendors are scattered around close by, and it is often populated by students and young adults. The general vibe of the field area is relaxed between friends sharing beers or a bottle of wine. The great thing about this park is that it is full of people well after sunset, and just a few minutes walk back into the heart of the city.

1. Wöhrder Wiese & Wöhrder See

The Wöhrder Wiese and Wöhrder See are undeniably the crown jewel of east Nuremberg's nature offerings. On any bright day, you'll find hundreds of families and friends enjoying sports, food and drink, and each other's company on the wide grassy meadow and nicely sized beach strand. My favorite part of the Wöhrder See is going out in the paddle boats on the lake itself. So when you want to alternate walking for "lake-bicycling," I personally recommend the unicorn or flamingo boats!

*BONUS insider tip: when you finish your tour here, I highly recommend grabbing an authentic West Coast Mexican dinner at Crazy Nate's Wöhrd just a few minutes north of the lake--tell Nate that you heard about it from Swags!*

All in all, Nuremberg has several [even more] wonderful walks to offer the nature lover in all of us, and you never have to leave the city! So swing by the grocery store, gather up your preferred picnic options, and find your favorite nature spot to relax at in Nuremberg, Germany. 

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Wandering 8 More Nuremberg Old City Squares, Part 2

(Continued from the first half of this post: Wandering 8 Nuremberg Old City Squares, Part 1.)

The city center of Nuremberg, Germany, is known for its post-war rebuilt medieval architecture and historical significance. Within this area, there are several squares, typically known as a "Platz" in German. We are continuing to circle our way out to the edges of the Altstadt (Old City). Nuremberg is one of my favorite cities in the world, and I am so lucky to live here and be able to hang out in so many cool places whenever I want. 

9. Weißgerbergasse: This is a picturesque alley with colorful houses and a small square-like area that is often considered part of the city center's charm. If you're seeking the quintessential Nuremberg-Franconian-Bavarian-German look and experience, you cannot miss Weißgerbergasse! It has been painstakingly restored to show how pre-World War II Nuremberg would have looked all over the city. Every single attached half-timbered building on this road has incredible attention to detail and wonderful shops and food offerings on the street level. Expect to be swept away into another time on this adorable lane!

10. Maxplatz: Find your way to Maxplatz to see a nicely laid out area for having coffee from the Espresso Lab truck (pictured behind the trees), and enjoy taking in the towers and medieval buildings.

11. Hefnersplatz: In one of the more modernized zones of the city, Hefnersplatz is a nice break from the surrounding shopping areas.

12. Ludwigsplatz: Another heavily foot-trafficked square in Nuremberg has excellent outdoor café options that can help pass the sunny and cozy afternoons. It feels as if it's a bit on the way to every direction on the west side of the city, and for good reason! The large department store of WÖHRL is on this square, and at the top of the building is The Green - Rooftop Café, which is especially known for its delicious cake offerings. If you'd prefer to stay on the ground level, Brown's Café will cater to literally every flavor of specialty coffee drink -- hot or cold! -- you could ever imagine.

13. Jakobsplatz: This square mainly functions as the entry point into the west part of the Altstadt, but also serves up amazing views of old churches and buildings. The two huge churches facing each other: St. Elisabeth representing the Catholic minority in the area and St. Jakob standing strong as the more popular Protestant option in the region of Martin Luther, dominate the open sky in the space. There is also a nice winter market with a Ferris wheel during the colder months.

14. Hallplatz: It is located near the City Hall (Rathaus) and is known for its historic buildings and the Craftsmen's Courtyard.

15. Tiergärtnertorplatz: This square is located near the Nuremberg Castle and is named after the Tiergärtnertor, one of the castle gates. It provides a scenic view of the castle and the surrounding area. The Albrecht-Dürer-Haus (Albrecht Dürer Museum) is also here, along with the World War II Art Bunker, where many relics and artworks were kept safe during the complicated years under the Nazi regime.

16. Rathausplatz: This area is a great option for finding a typical Franconian restaurant to eat the local fare and drink some of the local beer or wine. Nuremberg (Nürnberg) is the largest city in Franconia (Franken) and has its own special cuisine of mixing typical German meals like sausage and sauerkraut with the local Franconian beer and wine selections.

One of the many wonderful things about visiting old European cities is the rambling and wandering through streets that spill into open spaces, complete with beautiful buildings and sprawling café settings. You can make it to all of these squares in one day, but all of these spots are even better when enjoyed with nothing else on the schedule. 

Be sure to check out the first half of this post for the full Nuremberg square experience: Wandering 8 Nuremberg Old City Squares, Part 1.

Wandering 8 More Nuremberg Old City Squares, Part 2 on GPSmyCity app

Find the rest of my navigational GPSmyCity app article cities HERE (newest) and HERE (older).

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Wandering 8 Nuremberg Old City Squares, Part 1

The city center of Nuremberg, Germany, is known for its post-war rebuilt medieval architecture and historical significance. Within this area, there are several squares, typically known as a "Platz" in German. We're going to start in the main city square and circle our way out to the edges of the Altstadt (Old City). Nuremberg is one of my favorite cities in the world, and I am so lucky to live here and be able to hang out in so many cool places whenever I want.

1. Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square): This is one of the most famous squares in Nuremberg and is located in the heart of the city. It is known for its beautiful fountain, the Schöner Brunnen, and the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). The Hauptmarkt is also where the annual Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market) takes place. There are great food options all over the square, and some kind of market vendors are setup, no matter the season.

2. Hans-Sachs-Platz: A nice open air space with a few cafés where the Children's Christmas Market is arranged during December. The square is filled with locals when it's not Christmas, facing the sunshine while sipping Aperol Spritz on the sidewalks.

3. Sebalder Platz: This area is just a few steps away from the Hauptmarkt, but you already start to feel less touristed and more local. The beautiful medieval church of St. Sebald is situated here, and it is a great spot to meet up before heading out to one of the delicious restaurants or fun bars nearby.

4. Egidienplatz: The sleeping rhinoceros is the main eye-catcher in this square, before drawing you upwards toward the gorgeous baroque church of St. Egidien. You're starting to get into the neighborhoods of Nuremberg, so don't be surprised by the influx of high school students from the Gymnasium (a college preparatory high school in the German system) across the way. Also tucked in at the top of this square is the historically renovated Pellerhaus, which now hosts a quirky board game museum.

5. Theresienplatz: This square is just a slide down from Egidienplatz, and is home to several cute cafés and spots to sit on a sunny day. The Martin-Behaim-Denkmal statue memorializes the trade merchant from the 1400s who created the "oldest surviving globe in the world." When you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Hauptmarkt and the Hauptbahnhof (main city train station), Theresienplatz is the perfect option to really feel at home in this wonderful European city.

6. Albrecht-Dürer-Platz: This square features a statue of Albrecht Dürer, the world-famous artist from Nuremberg. Herr Dürer is a main character in the city of Nuremberg, and his presence in this square (not far from his house-turned-museum) brings the valid reverence for the painter to all who come across it. Most will approach the square from the south view, seeing Dürer first from below as he stands proudly on the higher tilt of the plaza. Most Renaissance discussions focus on the movement in Italy, but Dürer's legacy reminds us that the Northern Renaissance outside of Italy was also alive and well, flourishing throughout the continent.

7. Lorenzer Platz: It is located at the impressive St. Lorenz Church and near to all the main shopping areas in Nuremberg. It has its own U-Bahn station (Lorenzkirche) and is impossible to miss in Nuremberg's city center. Throughout the year, you'll find open market stands, great coffee options, and depending on the season, either glühwein (mulled hot wine) or ice cream. It is the best square for people watching in the city, as the foot traffic is high and there are also nice spots to sit in the sun or shade, to your personal preference.

8. Unschlittplatz: This small square is known for its historic buildings and its connection to the Nuremberg trials after World War II. The architecture is special, as well as the views over the river Pegnitz. This space is best experienced by crisscrossing back and forth over the Pegnitz bridges to get the full effect of the perspective.

This is only the start of your tour! Be sure to check out the other half of this post for the full Nuremberg square experience: Wandering 8 More Nuremberg Old City Squares, Part 2.

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When the #ScooterSquatter Became the Scooter OWNER

So, LEUTE.

Yes, you read that title correctly. The #ScooterSquatter is going to have her own prop finally!

By the time summer rolls around in Deutschland this year, I will be the proud owner of my own beautiful and fabulous E-One! This is an electric scooter made by the environmentally-savvy Savitron Mobility in Germany. 

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This offer seemed literally too good to be true, so I even made sure I test drove this Vespa-look-alike myself! For ONE MORE WEEK, you can use my code "scooterswag" for a discount and still take advantage of the pre-sale package that includes what's listed in the caption below the next photo!

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The most exciting thing, of course, has been figuring out which color will be the most fun to drive around The Burg! Which color did I choose...?!

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You can always check out my Instagram account @whatupswags for all the latest updates and watch for when my scooter shows up sometime in May!!! 

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Christmas Mug Winners!

Well, that was quite the Christmas marathon!

In a dash of rare 2020 optimism, I busted into Christmas mode by mid-November with this giveaway idea.

I am really very glad that I chose to send my Christmas mugs all over the world, but don't count on me doing this every year.

I am super thankful for all the friends who participated and got as excited about Christmas mugs as I did, but I was also surprised that there was not a larger participation in donating to the charities highlighted each week. I know not everyone had the financial wiggle-room to send money away this year, but I felt really compelled to give to those who needed it more than me this year.

So here's to hoping the feedback was inaccurate and more people donated than admitted it! ;)

At least we can all agree that 2020 was highlighted with not just one, but TWO, fabulous new albums from the greatest poet of our lifetimes, Taylor Swift.

The mugs heading to America are still stuck in US shipping customs, but thanks and congrats to all the winners, near and far!!!

Vilsbiburg mug: @cindysbarton 

Charity: Penny's Blankets, email pennysblankets@gmail.com

Deggendorf mug: @roemerella

Charity: Red Ribbon Skirt Society, website www.redribbonskirtsociety.com

Erfurt mug: @paxton_h

Charity: Krista Foster Homes, website https://kristafosterhomes.org/

Straubing mug: @cierameest

Charity: Zoe International, website https://gozoe.org/

Landshut mug: @mindfulmamalifestyle // @lawampler

Charity: Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, website https://www.hsgkc.org/

Regensburg mug: @jfray5

Charity: Adopt Together, website https://adopttogether.org/

I hope to see you somewhere soon and share a warm mug drink with you, no matter what the time of year!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy 2021, Leute!

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20 Things the Pandemic Made Me Do

So, Leute.

I think, at this point, we can safely assume that ALL of us have different lives since the pandemic has been affecting everyone for about nine months now.

In the air of Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do," here are 

20 Things the Pandemic Made Me Do.

#1
Go to the bathroom just to cough.

(The walls aren't soundproof, but the glares are at least avoided.)

#2
Wear ALL my winter clothes as soon as it started raining or the temperature dropped below 60 degrees F.

("You look like an Eskimo." "Yes, yes, I do. A corona-free Eskimo.")

#3
Keep my mask on to cover acne.

("What?! Oh, I just forgot to take it off...")

#4
Judge people for blowing their nose in public. 

(Read #1: that's what the bathroom is for!)

#5

Re-watch Netflix's Virgin River series. 

(For those of you who can't imagine this being an actual place, anyone who has lived in the true Northern California can attest to the fact that these stories can be more than real!)

#6

Buy flowers for my house.

(I have always been adamantly against decorations and flowers. Enter 2020 with Emily in Paris, exit previous life rules.)

#7

Do a Giveaway on Instagram. AND promoting charities!

(I literally hate sharing. HATE IT. Now I am giving my money and treasured Christmas mugs away.)

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#8

Vote.

#9

Shop online.

(Maybe because of #7, I feel the need to replace what is being sent off?)

#10

Ask my parents to send a care package from the USA.

(They haven't shipped me anything from America since, like, 2012 because of the high cost and I have managed super efficient trips for goods. Not anymore!)

My one day outside of Germany in 2020.

#11

Imagine I am walking around all of those city-tripping places I would normally go to, instead of just Vilsbiburg.

(Normally, I would spend December marching around Christmas markets. Now I get to access the deep reserves of my memories and creativity.)

#12

Buy wrapping paper and actually wrap Christmas gifts for the first time since 2010.

(So much for experiences trumping presents! This year presents are king and the experience is the wild card of it all.)

#13

Start Christmas insanity in October.

(What was the point of waiting?!)

#14

Learn how to administer CoVid-19 rapid tests.

(I make everyone call me Dr. Swags now.)

#15

Not reply to personal emails.
(I don't know why this ended up being a side effect of the pandemic, but my inbox has never been this overflowing and ignored.)

#16

Walk through the Vilsbiburg cemetery.

(Really. First time in five and a half years, and even after my mom loved it when they visited last October.)

#17

Finish my postcards wall collage...again.

(Realized it was better to post the cards on a poster to the wall, instead of directly onto the wall.)

#18

Go full pirate coach.

(I swear I did it for the kids...)

#19 

Need to paint mermaid nails.

(Just another one of those things that is, all of a sudden, way more important than it ever was before.)

#20

Ride a thrift-store bicycle with flat tires all over Vilsbiburg.

(Kind of not hating it so much anymore!)

I won't lie, I was more hoping that the pandemic would "make me" write more books. And while I definitely got around to reading much more than usual, my writing has been so pandemic-focused. It was difficult to dig into creative stories without the filter of the pandemic shading them. I have been both pleasantly surprised by some of my new activities, as well as annoyed by some changes, but all for the best.

I have said it for several months now, and I will say it again: what we all need the most for ourselves and for each other these days is GRACE. So I have forgiven myself for wanting to buy pretty flowers, I have forgiven the kids who don't have the emotional energy to come to volleyball practice, and I am regularly forgiving myself and everyone else around me for stressed words, overreactions, and under-reactions. 

Hope you are staying safe and well, and please be careful and wise with more holidays approaching!!!

What are some "out-of-character" things the pandemic has made you do? 

Do you think you will keep these new habits up, 

or avoid them if and/or when life gets more back to normal?

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