纽伦堡一日（Nuremberg – a short visit）

I had been this beautiful city many times for trade shows during my previous employment. This time, I came here to present a paper in a conference.
 

To my surprise, the winter in Germany appeared being prolonged. It was chilly in Munich, where I was catching up the high-speed ICE (InterCity Express). But, it was snowing in Nuremberg. No wonder white snow blanketed the countryside when the train was approaching Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) Nuremberg.
 

I purposely booked a hotel in the city centre to re-visit the old town. Disappointingly, the risen temperature in afternoon turned the snow to drizzle. Determined, however, I ventured out to have a walk.
 

Wondering in the old town, I felt the streets so familiar – nothing had really changed since my last visit eight years ago, except the weather.
 

The River Pegnitz passes the old town from the east to the west. At the heart of the town, lies an old bridge, which provides the best view to the Hospital of the Holy Spirit (Heilig Geist Spital) of Nuremberg. Part of its building spans into the river, impressive and picturesque.


1 The Hospital of the Holy Spirit
 

Across the river, is the Nuremberg market square (Hauptmarkt), the place of the world famous Nuremberg Christmas Market. It was raining and the market was quiet.
 

 

2 Nuremberg Hauptmarkt
 

On the other side of the square, stands the 'Beautiful Fountain' (Der Schöne Brunnen). Unfortunately, it was in repair, no “golden ring” available – Oops! I missed the chance to make my wishes come true.

  

3 the 'Beautiful Fountain' (taken on the next day morning)
 

It was cold and the drizzle persisted. It didn’t seem good to stay outside for too long. I quickly passed the Town Hall (Nürnberger Rathaus).

4 Rathaus (taken on the next day morning)
 

and got to the castle (Burg)

5 Burg (taken on the next day morning)
 

Looking down to the street, I noticed that the roof ridge of one house is slightly warped – a pleasant new finding.
 

6 The warped ridge roof 

 

Looking forward, the twin spires of Nuremberg Cathedral dominate the city’s skyline.
 7 Nuremberg  skyline (taken on the next day morning)

 

I checked my iPhone and got to know that the weather would be okay next day. It might be more appropriate to take some photos of the old town next morning. It turned out it wasn’t a bad idea at all.

The rain eventually stopped in the evening. On the way back to the hotel after dinner, I passed the old bridge again. At the same spot, the Hospital of the Holy Spirit offered its night view, charming and tranquil.


8 Night view of the Hospital of the Holy Spirit

 

Some other photos taken on the next day morning:

  
  9 The Town Hall entrance (taken on the next day morning)
 

10 A path to the castle (taken on the next day morning)




11 Audi TT at Munich airport



12 BMW i8 at Munich airport