Coburg isn’t just a city filled with sights to see – it’s a sight in itself, with an imposing medieval fortress and a long royal history. The biggest surprise of all? A huge samba festival every year, right here in Bavaria…
A historical wonder
Coburg was almost untouched during the Second World War, so much of its medieval architecture has remained intact for many hundreds of years. Veste Coburg is a must-visit, sitting high above the city and offering incredible far-reaching views of the surrounding area. It’s one of the most picturesque sights in the whole of Germany, a truly impressive fortress. You could easily spend hours touring its grounds and learning more about the role it has played in the make-up of the country. The reformer Martin Luther took refuge here in the 16th century, and the impressive museum inside hosts work by Dürer and Rembrandt.
While you’re in the city, wander through the old town and appreciate the stunning art and architecture. In the centre you’ll find Marktplatz, home to the City Hall, with its fascinating decorative murals, tall spires and rusty red windows. There’s a statue of Prince Albert here too, better known to the world as the husband of Queen Victoria.
Nuremberg now and then
Just over an hour away is Nuremberg, a historically important place full of things to see and do. During the day you can easily spend hours in the many marvellous museums. One of the most interesting is the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, which tells the story of the Nazi regime, focusing particularly on the rallies that were held across the country and the huge impact and legacy they left behind. This is, after all, the city where the war criminals of World War Two were put on trial by the Allies.
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during Christmas, you’re in for a real treat. Nuremberg is the home of Christkindlesmarkt, a seasonal market that attracts visitors from all over the world. The city quite literally sparkles during the season, when stallholders sell handmade gifts and serve the tastiest Bratwurst around.
A royal dynasty
If you’ve heard the word ‘Coburg’ before, perhaps it’s as part of the name ‘Saxe-Coburg and Gotha’, a dynasty of dukes that married into royal families throughout Europe. The British royal family were Saxe-Coburgs, taking the less Germanic name of Windsor during World War One, when it was politically expedient to do so. To this day, descendants of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha are on the throne not just in the United Kingdom but in Belgium too.
You can explore their former residence at Schloss Ehrenburg, a castle where Prince Albert grew up before meeting Queen Victoria. Built in Gothic Revival style, it housed the Coburgs from the mid-16th century through to the early 20th. The exterior is relatively sober and the grounds manicured but simple. Step inside, however, and you’ll find the ornate Hall of Giants and art by Cranach the Elder, the notable German Renaissance painter.
Car rental in Coburg is your passport to the east of Germany, putting you within touching distance of Nuremberg, Ingolstadt and the Czech Republic. It’s a traditional corner of Germany that it’s a joy to discover.