26 - 26Shares
This past Saturday I was lucky enough to meet up with some amazing bloggers in the area and we explored the Nürnberg Easter Market. Together with Betsy from Java Cupcake and Melissa from MilliGFunk, we went up and down every dang aisle of the market to check out all the incredible vendors.
I was excited to be there right at noon when the gothic-style Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) chimed noon and the figures under the clock sprung to life. Some quick research on German Wikipedia tells me that the clock was installed in 1506 and it depicts the Holy Roman Emperor being circled by “prince-electors.” Holy history, batman!
Since this was my first time in Nürnberg, I just HAD to do some more historical research after I got home. In the 12th century Nürnberg main market square was just crappy marsh land where the Jews were forced to settle. And the current location of the beautiful Frauenkirche Cathedral is where the Jewish synagogue used to be. What would the 12 century Jewish families think of our present day Easter market?!
Below is a photo of the square in 1707. It has hardly changed! Even in the early 18th century this was an area set up with vendors just like it was last Saturday when we went.
And in the early 20th century it was a popular rally location for the Nazi party. In 1933 it was rechristened “Adolf Hitler Platz.” The photo below is from 1934 when troops from the Nazi party were deploying.
There was a ton of damage done to the square during World War II, but the Germans are nothing if not efficient when it comes to restoration.
Today the marketplace boasts year round markets throughout the seasons. The Easter holiday is no exception and it is truly beautiful! We saw so many traditional German Easter decorations, many hand-made.
I absolutely adore watching vendors in the midst of their creations. Even with a language barrier I see many of their faces light up while talking about their products. This woman had some incredible sweaters and a million other items made with yarn. The man in the photo below makes some unbelievable pieces with wood.
It’s also really fun to see the different artistic personalties, ranging from proud and confident to shy and bashful. The man below was more of a salesman selling commercially made (although traditionally German, many wooden) toys. He was very friendly and even struck up a conversation with me in German, to which I just smiled :)
The food was also incredible! I had some freshly made kettle chips, corn on the cob (on a stick), and some fresh bread that was made right there at the vendor stand.
This is the Schöner Brunnen, which was getting worked on so it was partly covered up. Still beautiful!
Here are some photos of the cool Easter paraphernalia I picked up at the market.
My son adores the little Easter bunny :)
If you are in the area and want to check out the market, it will be running through Easter Monday!
And don’t forget to check out the amazing photos of the Easter market at Java Cupcake + MilliGFunk!
MilliGFunk is a Healthy Lifestyle, Travel + DIY Blog
Java Cupcake is a Baking, Life + DIY Blog
26 - 26Shares
Your son is so cute! Thank you for sharing these photos and tips. Germany hosts a number of Easter markets, but the one in Nurnberg has something special…maybe because of its location?!
Aww thank you! I actually missed the Christmas market this year in Nürnberg, but i’m definitely going to check it out next year. I’m sure it will be amazing!
In the 2.5 years I’ve lived here i’ve never been to an Easter market, maybe they are more common in the south? I’m definitely adding it to my list of things to do while here!
It was my first Easter market and I’m so glad I went. I’m not sure if it’s more popular in the south, but I know Bavaria has lots of unique quirks! I hope you can make it to one :)
I would expect nothing less from Nurnberg– what a great market! Puts our dinky little town market to shame :) Just looking at these photos I see so much that I would wanna buy. I went there once on the opening day of the Christmas markets and I’ve been meaning to get back there again for that occasion since Bavaria really isn’t that far from here. Looks like you had a wonderful day!
It was so hard not to buy everything! I really don’t have many Easter decorations, so I felt justified buying a few cool items :) I’m excited to check out the Christmas market next year!
Great pics and I really enjoyed reading about your adventures!
Thank you Christine!
How fun! I loooove markets! And so does Germany it looks like ha! Super excited to be heading that way soon… much needed vacation!
Oh yeah Germany does holiday markets right! Where are you going to visit in Germany?
I see these great markets, and I understand why everyone comes back from Germany with so much stuff. Everything is so cute!
Yeah, you basically need to bring an empty suitcase with you ;)
The Church of our Lady is amazing!!! I love German Christmas Markets (especially for the food and gluhwein!).
I need to make it inside the church at some point! These German markets have been pretty amazing so far!
It’s funny that I’ve read Nurnberg thousands of times on history books but never thought of it as a travel destination. It looks very pretty! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Valeria @ romenewyorklondonworld.com
That’s funny! It definitely is a beautiful travel destination if you are ever in the area. Always lots to do! :)
Nurnberg is one of my favorite German cities! I visited the city a while back, after Easter, so I didn’t get to see the market, but the square was full of vendors in any case!
I’m looking forward to checking out the city during a non-holiday time, too. I bet their weekly farmers market is epic!
Very interisting, thank you. I keep hearing Nuremburg is so nice, but for the historical reasons you describe it also gives me the heebie-jeebies.
Thanks Esther! Yeah I’m kinda glad I didn’t know about all the history beforehand, but it is what it is!
Never heard of an Easter market, but I would love to have visited Nurnberg for this! German markets have so much character and life and tradition!
I had never heard of an Easter Market either, but it was really cool :) I agree, German markets are enthusiastic to say the least!
That’s really cool – I actually haven’t ever been to an Easter market before, only Christmas markets. It looks a bit similar to a Christmas market though, only Easter themed! :) Cute stuff that you found! Thanks for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust! For next time, if you wouldn’t mind posting our badge image at the bottom of your blog post along with a link back to one of the host blogs (where you linked up). The directions are all on the page where you link up each week. Thanks! :)
Hey Lauren! I just saw your comment – it went to spam for some reason… Sorry about that, will do :)