Things to Do in Nuremberg in March

March Weather in Nuremberg

10°C (50°F) High Temp

0°C (32°F) Low Temp

38 mm (1.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Spring awakening begins - cherry blossoms start blooming in Hesperidengarten and city parks around mid-March, with fewer crowds than April peak season
Perfect indoor sightseeing weather - Nazi Documentation Center and Germanic National Museum are comfortable without summer tourist hordes, with 30-40% fewer visitors than peak months
Traditional Franconian brewing season peaks - local breweries release their Märzen beers and spring seasonal varieties, with beer gardens beginning extended hours around March 20th
Hotel prices drop 25-35% compared to summer months while weather becomes increasingly pleasant - book accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead for best deals on historic old town properties

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can vary 15°C (27°F) between morning and afternoon, requiring layered clothing and flexible indoor backup plans
Many outdoor attractions have limited hours - Imperial Castle grounds close at 4pm instead of summer's 6pm, and some walking tours don't run daily due to weather uncertainty
Occasional late winter storms can disrupt transportation - DB trains to surrounding villages may face delays, and outdoor Christmas Market infrastructure is still being removed until mid-March

Best Activities in March

Imperial Castle Complex Historical Tours

March offers ideal conditions for exploring Nuremberg's crown jewel without summer crowds. The castle's indoor museums maintain comfortable temperatures while offering spectacular views over the awakening spring landscape. Morning visits (9-11am) provide the best lighting for photography and smallest crowds. The Deep Well demonstration runs hourly and the Sinwell Tower climb becomes more comfortable as weather warms through the month.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 7-10 days ahead through official castle booking system. Standard entry tickets cost €7-12 for adults, guided tours typically €15-25. Choose morning slots for optimal experience and weather conditions. See current tour availability in the booking section below.

Nazi Documentation Center and Rally Grounds Exploration

March's cooler temperatures make the extensive outdoor Rally Grounds walking tour much more comfortable than summer heat. The indoor Documentation Center provides perfect weather-independent learning, while the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) grounds walk becomes increasingly pleasant as spring progresses. Fewer school groups visit in March, allowing for more reflective experiences at this crucial historical site.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets cost €6 adults, audio guides €4 additional. No advance booking required but arrive early afternoon for best experience. Allow 3-4 hours total including grounds walk. Reference booking widget for combined historical tours.

Traditional Franconian Brewery District Tours

March marks the peak of traditional brewing season when local breweries release special spring varieties. The weather is perfect for walking between traditional establishments in the old town's brewery district - warm enough to enjoy but cool enough to appreciate the hearty Franconian fare. Hausbrauerei Altstadthof and similar establishments extend their hours as tourist season begins.

Booking Tip: Brewery walking tours typically cost €25-45 including tastings. Book 5-7 days ahead as March begins peak brewing season. Tours run Thursday-Sunday in March weather permitting. Look for tours including 3-4 traditional breweries plus historical context.

Albrecht Dürer House and Artist Quarter Walking Routes

The artist's quarter becomes magical in March as spring light returns and tourist crowds remain minimal. The historic Dürer House offers fascinating insights into medieval artist life, while the surrounding cobblestone streets provide perfect spring walking conditions. March light is ideal for photography of the half-timbered architecture without harsh summer shadows.

Booking Tip: Dürer House entry costs €6 adults, combination tickets with other museums available for €12-18. Self-guided artist quarter walks are free - pick up maps at tourist office. Guided walking tours cost €12-20 per person, book 3-5 days ahead.

Hauptkirche St. Lorenz and Medieval Churches Circuit

March offers perfect conditions for exploring Nuremberg's stunning Gothic churches without summer heat or winter ice. St. Lorenz's magnificent interior is best appreciated in cooler months when crowds are smaller. The 2 km (1.2 mile) walking circuit between major churches (St. Lorenz, St. Sebald, Frauenkirche) becomes increasingly pleasant as weather warms through March.

Booking Tip: Church entry is free, tower climbs cost €3-5 where available. Guided religious architecture tours cost €15-25 and run Saturday-Sunday in March. Allow 2-3 hours for full circuit including interior visits. Check current tour schedules in booking section below.

Germanic National Museum Extended Visits

Germany's largest cultural history museum is perfect for March's variable weather, offering world-class collections in climate-controlled comfort. With 1.3 million objects spanning German culture, you need multiple visits to appreciate it fully. March's lower tourist numbers mean better access to popular exhibits and more personal space for contemplation.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €8 adults, €5 students. Allow minimum 3 hours for first visit, full day for comprehensive exploration. No booking required but arrive before 2pm for full experience. Audio guides available in English for €4. Museum café perfect for March weather breaks.

March Events & Festivals

Mid to Late March

Nuremberg Spring Markets

Local farmers and artisans set up traditional spring markets in the Hauptmarkt square during March weekends. Features early spring produce, handcrafted goods, and traditional Franconian specialties. Much smaller and more authentic than the famous Christmas Market, offering genuine local atmosphere.

Early to Mid March

International Toy Fair Aftermath Sales

Following the major February toy fair, many local toy shops and the Toy Museum offer special exhibitions and sales throughout March. The city's toy heritage comes alive with special displays and demonstrations not available during peak tourist season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking boots with good grip - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily exploring

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 0°C (32°F) at sunrise to 10°C (50°F) by afternoon, requiring easy adjustment options

Compact umbrella plus light rain jacket - March showers are brief but frequent, lasting 15-30 minutes typically

Comfortable backpack with water bottle - museum visits last 3-4 hours and castle climbs involve 150+ steps

Sturdy power bank - March's shorter daylight hours (11 hours) mean more indoor photography and navigation usage

Warm hat and light gloves - early morning castle visits and evening brewery walks can feel much colder than daytime temperatures

Quality camera with low-light capabilities - March's softer light is perfect for architecture photography but indoor venues need flash alternatives

Cash in small denominations - many traditional establishments and public toilets (€0.50-1.00) don't accept cards

Comfortable walking socks - dry feet essential for full days exploring medieval streets and museum floors

Light scarf - stylish layering piece that adapts to temperature changes and protects against March winds

Insider Knowledge

Local Franconians start their traditional 'Starkbierzeit' (strong beer season) in March - ask bartenders about seasonal Märzen and Doppelbock varieties not available other months

Museum staff are most available for questions in March before summer rush begins - this is when you get the most detailed explanations and personal attention

Book accommodations in the Altstadt (old town) 2-3 weeks ahead in March for 30% savings over summer rates while still getting premier locations

Many local restaurants rotate their menus in March to include spring specialties like wild garlic dishes and fresh asparagus - ask about 'Frühlingskarte' (spring menu)

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how much walking involves steep climbs - the castle and old town have significant elevation changes that tire visitors in layers of March clothing

Not checking museum closing times - many attractions close at 4-5pm in March instead of extended summer hours, cutting short afternoon plans

Overdressing for afternoon temperatures then getting trapped in heavy clothes during warm spells - March weather changes rapidly throughout single days