Things to Do in Nuremberg in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Nuremberg
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Early spring pricing without summer crowds - accommodation costs typically 20-30% less than May-September peak season, and you'll actually have space to appreciate the Nazi Rally Grounds without tour bus chaos
- Perfect walking weather for Nuremberg's compact Old Town - temperatures between 0-10°C (32-50°F) mean you can comfortably explore the 5 km (3.1 miles) of medieval walls without overheating, plus the crisp air makes those castle climbs to Kaiserburg much more pleasant
- Franconian beer garden season kicks off late March when temperatures push above 10°C (50°F) - locals start filling outdoor tables at spots around Wöhrder See, and you'll experience the authentic neighborhood vibe before tourist season hits
- Museums and indoor attractions are genuinely enjoyable in March's variable weather - the Germanisches Nationalmuseum and Documentation Center are never overcrowded, and you can linger without feeling like you're wasting sunny days
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get spring sunshine one day and near-freezing rain the next, which makes planning outdoor activities tricky and means you'll need to pack for basically three seasons
- Daylight is still limited in early March with sunset around 6pm, expanding to 7:30pm by month's end - this cuts into evening exploration time and those golden-hour photography opportunities at the castle happen earlier than you'd expect
- Some seasonal attractions haven't fully reopened - certain beer gardens and outdoor venues operate reduced hours or stay closed until late March when weather stabilizes, and you'll miss the full Franconian summer festival calendar
Best Activities in March
Nuremberg Old Town Walking Tours
March weather is actually ideal for covering the 2 km (1.2 miles) between Hauptmarkt and Kaiserburg without breaking a sweat. The cooler temperatures mean you can comfortably spend 3-4 hours exploring the medieval core, climbing the 113 steps up Sinwell Tower at the castle, and wandering through Handwerkerhof craft village. Early spring also means fewer cruise ship groups clogging the narrow lanes around Albrecht Dürer's House. The variable weather creates dramatic lighting for photography - those moody clouds over the red sandstone castle are spectacular.
Nazi Party Rally Grounds Historical Tours
The Documentation Center and Rally Grounds are actually better in March's cooler weather - the outdoor portions cover roughly 4 km² (1.5 square miles), and walking the Zeppelin Field in 10°C (50°F) temperatures beats summer heat. March crowds are minimal, so you'll have space to absorb the weight of the site. The stark, empty feeling of the grounds in early spring somehow feels more appropriate than peak tourist season. Plan for 3-4 hours total including the indoor museum.
Franconian Brewery Tours
March is when Franconian breweries start gearing up for spring season, and you'll catch them at their most authentic before summer tourist crowds arrive. The region has over 300 breweries within 50 km (31 miles) of Nuremberg. March weather is perfect for indoor brewery cellars - staying around 8-10°C (46-50°F) year-round - and you can sample seasonal Märzen beers brewed for spring. Late March sees beer gardens tentatively opening when temperatures cooperate. Tours typically include 4-5 tastings plus traditional Franconian food.
Germanisches Nationalmuseum Visits
Germany's largest cultural history museum is perfect for March's unpredictable weather - you've got backup plans built in with 25,000 m² (269,000 sq ft) of exhibition space. The medieval art collection is world-class, and March's low crowds mean you can actually spend time with pieces like the Nuremberg Madonna without being rushed. The museum stays comfortable around 20°C (68°F) regardless of weather outside. Budget 3-4 hours minimum, or a full day if you're serious about German cultural history.
Kaiserburg Castle Exploration
The Imperial Castle dominates Nuremberg's skyline and March weather makes the climb up through Old Town's steep lanes manageable - you're gaining about 50 m (164 ft) elevation from Hauptmarkt. The castle complex covers 65,000 m² (700,000 sq ft) with towers, gardens, and museums. March means minimal crowds in the Deep Well (47 m or 154 ft deep) and Sinwell Tower. The views over red-roofed Old Town are stunning in crisp spring air, especially late afternoon when light hits the city walls. Interior rooms stay around 15-18°C (59-64°F).
Franconian Switzerland Day Trips
The Franconian Switzerland region 30-50 km (19-31 miles) northeast of Nuremberg offers dramatic limestone cliffs, medieval castles, and hiking trails that are actually accessible in March once snow clears. Early spring means trails around Pottenstein and Gößweinstein are muddy but walkable, waterfalls are running strong from snowmelt, and you'll have the landscape mostly to yourself. The region's cave systems like Teufelshöhle stay 9°C (48°F) year-round. March is too early for serious rock climbing but perfect for scenic drives and moderate hiking.
March Events & Festivals
Nuremberg Spring Festival (Frühlingsfest)
Bavaria's first major spring festival typically runs for two weeks starting late March or early April at Volksfestplatz. Think of it as a smaller, less chaotic version of Munich's Oktoberfest - beer tents, rides, Franconian food stalls, and locals celebrating the end of winter. It's authentically local rather than tourist-focused, with families dominating weekday afternoons and younger crowds filling beer tents on Friday and Saturday nights. Admission is free, rides cost €2-5, and beer runs €10-12 per liter.