Nördlingen, Germany: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Nördlingen’s medieval Altstadt, perfectly preserved within its circular city walls, is the quintessential place to stay for first-time visitors. Winding cobblestone lanes radiate out from the market square and St. Georg’s Church, putting you steps from bakeries, cafés, and the famous Daniel tower. A standout choice here is Ringhotel Loew’s Merkur, which offers spacious rooms in a historic building just off the main square, plus an excellent breakfast buffet to fuel your wall walk.

Just beyond the walls, the Bahnhofviertel (Train Station Quarter) combines convenience with modern comforts. You’ll find simple guesthouses and business hotels that are ideal if you’re arriving by rail or renting a car. A reliable pick is Hotel Goldener Adler, where you can park easily, enjoy contemporary décor, and still be only a ten-minute stroll from the old town gates.

For a quieter, more residential vibe, head to the Grünes Viertel on the town’s eastern edge. This leafy district features family-run pensions and B\&Bs nestled among small parks and playgrounds—perfect if you’re traveling with children or pets. Consider Hotel am Kocherpark, which backs onto green lawns and offers cozy, cottage-style rooms with garden views.

If you’d like to immerse yourself in the wider Ries region, base yourself in one of the charming hamlets just outside Nördlingen’s walls. These villages boast half-timbered farmhouses converted into guesthouses, where you can enjoy farm-to-table breakfasts and explore the gentle countryside trails by bike or on foot. A delightful countryside retreat is Landgasthof Riesblick, offering rustic rooms, panoramic views of the crater landscape, and hearty regional cuisine in its tavern.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Nördlingen. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

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Nördlingen in Spring

Spring (March–May) sees Nördlingen’s medieval walls ringed by blooming cherry and apple trees, making strolls along the Stadtmauer particularly charming. In late April, the Frühlingserwachen market brings local artisans to the Marktplatz with handmade crafts, seasonal produce, and live folk music. Mild temperatures and fewer visitors make spring ideal for exploring the historic core and climbing the Daniel tower for panoramic views of the Ries crater.

Nördlingen in Summer (Best)

Summer (June–August) is widely considered the best time to visit Nördlingen. The highlight is the Kinderzeche festival in early July—a lively celebration of a 17th-century legend where children march in colorful costumes, reenactments fill the streets, and fireworks crown the evenings. In late August, the Stadtmauerfest turns the walls into open-air stages with medieval entertainers, jugglers, and taverns serving local beer beneath torchlit ramparts. Long, sunny days let you soak in the town’s unique circular layout and relaxed al fresco dining.

Nördlingen in Autumn

Autumn (September–November) paints the Ries landscape in gold and rust, perfect for cycling or hiking the crater rim paths just outside town. In October, the Herbstmarkt offers tastings of Franconian wines and freshly pressed cider alongside hearty bratwurst and roast chestnuts. Crisp mornings invite peaceful wall walks shrouded in mist, while the early closing of summer attractions makes autumn a quieter, more reflective season to enjoy Nördlingen’s architectural treasures.

Nördlingen in Winter

Winter (December–February) lends Nördlingen a tranquil, snow-dusted beauty. From late November, the traditional Christmas market fills the Marktplatz with wooden chalets selling mulled wine, gingerbread, and handcrafted ornaments. Carolers perform beneath the Daniel tower, and guided torchlight tours of the walls evoke the town’s medieval past. Though temperatures can dip below freezing, warm taverns and the glow of market lights create an intimate and festive atmosphere.

Getting to Nördlingen by air

Major International Airports

The closest major airport is Munich Airport (MUC), about 200 km southeast. Stuttgart Airport (STR) is roughly 150 km west, and Nuremberg Airport (NUE) lies 180 km to the north.

Airport Transfer Options

From Munich Airport, take the S-Bahn to Munich Hauptbahnhof, then a direct ICE/IC to Augsburg or Donauwörth and change for a regional train to Nördlingen. Similar connections run from Stuttgart and Nürnberg via Stuttgart Hbf or Nürnberg Hbf.

Getting to Nördlingen by train

Main Rail Operators

• Deutsche Bahn (DB): https://www.bahn.com
• Go-Ahead Bayern: https://www.go-ahead-bayern.de

Typical Connections

• From Munich: Regional Express via Donauwörth takes about 2 h.
• From Stuttgart: IC/RE via Ulm in around 2 h 30 min.
• From Nuremberg: RE via Ansbach and Gunzenhausen in roughly 2 h.

Getting to Nördlingen by Car

Motorways and Routes

Nördlingen sits at the intersection of the A7 and B25. From the A7, exit at “Nördlingen Nord” and follow signs into the town center.

Parking in Nördlingen

Several Park & Ride lots encircle the walls, connected by shuttle bus. Central options include the Graben-Parkhaus and Markt-Parkhaus near St. Georg’s Church.

Travelling around Nördlingen

Nördlingen’s historic core is best explored on foot—circle the full 2.7 km of intact city walls for panoramic views. Local buses connect the train station to outlying neighborhoods and the Ries Crater Museum. Bike rentals at the station make it easy to explore the surrounding crater landscape along marked cycling routes.