Day Itinerary
16 Activities
Day 2
131 mi3 mi
From a Cloudy Red to a Refreshing Blonde
This second day on the medieval beer route will make you feel like a real traveller from another time, you will see your car and be surprised that it is not a horse-drawn cart. Believe me!
First thing in the morning you'll visit Nuremberg's craft market, beautiful and picturesque like no other. Then you will visit the church that miraculously survived the bombings that destroyed Nuremberg during the Second World War. You'll visit the underground tunnels, originating from the early Middle Ages and mainly used by the locals to store and mature the beer. You will have lunch at the Altstadthof Brewery, where the original Nuremberg red beer will delight you with its unique aroma and taste. Then you will visit the Imperial Castle... not to be missed during your visit to Nuremberg.
From Nuremberg you will head for the great Pilsen! The birthplace of the lager that we all drink and enjoy in every bar. But first you will make a stop in Amberg to get to know this picturesque city and its old bridges.
In Pilsen you will visit the legendary Pilsen Urquell brewery, the original lager that became so popular and desired that it was imitated all over the world. Then you will stroll through the most beautiful corners of this city and enjoy a typical Czech dinner with a good Pilsen Urquell as the main drink.
First thing in the morning you'll visit Nuremberg's craft market, beautiful and picturesque like no other. Then you will visit the church that miraculously survived the bombings that destroyed Nuremberg during the Second World War. You'll visit the underground tunnels, originating from the early Middle Ages and mainly used by the locals to store and mature the beer. You will have lunch at the Altstadthof Brewery, where the original Nuremberg red beer will delight you with its unique aroma and taste. Then you will visit the Imperial Castle... not to be missed during your visit to Nuremberg.
From Nuremberg you will head for the great Pilsen! The birthplace of the lager that we all drink and enjoy in every bar. But first you will make a stop in Amberg to get to know this picturesque city and its old bridges.
In Pilsen you will visit the legendary Pilsen Urquell brewery, the original lager that became so popular and desired that it was imitated all over the world. Then you will stroll through the most beautiful corners of this city and enjoy a typical Czech dinner with a good Pilsen Urquell as the main drink.
0.2 mi
5 min
08:3030 min
Handwerkerhof Nuremberg
Landmark
Open Details
This is a beautiful place! A market full of high-quality items and very friendly artisans. Not to be missed!
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 08:00 - 22:30 Sunday: 10:00 - 22:30
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 08:00 - 22:30 Sunday: 10:00 - 22:30
0.3 mi
10 min
09:1510 min
Wetterhäuschen Lorenzkirche
Landmark
Open Details
This church, which survived the bombings and maintains its original treasures as they were placed in the Middle Ages when it was built, is a masterpiece that you can't miss, at least in passing, in Nuremberg.
Visiting hours: Monday - Saturday: 09:00 - 17:30 Sunday: 13:00 - 15:30
Visiting hours end at 16:30 h. on public holidays.
Visiting hours: Monday - Saturday: 09:00 - 17:30 Sunday: 13:00 - 15:30
Visiting hours end at 16:30 h. on public holidays.
0.2 mi
5 min
09:305 min
Museum Bridge
Landmark
Open Details
Photo here please...!
From this point, you have the typical postcard image of Nuremberg. A beautiful view!
From this point, you have the typical postcard image of Nuremberg. A beautiful view!
0.5 mi
15 min
09:501 hr
Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
Landmark
Open Details
Another thing you can't miss in Nuremberg, almost as much as the red beer, is a visit to the imperial castle. It's such a beautiful place!
Don't forget to go up the Sinwell Tower, it has a very nice aspect which is the view of the old city from the top, but also a hard part to see, which are photographs showing how the castle and the city looked like after the bombings of the Second World War. I understand that this was a permanent exhibition, so you'll get to see it too, for sure.
It is terrible the state everything was left in, and through these images one also becomes aware of the magnitude of the reconstruction work that had to be carried out.
The striking thing is that it is precisely this tower, which stands out for its shape and height and even though it has a wooden roof, one of the few constructions inside the castle that survived the bombing of Nuremberg.
To visit the castle, you have different ticket options, I opted for the combined ticket for the imperial castle which includes the imperial castle museum, the Palas with double Chapel, the Deep Well and the Sinwell Tower. The truth is that the tickets are very affordable.
Neither in the Palas nor in the Castle Museum is there a guided tour, you go at your own pace (for the Palas there are audio guides in several languages, including Spanish!) Where you do have to go with a guide is the Deep Well (which is included in the entrance fee).
Here is the website for more information and opening hours.
Don't forget to go up the Sinwell Tower, it has a very nice aspect which is the view of the old city from the top, but also a hard part to see, which are photographs showing how the castle and the city looked like after the bombings of the Second World War. I understand that this was a permanent exhibition, so you'll get to see it too, for sure.
It is terrible the state everything was left in, and through these images one also becomes aware of the magnitude of the reconstruction work that had to be carried out.
The striking thing is that it is precisely this tower, which stands out for its shape and height and even though it has a wooden roof, one of the few constructions inside the castle that survived the bombing of Nuremberg.
To visit the castle, you have different ticket options, I opted for the combined ticket for the imperial castle which includes the imperial castle museum, the Palas with double Chapel, the Deep Well and the Sinwell Tower. The truth is that the tickets are very affordable.
Neither in the Palas nor in the Castle Museum is there a guided tour, you go at your own pace (for the Palas there are audio guides in several languages, including Spanish!) Where you do have to go with a guide is the Deep Well (which is included in the entrance fee).
Here is the website for more information and opening hours.
0.3 mi
10 min
11:001 hr
Förderverein Nürnberger Felsengänge e.V.
Art Gallery
Open Details
A must-see in Nuremberg is a visit to the tunnels carved out of the red earth beneath the city.
They date back to the early Middle Ages and have always been used for storing and maturing beer, especially the city's famous red beer.
The Altstadthof brewery still uses them for this purpose.
The guide spoke German, but luckily, I had an audio guide in English, so I understood everything. Then at the end there was a tasting.
Here you can find all the information.
Remember to book in advance!
They date back to the early Middle Ages and have always been used for storing and maturing beer, especially the city's famous red beer.
The Altstadthof brewery still uses them for this purpose.
The guide spoke German, but luckily, I had an audio guide in English, so I understood everything. Then at the end there was a tasting.
Here you can find all the information.
Remember to book in advance!
0.1 mi
5 min
12:151 hr
Hausbrauerei Altstadthof - Rotbierstüberl- Brauerei und Whiskydestillerie
Bar
Open Details
Having lunch here with a RotBier in hand is priceless... well, yes it is because you'll have to pay for it.... hahaha! (very bad joke…)
You can also buy a bottle of this typical beer, as a souvenir or as a gift for someone. I cheated because I bought it for a friend, but then, when I went to see him, I gave him the beer already very cold... obviously we ended up drinking it together (That's a good trick!)
The red beer from this brewery is said to be the real Nuremberg red beer.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 11:00 - 00:00
More info and reservations here.
You can also buy a bottle of this typical beer, as a souvenir or as a gift for someone. I cheated because I bought it for a friend, but then, when I went to see him, I gave him the beer already very cold... obviously we ended up drinking it together (That's a good trick!)
The red beer from this brewery is said to be the real Nuremberg red beer.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 11:00 - 00:00
More info and reservations here.
0.5 mi
10 min
13:305 min
Adler Parking Garage Nuremberg
Car Wash
Open Details
Of course, Nuremberg is a city with a lot to see, but... On this route, we have a mission:
- "Drink beer!!! "
-" No! "
Actually, the mission is "to discover the medieval corners where the amber brew has been worshiped for centuries ..." (just giving it a cathedratic atmosphere…)
On the way to Pilsen!
- "Drink beer!!! "
-" No! "
Actually, the mission is "to discover the medieval corners where the amber brew has been worshiped for centuries ..." (just giving it a cathedratic atmosphere…)
On the way to Pilsen!
44.5 mi
1 hr
14:355 min
Parkplatz Im Landratsamt
Parking
Open Details
If you're passing through Amberg, it's worth stopping for a moment to take a quick look at this picturesque town, crossed by the river Vils and with its magnificent bridges.
0.2 mi
5 min
14:455 min
Ship's bridge
Landmark
Open Details
Have you got your camera ready?
Yes... Sorry! I mean mobile phone ... (how old I am!)
Because the views from this old wooden bridge are truly beautiful!
For a quick stop on the way, Amberg is a luxury of a place!
Yes... Sorry! I mean mobile phone ... (how old I am!)
Because the views from this old wooden bridge are truly beautiful!
For a quick stop on the way, Amberg is a luxury of a place!
0.2 mi
5 min
15:0010 min
Amberg Marktplatz
Landmark
Open Details
I recommend you to go to the central square, it is large and picturesque. This short walk will allow you to get a better picture of the center of Amberg.
I stopped here too, looking for a place to rest from the route, and I loved it! Especially the bridges (I have a kind of obsession with bridges) and loved the walk along the river!
I stopped here too, looking for a place to rest from the route, and I loved it! Especially the bridges (I have a kind of obsession with bridges) and loved the walk along the river!
0.3 mi
5 min
15:155 min
Parkplatz Im Landratsamt
Parking
Open Details
After a short break on the road, it's time to continue on your way to Pilsen!
85.8 mi
1 hr 40 min
17:002 hrs
Pilsner Urquell Brewery
Landmark
Open Details
Depending on the time of year you get here, there are several afternoon tour times to visit the Pilsen Urquell brewery.
In summer months the last tour is at 17:30 h. while in cooler months the last tour is at 16:00 h. (if you are travelling in cooler months I suggest not stopping in Amberg and coming straight to Pilsen from Nuremberg, that way you will arrive on time).
Remember to book your ticket in advance.
Don't worry if the tour is not in your language (they have a mobile app where you can hear the explanations also in English, German and Russian). In fact, only one schedule is in English, so I also did the tour with the guide speaking Czech.
The brewery is huge, and the tour was long, but most interesting. It is worth a visit.
But... Before you tell me that this brewery is not medieval, and you hear in the explanation that it was born in the 19th century... etc... I'll explain why it had to be on this route:
It's all about history, my friend!!
Beer has been brewed in the city of Pilsen since the 13th century, but at that time it was only handcrafted. Here, in Pilsen, where many members of the royalty and the manor lived, they were allowed to brew beer, and they did it at their homes, in a traditional way. In the 18th century, they realized they were lagging behind in brewing. Neighbouring Bavaria had much higher quality and very popular beers. So, they decided to organise and jointly build a modern brewery with quality and more sustainable production.
They hired engineers who determined its location next to a natural water source, and they also hired an eminence in beer at that time: Josep Groll. Thanks to him, the lager beer that we all enjoy today in any bar was born.
The original, bottom-fermented lager was born here in this brewery and soon became a favorite for its refreshing taste, golden color and long-lasting white foam (this last thing being a characteristic feature of Pilsen Urquell). It didn't take long for imitators to also call their beers "Pilsen" and for that reason, URQUELL was added to the name, which in German means "from the original source". But this was not originally the brewery's idea, it was the pub owners' way of differentiating the original Pilsen from the imitations and thus guaranteeing their customers the quality and purity of the real Pilsen, the "Urquell".
Isn't the first beer we all tasted for the first time in our lives a lager beer? Well, the first of these beers was born in this brewery... And that's why it couldn't be missing in this route!!!
In summer months the last tour is at 17:30 h. while in cooler months the last tour is at 16:00 h. (if you are travelling in cooler months I suggest not stopping in Amberg and coming straight to Pilsen from Nuremberg, that way you will arrive on time).
Remember to book your ticket in advance.
Don't worry if the tour is not in your language (they have a mobile app where you can hear the explanations also in English, German and Russian). In fact, only one schedule is in English, so I also did the tour with the guide speaking Czech.
The brewery is huge, and the tour was long, but most interesting. It is worth a visit.
But... Before you tell me that this brewery is not medieval, and you hear in the explanation that it was born in the 19th century... etc... I'll explain why it had to be on this route:
It's all about history, my friend!!
Beer has been brewed in the city of Pilsen since the 13th century, but at that time it was only handcrafted. Here, in Pilsen, where many members of the royalty and the manor lived, they were allowed to brew beer, and they did it at their homes, in a traditional way. In the 18th century, they realized they were lagging behind in brewing. Neighbouring Bavaria had much higher quality and very popular beers. So, they decided to organise and jointly build a modern brewery with quality and more sustainable production.
They hired engineers who determined its location next to a natural water source, and they also hired an eminence in beer at that time: Josep Groll. Thanks to him, the lager beer that we all enjoy today in any bar was born.
The original, bottom-fermented lager was born here in this brewery and soon became a favorite for its refreshing taste, golden color and long-lasting white foam (this last thing being a characteristic feature of Pilsen Urquell). It didn't take long for imitators to also call their beers "Pilsen" and for that reason, URQUELL was added to the name, which in German means "from the original source". But this was not originally the brewery's idea, it was the pub owners' way of differentiating the original Pilsen from the imitations and thus guaranteeing their customers the quality and purity of the real Pilsen, the "Urquell".
Isn't the first beer we all tasted for the first time in our lives a lager beer? Well, the first of these beers was born in this brewery... And that's why it couldn't be missing in this route!!!
0.4 mi
5 min
19:055 min
Parking
Parking
Open Details
I suggest you leave your car here so that you can continue exploring Pilsen on foot.
Or, if you want, you can also check with the hotel where I will suggest you to spend the night, and leave it parked in the vicinity of the hotel, which by the way is very well located near the old town.
Or, if you want, you can also check with the hotel where I will suggest you to spend the night, and leave it parked in the vicinity of the hotel, which by the way is very well located near the old town.
0.4 mi
10 min
19:3015 min
Zlatá kašna Chrt
Landmark
Open Details
This is the Republic Square. Here you will find St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, the Plague Column (like many Czech cities, to commemorate the end of the plague) and these fountains that, I thought, were signs of the zodiac (don't laugh at me...).
It turned out they were not, they are 3 fountains that symbolize: a Greyhound (the one in the picture above), an angel and a camel, which are the motifs of the emblem of Pilsen...
Now, don't tell me that, if I hadn't told you what they are, you would have discovered it on your own consideration.... Just look at the camel!!! Do you see the hump?
Hahahaha... !!! The best thing is that when I saw the angel, I told my friends, "it's obvious that this is the Aries fountain!!!" ... and I was so convincing that we spent some time trying to guess what the other two "zodiac signs" were, looking at the mobile and everything... So, we discovered what they really were...
It turned out they were not, they are 3 fountains that symbolize: a Greyhound (the one in the picture above), an angel and a camel, which are the motifs of the emblem of Pilsen...
Now, don't tell me that, if I hadn't told you what they are, you would have discovered it on your own consideration.... Just look at the camel!!! Do you see the hump?
Hahahaha... !!! The best thing is that when I saw the angel, I told my friends, "it's obvious that this is the Aries fountain!!!" ... and I was so convincing that we spent some time trying to guess what the other two "zodiac signs" were, looking at the mobile and everything... So, we discovered what they really were...
0.3 mi
5 min
20:0015 min
Spejbl a Hurvínek
Open Details
This walk is one of the things I enjoyed the most while touring Pilsen, it is very beautiful and full of sculptures and nice corners.
This statue you see here is in honor of two very famous comic puppets in the Czech Republic: Spejbl and Hurvinek.
But the story of their creator is very interesting. Shall I tell it to you while you walk around this place? You don't want to? Well, I'll tell you anyway!! ha!!
The creator of these puppets was a certain Josef Skupa, he grew up in the city of Pilsen, since he was a child he was very good at drawing and had a passion for puppet theater. When he returned from fighting at the front line during the First World War, he asked a puppet craftsman to build him an eared puppet, criticizing the bourgeoisie of the time (Spejbl), who was stupid and absent-minded. He did not have much success with it, but when he was later joined by Hurvínek puppet (whose eyes could rotate) and who was also the little mischievous one, he had an immediate success with the duo.
Such was the success that he got to have his own professional theater. The theater remained open even during the Nazi occupation, until the owner ended up in prison for listening to foreign radio in 1944.
Skupa, without losing his humour and courage, continued to make the other prisoners laugh in prison with some of his Spejbl repertoires. Until 1945, when the prison was bombed and Skupa managed to escape...
He continued to make people laugh with his puppets until shortly before his death in 1957.
This statue you see here is in honor of two very famous comic puppets in the Czech Republic: Spejbl and Hurvinek.
But the story of their creator is very interesting. Shall I tell it to you while you walk around this place? You don't want to? Well, I'll tell you anyway!! ha!!
The creator of these puppets was a certain Josef Skupa, he grew up in the city of Pilsen, since he was a child he was very good at drawing and had a passion for puppet theater. When he returned from fighting at the front line during the First World War, he asked a puppet craftsman to build him an eared puppet, criticizing the bourgeoisie of the time (Spejbl), who was stupid and absent-minded. He did not have much success with it, but when he was later joined by Hurvínek puppet (whose eyes could rotate) and who was also the little mischievous one, he had an immediate success with the duo.
Such was the success that he got to have his own professional theater. The theater remained open even during the Nazi occupation, until the owner ended up in prison for listening to foreign radio in 1944.
Skupa, without losing his humour and courage, continued to make the other prisoners laugh in prison with some of his Spejbl repertoires. Until 1945, when the prison was bombed and Skupa managed to escape...
He continued to make people laugh with his puppets until shortly before his death in 1957.
0.3 mi
10 min
20:301 hr 30 min
Parkan
Restaurant
Open Details
It has been a very intense day, you have crossed a border again.... Ah... Anything for the beer!!!
Now it's time to rest and enjoy a good dinner, and if it's in an establishment that serves Pilsen Urquell, even better!
If you want to make reservations or for more information, click here.
Opening times: Monday - Wednesday: 11:00 - 23:00 Thursday: 11:00 - 00:00 Friday - Saturday: 11:00 - 01:00 Sunday: 11:00 - 22:00
Now it's time to rest and enjoy a good dinner, and if it's in an establishment that serves Pilsen Urquell, even better!
If you want to make reservations or for more information, click here.
Opening times: Monday - Wednesday: 11:00 - 23:00 Thursday: 11:00 - 00:00 Friday - Saturday: 11:00 - 01:00 Sunday: 11:00 - 22:00
0.3 mi
5 min
22:1510 hrsHotels
Hotel Continental
8.4
This hotel has an excellent location close to the old town and in a very picturesque area. They have a parking area, so you can decide whether to leave your car parked where you left it before or bring it to the vicinity of the hotel.
Remember to always make your reservations in advance.
Have a good rest and dream of the medieval barley!
Remember to always make your reservations in advance.
Have a good rest and dream of the medieval barley!