Bavarian Blowout: Weekend trip to Nuremberg, exploring vintage-style cabaret, mediaeval dungeons and Nazi history

DAY 1

10:00 While there’s plenty of spine-chilling history to immerse yourself in here, this chocolate box city also has everything from high-kicking cabaret to gothic churches, medieval style markets and Bavarian belly-busting grub.

A trip to the Castle Quarter is at the top of the list for most visitors to Nuremburg. Sitting on a hilltop overlooking the rest of the city, the castle looks like something out of a Disney movie. Wander round the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), which was the official residence of all German kings and emperors between 1050 and 1571.

11:30 Into the dungeons with you! Imagine the howls of agonised victims in the murky cells and torture chambers as you explore the city’s Mediaeval Dungeons (Rathaplatz 2, tel. +49 0911 231 26 90).

Those with a nervous disposition should skip this part (or at least find someone’s hand to hold!)

13:30 Sink your teeth into a juicy bratwurst for lunch – they’re Nuremburg’s specialty.

In the 14th century pork butchers had to present their sausages to the imperial stalls for a daily inspection – those that weren’t up to scratch were angrily flung into the River Pegnitz.

Bank on getting a top-notch sausage sarnie from Bratwursthausle (Rathauplatz 6, +49 0911 22 76 95).

14:30 Ready to face the Nazis? Steel yourself for a few hours of learning about one of Europe’s darkest historical periods. Start at the Nazi Party Rally Grounds.

The vast size alone – an overwhelming 11km – speaks volumes about the megalomania of the regime. Onsite Documentation Centre houses a permanent exhibition on the Nazi reign called Fascination And Terror.

16:30 Follow up with a visit to the Palace of Justice (Barenschanzstraße 72, +49 0911 321 79 372). The historic Nuremberg trials were held here in Courtroom 600 in the late 1940s, when key Nazi figures were indicted.

18:30 It’s beer o’clock, and after that sobering afternoon you’re probably in serious need of a stiff drink. Barfüsser Kleines Brauhaus (Königstrasse 60, tel +49 0911 204 242) used to be a grain warehouse but has been transformed into a popular nightspot.

They serve traditional Franconian dishes in a pretty raucous environment, along with epic 5L kegs ofbeer called Eichenholzfässche. Try pronouncing that after the first round!

22:00 Fancy a little saucy cabaret? It’s all plumes, fishnets, bright smiles and low lighting at the nostalgic Paradies Revue-Theater, (Bogenstraße 26, tel +49 0911 44 39 91) so prepare for some vintage German entertainment.