EasyJet has launched a new route from Manchester Airport to Nuremberg, a German city known for its Christmas markets, medieval buildings and rich history. Direct flights from Manchester to Nuremberg began this week, just in time for the festive season.
Nuremberg is located in the heart of Bavaria in the region of Franconia and is the second largest city in the region behind Munich. Often overlooked as a citybreak destination in favour of Germany's larger cities, its compact size, stunning Old Town and array of cultural attractions make it suited to a short trip.
Flight Schedule and Pricing
Flights will operate twice per week on Mondays and Fridays, until early January 2027. Return fares are available from £64 per person and do not include seat allocation or hold luggage.
Each year the city hosts its Christkindlesmarkt, Christmas markets that date back centuries. The picturesque Hauptmarkt square is transformed with dozens of wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts, decorations and festive treats.
Food and Drink Highlights
Visitors can sample traditional Franconian cuisine, including delicately-spiced gingerbread, Nürnberger Lebkuchen. It holds a Protected Geographical Indication, meaning it can only be made in the city and its surrounds, and comes in a variety of styles, from chocolate-coated varieties to nut-based recipes. It is traditionally associated with Christmas but can be bought all year round.
Another must-eat are the city's famous sausages, Nürnberger Rostbratwurst. These chipolata-sized grilled pork sausages have been produced in Nuremberg for hundreds of years and are typically served 'Drei im Weggla' – meaning three at a time – in a crusty bread roll topped with sauerkraut and German mustard.
Franconia is home to one of the highest concentrations of breweries in the world, and Nuremberg provides an introduction to its brewing heritage. Traditional beer cellars, cosy taverns and historic brewhouses can be found throughout the city, offering everything from smoky Märzen-style beers to crisp lagers brewed using centuries-old methods.
History and Attractions
Beyond the Christmas markets, Nuremberg is a destination for history fans. A must-see is Nuremberg Castle, perched high above the city, offering panoramic views across the red-roofed Old Town. Once one of the most important imperial residences of the Holy Roman Empire, the castle complex includes historic buildings, towers and courtyards. Visitors can climb the Sinwell Tower or descend into the Deep Well, which reaches more than 160 feet below ground.
Nuremberg is home to some of Europe's best-preserved medieval city walls and an Old Town with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, elegant churches and bustling cafes. Highlights include the Schöner Brunnen fountain and the charming medieval covered bridges spanning the River Pegnitz.
The city is home to two huge medieval churches which face each other across the River Pegnitz. St Lorenz Church is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, whose twin towers dominate the city's skyline, while St Sebaldus Church – which dates to the early 1200s – is best known for its connections to Nuremberg-born baroque composer Johann Pachelbel, whose Canon in D Major is one of the most iconic pieces of classical music from the medieval period.
Nuremberg also has a darker history. The Palace of Justice hosted trials of leading government figures from Nazi Germany after the end of World War Two, and the building now hosts the Memorium Nuremberg Trials museum, dedicated to exploring how Nazi criminals were brought to justice. The nearby Nazi Party Rally Grounds, an outdoor arena specially constructed to hold enormous annual rallies in the 1930s, offers insight into the rise of National Socialism and Fascism in Europe, examining its consequences and highlighting lessons handed down to future generations.
Reaction to the New Route
Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said: “We’re proud to connect people from across the North with the destinations they want to travel to – so it’s incredibly exciting to see easyJet launching direct flights to Nuremberg from Manchester, just in time for the city’s iconic Christmas markets.
“This service makes us the only UK airport outside London with a direct connection to Bavaria’s second city. Nuremberg is a hotbed of German culture, history, cuisine and architecture – there’s so much to explore within the city and we’re sure it’ll prove extremely popular with travellers from Manchester.”
Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, added: “We’re really pleased to be celebrating the launch of our first flight from Manchester to Nuremberg today and welcoming customers onboard our newest route from the North West. Nuremberg is a fantastic addition to our network and an ideal destination for a winter city break, from its famous Christmas markets to its fascinating history and medieval architecture.
“The launch further expands the choice we offer our customers from Manchester, providing even more great-value connectivity across Europe and beyond.”
