Arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, early this morning. The Old Town is protected by an ancient city wall and hosts an enchanting Christmas market, one of the oldest and most famous in the world. The city is dominated by one of the most significant imperial forts of the Holy Roman Empire, the 12th-century Imperial Castle, which was the preferred residence of German kings. The wooden booths of 'the little city of wood and cloth' looked picked straight out of a fairytale as twinkling lights, holly, and handmade charms adorn the fringes. Centuries old traditions and trinkets change from one Christmas market to the next, and at this Christkindlesmarkt, gingerbread, Spekulatius almond cookies, gingerbread, and original Nuremberg Bratwurst have made this city world famous. The aroma of warm gluhwein provides a fragrant ambiance as the scent of Christmas drifts through mesmerizing Christmas stalls. In a time-honored European tradition, each town has its own unique festive mug, with custom designs becoming a collector's item in time passed by. ...
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