Fürth, Germany: Your INSIDER Tips From a Local!

Planning a trip to Fürth, Germany, soon and curious about the most picturesque spots to explore? If you're in search of valuable travel advice, you've come to the right place.

Doris Merta, a well-informed local, is here to share her insider tips. Join us as she guides us through the must-see attractions off the beaten track and highlights the best spots for breakfast or a relaxing sundowner. 🍹

"Fürth?" I asked my friend, Clarissa, raising a quizzical brow.

While I had heard the name of the city at some point, the only thing I knew was that Fürth was in Germany. It didn’t immediately strike me as a touristically appealing destination like Munich, Nuremberg, Berlin, or Dresden.

However, knowing I could trust Clarissa's taste, I became intrigued when she mentioned (with a sparkle in her eyes) her upcoming visit to a friend "in the beautiful city of Fürth".

I inquired if her friend could share some insider tips, and fortunately, I was not disappointed. (Hardly surprising, considering Clarissa is one of the kindest and most helpful people I know, and I assume her friends share those qualities.)

This is how I came to not only discover where Fürth is (close to Nuremberg) but also learn that it's a destination worth exploring.

I now eagerly anticipate experiencing Fürth's beautiful historic buildings and the breathtaking city park, enjoying a coffee at the Stadtparkcafe, and indulging in vegan spaghetti ice cream at the Dolomiddi.

According to the official Fürth tourism guide, Fürth is the “city with the cloverleaf crest”, offering “many interesting, unexpected and charming things”.

I believe every bit of it.

What makes Fürth particularly appealing to me is not just its unique charm but also the absence of any touristy pretenses and the freedom from overwhelming crowds.

I warmly welcome this touch of understatement and "undertourism."

I've heard and read a lot about overtourism lately – as the name suggests, there's nothing positive about it. All the popular tourist destinations are overcrowded, to the extent that places like Mallorca, Berlin, Barcelona, Paris, or Florence are actively exploring ways to limit tourist numbers, aiming to preserve the quality of life for their residents.

Therefore: Off to Fürth! Initially, by means of our imagination thanks to Doris' wonderful tips. And then, hopefully, in person.

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Answers by Doris Merta

How long have you been living in Fürth?

I have been working in Fürth for eight years and moved to Fürth three years ago.

What’s so special about the city?

The city is not so well-known, as it borders directly to Nuremberg and is not far from the better-known university and Siemens city of Erlangen. For this reason, it is mostly overlooked by tourists, which perhaps makes the city so appealing and makes it a bit of an insider tip. Here there are well-preserved magnificent buildings and entire promenades of beautiful Art Nouveau houses, a pub street with half-timbered houses, a Florentine-style city hall, a square with unique small houses and a city park such as one rarely finds in a city.

Those who fancy even more nature and water can visit the place where the rivers Pegnitz and Rednitz flow together to form the Regnitz and spend hours in the area called Wiesengrund.

Which 3 words best describe the city?

Authentic, independent, special

If Fürth was a person, what would be its main characteristic?

Serenity

How do people react when you tell them you’re from Fürth?

Fürth means nothing to most people, only when I mention Nuremberg do they nod, although Fürth itself is a big city with about 120,000 inhabitants.

What is your insider tip, what shouldn’t people miss?

You should definitely go to Waagplatz, stroll along the street Gustavstraße, look into the church Michaeliskirche, visit the neo-baroque municipal theater Stadttheater, and admire the Hornschuch promenade. In addition to a long walk through the city park including a stop at the Stadtparkcafe, you can also visit an event on one of the open-air stages and should go to the Pappelsteig.

What’s the most common prejudice about the city? (And is there some truth to it?)

That the people of Fürth and Nuremberg are enemies. (They are not.)

What pitfalls to avoid when interacting with the locals?

The Fürth people are friendly, being Franconians, and think their part. So just act as you normally would.

What’s your favorite spot in Fürth? Why?

I have at least three: The Stadtparkcafe with its extraordinary view of a section of the park. The Panolio, an Italian restaurant located on the Waagplatz, which enchants you (also) because of its unique location. The Tannenbaum, a Franconian eatery where the world just seems to be fine.

Do you have a recommendation for a vegan spot to eat?

Vegan is (still) not at all Fürth's focus - I can recommend the Dolomiddi, a sensationally good ice cream parlor, and the Salädchen located in Schwabacher Strasse 44.

2024 Update by Ramona (blog author):
Fortunately, Fürth has become more vegan-friendly since Doris first shared her insider tips. While "Salädchen" no longer has a physical store in Fürth (you can order online and enjoy delivery), numerous new vegan spots have emerged. You can find detailed information about each location on Happy Cow and the German veganguide site.

What’s the best place to enjoy a sundowner?

Stadtparkcafe

What’s not worth doing or visiting?

As far as famous sights are concerned, Fürth is not Nuremberg - Fürth is a city where a lot has happened in recent years and is still happening. Therefore, Fürth is not only beautiful… but then just walk on and let yourself be surprised again.

Is there anything underrated about the city?

Fürth is something like Nuremberg's little sister and must probably be underrated as a result.

What’s the best season for a visit?

Fürth certainly does not show its best side during a grey November.

But around Christmas, there is not only a big Christmas market with a medieval fair, but also for two weeks in December, there is the Old Town Christmas market at Waagplatz (which, unfortunately, is no insider tip anymore).

Otherwise the best travel time: March to October.

If you had a magic wand what would you change about the city?

For now, nothing as the city is developing. Let's see if I wish to use magic in the future...

Any other suggestions for visitors?

„Come in and find out“

What are the places where it’s most likely to meet you?

In the Dolomiddi or during a walk on the banks of the river Pegnitz at the Wiesengrund.

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Thank you, Doris, for generously sharing your insider tips and recommendations on Fürth with us.

Do you have other great recommendations for Fürth (Germany)? Let me know in the comments.

Wishing you planty of travel delights,
Ramona

Psst, you will also enjoy the insider tips on Bamberg (Germany) and Tel Aviv (Isreal).