Fürth, Am Pappelsteig, image courtesy of Clarissa
“Fürth?” I asked my friend Clarissa raising a quizzical brow.
I had heard the name of the city at some point in time, but it didn’t ring a bell in terms of it being a touristically appealing destination, such as Munich, Nuremberg, Berlin, or Dresden. Then again, I know that I can always rely on Clarissa’s good taste. When she told me with a sparkle in her eyes and full of anticipation that she would soon visit a friend in the beautiful city of Fürth, she got me curious. I asked Clarissa if her friend could help me out with insider tips for Fürth, and fortunately, I was not disappointed. It couldn’t have been any other way, since Clarissa is one of the kindest and most helpful people I know, and I assume that in turn, her friends are also lovely and nice persons.
This is how it came about that I now not only know where Fürth is (close to Nuremberg), but also that it is worth visiting Fürth. I have to thank Doris Merta, Clarissa’s friend, for all her wonderful tips. I am now looking forward to seeing the beautiful historic buildings of Fürth, the breathtaking city park, having a coffee at the Stadtparkcafe and eating a vegan spaghetti ice cream at the Dolomiddi.
According to the official Fürth tourism guide, Fürth is the “city with the cloverleaf crest”, which offers “many interesting, unexpected and charming things”. I believe all of it. And this surely makes Fürth appealing to me – this and the fact that the city doesn’t put on any touristy airs and is free of tourist hordes. In this case, I’m welcoming a little understatement and “undertourism”. I’ve heard and read a lot about overtourism lately – as the name suggests there’s nothing positive about it. All of the popular tourist destinations are overcrowded, in fact so much so that, e.g., Mallorca, Berlin, Barcelona, Paris, or Florence think of ways to keep the numbers of tourists at bay so as to impact the quality of life of local residents.
Therefore: Off to Fürth! At first by means of our imagination thanks to Doris’ wonderful answers. And then hopefully in person.
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 definitely 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 – I know these allusions and animosities only on the part of Nuremberg, I never heard a Fürth person talk “bad” about Nuremberg – I almost get the impression that the Fürth people don’t care about such talk.
What pitfalls to avoid when interacting with the locals?
The Fürth is friendly being a Franconian and thinks his 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 on 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 Salädchen located in Schwabacher Strasse 44.
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, a sensationally good ice cream parlor, or during a walk in on the banks of the river Pegnitz at the Wiesengrund.
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