Things To Do
in Neumarkt
Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz is a mid-sized Bavarian town set on the northern edge of the Franconian Jura, blending a well-preserved historic center with industrial and agricultural surroundings. Its cobbled market square, baroque and Gothic churches, and small museums give a compact, walkable feel ideal for relaxed exploration. The town serves as a comfortable base for exploring nearby nature parks, castles and the Altmühl valley while offering a calm, local Bavarian atmosphere rather than heavy tourist crowds.
Good regional transport links make trips to Nuremberg, Regensburg and the Franconian countryside straightforward for day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional German pastries and freshly brewed coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll through the picturesque streets of Neumarkt's historic center, where you'll encounter charming half-timbered buildings and quaint shops. Don't forget to visit the stunning St. Johannes Church, which showcases beautiful Gothic architecture.
In the afternoon, delve deeper into Neumarkt’s rich history by visiting the Neumarkt Museum, which features fascinating exhibits on the town's past. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine, allowing you to sample local dishes. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the vibrant market square, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
As the sun sets, head to a local beer garden to experience traditional Bavarian hospitality. Enjoy a hearty dinner of sausages and pretzels, paired with a refreshing local beer. End the evening with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, taking in the beautiful sights of Neumarkt by night.
Start the day with a refreshing hike in the surrounding scenic countryside, where you can enjoy the beauty of the rolling hills and lush forests. Bring along a packed breakfast to savor in nature, taking in the serene environment as you listen to the sounds of wildlife. Stop at a lookout point to capture breathtaking views of the landscape that surrounds Neumarkt.
Post-hike, return to the town for a relaxing lunch at a café that offers outdoor seating, allowing you to soak in the sun. Afterward, visit the nearby Lengenfeld Castle, where you can explore its historic grounds and gardens. Take your time to appreciate the architecture and perhaps enjoy a guided tour to learn more about its fascinating history.
As evening approaches, make your way back to Neumarkt for a cozy dinner at a local restaurant known for its warm ambiance. Try some regional specialties that highlight the flavors of Bavaria. Conclude your day with a peaceful stroll along the riverbank, where you can reflect on the beautiful experiences of the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee in a café | $3-4 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍺Local beer (0.5L) at a pub | $3-5 |
| 🚆Regional train ticket (short) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $70-110 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming, walkable historic center with authentic Bavarian atmosphere
- Close to scenic natural areas (Franconian Jura and Altmühltal) for outdoor activities
- Less crowded than major tourist cities, offering a relaxed pace
- Good regional transport links to Nuremberg and Regensburg
- Limited nightlife and fewer international dining options than big cities
- Public transport frequency can be lower on weekends and evenings
- Fewer specialized services (e.g., vegan restaurants, boutique hotels) compared with larger cities
- "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
- "Grüß Gott" - Hello (Bavarian/Austrian greeting)
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Die Rechnung, bitte" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Neumarkt
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque square framed by historic façades, the Rathaus and cafés — great for daytime and evening shots with atmospheric lighting.
Gothic and baroque church architecture provides strong compositions; step inside where allowed for stained-glass and interior details.
Nearby limestone cliffs, forested ridges and panoramic viewpoints deliver sweeping landscape photos, especially at sunrise or late afternoon.
Riverside scenes, canoes, small bridges and river meanders make for serene nature photography, especially in spring and autumn.
If visiting in winter, stalls, lights and festive decorations create cozy night shots and candid street photography opportunities.
Food in Neumarkt
Neumarkt Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A marinated pot roast often served with red cabbage and dumplings — a regional variant can be found in many local inns and traditional restaurants in town.
Must-Try!
Roasted pork shoulder, a Franconian specialty frequently served with potato dumplings and gravy; try it at a traditional tavern or during seasonal festivals.
Potato or bread dumplings served as a side dish with gravies — ubiquitous in Bavarian menus and a must-try when ordering a meat entrée.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local producers sell fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, breads and seasonal specialties — great for picnics or sampling regional products; runs usually once or twice a week.
During town festivals and Christmas markets you’ll find bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, pastries and local sweets; perfect for tasting Franconian street food in a lively setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting (Guten Tag/Grüß Gott in Bavaria) when entering shops or meeting people is appreciated. Use formal address (Sie) with strangers unless invited to use first names.
Respect Ruhezeiten (quiet hours) in the evening and on Sundays — avoid loud noise and lawn mowing during these times.
Germany has strict recycling rules — separate paper, plastics, organic waste and residual trash; follow local bin color codes and return glass to bottle banks where applicable.
Punctuality is valued for appointments, transport and tours — arrive on time.
Safety
Tipping in Neumarkt
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but modest: round up the bill or leave 5–10% for good service. In restaurants, hand the tip directly to the server when paying or state the total including tip when paying by card or cash.
Cash (euros) is widely used; many smaller shops and cafés may prefer cash. Debit cards (EC/Maestro) are accepted broadly; credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels but check in advance. Mobile payments are increasingly available but not universal.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming countryside make spring ideal for hikes and visiting markets; occasional rain means packing a waterproof layer and sturdy boots.
Warm, sometimes hot days are perfect for outdoor activities, river trips in the Altmühltal and beer gardens; expect daytime tourist activity at weekends and pack sun protection.
Crisp air and colorful foliage highlight hiking trails and scenic drives; harvest festivals and seasonal menus showcase local produce and game dishes.
Cold, sometimes snowy weather with festive Christmas markets and cozy restaurant atmospheres; layers, a warm coat and waterproof shoes are recommended.
Neumarkt at Night
Hiking in Neumarkt
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of marked trails through limestone plateaus, forests and scenic viewpoints — suitable for day hikes and photography, with routes of varying difficulty.
River valley trails offering easy riverside walks, cycling paths and opportunities for canoeing; good for families and leisurely outdoor days.
Local wooded areas near the town of Velburg feature quiet trails, lookout points and small local cultural sites — accessible by a short drive or local bus.
Short loop hikes that connect hilltop castles or ruins with panoramic ridge views — ideal for half-day outings and history-minded walkers.
Airports
How to reach Neumarkt by plane.
The closest major airport (about 30–45 minutes by car or around an hour by regional train/bus), with domestic and European connections; frequent shuttle and regional train links make it convenient for arrivals.
Germany’s international hub (about 1.5–2 hours by car or train), offers many long-haul and intercontinental connections; regional trains and shuttle options link to Neumarkt.
A low-cost carrier airport farther away (around 2–2.5 hours by car), useful for budget flights to some European destinations — factor travel time into plans.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing local families and commuters who work in regional industry and services form a core of the population, contributing to community clubs and festivals.
Neumarkt hosts light industry and logistics employers, so many residents commute to nearby economic centers or work in local businesses.
Like many smaller German towns, there is a noticeable older population, active in local clubs, church groups and municipal life.
Smaller immigrant communities, including families with roots from Turkey and Eastern Europe, add to the cultural mix and local businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport across Bavaria — local amateur clubs and youth teams are central to community life, and many residents follow regional professional clubs.
Handball, gymnastics and indoor sports have strong local participation, with community sports halls hosting leagues and recreational activities.
Outdoor sports like cycling and hiking are popular given the nearby trails and scenic countryside, including family-friendly routes and longer endurance paths.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Neumarkt.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but less varied than in big cities; order vegetable casseroles, cheese-based dishes, salads, or request sides like potato dumplings and seasonal vegetables. Many restaurants will accommodate simple vegetarian requests if asked.
Vegan choices are more limited in traditional Gaststätten but bakeries and cafés often have breads and fruit; for more options, look for modern cafés or visit nearby larger towns like Nuremberg.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing — communicate your needs clearly ("glutenfrei") and ask staff; supermarkets carry gluten-free staples if you need to self-cater.